Getting Started - MisterHouse and what hardware?

[boyfly]

Hello. I have been on this site for a while watching and reading. I think I am close to having decided what I want to accomplish as my first HA project, but I would like to run it by you guys for advice before I start throwing money at it.

I have tinkered with MisterHouse a little bit (just on a pc) to see if I can figure it out and I like how it is setup as well as the cost. So I'd like to go with that as my software package, unless I am convinced otherwise. I will probably try out some of the trials on other software while I'm starting out just to get a feel for what is out there, but I want my hardware to be purpose bought to work with MisterHouse.

The hardware is where I am at a loss so far. Our home was built in 1930 with different sections of the house utilizing every wiring technique since that time. In other words, I really do not think I will be able to rely on the existing wiring to work with hardware such as X10 and Insteon. However, I am willing and able (mostly) to run hardwires to all the devices needed. I've already done a lot of this to get my house networked, so I'm fairly confident in saying that I will be able to run dedicated wires for HA devices. (If absolutely necessary I will upgrade the electrical wiring as needed to current code, but it will take a lot of time and money effectively delaying my HA adventure indefinitely).

Here are the projects I would like to start out with, in order of importance based on what I hope are simple projects first:

1. Christmas Light control - auto on/off; remote (web) control
2. Porch Light control - auto on/off; remote (web) control
3. Bedroom Light control - the wife wants to turn off lights by clapping or voice
4. Security System - remote keyless entry to doors with auto-arm of alarm system; eventual integration of cameras viewable on the web
5. HVAC - monitor and control zones and temperatures for most efficient use of system

So in summary, I would like to get started with MisterHouse to accomplish the progressively more complex HA projects listed above. But the wiring in my house sucks and I don't think X10 or Insteon is going to work out very well without a huge investment in updating the existing wiring. My question is - what hardware should I use?

Any other comments about the capability of MisterHouse and my dream projects are also welcome.

 

[123]

Welcome to Cocoontech!

I assume you've spent time on the Misterhouse forum and understand the long road you've chosen. Unless you're proficient in Perl and enjoy coding, you may want to consider buying an HA program. Check out the HA Comparison Spreadsheet.

Premise is free but it lacks a zWave driver ... and if you're home's wiring is truly the nightmare you've described a wireless lighting technology like zWave may be your best option.

Be advised that most controlled switches (X10, Insteon, UPB, zWave) require connections to the Hot (black) and Neutral (white) wires. Many older homes do not provide a neutral wire at each switch location so zWave won't eliminate all of your headaches. There are switches that don't need a neutral connection but they get the job done by "stealing" a little bit of power through the load ... and that can cause other problems (notably with CFLs).

 

[boyfly]

Yes, I did look at the Misterhouse forum as well as many other products. Obviously, I will have to make a decision once I start working with the software, but we'll see how it goes. I will check out Premise as well.

I have decided to try to make Insteon work. I'll fix wiring as I go to get the devices to function properly. I have my first order in to Smarthome. I'm sure I will have questions in the coming weeks.

 

[nightwalker]

I agree with 123, it sounds like you have a perfect fit for Zwave. I'd be looking at that comparison sheet and picking something that will allow Zwave devices.

Opps, sorry I didn't see that you had already decided, good luck with that.

 

[boyfly]

Yee-haw! A buddy and I got our first Insteon parts working with MisterHouse over the weekend! I think I'm addicted already. I'm amazed at how simple MisterHouse actually is, even on a Linux box. I'll try to show some success (or failure) pics as I move along. I'm sure I will have questions at some point, but so far so good!

 

[boyfly]

Actually, I do have one question... what is the purpose of connecting the neutral wire to Insteon switches (and I assume other standards) when it's not necessary for the typical wiring scenario? So far I just have outlets working, but I also have a dimmer switch and I couldn't get it to work when I hooked it up, even though I found a circuit in this old house that actually has a neutral wire. I'd like to understand what the switch does with that wire, though.

 

[WayneW]

The neutral wire is provided for the benefit of the switch's active electronics. Without the neutral the switch itself would have to drain the power it uses via the ground wire or through the load, both of which are undesirable.

 

[Mashman]

Anyone knows if Misterhouse would run on a NSLU2? This would be great! I think it is Ipod touch/Iphone compatible.

 

[123]

http://misterhouse.wikispaces.com/Embedded

FYI
There's not a lot of Misterhouse traffic here on Cocoontech. The best place to ask Misterhouse questions is on its mailing list (or via Nabble). Most of the Misterhouse gurus contribute to the mailing list or the Wiki. I recommend you start by searching through the Nabble archives ... that's how I learned how to use and customize Misterhouse. Most of the latest features (i.e. anything created in the past 2-3 years) isn't in the documentation.

 

[123]

.. what is the purpose of connecting the neutral wire to Insteon switches ... when it's not necessary for the typical wiring scenario...

Not necessary for regular switches because they don't have any onboard circuitry that needs to remain powered even when the load (i.e. light) is off. See my post here for possible ways of rewiring in order to provide a neutral line. Note how the "Original circuit" switch is wired.

Don't attempt any rewiring unless you are familiar with your local electrical code and the basics of residential electrical wiring. The reality is that some switches cannot be automated because it is too difficult for the average DIYer to rewire it with a neutral line and too expensive to have an electrician do it.

There are PLC switches that don't require neutral because they never actually cut power to the load. A small amount of current continues to flow through the switch and load even when it is "off". As I mentioned in my earlier post, this technique can pose a problem for non-incandescent lighting.

 

[boyfly]

Ok, that makes sense why the neutral wire is used on the switch then.

Thanks for the link, 123.

My HA project #2 (automate front porch light) is going to require adding a neutral wire to the circuit. I think I'll be able to do it pretty easily, though, so I'm not going to give up on that one yet.

And I've also noticed that there is not a lot of Misterhouse action here, but maybe we can change that.

 

[damage]

Anyone knows if Misterhouse would run on a NSLU2? This would be great! I think it is Ipod touch/Iphone compatible.

i had it running briefly this weekend but it was too much of a hog for the nslu2. you'll spend a lot of time tracking down the right modules, header files, etc and you'll still get some errors - but some are apparently ok to ignore.

 

[123]

... not a lot of Misterhouse action here, but maybe we can change that.

The more the merrier! The cross-pollination of ideas can only make for a better experience for all Cocooners. MisterHouse users aren't afraid to write code because ... well, when you really get into it, you quickly realize that "set $Light ON" isn't enough Perl to get much done.