LinuxMCE Forums

General => Users => Topic started by: colinjones on October 03, 2008, 12:48:59 am

Title: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on October 03, 2008, 12:48:59 am
Darren Mason and I have been chatting about an Australian LMCE Users Group. Perhaps just a simple mailing list to toss ideas around for some monthly telecon meetings? I know there are quite a few AU users out there, and given that there are a number of specific challenges to using LMCE in an Australian context, it might be useful for us to share our knowledge and research...

In any case, can any Australian users please post here so we can get a feel for how many there are around? If we get some interest in this then we will follow up with some details on the hows and whats...

Col.
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: Crawtech on October 03, 2008, 04:30:15 am
well i am here
and a Australian group sounds good to me  :)
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: darrenmason on October 03, 2008, 04:38:42 am
What a good idea  ;)

The main reason for an Australian user group would be to address some of the following;

* Hardware availability - what is here, where to get it (cheap), how to get stuff effectively that is not available locally (eg: fiire remotes)
* Home automation - there is not many options so what works, getting Australian distributors onboard etc
* Other aspects - getting asterisk working, australian voip providers, working with foxtel,

The other reason to form a user group is (for me) to have a scheduled time to talk linuxMCE to others and share setups etc. This can be somewhat achieved on the forums as well of course but there is also the opportunity of actually physically helping each other out with setup etc and showing off your kit I guess.

Anyway,
If we get enough feedback then we will look at the options for setting this up and the logistics around meeting (ie; physical/virtual etc)

Regards
Darren
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: wombiroller on October 03, 2008, 02:52:24 pm
Hey All,

I'm in Melbourne  :D

Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: indulis on October 03, 2008, 03:18:29 pm
Perth calling...
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: Zaerc on October 03, 2008, 05:15:30 pm
What a good idea  ;)

The main reason for an Australian user group would be to address some of the following;

* Hardware availability - what is here, where to get it (cheap), how to get stuff effectively that is not available locally (eg: fiire remotes)
...

You could just get started by adding them here: http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Where_to_Buy#Australia
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: Crawtech on October 06, 2008, 01:55:31 am
Hi indulis
Nice to meet some one else in Perth
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: justdeb on October 08, 2008, 08:43:52 am
Hi From Brisbane,

I think this would be a great idea.

Regards

Justin
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: davewantsmoore on October 09, 2008, 04:21:08 am
Potential user in Tassie.

(Currently MythTV / XBMC)
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: justdeb on October 09, 2008, 09:41:09 am
Hi All,

I have added in an entry already - i never knew this existed.

To all the aussies - lets get this up and running. I don't currently use x10 or any other products, but have started to read up alot about it  - it would be good if someone out there who has it and found the supplier to be easy to deal with could post some updates.

Similarly with the cameras - if anyone has a good supplier pls add it as i would be most interested.

Regards

Justin
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: indulis on October 12, 2008, 07:53:55 am
X10 stuff is now at your local Bunnings.  You can get a CM-11A (USB interface) off the shelf.  I can also recommend the wireless wall switches (4xrockers, RF, put RF to X10 receiver into power point).
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: darrenmason on October 13, 2008, 12:29:29 am
I noticed it a few weeks back as well (at bunnings that is).

indulis - how reliable are they? They still seem too expensive.

I think that PLCBUS would work out about the same price and according to them is far more reliable.
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on October 13, 2008, 12:46:56 am
Darren - you are using PLCBUS already aren't you? How do you find their wall switches for lights? Do they fit standard AU profiles? I am curious because I am renting at the moment, so making modifications to walls to accommodate larger profile or deeper wall switches isn't really an option!
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: darrenmason on October 14, 2008, 12:55:05 am
I am using PLCBUS, but only in my back room at the moment.

The short answer is no they don't fit a normal switch profile. They are smaller (and hard to mount). That is the crystal switches anyway. I have had to patch and paint the previous hole and this is obviously not what you wanted to hear. That said I didn't get any mounting kit with it and I believe they make one - but the physical switch is still a fair bit smaller than a large normal switch .

The other option is to use a regularly momentary switch and the modules - which can be mounted behind the switch or in the ceiling. I am looking into this for further rooms as I think this is neater (and cheaper)
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: richardcau74 on October 15, 2008, 01:43:46 am
Hey
Im from Melbourne nice to meet you all
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: PKWilson on October 15, 2008, 07:32:33 am
Hi all, I'm in Brisbane and also a happy LMCE + PLCBUS user.

Cheers
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: justdeb on October 15, 2008, 07:41:15 am
Hello from brisbane as well.

