Re: Getting Started Suggestion

[shb*NO*SPAM*@comporium.net (Si Ballenger)]

On 30 Apr 2005 18:27:16 -0700, "shro" <tschroeder@xxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>I am totally new to HA, but somewhat experienced with computers in
>general...less so with programing. I want to begin a home automation
>system. I have a spare computer that should not be a limiting factor,
>but no experience or equipment for HA.
>
>I would like to start with being able to measure, record and trend
>temperatures, preferably with something simple like thermocouples or
>RTDs.  Later, next steps would include measuring rainfall (linear
>potentiometer?) and possibly controlling solenoid valves. I may be
>interested in powering relays up/down, but probably not much interest
>in controlling lights or other electrical outlets. I've looked briefly
>at the X10 and ZWave sites, but they look more geared to the things I'm
>less interested in (unless I just didn't look deep enough into thier
>web sites).
>
>Any suggestions on how I can get started (software recomendations for
>what I want to do, basic computer-controller diagrams, suppliers,
>etc.)? I would prefer to keep cost to a minimum (I can do some assembly
>of parts instead of buying integrated components if that saves money),
>but of course 'minimum' is only relative to what it takes to get the
>job done. I would also like to spend the least amount of time reading,
>programming and tweaking...but again I understand this will be an
>involved effort and thus 'minimum' again is relative.
>
>Thanks in advance for any input,
>Mech Engineer, HA Newbie
>

General computer I/O gizmos do the things you have mentioned. You
may want to check the robotics and electrical news groups for
that type of activity. The serial port, parallel port, game port,
various USB devices, and dedicated I/O PCI cards are the usual
I/O modes. A google search for serial port data input is a start.
The parallel port is probably the easiest I/O to start with. The
below links are the typical things on the web.

http://www.futurlec.com/RS232DevBoard.shtml
http://www.techlib.com/electronics/serialport.htm