Re: Ethernet-based systems for DIY?

[Tommi Herva <extin@poista_tämä_tästä_suomi24.fi>]

Marc_F_Hult kirjoitti:
>> I'm thinking of doing something alike. There really isn't any good
>> choices for doing what you want (or I haven't found one). The tibbo
>> suggested earlier costs >50$ and you need hardware around it too.
>> Have a look at http://www.tuxgraphics.org/electronics/
>> this is one approach I'm considering. It certainly isn't fast enough to
>> deliver video, audio could be possible, but this would make for a cheap
>> networked data acquisition. AVR's have A/D and GPIO built in. Cost per
>> unit in small quantities is quite low ~15$. Mix in power over ethernet,
>> and you've got yourself a good start.
>
>
> The idea of distributed I/O with ethernet/internet connection has been
> implemented and marketed since at least 1999 when Savoy introduced CyberHouse
> , a client server that could communicated with many, many specialized devices
> ( eg thermostats, X-10 and several different hardwired lighting systems, spa
> controls, IR control, security panels, audio, video, and so on) as well as
> general purpose I/O over RS-485 twisted pair via up to 32  Elk MM443S (four
> analog in, 4-10amp relays, timers, counters, RT clock, temperature in a
> single, small, wall-mountable, paintable module) and related accessories
> (I-button keyfob entry, recorded/able audio, etc).
>
> The concept of an AVR + ethernet module was implement and marketed by about
> 2000-1 when Netmedia introduced the BX-24, LCD+ and Siteplayer.
>
> The small processor + POE + TCP/IP concept scales upward to Pentium PC's small
> enough to be installed in a US wall switch box and powered by POE but powerful
> enough to deliver full-motion video (available from, eg Dell Business
> division/sales).
>
> Where in that continuum do you want to be?  What is the market? What cost
> point? Who will write the software?
>
> .... Marc
> Marc_F_Hult
> www.ECONtrol.org

I'm sorry I didn't state that my goals were non-commercial. All of above
I allready knew, all bit too expensive for my liking. What I'm looking
for is open-sourced hard/software.

Dave:
AVR just cause I like them over PIC's.

It is also quite hard to get some of these to Finland :)

--
Tommi Herva