Is it Time To Consider Home Automation?

ADT Pulse.
Xfinity Home Automation.
And even AT&T's entry is the "Digital Life ".  
Security companies aren't alone when it comes to helping you plan for and create an automated home.

For a lot of us our first introduction to this concept came with the futuristic and fictitious cartoon family, the Jetson's. In 2062 the Jetson's and their homelife boasted of such applications as aero-cars , video calls, talking computers which performed household tasks and robotic maids. What appeared so far fetched then is currently available in houses of today. We already communicate with video conference calls, and small scale robots sweep our floors. What used to be reserved for the rich and famous is now being made available to the masses.

Home Automation
You probably have some fashion of home automation at work for you now. Does your coffee maker brew your morning cup of joe while you sleep? Does your garage door opener sync with your automobile? Do you have interior lights on a timer when you are away? These are basic features of an automated home.

A more elaborate method of home automation is having a computer or network of computers used to control home functions and features automatically and sometimes remotely. This is commonly known as a "smart house". These operations can include the scheduling or instantaneously turning on/off of your interior/exterior lights, locking/unlocking doors, controlling your thermostat, activating/de-activating your security system and even operating small household appliances, all remotely from a computer or mobile device.

Some of the more sophisticated features allow your home to perform tasks such as playing soft music, turning up lights in your bedroom and gradually opening your blinds all at your specified wake-up time. Or another example: Your homes fire/smoke alarm rings, this task triggers successive to do's such as calling 911, unlocking doors in your home so you can exit or safety personnel can enter and waking you and your family through a blaring siren.You can even program an intercom message telling you to get out of the house.

It has been said of billionaire Bill Gates' smart house;

• One of the most interesting things you’d experience if you lived in this house is that you wear a pin containing a microchip which acts as your ID.  When you walk into a room, lighting, sound, and temp controls are customized for you. Any high resolution display that you walk by will know that you’re there, and your favorite art is displayed. And if you’re getting a phone call, only the phone nearest to you will ring. 
• As Gates is on his way home from work, he can fill his tub with water to his desired temp so it’s ready when he gets home

The technology behind smart homes have their origins embedded in a Scottish company who developed X10. X10 allows compatible products to communicate with each other over existing electrical wires. In addition to X10 new emerging markets competing for your home network dollars use radio waves to communicate (the same method as WiFi and cellphones). Here are three prominent network players of many,...Insteon, Zigbee and Z-wave.

Graphics done by CavewomanStudios

With Z-wave technology each device is embedded with a code, when the device is plugged into the system (brain) it recognizes the code, determines it's location and adds it to the network. When a command comes through, the controller uses the algorithm to determine how the message is sent. Routing messages can take up a lot of memory, Z-wave has developed a hierarchy between devices better responding to messages and their distribution.
Zigbee technology uses "zig-zags", which looks for the best path to the receiver. 

Graphics done by CavewomanStudios

Using a wireless network provides more flexibility for placing devices, but like electrical lines, they might have interference. Insteon offers a "dual mesh network". if the message isn't getting through on one platform, it will try the other. An Insteon device will broadcast the message; all devices pick up the message and broadcast it until the command is performed. The more Insteon devices installed on a network the stronger the message will be.

Products
You will need products to carry out these automated functions, here is a limited list;

• Audio systems
• Motion sensors
• Cameras
• Door handles
• Dimmer switches
• Channel modulators
• Video door phones
• Remote controls
• Keypads
• Controllers
• Software/Apps

The Market
The market is flooded with companies wanting to assist you with your automated project. Larger companies like ADT, Vivint, Xfinity and others can take the guess work out of creating a complete system. They can provide you with a full automation package.  They can also come with a hefty monthly expense, so do your homework and make sure you know what you are getting.

For sophisticated systems you can spend upwards of $10,000 or more. But there is another way. The DIY market is a viable option. Most basic systems are simple in nature and tools. Many products are available in starter kits and can be purchased from home improvement stores, electronic stores, online venues, or check with your security technician to see what they recommend or if they have entry level systems. Do-it-yourself systems vary in cost depending on what you get. New companies launching home automation devices spring up on a daily basis. In addition to X10, Z-wave and Zigbee entries, companies like Lowe's and Staples are jumping into the do-it-yourself home automation category.

In considering a DIY system be sure and research optional service plans, software required, whether or not your smartphone has a compatible app and the quality of workmanship (just read the customer reviews). This will help you in building a complete system that fits your home, wallet and lifestyle.

Benefits
Some could argue the benefits of having a smart system outweighs it's cost. And some could say a smart home would only perpetuate human laziness. But is it more about convenience and simplicity? Or necessity to assist homeowners with everyday tasks.

We've all seen the commercial;
Mom is at work, stuck in a roundtable meeting. Her son texts that he's locked out of the house. With a few taps on her cellphone she unlocks the front door so her son can get in. Convenience? or Necessity?

One form of home automation called assistive domotics focuses on making it possible for the elderly and disabled to remain at home. This can delay moving to a healthcare facility or nursing home. This field uses much of the same technology and equipment as home automation for security, entertainment, and energy conservation but tailors it towards the elderly and disabled.

Downsides
This is all great life altering stuff but what are the downsides to this technology?

• Some of the more intuitive features requires specialized equipment and knowledge. This could skyrocket your costs.
• If you are not comfortable with computers, having this as a DIY project may not be the project for you.
• Operating the system, troubleshooting problems and programing functions will become someone's responsibility. Are you up for the task?
• Don't discount the possibility of hackers accessing your network and controlling lights, appliances or potentially creating theft situations.

There has never been so many choices in home automation and the parade of options is just beginning. As fast as you research one company and it's latest entry in the automation field, a new product crops up. Take the time to look at your specific needs and think realistically about what tasks you would like to use in the future. Decide if this is something you feel comfortable doing yourself or if you want to leave it to the experts. Amazon Home Automation is a great place to start to research DIY products.

Some day I suspect we will all be using some form of home automation, take your time and research your options. Talk to neighbors and friends who are already set-up and see what they consider to be the pros and cons, otherwise you may be the one yelling, "Jane,...stop this crazy thing!"

Security Solutions For Temporary Housing

Picture courtesy CavewomanStudios

Ok here is the scenario. You live in an apartment, dorm room, rental house, garage loft or maybe even a cottage on the property of someone's land. You want to be sure you, and the contents inside of your dwelling are safe but your existing space doesn't have a security system and you don't want to spring for the cost of having one installed. Do you have any options? You bet!

The solution is a portable wireless alarm system. Today's systems come complete with windows and door sensors, motion and smoke detectors. Generally, portable systems are straight from the box DIY solutions which usually install with no tools. (That's no holes to drill and no screws to turn.) Just open the box, plug it in and activate. Most systems can accomodate the use of wireless digital monitoring, for a monthly fee, of course. They can even initiate an email or text alert when the alarm is triggered.You can also be your own central station and have the system contact you in case of an alarm.

Basic start-up packages vary in what they give you but you can be sure to receive some variation of the following; a keypad or base unit, window and/or door sensor(s), a camera, or wireless key remote. And although all systems are not created equal prices generally start around $200 and increase with the purchase of additional sensors, accessories or monthly monitoring. 

Possibly one of the best features of these systems, is it's portability. You can quickly and easily remove the system and components from one location and take it to the next, as many times as you need.

So if you need a temporary security solution, rest assured there are realistic options available. A general keyword search on the web should yield you a plethora of choices to explore. Not sure how to choose? Or just need a second opinion. Your security representative can help you better narrow down a system which suits your needs best.