Items Tagged With hardware

Just noticed this Linux/VIA PC specifically designed for automation and whole house audio using the SqueezeBox from Slim devices...

"Glaucus is a computer configured specifically for the described automation tasks. Because it is not used as a general-purpose computer it is immune to problems like your children using software that interferes with the critical operations or even causes the computer to crash It uses the ultra-reliable Linux operating system. It has no monitor, keyboard or mouse. All interaction with it is through a browser interface...

I have been communicating with new start-up venture "O2M8" for several months now on their new "WebBrick" home automation product. This morning they are officially launching the hardware device, aimed at a wide range of automation tasks, from lighting control (DMX dimmer support) to pet care.

Multipe WebBricks can be easily sited beside each application, allowing retro-fit to existing properties. Homes with structured cabling can still use single or multiple units in a "node zero" type arrangement. The software employs Python/PHP scripts (open source) and offers web and mobile phone SMS integration. One of the most obvious applications for this device is as a central heating controller. The hardware specifications include...

• Process control device with 8 states machines
• Network interface & web browser configuration panels
• 8 configurable trigger inputs
• 12 TTL digital inputs
• 8 TTL & O.C digital outputs
• 1 Temperature sensor input
• 1 Rotary encoder input
• 2 Analogue outputs
• 1 Analogue input

We hope to be starting a competiton shortly to win a WebBrick. In the meantime, read the press release below, and visit the O2M8 website...

"KAT5 infraRed upgrades will be available shortly after UKHA 2004. I am hoping that the PCB's will arrive in time for UKHA2004 so that I can show the finished boards but in the meantime here is a little teaser showing the final prototype.

There are two main features of the IR upgrades. The first is the obvious one, control of source equipment from a remote destination over the same CAT5 cable that is carrying the KAT5 AV signals. This works with any 38kHz based remote control and has been tested with SKY Digital, TiVo, Freeview and various VCR's and DVD players...

New product of interest to home automators. Available shortly..."Introducing the new MultiLog wireless data protocol receiver. The MultiLog receives and decodes multiple protocols simultaneously on the license exempt 433MHz AM band and outputs that data to serial (RS232) in a plain, readable ASCII format...