Lots of I/O

[pete]

Thanks for all of the replies so far. I'm really looking for the most # of inputs for the least cost. Software support is not a problem, I will write any wrapper code that is needed to glue the project together.

considering this, I will again suggest the ADI stuff. An Ocelot and (4)Secu16Is would give you 64 inputs for $475 or so, or swap a Secu16I for a Secu16 and you'd have 56 inputs and 8 outputs . .

I would also suggest an alarm type power supply w/ battery backup for the ADI equip.

I run my HVAC (5 zone pumps, 1 split sys a/c) using decora temp sensors with home brew op amps (very similar to what you mention) and ADI modules.

All security devices tie into the ADI stuff and are available for logic control.

I've got my 'core' code loaded into my Leopard (which is the biggest negative, the C-Max programming interface to the Ocelot/Leopard leaves much to be desired) and use HomeSeer to add convenience features, but if you can write your own interface (a bit beyond my talents) I think you could do just about any automation task with this stuff.

Take a look at HomeDaemon for some ideas/examples of what can be done.


.. if your set on the idea of running a computer 24/7, another possibilty might be DallasSemi one-wire and accys.

 

[electron]

I use the Elk M1 for analog inputs, and haven't had any problems yet.

 

[TonyNo]

I will again suggest the ADI stuff

FYI, the Ocelot is also directly supported by PowerHome.

I always felt the Velleman stuff was not scalable enough which is why I am so anxious for PH to start supporting the M1

So, the Elk can do general I/O too?

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I'm not trying to "bash" the Elk, just stating that it may be a "challenge" for some sensors as it has that internal "pull-up" resistor connected to its inputs.

 

[TonyNo]

[The Elk] has that internal "pull-up" resistor connected to its inputs

A bit of resistor lead-cutting can fix that.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

[The Elk] has that internal "pull-up" resistor connected to its inputs

A bit of resistor lead-cutting can fix that.

No, not lead cutting, but de-soldering as they are surface mount types!

 

[Guy Lavoie]

Yes, I really wish Elk had designed the inputs with a jumper to disable the internal pullup. Another issue is that the 256 voltage steps (8 bit resolution) is read over a 14 volt range, giving you a coarser resolution for devices like LM34 temperature sensors and such.

 

[TonyNo]

they are surface mount types

Ouch! Oh well.

 

[huggy59]

The typical problem with reading analog voltages or current is the range. Sometimes you need additional circuitry to scale the real-world amounts to something the A2D systems can handle.

 

[jbauer]

Thanks everyone for the answers. Here is a summary of what I have learned, hopefully this will help others out.

The short answer is that the most I/O for the least $$ comes in the form of SeaLevel USB I/O cards, boasting a whopping 96 digital I/O points for $280.

Summary of this thread follows...

Ocelot CPU controller $199
Secu16 and/or Secu16I I/O boards are $99 each for 16 I/O points
Unknown maximum # of I/O boards
Serial Port interface
Link: http://www.automationtec.com/store/ocelot.php

Apogee / Velleman K8001 controller for $75 plus K8000RS I/O board for $130
16 digitial I/O, 9 analog out, 4 analog in
$130 per I/O board, up to 4 I/O boards supported
Parallel port interface
Link: http://www.apogeekits.com/input_output.htm

ADU208 for $189 for 8 bits, USB connection
Link: http://www.ontrak.net/products.htm

Elk M1 Gold for ~$500 (+/- power supply)
- or -
Elk EZ8 for ~$180
16 on-board zones (is this I/O?) expandable to 208 with relay modules
13 On-board Outputs: 1 voice/siren, 1 siren driver, 1 form "C" relay and 10 low current (50mA) outputs
Serial Interface
Relay modules are $85: http://www.iautomate.com/elk_m1xovr.html
Ez8: http://www.iautomate.com/m1_ez8.html
Homepage: http://www.elkproducts.com/products/m1/elk-m1.htm

NuDam RS-485 network, up to 128 different devices
Prices range from $90 to $200 for 8 to 16 I/O points
analog and digital as well as temperature available
CircuitSpecialists: http://www.circuitspecialists.com/level.itml/icOid/391

HomeVision
24 digital I/O, expandable with I/O cards
Prices cryptic, could not figure out
I/O Cards: http://www.armaghelectrical.com.au/page5.html
I/O Cards: http://www.csi3.com/hv_p4.htm
HomeVision: http://www.csi3.com/HV_P2.HTM

Sealevel USB I/O cards
16 I/O for $230
96 I/O for $279
http://www.sealevel.com/subcategories.asp?subcat_id=22


- jason

 

[carry15+1]

jason,

Homevision costs are roughly $600/$1000 HV/HV pro - YMMV.

I've had both ADI and Homevision and can tell you the i/o on the HV units are fast and reliable. You will experience some latency on the SECU stuff from ADI, especially with multiple i/o modules. Some very short term inputs changes may be lost.

As HV is basically an event driven controller it is inherently more responsive than the ADI.