I can turn my lights on from my cell phone :O

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JPlush76
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I can turn my lights on from my cell phone :O

Post by JPlush76 »

well not yet but here is a sweet site that you can buy electrical outlets that are controlled by a receiver and basically you can control your entire house with your palm pilot with some scripting.

cool eh?

http://www.smarthome.com
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Johnm
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Post by Johnm »

Now only if Ithey could do that with my wife.... hmmmm remote controll women....


John M

P.S. It is a good thing Mac isn't around for this post! LOL
JPlush76
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Post by JPlush76 »

lol

why are you nagging me???

Code: Select all

<?php

require_once("wifey.php");

$wife = new Remote();

$wife->Quiet();


?>
if only it was that easy eh? :)
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mr_griff
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Post by mr_griff »

One can't have enough home automation... I have purchased several x10 controlled products from http://www.smarthome.com. I even got hooked-up as a reseller for http://www.smarthomepro.com, so if want a deal on something let me know.

I would highly recommend the Phillips Pronto remote control. The remote is totally programmable from the PC. You can load your own graphics to use for the buttons and menus, etc.
JPlush76
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Post by JPlush76 »

what kind of stuff do you do with yours Griff?

Can you control it from your web enabled cell phone or PDA :O
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mr_griff
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Post by mr_griff »

I just moved into a new house, so I'm starting all over again (bigger and better, right). So far I have purchased all of the x10 compatible light switches (SwitchLinc 2-Way Dimmer). These are sweet dimmer switches that work great even without an x10 controller. The big decision is what x10 controller to get this time. I was using a HomeVision controller, but they have become outdated and are not as web savvy as the next one needs to be.

In the short term I am looking to re-gain control of the lighting and thermostat via remote, PC and the web. Next will be to purchase a Davis Vantage Pro weather system. This will allow me to turn the sprinkler system off when it has rained recently or the temperature is below freezing. I'll also put the current weather conditions up on my website.

One of the coolest things I have seen was a guy who mounted a camera outside by the front door with a motion detector. Then when the motion detector is triggered it pops up a picture in picture display on all the TVs showing who is at the front door. I am hoping to do something similar and also use it as a weather cam that is accessible via the web.

The best thing about home automation is that it can be done cheaply if you do it yourself. The biggest purchase for a normal setup is the x10 controller ($85 to $250ish for a decent one). After that every time you want to add control for a light switch, wall outlet, etc you only have to pay around $20 to $40 for a x10 controllable device.
JPlush76
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Post by JPlush76 »

damn that is truly sweet!

I'm in an apt now so its probably not worth it being how often I move around town. I should be looking to get a new house in a year or two however. That would rule. I could finally give my girlfriend an excuse why I want to code instead of talk to her. lol

but honey I can make sure your makeup light is on right when you wake up! heh
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mr_griff
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Post by mr_griff »

It's not a whole lot of work to install and remove x10 equipment. The controller just plugs into an outlet like any other device and it's not too hard to replace an electrical switch. Also some x10 devices can be plugged into an existing outlet.

I started with the Philips Pronto TS1000. Hands down the sweetest remote you'll ever own (unless of course you upgrade to the newer models). You can find TS1000 on eBay for under $100 these days. I guess they even have a "pronto lite" version that you can run from a palm-based PDA for free. http://www.pronto.philips.com/
evilcoder
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Post by evilcoder »

Imagine when phreakers get more knowledge of this stuff, they be turning on lights doin all sorts of funny things. ehehe the imagination runs wild..... he he he....hehehehe.... hehehe
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