Stack Exchange
log in sign up chat discuss faq users badges

Area 51 » Technology

definition commitment beta

The Home Automation site didn't have enough activity during the beta and has been closed. You can download the data dump of all questions here.

233
followers

Home Automation

Q&A site for folks automating their homes, housework or household activities.

12
votes
3
answers

Should the “Home Automation” proposal be enveloped by IoT?

may 24 '16 at 16:44 velocirabbit 151
2
votes
3
answers

Do you want to try again?

feb 5 '16 at 21:26 Jens Erat 151
2
votes
1
answer

Should all suitable questions be transferred in Home Improvement?

nov 15 '14 at 17:47 Community♦ 1
5
votes
1
answer

When will the proposal 'Home Automation' reach beta?

oct 28 '14 at 15:46 Community♦ 1
0
votes
0
answers

Moving out of Discussion phase. Ideas?

may 7 '14 at 17:26 Paul Hildebrandt 211

show 2 more discussions
discuss this proposal

63 Example Questions

active newest votes
up vote 24 down vote
How i can integrate my RaspeberryPi with my home lights to control it with GPIO?
added by luisurrutia Jun 25 '13 at 1:26
link
up vote 24 down vote
How can I detect how much water/electricity I am Using and Control the usage throughout the house and various outputs and times?
added by Leslie at Acme Consultancy Ltd Jul 13 '13 at 8:21
link
up vote 22 down vote
What is the difference between the Insteon, Z-Wave, and ZigBee mesh networking technologies?
added by BigMacAttack Sep 13 '13 at 15:58
link
up vote 17 down vote
How can I debug a Z-wave network?
added by Aaron May 29 '13 at 17:24
link
up vote 15 down vote
How can I integrate a NEST thermostat into my automation system?
added by BigMacAttack Sep 13 '13 at 15:52
link
Sort of. Depending which automation system you are using, NEST have a reputation of not playing nicely with others. There was a Control4 driver that was capable of communicating but was removed after Nest threatened the developers with legal action. – iamchristos Nov 18 '13 at 1:32
They did open up a developer program. nest.com/blog/2013/09/25/calling-all-developers The are working with Control4 on a product. I haven't seen any other announcements or information. But, this seems to be a good direction. – Paul Hildebrandt Dec 29 '13 at 18:12
up vote 14 down vote
What are the advantages of buying a more expensive automation system (Crestron, Control4) over the less expensive ones (X10, Insteon)
added by Chase Florell May 30 '13 at 4:36
link
3  
This might be deemed OT as too general or too broad (making a concise answer difficult), though I personally would like some overview. Perhaps a related blog for "world view" wiki articles – HerrBag May 30 '13 at 14:20
up vote 14 down vote
Is there a do-it-yourself tutorial for integrating washers and/or dryers into a home automation network?
added by John O Nov 21 '13 at 5:30
link
Just wondering what type of integration you would want. If they are running or not? If they are finished? Do you want to turn them on remotely? If they are "dumb" appliances you will need to hack something in. If that is the case the more control you want the more complicated it becomes. – Paul Hildebrandt Dec 29 '13 at 18:19
2  
@PaulHildebrandt It's not appropriate for us to discuss the question, only to provide questions that would be good examples for the new SE site. If I could ask a real question, there'd be more space to get into the details, which I would certainly get into specifics. – John O Jan 18 '14 at 5:13
Got it. Thanks! I sorta missed the point. – Paul Hildebrandt Jan 18 '14 at 5:18
Why are you asking for a tutorial? The point of SE would be to give you that information directly, not search the internet for you. – Phil Frost Feb 19 '14 at 13:46
2  
I can't write the body of the question. Have a little imagination. Someone posted a step-by-step tutorial for replacing their microwave's guts with an RPi awhile back, including the membrane buttons. It's more than "you can hack an RPi into it", it's the complete recipe along with photos. – John O Feb 21 '14 at 13:23
up vote 13 down vote
What is the decision point between dedicated hardware (single purpose) and a flexible, general purpose automation system?
added by HerrBag May 29 '13 at 16:04
link
up vote 13 down vote
What sort of advantages would I have in running Cat6 throughout my house instead of Cat5 ?
added by JcKelley Jul 6 '13 at 0:45
link
1  
You could ask this on superuser. What's it have to do specifically with home automation? – Phil Frost Feb 19 '14 at 13:40
