Home Automation - Home Automation Software Recommendations

I have some X10 experience and various modules. However, I have not used any home automation software. My father-in-law died last Sunday and his home is now unoccupied. He lives in another town. My wife and will be making numerous trips during the next year to deal with the issues of selling his house and contents.

I'd like to control several Home Automation functions from our house via the web. Here's what I'd like to do (ideally via the web) in priority order:

1. Be able to adjust the HVAC temperature remotely so that the house is cool in the summer (or warm in the winter) when we arrive.

2. Set various lights to come on and off at various times for security reasons.

3. Install a few cameras and monitor the inside and outside of the house.

4. Possibly interface to the Ademco Vista 20SE security system so we could be notified if a relative has entered the house.

Questions:
1. What is a good, reliable home automation software package?
- ActiveHome Pro; iWitness; MyHouse OnLine by X10.com
- PowerHome
- HomeSeer
- OmniPro II by HAI (not sure if this is PC software. seems more like proprietary hardware)
- Others???

2. Does the Thermostat set-back controller (TH2807) do a decent job controlling the HVAC or is there a better way? I've read about Internet Controlled thermostats, but did not know if home automation software would control them. Plus they are quite a bit more expensive than the TH2807.

3. What is the best way to implement cameras so we can monitor the house. Home automation software or purchase a separate "nanny cam" system?

I appreciate and advice you can provide.

One other thought.

I have a wireless network installed at my father-in-law's house. (802.11 G/N) I'm also open to a wireless network solution to control the thermostat and cameras.

I have not done any research in this area.

Suggestions?

PowerHome can do what you want. You can use X-10, Insteon or shortly UPB. You would have to run a PC 24X7 though.

I have two Insteon Thermostat and I think they're great. They can be easily accessed through the web using PowerHome. I actually bought the second Thermostat on ebay for $42 and waited for Smarthome to have a sale before buying the Insteon adaptor.

I don't run any webcams so I don't know how that would fit in and altho I have an older Ademco it can't be controlled by HA.

I use HAI OmniPro II (www.homeautomation.com) and my whole house is interconnected. You can control thermostat over net or phone. Also pre-program lights, music etc. It also ties into alarm systems but I had a home security pro help me w/ that aspect.

I would look at Control4. We do this for a number of customers. They have a 4sight which allows secure communication with your remote home. We can even link the houses together to provide full navigation control of each home from a single interface.

Bryan

I'm working through all of this right now - I've identified the hardware to use, and the software to control it all. You can follow along as I tie it all together.

This next week, I'm installing a Global Cache GC100 TCP/IP to IR/RS-232 adapter to control my A/V stack via WiFi!

I'll also be tying in Insteon modules, controlling my security system, my thermostat, and my landscape watering. The IP cameras will be installed soon for outside security!

Bill

The recently released SmartLinc from SmartHome may fit the bill. It's not the most feature rich system out there, but it has all you need (web interface, camera integration, thermostat control, etc) and priced below $200. It's hard to beat that price. Though SmartLinc has its limitations. Check out my review (http://ulanoff.com/blogs/automation/2008/08/29/first-impressions-of-smartlinc/).

Good luck.

There are several home automation technologies out there depending on the requirements - many have different cabling requirements. I would recommend DIY kits. They've got a bunch of wireless and hardwired DIY kits that can be used with their inexpensive monitoring service. For a small to medium-sized townhome, a wireless kit may be good for you.
A very good option would be a company called Mile High Automation. I have installed an integrated system called Home Automation Platinum Package: Whole-House Solution.
It's got:

* Omni Pro II Home Automation Controller
* 1 Touch Screen
* 2 LCD Keypads
* 6-Zones of Audio
* 17 Automated Light Switches
* 20 Security Contacts
* 2 Thermostats
* Computer Control Software
* Complete Programming & Support


You can start with just the alarm system and grow it to a fully functional home automation system.

You can also submit your floor plan and can get free estimate plan to implement DIY systems in your home.

For Home Automation Product and services-
Dream System (http://www.milehighautomation.com/dream_system.html)
Free Home Automation Estimate (http://www.milehighautomation.com/free_home_automation_estimate.html)


Cheers
James

If you are a Perl programmer you might like this option, plus its free.

http://misterhouse.sourceforge.net/