es1e+@andrew.cmu.edu (Eric Lee Singer) (02/02/88)
In article <676@bucket.UUCP> rickb@bucket.UUCP (Rick Bensene) writes: >I've noted a bit of discussion here and there regarding the >X-10 system for remote control of lights and appliances, ... as >well as occasional mention of other home automation subjects. >I have a keen interest in such topics, and am wondering if >there are many others out there with an interest in this topic? >The volume discussed thus far doesn't really seem to justify a newsgroup, >however, maybe if such a place existed ... max@trinity.uucp (Max Hauser) replies: >I agree that this is an interesting and expanding topic. >However I not only resist but must actively protest the sensibility, >increasingly widespread on the net, that finds it perfectly >reasonable to propose a new group simply because a new and >interesting topic arises. Neither is this an established >sufficient justification for a new group, nor is it necessary to >sustain a lively discussion on the topic. In particular, >sci.electronics is a lightly-trafficked group and could certainly >sustain the discussion for the indefinite future, during which >incidentally we would find out whether or not the topic actually, >as well as potentially, thrives. Moreover I imagine that many >peripherally interested readers could be exposed to the topic >automatically, while it remains in broader-interest groups. Let's try sustaining a discussion of Home Automation on the sci.electronics board since it is not heavily trafficked. If an overwhelmingly large discussion ensues, and is sustained for a while, then let's propose a new newsgroup, and count votes. Actually, I hope this does happen. As an aid to the discussion, I propose that we use the following format for Subject headings to enable readers to follow the trail of discussion more easily: Subject: Home Automation: <more specific area> For example: Subject: Home Automation: X-10 system Subject: Home Automation: Domestic Data Bus If you agree with this idea, please format your posts this way. To start out the discussion, I would like to get some initial information on some of the items I have seen discussed so far. Anyone with good, detailed information, sources, or references, please respond with an informative posting. - What is the X-10 remote control system, and is it of any value? It was mentioned in Rick Bensene's excerpt above. - What is the NV Philips Domestic Data Bus? - What is the Integrated Services Digital Network? (both mentioned in Max Hauser's posting) A while ago, I read about a standard of wiring that has been written into the standard electrical codes for house wiring since about 1986 (I am not sure what the official title of the code is). This standard is supposed to replace the rat's nest of wiring in the walls of many homes with a single cable. The cable is suitable for providing AC power as well as control and other information. The article also mentioned that wall sockets in the system would be "smart enough" to detect a foreign object, such as a finger, in the outlet and shut off power to the outlet. Anybody have any clues about this standard, and perhaps where to obtain a copy of the code? Hoping to continue discussion, Eric Singer <es1e@andrew.cmu.edu> P.S. - I will no longer cross-post articles to comp.misc, as this will confuse the trail of discussion. I strongly recommend posting and replying to sci.electronics from now on.