2  
Cat5(E) is already borderline, it won't work (reliably or at all) with the new 10-Gigabit Ethernet. Right now, even entry level routers are getting Gigabit Ethernet. There's still no consumer market for 10-Gigabit Ethernet, but Gigabit Wi-Fi is a reality with the upcoming 802.11ac standard. With Cat5E you get Gigabit Ethernet + Gigabit Wi-Fi. When the next technology comes out, you'll be left in the cold. So, get Cat6, or even Cat6A (goes to 100 meters instead of just 55). BTW if you really want to go for Cat5E, make sure it's not CCA crap (Copper Clad Aluminium). – Agostino Feb 20 '14 at 9:54
1  
This feels pretty broad and nearly unrelated to home automation. Sure, you can use cat6/5 to automate with, but a question like this most likely won't give specific answers related to home automation. – Ry-Is-InControl Mar 28 '14 at 15:18
up vote 11 down vote
Do any governing bodies rate Home Automation products (beyond UL or CSA verifying electrical safety) for functionality, reliability or performance?
added by HerrBag May 29 '13 at 16:35
link
up vote 11 down vote
How do I access the extended modes on a Z-wave light switch?
added by Aaron May 29 '13 at 17:13
link
up vote 11 down vote
How do I increase the range of a Z-wave network?
added by Aaron May 29 '13 at 17:24
link
up vote 11 down vote
How can I integrate a reporting tool into my home automation system?
added by Leslie at Acme Consultancy Ltd May 29 '13 at 19:46
link
1  
Not the sort of question targeted at the Home Automation section at this time. – iamchristos Jun 18 '13 at 22:11
In that case let me rephrase it looking at the other questions people are now asking - 'How can I integrate a reporting tool into my home automation system' – Leslie at Acme Consultancy Ltd Jun 22 '13 at 15:39
@Leslie at Acme Consultancy Ltd As OP, you can edit your response into your original answer – HerrBag Jul 6 '13 at 12:40
up vote 11 down vote
What hardware can reliably detect if the shower is occupied?
added by John O Jul 7 '13 at 18:05
link
up vote 11 down vote
Is it worth running low voltage dc wires through out the house for lights and small devices?
added by schwiz Jul 20 '13 at 4:27
link
up vote 11 down vote
Are there any Z-Wave adapters that have a connector (RP-SMA or other) for an external antenna?
added by John O Aug 3 '13 at 19:35
link
up vote 11 down vote
Can I re-use in-wall light switches with high voltage cabling to act as inputs to a microcontroller? (obviously after removing high voltage source)
added by Madivad Aug 28 '13 at 23:31
link
up vote 11 down vote
I have automated window blinds, primarily for winter heating, but how can I integrate a schedule for more accurately controlling them?
added by panhandel Sep 6 '13 at 21:39
link
up vote 11 down vote
What irrigation controllers offer the best integration into home automation systems?
added by BigMacAttack Sep 13 '13 at 16:01
link
up vote 11 down vote
Is there a way to bridge Z-wave over ethernet to connect a far away subcontroler to the main contoller?
added by smartmeta Sep 14 '13 at 7:18
link
up vote 11 down vote
How can I improve the range of my RaZberry Z-wave module?
added by smartmeta Sep 15 '13 at 9:28
link
Or is it possible to improve the PCB antenna? – smartmeta Sep 25 '13 at 5:58
These are example questions (not intending real answers .. yet).. The best path is to vote up valid questions to move past the 'definition' phase. – HerrBag Dec 5 '13 at 19:22
1  
@HerrBag: Sure, I know about that. But I think it makes the page in the 'define' state more attraktive and alive if there are real comments. – smartmeta Jan 30 '14 at 11:37
up vote 11 down vote
I got some ABUS radio door contacts and would like to access them via my Raspi. So what protocol are they talking? (no oscilloscope at hand) Ideas?
added by smartmeta Sep 15 '13 at 9:33
link
up vote 11 down vote
What is the best cost-benefit wifi protocol to use in home automation?
added by Butzke Sep 24 '13 at 18:17
link
1  
Good question. What would be your parameters? – smartmeta Sep 25 '13 at 5:57
up vote 11 down vote
What are the typical standards for home automation? (Protocols, network types, control centers, etc.)
added by Dee Dec 19 '13 at 1:49
link
5  
Way too broad, and subject to change over time. – Phil Frost Feb 19 '14 at 13:44
up vote 10 down vote
Is openHAB the best solution for my smarthome when I use a Raspberry with a RaZberry Z-wave module?
added by smartmeta Sep 13 '13 at 6:42