Regards

Justin
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: PKWilson on October 15, 2008, 08:07:15 am
Just to add to the PLCBUS discussion. I pretty much have all my house lights using it now. I've only bought one crystal wall switch, and yes, it was a bit of a pain having to patch up half the existing wall switch hole to make it fit.

I also tried using standard clipsal or hpm (can't recall which) momentary switches for the lights, but I didn't really like the stiff feel of them. You had to give them a good push to get them to work. So I've gone for the simtone momentary wall switches. Sadly, the square size means I'm back to patching and painting the wall switches to make them fit, but they have a much nicer feel and look in my opinion.

My biggest problem is that the ripple control signal that is sent out by the power company to control tariffs plays havoc with my dimmed lights. They flicker badly for about 10 seconds on the hour, almost every hour. Not sure how to fix that. I'm going to see if the Megaman DimmERable (not to be confused with the dimmable range) compact fluorescent lights are any better...as soon as they make it to Australia and assuming they work with the PLCBUS dimmers.

Cheers
Phil

Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: justdeb on October 15, 2008, 09:56:07 am
Phil,

It sounds like you have gone down the track that i am currently exploring. Could you let me know what your setup consists of and where u got your bits and pieces. I don't mind patching walls... and it gives the wife an excuse to get out of the house .....

Regards

Justin
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: cyf4746 on October 15, 2008, 10:50:52 am
Hi guys.. I am from Malaysia... If you guys need Zwave devices (UK type). I can supply.
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on October 15, 2008, 03:34:25 pm
Notwithstanding that the UK devices are not legal in Australia, what prices are you able to get?
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: jo006 on October 22, 2008, 10:15:23 am
Hi Guys,

I'm from Brisbane

Regards

Justin
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on October 22, 2008, 11:26:42 pm
OK guys, can you all please PM me your email addresses? I have set up a Yahoo group for the mailing list.

aulmceug@yahoogroups.com

and

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aulmceug

Once I get them, I will start sending the invitations out..
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: marvinrox on November 07, 2008, 09:41:35 am
In Melbourne

Currently spending heaps of time reading through all the info trying to work out how to start and which components I can get in AU

A group would be good to share experiences. Thanx to Colin for getting it started.

Cheers, Mark
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: chipppy on November 07, 2008, 11:53:08 am
Hey from somewhere in Aussie.  Not sure where I am at the moment but hoping to get home sometime this month. I travel between three diffent locations as a FIFO worker

I am an Instrument/Control technician Technician that has done some coding of various PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)and DCS (Distrubuted Control Systems) and a little structured text and programming.  I am happy to try writting some code but I will need a lot of help due to being brand new to Linux. 
I dont currently have a system.  I am currently trying to speck up a system to build for the tin lids (kids) so they can watch thier millions of movies and also ABC1 & 2

Anyway I can help just ask.

Cheers
chipppy
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: cyf4746 on November 08, 2008, 04:08:32 am
Notwithstanding that the UK devices are not legal in Australia, what prices are you able to get?

Please send email to my mail box cyf4746@iuworld.net. I will email the price list.
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: slampt on November 08, 2008, 07:43:49 am
Hi Colin,

Do we actually have to sign up with Yahoo to use this group I went to the URL you posted but couldn't find anywhere to add my email address they wanted me to register. :(

Slampt
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on November 08, 2008, 10:17:08 pm
If you follow the invitation to yahoogroups from there you can register an account to login to the group. I presume that the invitation link will mean you get taken straight into the correct group automatically. From there you can configure the account with the email addresses you want for the mailing list, and other group activities etc...
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: chipppy on November 09, 2008, 02:16:46 am
Hey peoples
A couple of things to mention here, because I am a Aussie licensed electrican.  I am not trying to be a kill joy but I thought it important that you know

First please be very carefull when playing with electricity.  It hurts, a lot.  Too often it kills.  Make sure that you isolate all the relevant circuits before working on them.  If in doubt call an electrican

Secondly if you install some electrical bits that dont meet the relevant Australian Standards into your house and that causes a fire, and burn the house down.  Your insurance company will try really hard to use that as an excuss to not payout.  They usually win those fight because you now have no house and therefor no money and they have very big buckets of it.

So please think very carefully before using equipment that dosent meet the relevant australian standards, especially when it comes to electricity.  Sorry for the killjoy thing but I would hate to hear that someone
has go hurt

cheers
chipppy
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: secs on November 09, 2008, 02:25:09 am
Canberra Here. Just looking into it. Whats the go with PLCBus? Why not X10?

