usenet@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU (01/12/91)
I have in mind a project which requires a "real world" interface, ie the ability to do things like switch on/off mains-powered devices, adjust the volume on an audio amplifier, fade up/down mains-powered lamps, etc. All actions cued by time. I'm looking for suggestions re hardware, both computer and interface -- the software I'd write myself. (Suggestions of more appropriate newsgroups also welcome.) As may be obvious, I know nothing whatsoever about such things. Such interfaces, that is, and personal computers. I've been using UNIX/C on workstations for some time. Is the sort of interface I need commercially available for any common personal computer? Or anything I could fairly easily adapt -- my hardware experience is limited to some simple, non PCB electronic construction, long ago, though for this I'm willing to do some relearning -- but probably short of making my own PCBs. I was wondering, re the audio volume, would it be practical to get an amp with an IR remote, and hack the handset.. As the audio will be quite high quality I'd be reluctant to hack the amp itself. I don't think I need any input, but I might need feedback on the state of some of the devices. I guess I could find a way around that, though. Any suggestions?
Roger.Sheppard@bbs.actrix.gen.nz (01/16/91)
Organization: Actrix Information Exchange, Wellington, New Zealand References: <1991Jan12.104807.26069@canon.co.uk> Date: Wed, 16 Jan 91 07:08:07 GMT Distribution: world Apparently-To: comp-sys-m68k-pc@uunet.uu.net There have been a Number of articles about IR remote controlers that could be interfaced with the Atari ST. Note. also the Printer or the STE extra port can be used for this, I am pazzeld why Atari have droped the Extra Ports, they are very good for those Uni: prolects... -- Roger W. Sheppard 85 Donovan Rd, Kapiti New Zealand...
davem@hp-lsd.COS.HP.COM (Dave K. Martin) (01/18/91)
This may not be available to you in the UK, but in the US there is a nifty little wireless controller called X10. (There are other brand names but they mostly work the same.) The system consists of a control unit and one ore more remote units, typically up to 255 remotes per contoller. The controller sends bursts of high frequency codes into the mains wiring. Any remotes on the same side of the main power transformer 'listen' to these codes. When a remote detects its specific code, then it will turn on or off depending on what it was told to do. Installation is as simple as plugging the modules in at the desired locations. There is a large variety of contoller and remote modules. There are indivudual plug in controllers for: Lamp module - plugs into a wall outlet and turns an incandesant lamp on, off, or act as a dimmer. Switch modules - essentially the same as a lamp module but packaged as a wall mounted switch. These are also available in three way switch versions. Appliance module - plug in module also, used for heavy duty and inductive loads such as motors, heaters, coffee pots, etc. These are available in 110 and 220 volt versions for air conditioners. Outlet module - same as appliance modules but replaces the wall outlet. Thermostat module - works in conjunction with your regular thermostat to control when the house furnace is on or off. There are several controller modules ranging from a simple on/off/dimmer for up to 8 remotes to larger controllers with programable timers and up to 255 individual remotes. There is also a contoller with a RS-232 interface that works with Amigas, Macs, IBMs, C-64s or just about anything else. This has a microprocessor and battery backed ram. The computer is used to program the unit to turn things on and off at various times. Once the controller is programmed, the computer can be disconnected. More than one controller can be used with the remotes, ie a controller in each room to control lights throughout the house. The Amiga software for the programmable contoller has an ARexx port which allows for some pretty creative things to be done with the X-10 system. Create an ARexx job to turn things on and off based on time or, say what someone entered in response to an AmigaVision question. The remote modules usually run about $15 -$25 US, and then controllers are usually about $15 - $150 US. The programable goes by the name of POWERHOUSE and is about $80. hope this helps.....