Smart Home Blog

Recently I wrote about adding X10 automation functionality into MythTV interface. Now I’d like to introduce a way to integrate a modern wireless technology Z-Wave in your MythTV box. It’s called HACKmyth. It isn’t free: the basic unit costs $799 and extended version - $999. But you’ll able to control your lighting system and PVR from one user interface and using only one remote control of course.

I’d like to tell any bad words about HACKmyth. moreover, is good that Linux software is used in production systems. But IMHO it’d be better to buy FiireEngine with configured LinuxMCE which supports Z-Wave, X10, INSTEON (soon), includes MythTV, VDR, Asterisk and covers all areas of home for $799. In that case you’ll able to control almost all devices in your house.

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Now you can control some motorized devices such window blinds or shutters, projector Screens or TV lifts using Z-Wave unit. ABMHZ motor control produced by Electronic Solutions offers that possibility. It is in a“Plug & Play” box and is compatible with most 115VAC motors.

With the ABMHZ Z-Wave motor control you can add Z-Wave capabilities to a wide variety of residential applications.

[via AutomatedHome]

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Recently HomeSeer released a new software - Z-Tool. It offers a quick and easy way to set up Z-Wave home networks and then transfer the USB interface to any Z-Wave enabled automation system for total home control. Z-Tool can be on on any PC with Windows OS. It supports popular Z-Wave USB interfaces including those from Cooper Wiring Devices, Intermatic and Wayne-Dalton.

The HomeSeer Advanced Z-Wave Installation Tool is tagged at just $29.95. So, it shouldn’t be a big deal to buy to make your life much easier.

[via eHomeUpgrade]

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Taiwanese company Everspring Industry started to produce Z-Wave modules for UK and Europe. It’s going to offer “low-cost home automation” and the initial products include a plugin dimmer and on/off switch, a PIR plus magnetic door and window sensors.

This is a good news for all who would like to build home automation with power modern wireless technology. But IMHO the Everspring Industry products look ugly a bit. Especially if you compare them with INNOVUS units, for example. Since Z-Wave chip is too small it’d be nice to have more compact modules.

[via Automated Home]

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Home Automation, Inc (HAI) has added a new thermostat - Omnistat-Z. Its salt is a built-in Z-Wave transceivers. “When used with an HAI home automation controller the Omnistat-Z communicates wirelessly for the coordination of temperatures with other household functions, such as security settings, time of day, or room occupancy.”

Five models compatible with different types of HVAC systems are available. Each provide remote access, either through the web or via a phone call. All models are fully interactive with all HAI home control systems as well as most others (and this is a good news!).

[via Electric House]

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