link
up vote 10 down vote
What software options exist for creating and managing home automation 'scenes'?
added by BigMacAttack Sep 13 '13 at 16:09
link
up vote 10 down vote
Can Z-wave devices from overseas be easily modified to use US freq. radios?
added by John O Nov 11 '13 at 5:18
link
2  
and vice versa. – smartmeta Mar 12 '14 at 14:02
up vote 10 down vote
is there a step-by step guides for dummies to implement home automation?
added by Dee Dec 19 '13 at 1:43
link
up vote 10 down vote
Is there sound playing device plugable to home network, which can simulate dog or other sound on events like door open when I'm not at home?
added by Dee Dec 19 '13 at 1:46
link
if downvoted, then why? – Dee Jan 1 '14 at 19:37
Yah why downvoted? This is a legitimate question and yes similar devices do exist, for example there was x10 version and I am sure this can be done with an arduino, wifi shield, and a speaker. – Bryan Focht Jan 9 '14 at 6:06
2  
I think the downvotes are regarding the specificity of the question. A better question might be, "How can I trigger a sound to be played when my door is opened and I'm not home?" Having a noise machine, whatever sound it plays, isn't really "home automation", and I would guess the downvotes are reflective of this. – Alex Robar Jan 9 '14 at 19:10
@alex, changed... – Dee Jan 13 '14 at 23:26
2  
I have no personal interest in a device, but this seems like a good candidate question. It was submitted in good faith, shows that the asker has a grasp of the topic (home automation), and is a challenging problem that might require asking people here. I have used all my votes or I would certainly upvote this. – John O Jan 18 '14 at 5:08
up vote 10 down vote
is there a HiFi intercom (to communicate with outside) pluggable to the home automatin?
added by Dee Dec 19 '13 at 1:47
link
2  
Christ, I wish we could answer here. – John O Jan 18 '14 at 5:14
up vote 10 down vote
How do you surge protect a smart light bulb, such as the LIFX?
added by panhandel Dec 31 '13 at 22:41
link
up vote 10 down vote
What alternatives are available to avoid the usage of a smart-meter?
added by Irgendw Pointer Jan 16 '14 at 7:48
link
up vote 10 down vote
I want to water my plants (using a water valve scavenged from a dishwasher), how do I control water quantity?
added by ChuckCottrill Jan 17 '14 at 16:34
link
up vote 10 down vote
What are the security issues to connecting my automated home to the internet?
added by ChuckCottrill Jan 17 '14 at 23:39
link
3  
This is a hugely broad question. There is an entire SE site dedicated to security, much of which involves protection from malicious activity on the internet. – Phil Frost Feb 19 '14 at 13:37
@PhilFrost, I think this question may be very relevant if you understand it in the sense "what are the problems I can cause by connecting..." So it is not about the internet-related security issues themselves or how to avoid them, but about what they can do to an automated home / its inhabitants. So basically about the cost of a problem rather than the problem itself. – Konstantin Karapetyan Feb 26 '14 at 16:00
up vote 10 down vote
Would you use wired or wireless control for new automation devices? And what are the industry standard protocols?
added by ChuckCottrill Jan 17 '14 at 23:41
link
3  
Too broad, subjective. – Adam Davis Feb 20 '14 at 2:58
up vote 10 down vote
Has anyone been able to control the wireless Lutron Maestro wall switches with Home Automation software or a Raspberry Pi?
added by Paul Hildebrandt Jan 30 '14 at 3:20
link
up vote 10 down vote
What is the best way to get started with home automation?
added by Thoth Feb 20 '14 at 6:21
link
Decide what you would like to do. If you already decided then decide what platform you what to use namely: Arduino, Beaglebone, Raspberry Pi etc.. Research more about your preferred platform and the start building it! – Anonymous Apr 16 '14 at 18:13
up vote 10 down vote
Is there a home automation solution (especially for lighting) that will still allow me to control the lights using existing in wall switches?
added by Madivad Feb 27 '14 at 23:58
link
up vote 9 down vote
What (radio) protocols do automated deck awnings and patio umbrellas use?
added by John O Nov 22 '13 at 2:15
link
up vote 9 down vote
What hardware can I use to automate my garage door... including the ability to open/close it remotely and detect if it's open now?
added by Ry-Is-InControl Mar 28 '14 at 15:24
link
1 2 next

