Newbie here!

[Xav]

Hi guys!

Xavier here, nice to meet you. I'm getting a basement done under my house and since the whole floor is being wired from scratch, I'm considering some home automation.

Problem is, I know nothing about it! There seem to be plenty of products out there (mainly US, not great for a Brit like me) but I'm none the wiser. Would someone mind filling me in with what I can do within a reasonable budget, the best devices to buy and how they will work? I like the idea of lighting control, automated curtains and AV, but would like to hear more of what's achievable!

Please bear in mind that I have a limited budget but unlimited access to sockets, walls etc. Hopefully there's something that can be just installed by the normal electrician while he's doing the lights and sockets, rather than a specialist coming in?

Thanks a lot!

X

[network video systems]

IP Cameras and Structured cabling

Hi, are you looking at running any IP Cameras for your new project, have you got any further into it yet ?

[Xav]

Thanks for the reply. I don't need IP cameras for this development but on a separate note, I'm looking for a way to record a standard wired security camera to a storage device - do you have any suggestions for device models?

[JonS]

Hi Xav and welcome,
I've written a few posts about planning and designing home automation on my blog, in sig. I was in your position 5 years ago, since then there are more options for remote controlling your house with touch interfaces and phones, but the options for what you control and how you do it are much the same (prepares to be shot down ;-)), searching these forums will swiftly give you the most popular options. There is no "best" solution that fits all needs and all budgets, you will have to compromise over some things, but everything you list (and more) is do-able on a modest budget if you are prepared to get stuck in. As a starting point cable is cheap compared with the stuff you stick on the end of it. There is no standard cabling that all systems will use, but running cat5 to your light socket positions, running data cables everywhere and alarm/ security cables to all windows, doors (internal and external) plus good places for PIRs will use up a few KMs of cable but give you options later. I am still adding to my system on the cable buried all that time ago! You will need a friendly electrician to help you keep it safe and so saleable when you move on, many domestic electricians will run a mile when you describe your plans, one with a mix of control systems / office data etc may be up for it. One area to consider is heating / HVAC / environmental control, both to keep the place comfortable and save a small amount of money (if you're insulating to modern standards), for that get a good plumber on board too.
Good luck

[Xav]

Hi Xav and welcome,
I've written a few posts about planning and designing home automation on my blog, in sig. I was in your position 5 years ago, since then there are more options for remote controlling your house with touch interfaces and phones, but the options for what you control and how you do it are much the same (prepares to be shot down ;-)), searching these forums will swiftly give you the most popular options. There is no "best" solution that fits all needs and all budgets, you will have to compromise over some things, but everything you list (and more) is do-able on a modest budget if you are prepared to get stuck in. As a starting point cable is cheap compared with the stuff you stick on the end of it. There is no standard cabling that all systems will use, but running cat5 to your light socket positions, running data cables everywhere and alarm/ security cables to all windows, doors (internal and external) plus good places for PIRs will use up a few KMs of cable but give you options later. I am still adding to my system on the cable buried all that time ago! You will need a friendly electrician to help you keep it safe and so saleable when you move on, many domestic electricians will run a mile when you describe your plans, one with a mix of control systems / office data etc may be up for it. One area to consider is heating / HVAC / environmental control, both to keep the place comfortable and save a small amount of money (if you're insulating to modern standards), for that get a good plumber on board too.
Good luck

Thanks a lot for your help. Running Cat5 to light sockets is easy as the basement is being built from scratch - presumably I would buy some sort of device that plugs into this on the ceiling and controls power to the lights, and a control panel type device at the other end. Is that how things usually work?