Since 2009 I have two generations of the devices created, and currently working on third.
What can I do with the system:
- Devices use ZigBee for communication, so no changes in a current power line wiring needed.
- Devices can be put behind switches or power sockets (deeper boxes are needed to support an additional device behind a switch mechanics).
- A single device can control from 4 to 8 inputs, where any input can be analog or digital. Analog inputs are used for analog sensors, like temperature, light or any other analog sensor. Digital inputs are used for switches.
- Each device can manage from 2 to 5 power lines using relays.
- Devices do not need a central device and can work independently, so if there is any failure with a central device, end device will still work managing power lines according to configuration stored in a device.
- Flexible configuration – all inputs can manage the same output and act as paired switch, or one switch can manage several power lines.
- Custom devices are created for specific purposes, like heating system management device with built in switches or remote inputs, capable to manage 8 power lines.
- Power lines controled by single device can be extended to virtually any number with custom devices created.
- The central system is storing and visualising information from devices – state of inputs, values of inputs (for analog sensors), state of outputs.
- The central system provides an automation capability using any device data to control any other device. For example, having a temperature less than 19 degrees in any room, and if it is saturday and time is between 9AM and 4PM and external light level is less than selected threshold, a heating system can be turned on. Or another example, having an alarm system armed, system will turn of all lights at a house, and when an alarm system is disarmed, it will turn on a light at entrance if an external light level is less than selected threshold.