[mythtvnz] [OT] Home Automation

[Criggie]

Hadley Rich wrote, On 20/08/13 11:15:
> On 19/08/13 19:07, Nick Rout wrote:
>> Does anyone have any clues as to home automation products in NZ?
>
> I've done a bit of playing with home automation.
>
> "Works with Linux" is not really something that happens in the 
> commercial HA space. Most of that stuff is, use the light switches by 
> this company with the dimmer packs by this company with the control 
> unit by this company.
>
> Dimming is your main issue in your requirements. Switching things on 
> and off is relatively easy. Dimming requires more effort. DMX (used in 
> stage lighting) is an old but useful, and easily interfaced protocol. 
> This is probably one of your best options for open access.
>
> Unfortunately even if you find useful products another issue is 
> electrical compliance, if it doesn't have a certificate then an 
> electrician likely won't touch it these days.
>
> It can be a bit of a tricky thing. 


Are we thinking about this from the wrong side?  Instead of controlling 
240V mains lights from a command, how about controlling 12V LED lights?  
Ultra low voltage means no compliance requirements.

Nick - how about having to say "lights ON!"  or similar when entering 
that room ?
Of course that could be in addition to the normal room lighting.