Also a Lic Sparky
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on November 09, 2008, 02:44:54 am
X10 works too, but it is very slow, unreliable and uni-directional. (unreliable mostly because it is unidirectional)
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: Pet-240 on November 10, 2008, 12:57:39 am
Hey Y'all,

In Brisbane as well, northside, but havin major issues getting it to load off either cd or dvd, started a thread last week at "no Joy with CD or DVD, wheres that hammer, am currently going through the two suggestions I've had so far and will get back to you.
Am also an electrican, Industrial Machines and wholeheartedly backup the two previous comments on safety, you can't see elec and it don't respect you, so please, please don't let the smoke out of the wire, this is usually very bad!!!!!
If in doubt, call a sparkie to at least check it before power up.
Now, on with the Acer argument......
keep you posted..
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: secs on November 10, 2008, 02:59:50 am
Ok other than X10, whats available here in Australia that works well with LMCE?

I also program in Delphi (Pascal) and use MikroPascal to program up PIC's so was thinking about making up a PIC to do what I want and connecting via the serial port. This I gather would be a GSD. Are they bi-directional? If I can get LMCE to send data out as simple TEXT etc that will do all I need as far as turning on relays etc but can I have my PIC send serial text back to the LMCE and have it act upon it. If I can, I will build up my own interfaces to my gear here like my custom built HVAC unit, Exhaust fans etc..




I have signed up on the yahoo groups for the Aus stuff.

Thanks all
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on November 10, 2008, 04:30:21 am
Bugger all! Insteon and Z-Wave are the two most supported other than X10, but neither have Australian versions yet (ZWave may do in the future, seems unlikely that Insteon will as it doesn't support EU yet either). EIB is another, but that is primarily EU and expensive, never seen it here.

Dan recently added support for PLCBus, which is a Chinese/HK product but explicitly supports the AU/NZ market as well as N.A. and EU. Relatively cheap but more expensive than X10 still, though faster and bi-directional. I believe someone is already using it in AU but can't remember who. You can order direct from their HK web site.

Yes, you can get the GSD to send and receive basic text strings using Ruby code in the web admin, to a serial port. Or you can write your own DCE device from  the ground up and do anything you like. For GSD, you just create a device template, plug in the Ruby codes for the things you want it to send and associate each command group with a DCE command, then the GSD device will handle the translation of DCE commands coming in, to the Ruby code it needs to execute to send a particular text string out the serial port. Then the placement of the device in the Devices Tree and the pipes you set up allow LMCE to determine which DCE commands to send to that device, and when to send them.
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: secs on November 10, 2008, 06:20:44 am
I will have a look at the PLCBus stuff.

As fro the GSD one, the only reason I am looking at that is all my stuff in my initial install and test is wired back to a central point and I already play and create projects with PICs. Therefore I have most of the gear so I can play a bit.

I did find a bit of info on the Ruby side of things for sending text but limited on recieving and responding etc to incoming text messages via serial. I will do a bit more searching on this as its the most cost effective for myself. If anyone has a link or to for Incoming messages and how they are handled I would be very greatful.

I must point out I am only in the initial setup stage. I have been looking around for a setup and have been thrilled to find LMCE so just getting used to what I can do.

I am especially interested in the CCTV side of things and firing events from movement etc. I was initially looking at Zoneminder as it does a heap and also has the ability to move images etc of site. Does anyone have much experience with whats offered as part of the LMCE camera inclsive? I do like the idea of being able to see my cameras form anywhere in the building though. I have even toyed with the idea of running LMCE and a Zoneminder box side by side and splitting the camera's into the 2 systems,

As for the X10, yes I have found it to be non reliable in its use. I sometimes have to hit rf remotes etc a couple of times and lights seem to come on randomly. Not every time but a couple of times I have noticed that I look around and what was meant to be off is now on.

Thanks all.
Peter
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: JJFLASH on November 10, 2008, 12:18:59 pm
Hi All

Sydney,  currently using GBPVR  to record TV shows in the study and XBMC on an xbox at the TV for TV and DVD playback.  Works well except the xbox can't do full high def video. Got a Popcorn Hour to go high def but didn't work as I wanted it to.

From what I've read LinuxMCE will do what I need and much much more. So I want to get stuck into LinuxMCE and make sure I get the right hardware first time.

I can't wait to see what you all have under the hood in Oz.

Cheers
Dan
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: wilsonj on November 10, 2008, 08:33:28 pm
Howdy,

I'm in country SA. Been using BeyondTV for years, and lately Vista MCE. LinuxMCE looks like it does what I want.  Although I have asked for a little help on another thread in this forum. Hope one of you more experienced users could take a look.

