Smart Home Blog

When I made a research of irrigation controller for our smarthome project one of the best options was Rain8. It satisfied all conditions except one - non-Windows user interface (our home automation system is Linux-based). SiteController for Irrigation & Lighting is deprived this lack. It includes built-in web servicer. So you’ll able to configure the SiteController using any web browser. Additionally it provies:

• 16 stations standard, expandable to 48, with master valve control
• Simple integration with home automation systems
• Programmable sms, email and pager alerts
• Standard 10/100 ethernet connection (possible add WiFi module)
• Support for local weather station
• Weather Resistant polycarbonate enclosure (NEMA3/IP54)
• Simple front panel controls for test and maintenance
• Optional two-wire expansion bus for additional sensors and controls

The SiteController for Irrigation & Lighting is available for pre-order at price $1,295.00.

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EZSwitch30 30A INSTEON X10 Controller allows to control your air conditions or water heater using X10 or INSTEON commands. The module has built-in memory to trigger events on the outputs to last for 1 to 255 minutes. But the most interesting way is to control the EZSwitch30 using special software such LinuxMCE (currently for X10 only). In case of fault the control system it’s possible to operate with device by pressing the set button on the side of the EZSwitch30.

The EZSwitch30 is available at price $114.99.

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The Cyber-Rain XCI is an eight-zone sprinkler controller system based on ZigBee wireless protocol. Together with PC-based software, it allows conveniently set watering schedule and reduce consumption of water. Because Zigbee is a two-way communications protocol, the sprinkler system talks back to the PC, enabling users to track water usage. The controller reports every time each sprinkler comes on. You can use the activity report for fine-tuning the sprinkling schedule or keeping track of water usage for individual zones.

The Cyber-Rain XCI automatically checks the local weather forecast several times a day via the Internet (I suspect it needs a PC for that) and makes appropriate adjustments to the watering schedule. The system also takes humidity into account. It’s good but the most appropriate way is to connect the sprinkler system with weather station and use temperature, humidity, presence of rain from there instead of the forecast.

Cyber-Rain XCI is currently available and priced at $295 for the first sprinkler controller system, and $245 for additional controllers.

[via Electronic House]

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DTV Custom Showering Experience brings hight-tech into bathroom. From a single control panel you can adjust the music, ambient lighting, chromatherapy and even steam making it simple to create a personal sensory experience.

The price of the control panel is not so cheap - $1039.50 and up. Also, to be able control audio and lighting you should buy them from the Kohler as well.

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The latest HAI firmware expands the audio options and flexibility of its Omni and Lumina home control systems. Now they support a bunch of professional audio systems from NuVo, Xantech, SpeakerCraft and Proficient. Also, the NuVo Grand Concerto, Essentia, and Simplese; Xantech MRC-88; Speakercraft MZC; and Proficient M4 and M6 audio systems have been added to HAI’s audio connectivity list, joining the NuVo Concerto, Russound CAM, CAV, CAA-66 and CAS44 audio systems.

The new firmware also includes a number of additional enhancements to the automation capabilities of all of the Omni Family and Lumina Family controllers. These include support for the CentraLite StarLite lighting system, the ability to blink UPB lights at varying blink rates, raise/lower temperature settings a fixed number of degrees from their current settings, temporarily change the light level of a light then return to the previous setting, and control the action of the LED and beeper when displaying a message on a console or Touchscreen.

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