Linux powers Zigbee-based home monitor
A British startup called AlertMe offers a remotely managed security system that runs off a Linux-driven Hub. It tracks various sensors via popular wireless protocol Zigbee, and then reports back to AlertMe’s servers, which in turn relay alarm events to the customer via SMS or email. The system might include a door/windows sensors, motion, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
The AlertMe Hub is equipped with an ARM9-based Cirrus EP9302 and includes 64MB RAM and 64MB flash, plus a small boot ROM. There’s also an Ethernet port, LEDs, and audio in and out. The hub provides both battery backup in case of power failure and a GPRS radio in case of broadband failure. It’s also equipped with a ZigBee radio, using an Ember EM260 co-processor running Ember’s ZigBee EmberZNet PRO stack.
The price of AlertMe security system is $800 plus $23.50 a month. It seems a good alternative to ordinary security systems which used wared sensors and linked with dedicated security control center.
[via LinuxDevices]
