X10 security - smart home on a budget 'Home automation made easy' by Adrian Biffen Systems Administrator AeroHOST Web Systems |
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Bulletin: RollerTrol™ Automation Systems is Launched!
x10 can be used to automate just about any anti-theft home security provision that you can think of. I have implemented a number of wireless home security measures in my smart home. (for complementary home automation products such as lighting control and motorized blinds and shades, see our home automation DIY kit article) I have motion sensors installed all around the house that turn lights on when potential intruders approach. This doubles as a safety feature for guests arriving and leaving at night, not to mention our own comings and goings. You can extend this concept to gate control, alarm systems, fire prevention, etc., with wireless video camera surveillance too. Another nice implementation is a house lighting sequence for when you are away that follows your normal patterns at night with a random component thrown in, so that lights don't always come on at exactly the same time if somebody is watching the house. We also have an elaborate intrusion detection system for when we are away. Here's a very inexpensive kit that will dial out to 4 different phone numbers (no ongoing monthly cost) when the system is triggered: I considered getting the Robo-Dog 'barking dog' kit, which provides a very effective simulation of same inside your garage or wherever. You can use motion sensors to trigger this system, just as you would with lights. However, I decided instead to take a different course of action and get myself a biologic. She provides an extra companionship feature that you just can't get from a computer. (for complementary home automation products such as lighting control and motorized blinds and shades, see our home automation DIY kit article) Her name is Belle and she has a number of advantages:
The only downside is that she hogs the TV whenever the doggy diving championships are on, but we make this concession to her. The total cost of ownership (TCO) is higher than other components in our smart home, but she's worth it! Naturally, I'm building an automatic food and water dispenser for her and the cats, controlled by our x10 system. (for complementary home automation products such as lighting control and motorized blinds and shades, see our home automation DIY kit article)
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