Home Automation - design phase
APPLICATION
To design a Home Automation system that will allow Modetron modules (End Units) to communicate wirelessly with a specialised Modetron
module (Controller) and to allow this information to be monitored and controlled by software specially written for the PC
DESCRIPTION
End units) 1-15 Modetron modules with wireless connectivity and the ability to perform a number of different functions.
These would include dimming lights, switching appliances, measuring temperature, monitoring room activity etc.Controller) A
Modetron module with controller software that will act as an interface between the End Units and a PC, if connected. This unit will have a communications
interface to the PC (currently using the serial port)
PC software) Used to monitor and control the data flow between the End units and the Controller
HARDWARE
End units )
Base100 (35mm) + PSU101 (220Vac) + MicroXXX + Mod108 (Zigbee) + ModXXX
The MicroXXX could be any of the available microcontrollers. Currently the development is taking place on a PIC16F876. The ModXXX could be any one of the
available modules. Usually the End unit would have some kind of sensor interface like temperature or motion and a controlling interface like a dimmer or a relay
Controller )
Base100 (35mm) + PSU101 (220Vac) + MicroXXX + Mod108 (Zigbee) + Mod101 (Serial)
SOFTWARE
This will occur on three different fronts as the system is created, End units, Controller and the PC
The software will be an ongoing development because the applications are so vast. At this stage it has been written so that many of the options will be
controllable from the PC.
End unit features) On switch on will join an existing Zigbee network. Will contain a database describing what modules it has
present and how the module data should be sent to the Controller. Will also have an action database which will describe the actions to take under specific
conditions eg IF (motion detected) AND (time > 18h00) THEN (switch on the main light) etc
Controller features) On switch on will join the existing Zigbee network. Will contain the database information of all the End units and will check that each End
unit has the latest module database and the action database. Will allow all data to go to the PC (if it is present or not).
PC Software features) This Home automation application is where the real meat sits. This software will have many powerful features like:
* Create a visual floorplan of your home/office/factory/anything.
* Specify where each End unit is situated and what modules it contains.
* Monitor the current condition of each module ex "The temperature in the kitchen is 30degC".
* Create a set of instructions for each End unit that will run whether the PC is connected or not.
* Monitor the status of the Zigbee network by having data like received signal strength available.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Tell us what you want !
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