When my partner bought her house we decided to install a decent alarm system and possibly integrate this with the lighting and central HTG. I searched the web for months looking at various Alarm and Control systems and trying to work out how I could connect them together.
After much thought we decided to fit comfort and configured it to do the following:-
1) Alarm system and autodialer
2) Programmable digital outputs
3) Answering machine
4) Lets us dial in remotely and operate the Central heating / Domestic hot water system
5) Controls the outside flood lights when movement is detected
6) Switches on the porch light for 2 minutes when the fron door is opened or the door bell is operated
7) Switches on the kitchen light for 2 minutes when the back door is opened and the alarm is armed
8) When we leave the house various lights in the house are switched on after dark to
9) System can be controlled from any internal phone in the house including Dect cordless phone
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This is the Comfort Keypad where the system is operated and programmed. I had intended buying the PC software but due to budget constraints managed without. I enjoyed programming the unit because it is very flexible and is only limited by your imagination. |
| The light and Central heating are operated from a small control panel I fitted in the loft. Its basically a metal enclosure with some din rail mounted equipmnet. (Klippon terminals, Fuse holders & Omeron 10A relays) Next time I'm in the loft I will take a couple of pictures. |  |
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I decided to put visual indication upstairs that HTG / Hot water was enabled. I drilled a couple of holes in an alarm sounder and wired two 12 volt Led's across the enable relays. I intended to use the unit as an internal sounder for the system but SWMBO did not approve of this idea |
| Indicator / Sounder |  |
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The outside lights are controlled by an GJD Opal External PIR connected to two of the comfort inputs. When movement is detected at night the house knows its night time and will operate the outside and inside lights. (Click on the image for a GJD spec sheet PDF) |
The Links
The Automatedhome web site is really the UK automation Hub. Thanks to Mark an the others who contribute to this constantly updated site.
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Comfort
Home Controls - Comfort is a modular system, you can start with basic security and then add automation in simple modular stages
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UK Home automation supplier I have used - Have a look at their FLASH demonstartions very amusing
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Dallas 1 wire interface plug-in for HomeSeer
The interface is an OCX plugin for HomeSeer to allow the use of 1-Wire devices and iButtons within HomeSeer without the need for any specialist hardware.
