Messages

1

Users / Re: What options available for a condo door?

« on: November 09, 2012, 08:42:42 pm »

Thanks for feedback SBCC. Can you please link me to a sample of magnetic lock that you have in mind?
Would a magnetic lock require cabling to run through the door to control room? If yes, how is that run around the door?

2

Users / Re: Help me price and spec this luxury condo!

« on: November 09, 2012, 08:31:38 pm »

None of those look like what I know about. You might want to ask a local electrician about this. Adding a motor to blinds/drapes whatever is not a LinuxMCE question per se. Once you have a motor you can control it with LinuxMCE.

Thanks for the info again. Let's say I have a motorized shade in place. How would Linux MCE control it? What is the controller unit? Do I need to run Cat5e to the shade motor? or just provide it power in control room and control it there?

Thanks

3

Users / Re: Help me price and spec this luxury condo!

« on: November 09, 2012, 06:52:59 pm »

Thanks for the feedback. Are these the motorized shades you are referring too? These seem too over-priced for the job they do. I have 8 small windows.

http://www.smarthome-products.com/c-64-motorized-blinds-and-drapery.aspx

4

Users / Re: Help me price and spec this luxury condo!

« on: November 09, 2012, 06:47:05 am »

Thanks again. Are there specific shades that I should look for or is there a module (motor or something) that works with any shades? Please link.

Thanks

5

Users / Can I use a motor device for blinds or should I change the whole shades?

« on: November 09, 2012, 06:44:50 am »

Hi everyone,

Trying to put this together for a window that is split into 9 sections. Of course it would be easier and cheaper to stick to regular blinds and I am hoping to find some motor to connect to blinds to control them. However, I am not sure if I can simply find a module for them. Do I have to buy curtains that are specifically built to be controlled and come with a kit? If so, please link me to a few available in USA/Canada.

Thanks

6

Users / Re: What options available for a condo door?

« on: November 09, 2012, 06:42:28 am »

acald, thanks a lot for the input.

I thought this would be easier and I maybe able to find like a plate that retracts in and out and the lock always stays locked. So, the retraction of the lock cavity open the door or closes it. I think that would have been a better solution. But probably this is a liability issue why there are not many options.

So my questions:

1- How do you propose this item to be used: http://www.kwikset.com/Products/Details/Electronic-Locks/910TRL-ZW-L03-SMT.aspx
as I mentioned I can't install something like this because the door will different from outside and that is not allowed in the condominium.

2- Why is there a need for a sensor to know if lock is locked or not? Would the mechanism to lock have that sensor built in? or do you mean to full-proof it?

3- For the z-wave lock and for the sensor (if one is need), where do I get the power from? should I run some wires along the door and then to what?

4- What is the issue with encryption? I thought z-wave devices are universally accepted with LinuxMCE and MicasaVerde. Aren't they?

If you or anyone can clarify the points above it would be of great help to me.

Thanks again

7

Users / Can I have an add on module for a dimmer switch?

« on: November 09, 2012, 12:40:27 am »

Hi everyone,

I currently have Leviton VZ00R-1LZ dimmer switches. It there an add on module (z-wave or other wireless) that I can use to control lights? I'd rather not buy whole switches again.

Thanks

8

Users / What options available for a condo door?

« on: November 09, 2012, 12:21:29 am »

Hi everyone,

I live in a condo and I can't change the lock as it won't be uniform with other doors when looking from outside. So, I have to stick to the current lock. What kind of a motor or controller is available to me to use with the lock?

I can work on the door as long as things remain hidden. I am keen as to how the module or controller will be powered (wiring etc...)

Picture from outside:


Picture from inside:


Lock side:


Lock Cavity Side:



Thanks

9

Users / Re: Help me price and spec this luxury condo!

