Re: Smart window blinds. Help needed to start.

[saurabh9 <saurabh9@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Jun 5, 7:54=A0pm, Marc_F_Hult <MFH...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> On Thu, 5 Jun 2008 03:58:14 -0700 (PDT), saurabh9 <saura...@xxxxxxxxx> wro=
te
> in message
> <d607517f-6792-4d7b-9885-7be590420...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:
>
>
>
> >Here is what I intend to do:
>
> >I need a "MAKE controller" or something to intelligently control the
> >window blinds.
>
> >I need the following sensors to begin with, to send data to the MAKE
> >controller, preferably =A0wirelessly
>
> > =A0 =A0* a light sensor
> > =A0 =A0* a temperature sensor
>
> >On the basis of this data, the MAKE controller should make a stepper
> >motor / servo work to open/close window roller blind. This motor is
> >not connected directly to the MAKE controller, and would have external
> >power if required.
>
> >I have lots of questions to begin with:
>
> > =A0 1. Will each sensor require their own MAKE boards? If yes, this
> >will become too expensive per sensor wise. e.g. motion sensors, if
> >added can be numerous, and would naturally need to be scattered in the
> >premises.
> > =A0 2. How will the sensors remotely send data to controller
> > =A0 3. How will the remote motors accept the data and implement it?
>
> >I cannot rewire the house, and have wifi, microwave, cordless phone at
> >home. I was thinking of using zigbee (xbee), but am not sure. I have
> >heard x10 has interference problems and easily picks up noise.
>
> >Please help me get started, or perhaps direct me to available related
> >documents on the internet. My project is towards home automation.
> >Thanks.
>
> You appear to be headed toward building blind control hardware that alread=
y
> exists commercially along with the entire train of hardware, firmware and
> software to control it. Presumably you are skilled and efficient at
> programming in a language that the Make Controllerwww.makingthings.com/
> understands.
>
> Do you have the blinds already? Depending on how they operate, there are m=
uch
> simpler ways that simply require your controller to make a contact closure=
.
>
> For example, google this newsgroup for "add-a-motor"
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/comp.home.automation/search?group=3Dcomp...=
.
> automation&q=3D+%22add-a-motor%22
>
> A window blind controller with wireless remote is $130 + shipping fromwww.=
add-a-motor.com
>
> HTH ... Marc
>
> Marc_F_Hultwww.ECONtrol.org
> Visit my Home Automation and Electronics Porch Sale atwww.ECOntrol.org/por=
chsale.htm

Actually, I envision a complete home automation, starting with maybe
this automated blinds :) So I would try to add things and capabilities
slowly to my project.

An important criterion of my project would be budget. I need to keep
this low cost, that's why I thought I'll try building the components
myself instead of paying huge load to 3rd party applications, which
might not even be compatible to other manufactures, and might not talk
to each other AND might have limitied in configuration/options.

No, I have not bought the blinds yet, as I am about to shift to a new
house so am trying to first judge my needs of what will go best with
my project needs.
Yes, I am a software engineer with a bend towards programming and
tinkering with computer/electronic stuff and have previously played
with stepper motors etc. to control a robotic behavior, so I am ready
to take the effort, if feasible.

I am ok, if I feel it can be useful to others, to maybe open source my
developments for the benefit to all. On that note, do you already know
of any open source home automation software initiative?

You said, "there are much simpler ways that simply require your
controller to make a contact closure.".
Could you please elaborate a bit, and maybe give an example?  Thanks!