Re: Hybrid controller

[Marc_F_Hult <MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, 13 Aug 2007 12:12:18 +0200, "toni maroni"
<mike_bubaREMOVE@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
<f9paqc$cej$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:

>Hi
>
>I am looking a way how to control and access (over internet) my home
>automation system (HAI Omni IIe).  I read there are hybrid
>(hardware/software) controllers.
>
>As you probably guessed I don't won't to use/buy new PC only to control
>home  automation.
>
>Can someone recommend me those "hybrid" controllers since I haven't found
>anything on the internet.
>
>The closest thing I came up with was Homeseer PRO-100.
>
>Thanks


It's unclear what you mean by "hybrid (hardware/software)controllers".

It is worth noting first that some panels (eg Elk M1G) are accessible over
the Internet by the addition of an ethernet portal. If your HAI Omni is
accessible by RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485, you can make it accessible by WiFi
or wired ethernet by adding an RS-xxx to ethernet hub.

Here's one that I use and like
DeviceMaster® AIR 1-Port Wireless Device Server that is available on
special directly from the manufacturer for $99

http://www.shopcomtrol.com/product.asp?sku=2575245

It consists in a 802.11b WIFI access point and ethernet to RS232/422/485
(software selectable) converter. You don't need to use the wireless access
point and can connect directly to the RS-xxx-->ethernet hub. You can also
add a simple ethernet switch and get wireless access to multiple ethernet
devices including the ethernet to serial adapter.  There are many other
RS-xxx to ethernet adapter/converters/hubs without the WIFI hubs available
including many models from Comtrol. I have some for sale at my personal HA
and electronics Internet porch sale www.ECOntrol.org/porch_sale.htm

(A common request in c.h.a is how to control and get video from a remote
location like a driveway gate. This device is ideal for this purpose IME.
It is rated for operating temperature of ?20° to 60°C
http://www.comtrol.com/products/specs/specs.asp?product=99004-8 )


Pursuing the trajectory that you ask about, you cite/mention the HomeSeer
Pro 100 which is a PC with HomeSeer v2.x software in semiconductor memory
rather than stored on and accessed through a hard drive.  But you don't
mention/reference/cite  Homeseer's  HomeTroller
http://www.homeseer.com/products/hardware/hometroller.htm which is similar
in that it runs a version of Homeseer 2.x that can be reloaded from
'firmware' (programs stored in silicon rather than spinning magnetic
memory) but does depend on both a hard drive with a spinning platter and a
fan.

Is your criteria that the controller  not have 'spindles' (rotating hard
drive, fan, etc) ?

Here are some other similar controllers that ABIK are not available in
software-only versions ala Homeseer and may be spindle-free.

Control 4 Home Controller HC-300  $699 www.control4.com
Reviewed here: http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showtopic=2068

CORTEXA 7202 HOME CONTROLLER ~$2500
http://www.cortexatechnology.com/news_release_cortexa_nuvo_itunes.php


How simple do you need the "install" to be (measured in hours)? SmartHome
classifies automation devices into those that less than or more than 60
minutes. For some, 60 days is optimistic ... ;-)


... Marc
Marc_F_Hult
Internet Porch Sale of personal Home Automation and Electronic gear ongoing
at www.ECOntrol.org/porch_sale.htm