Re: non proprietary stuff

[Marc F Hult <MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, 31 Oct 2005 00:33:33 GMT, Marc F Hult <MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote in message  <6fkam1lrvt60b1ofdvl96a12pk7n0vqv3p@xxxxxxx>:

>On 30 Oct 2005 13:21:30 -0800, "Marc Gerges" <marc.gerges@xxxxxxxxx> wrote
>in message  <1130707290.886455.235910@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:
>
>>Hello --
>>
>>Where should I start looking when I want to setup light control
>>(switches, dimmers, relays) using non proprietary hardware?
>>
>>I'm after a setup with around 12 light points, multiple switches, and
>>integration with my home server (e.g. access via standard protocols to
>>the log and current status of lights). The only thing I found that was
>>not limited to a single vendor was EIB, and that's expensive as hell.
>>
>>I do not want to use X10 equipment. My electric installation is setup
>>to accomodate signal lines and power lines everywhere. I don't want to
>>transmit signal over power with all its disadvantages. Plus, most X10
>>equipment is for 110V AC, while I am using 220V AC.
>>
>>Regards,
>>Marc
>
>
>Not proprietary.
>Not power line control (PLC)
>Not radio frequency because you want to use signal lines that you have
>installed
>
>Assuming that you want to be able to _dim_ the lights (not just on-off) ,
>the options I know of are:
>
>Digital: DMX512  which is the universal standard for entertainment lighting
>(theatre, concert, lightshow etc) and is also used for architectural
>lighting. Google dmx512 and dmx-512.
>
>Analog:  0-10vdc analog control

I should add that the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) that is
used in architectural and industrial lighting also meets your criteria (if,
perhaps, not your budget).

http://www.archenergy.com/lrp/lightingperf_standards/DALI%20V1_13.pdf

DALI is designed to be an evolutionary follow-on to 0-10vdc control.

http://www.caba.org/standard/dali.html

It is of interest (to me at least ;-) that there are Atmel AVR microcontrollers
configured to facilitate DALI lighting control.

http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=3614

HTH ... Marc
Marc_F_Hult
www.ECOntrol.org