« on: October 25, 2012, 08:51:09 pm »

If you do not want any of the media or telecom stuff, go and get something that you go and buy for little money.

posde, thanks for the feedback. Seems like Micasa Verde does do lights, locks, and thermostat but I can't seem to find shades. How are shades / curtains controlled? do they have to be a specific type?


microbrain: thanks for your input. Yes, I am a linux expert - been at it for the past 6 years. But that won't cut it when it comes to GUI and a solution you want to sell and forget about.

10

Users / Re: Help me price and spec this luxury condo!

« on: October 25, 2012, 02:51:30 am »

If you do not want the media part, look at MiCasa Verde's Vera.

Thanks for the input posde. Are you saying that LinuxMCE would be an overkill for my application?


tschak909: I don't want you to do my homework, and I am ready the Wiki but it would be great to get quick price point to put this again another appliance like MiCasa to decide which one is feasible given the budget before I spend way too much time into this. Don't get me wrong, I like LinuxMCE and that is why I am here or else many other choices are out there but I would like to make it the one if possible.

11

Users / Do I need a Media Director if I only want to control shades, door lock, lights?

« on: October 24, 2012, 08:50:16 pm »

Hi Everyone,

Can I use LinuxMCE as an appliance only and without a Media Director? I only need to control shades, lights, and door locks. If the answer is "Yes", how would the configuration happen? through a Web Orbitor?

Also, what is the best price recommended appliance PC now for the Core LinuxMCE server?

Thanks,

12

Users / Help me price and spec this luxury condo!

« on: October 24, 2012, 07:45:06 pm »

Hi everyone,

I am a Linux and Asterisk expert. I have had a chance to install LinuxMCE 3 years ago and it was too complicated back then as it needed a full server.....

1- I am wondering if things are changed or not. I am looking for a simpler appliance that controls lights, thermostat, door locks, and shades. A TV connection may not be needed. All of it to be controlled by a remote and a hand-held + iPhone, Android. Is this possible with LinuxMCE?

2- Can you please complete my list below for equipment I may need:

2x Bedrooms
1x Kitechen
1x Hall > 6 Windows
1x Foyer
1x Dinning Room > 6 Windows

Above is what is the layout of the condo. So, what equipment do I need?

Server
UPS
Controllers? Switches? Relays? IR Receivers/Transmitters?

Thanks

13

Users / Re: HD Tuner

« on: November 30, 2008, 10:55:40 pm »

Thank you again. I would like to see an answer regarding Question # 5 too. Also, I wanted to know if it's possible for the terminals to boot of the server (LAN; diskless) or would they have to have Linux installed too?

14

Users / Re: HD Tuner

« on: November 29, 2008, 04:12:43 pm »

Thanks for the helpful info. Any idea when HD Tuner In might be supported?

Also, as for the equipment goes, Z-Wave seems to be the choice of this community. I have been looking on their site and the products page has many many different brands of switches and such....What should I exactly look for when it comes to light control?

Thanks

15

Users / HD Tuner

« on: November 29, 2008, 05:40:19 am »

Hello,

I have been searching the forum to see if my question is answered already but there seems to be too many threads with the same subject but some of them are not what I am looking for. Here in Toronto, Canada, I am using Bell PVR (Two of them) /Satallite to entertain myself. If I were to deploy LinuxMce how would the PVR blend in?

1- Would the PVR be connected to LinuxMCE main server? Hence, do I lose HD quality? Is there an HDMI tuner in that works with current version of LinuxMCE?

2- Should the PVR be connected directly to the TV? Then what happens to the UI? Do I have to change inputs on TV to get to LinuxMCE environment?

3- Mostly, is the LinuxMCe main server used as terminal itself too or would that be just in the basement?

4- Where can I find some more info about the type of Home Automation products that are perfectly proven to work with LinuxMCE? e.g. sensor, lightin switches, temp control, ip cameras, etc...

5- Also, has anyone successfuly tried putting microphones all over the house to use the built-in Asterisk for communication? (or even maybe to use some text2speech to command the TV  )

6- Gyro or Fiire?

Thanks