Items Tagged With hack

Why the Home Automation Hub?  I’ve always been keen on the notion of Home Automation, but two factors put me off getting started.  One, the cost of a decent HA controller (and I don’t mean a 24x7 PC).  Two, She Who Must Be Obeyed hates wires running around the place.  So, I worked with a friend to develop a low entry cost HA controller which we call the ‘Home Automation Hub’ (or HAH). We are now nearly two years into the project; it has taken a lot of effort (esp. on the software side) but has been great fun.  Best of all it’s based on a re-purposed WiFi router that can usually be purchased on eBay for around £10...

In the first of our new 'My Automated Home' series,  Soitjes Soit talks us through the idea behind his home brew Digital Home Server.  Created using an inexpensive Mimo USB monitor and a mini-ITX PC, the system provides a variety of functions around the home...

Here's a mini marvel that caught our eye.  A 16:9 7" photoframe that incorporates a digital TV tuner and comes with a remote control all for just £45.  While it is small, it strikes us this could just be perfectly formed for some hacking into a bathroom TV mounted flush with your tiles.  With decent 'proper' bathroom tellys costing up to £1,500, it's worth a try.  If you manage to do the mod let us know!

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to just glance at your doors and tell if they were locked or unlocked. This Automated Home reader has done just that and can tell the status of each door from the colour of the LED.  Read on for the photos and the circuit details...

Here's a project that made us smile.  Some inexpensive X10 kit, the creative use of a window sensor and some imaginative macro programming brings together the Automated Talking Chair....