Cheers
Jamie
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: Shodanho on November 12, 2008, 11:38:47 pm
Bugger all! Insteon and Z-Wave are the two most supported other than X10, but neither have Australian versions yet (ZWave may do in the future, seems unlikely that Insteon will as it doesn't support EU yet either). EIB is another, but that is primarily EU and expensive, never seen it here.

Dan recently added support for PLCBus, which is a Chinese/HK product but explicitly supports the AU/NZ market as well as N.A. and EU. Relatively cheap but more expensive than X10 still, though faster and bi-directional. I believe someone is already using it in AU but can't remember who. You can order direct from their HK web site.

Yes, you can get the GSD to send and receive basic text strings using Ruby code in the web admin, to a serial port. Or you can write your own DCE device from  the ground up and do anything you like. For GSD, you just create a device template, plug in the Ruby codes for the things you want it to send and associate each command group with a DCE command, then the GSD device will handle the translation of DCE commands coming in, to the Ruby code it needs to execute to send a particular text string out the serial port. Then the placement of the device in the Devices Tree and the pipes you set up allow LMCE to determine which DCE commands to send to that device, and when to send them.

Hi I suggest if people want to have insteon in Australia then you should visit this page http://www.envioustechnology.com.au/ (http://www.envioustechnology.com.au/) and submit your interest.  Dont know if it will work but it may get some people to look more seriously into it if a lot of people are showing interest.

It cant hurt to try  :)
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on November 12, 2008, 11:49:00 pm
I think I would much prefer to see ZWave!
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: hari on November 13, 2008, 01:29:31 am
is on the way...
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: Shodanho on November 13, 2008, 03:10:59 am
is on the way...

Is a company planning on making an Australian version of Zwave?
This would be very good as I really did not know which way to go with the automation side of things. :o
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on November 13, 2008, 08:25:02 am
Not that I'm aware of  - there is an RF frequency allocated, but I don't believe anybody is working on the hardware. I think Hari might have been talking about the new driver rather than the hardware.
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: hari on November 13, 2008, 11:36:08 am
the latest zensys chips support the new frequencies. We should see some devices over the next months.

best regards,
Hari
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on November 13, 2008, 09:21:17 pm
Great news! Just hope that a manufacturer will actually pick it up for our market (as they still need to change the power plug format! Minor change, but its a very small market to bother with <25m people)
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: hari on November 13, 2008, 09:29:32 pm
as eastern companies also produce z-wave stuff nowadays (like Everspring) I'd strongly assume there should be some stuff soon..

br hari
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on November 13, 2008, 10:03:03 pm
Cool! That will be great!
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: wombiroller on March 12, 2009, 02:58:24 am
as eastern companies also produce z-wave stuff nowadays (like Everspring) I'd strongly assume there should be some stuff soon..

br hari
Hey Hari,
I have not been able to find anything on this in Aus... Are you by chance aware of any news/developments?

Cheers,
WR
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on March 12, 2009, 12:43:38 pm
wombiroller - nothing so far, don't hold your breath, at this stage I see zero reason why anybody would bring out anything for the australian market, it simply isn't commercial (even though plcbus showed that it wasn't that expensive to do so), the players in the zwave market simply aren't interested in markets that small. N.A. is 300million+, EU is 500million+.... ANZ is 25million....
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: wombiroller on March 12, 2009, 01:30:33 pm
Thanks Colin... Looks like I might have to go off to x10-hk.com like everyone else then :)
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: darrenmason on March 13, 2009, 12:13:56 am
Business opportunity maybe?

How hard can it really be - our only difference is operating on a different carrier frequency isn't it.
Is this just a matter of a different crystal being used?
Sorry if I have over simplified.
Anyone know much more about this? If bunnings can market overpriced X-10 equipment and get sales ZWave should be an easy sell if the prices are somewhat reasonable.
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: colinjones on March 13, 2009, 12:36:25 am
Not sure its even a crystal thing these days, I think the frequency demodulation is done on chip, perhaps using a high frequency reference crystal, which is then divided down to the right carrier... guess work... I think the main issue beyond RF is the power connectors for wall outlets, and to a lesser extent the face place profile for switches, etc....
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: chipppy on March 14, 2009, 03:16:33 pm
another from the perth area to add to the mailing list.

cheers
chipppy
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: hari on March 14, 2009, 09:23:52 pm
looks like EnOcean is available in NewZealand: http://www.enocean-alliance.org/en/hall-of-residence-university-hall-canterbury-new-zealand-2006/

br, Hari
Title: Re: Australian LMCE users.....
Post by: gollywog on March 17, 2009, 04:08:50 pm
Another fella from Perth here :)

Gollywog