shprentz@bdmrrr.bdm.com (Joel Shprentz) (02/08/88)
I just purchased a Homeminder home control system from Radio Shack.
Here are my initial impressions.
Installation was a snap. The Homeminder video output connects to a
TV's video input. The TV's video source (cable, antenna, VCR, ...)
connects to the Homeminder's video input. When not in use, a relay in
the Homeminder routes the normal video to the TV.
Describing my X-10 modules to the Homeminder was simple, but tedious.
Pictorial menus offer about two dozen lamps and appliances which can be
positioned in eight rooms or outdoors. Module codes are assigned by
the Homeminder but can be changed by the user.
One of the cutest features of the Homeminder is its room diagrams.
These perspective views show typical furniture layouts in the living,
dining, family, bed, guest, and spare rooms. Other views show the
front and back yards. Some views are slightly animated. For example,
a fire burns in the living room fireplace.
Each room has a dozen positions for lamps and appliances on the
ceiling, walls, furniture, and floor. Each lamp or appliance may be
installed only in some positions of some rooms. For example, a floor
lamp must be installed on the floor of an inside room.
One problem I encountered was that rooms may have only one ceiling lamp
and two wall lamps. I had to choose other lamps and position them near
their actual location. Another problem was the absence of halls,
bathrooms, and other areas of my home.
It took about an hour to describe my home to the Homeminder.
The room diagrams show the on/off status of each lamp and appliance.
The Homeminder listens to the powerline and records changes made by
other X-10 controllers. Local module operations are not noted because
they do not transmit anything on the powerline.
Once installed, you can select a lamp or appliance to turn on, turn
off, dim, or schedule by locating it in a room diagram. Alternatively,
selection can be made by unit number.
The amount of dimming is specified by a percentage from 0 to 100. Like
the Powerhouse, the Homeminder first brings the lamp to full brightness
and then dims to the specified level.
On, off, and dim events may be scheduled in advance. The built in time
of day clock and calendar has a battery backup, as does the Homeminder
memory. (The calendar does not know the year, so I expected it to skip
leap day.) Like the Powerhouse, events can be scheduled today,
tomorrow, every day, weekdays, weekend days, or on specific days. Also
like the Powerhouse, events can occur at specific times or at a random
time within an hour of the specified time (to make your home look lived
in). Up to 120 events can be scheduled.
Another security feature is available. When activated, the Homeminder
chooses one lamp in each room and randomly cycles them on and off
during the early evening hours. Later, bedroom lights will go on and
off. Still later, outside lights will go on and inside lights will go
off. A radio or stereo can optionally be played as part of the
security program.
Unrelated to home control, but still interesting is the memo pad. It
is not a memo pad, but rather a reminder system. You can enter the
date (and when appropriate, time) of birthdays, parties, meals, etc.
When the appointed day arrives, a led on the front panel lights and the
reminder can be displayed on the screen.
If connected to the phone line, the Homeminder will answer the phone
after 7-10 rings. It listens for touch tone commands and responds with
various beeps. With phone commands, you can turn a lamp or appliance
on or off.
You can also leave a message like "Number one will be home at _____" or
"Call number two at ___________." You can key in a time or phone
number to complete the message. The message led lights on the
Homeminder front panel and the message can be retrieved with the memo
pad function.
An optional password can protect you from malicious phone calls.
The manual warns that the Homeminder must not be used on a line with an
answering machine, but undocumented command 0 on the main menu brings
up a screen offering to do just that. When this feature is activated,
the Homeminder will connect to the phone line about twenty seconds
after the last ring. After announcing its presence with three beeps,
it waits for touch tones. If none are forthcoming, it disconnects.
Although it cannot be interfaced to my computer, I think the Homeminder
is will worth the $60 I paid for it. I recommend it is a fun gadget to
compliment any X-10 installation.
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Joel Shprentz Phone: (703) 848-7305
BDM Corporation Uucp: {rutgers,vrdxhq,rlgvax}!bdmrrr!shprentz
7915 Jones Branch Drive Internet: shprentz@bdmrrr.bdm.com
McLean, Virginia 22102