This site has been

Closed

This proposal didn't have enough activity during the beta. It was closed 8 years ago.

You could try proposing a variation of this site that you think will have a better chance.

proposed by

iamchristos
2,848●2●3●20

9 years ago

edited by

Robert Cartaino ♦ 3
231k●71●667●1456

8 years ago

viewed

10,214 times

latest activity

8 years ago

followers

users also following

9.9% Data Science
9.4% Arduino
9.4% Engineering
5.6% Mythology
19.3% only this proposal

followers active in

75.1% Stack Overflow
30.9% Super User
16.7% Server Fault
16.3% Meta Stack Exchange
15.9% Ask Ubuntu
14.2% Software Engineering

recent followers

added Nov 5 '14 at 19:22
Patrick W. McMahon
4,843●2●27●72
added Oct 28 '14 at 21:27
King Shimkus
10.8k●10●75●137
added Oct 28 '14 at 21:11
Poik
3,482●1●38●83
added Oct 16 '14 at 22:11
barrypicker
11.1k●9●74●100
added Oct 4 '14 at 8:45
rysch
467●1●6
added Sep 24 '14 at 14:46
blo0p3r
7,161●8●53●79
added Sep 23 '14 at 16:05
derobert
184k●42●458●660
added Sep 23 '14 at 8:22
Randall Williams
144●5
added Sep 22 '14 at 13:24
Undo ♦ 1
142k●113●595●1294
added Sep 20 '14 at 13:31
krismath
6,678●11●73●159
added Sep 7 '14 at 3:22
Lucio Paiva
18.2k●9●83●110
added Sep 5 '14 at 21:28
user3671030
1,478●2●16●28
added Aug 30 '14 at 21:20
sww1235
126●4
added Aug 29 '14 at 2:15
Mark Balhoff
2,635●4●23●39
added Aug 26 '14 at 18:41
agrothe
2,882●1●38●58
added Aug 23 '14 at 18:40
Foozinator
551●3●12
added Aug 22 '14 at 14:38
NaeiKinDus
1,441●28●61
added Aug 21 '14 at 22:32
Mark Booth ♦ 1
69.3k●28●475●918
added Aug 18 '14 at 8:58
Meysam
48.8k●98●403●846
added Aug 17 '14 at 12:55
BobStein-VisiBone
26.4k●14●173●258
added Aug 13 '14 at 1:38
Mike S
41.9k●11●91●93
added Jul 16 '14 at 20:56
Martin Büttner
268k●92●685●1412
added Jul 10 '14 at 9:47
Fabian Tschachtli
1,200●7●19
added Jun 30 '14 at 20:56
JabberwockyDecompiler
4,217●2●41●69
added Jun 15 '14 at 9:07
BodgeIT
1,279●8●34
added Jun 12 '14 at 13:04
Tonven
749●8●29
added Jun 5 '14 at 15:00
Rob Lang
12.6k●6●66●148
added Jun 4 '14 at 0:26
woot
7,722●2●38●65
added May 20 '14 at 17:33
samstav
2,026●20●21
added May 15 '14 at 20:35
driz
1,423●1●8●51
added May 14 '14 at 13:32
Chris Mueller
33.1k●13●162●344
added May 12 '14 at 17:39
Andrew
493●1●3●17
added May 9 '14 at 10:22
OoManiac
51●1
added May 9 '14 at 9:29
omeinusch
9,474●7●73●153
added May 8 '14 at 5:44
rekaszeru
19.2k●8●60●77
added May 7 '14 at 22:05
Hakan
668●4●17
added May 6 '14 at 11:34
Daniel ♦ 1
7,357●8●67●133
added May 6 '14 at 7:21
M C
1,367●1●14●43
added May 6 '14 at 0:31
Thanu
2,615●8●33●58
added May 5 '14 at 13:10
Joe
10.5k●13●91●154
feed icon proposal feed
faq | blog | legal | privacy policy | contact us | feedback always welcome
site design / logo © 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa; see the licensing help page for more information.
rev 2023.1.23.613