Wireless microphones

[dzirkelb]

I am going to start the speech automation part of my HA, and wanted to start with the microphone and a general explanation of what I need to do.

It is my understanding that using HomeSeer as my software, I am able to speak commands and the software will do whatever I ask. So, my next question is how do I send it signals through wireless microphones? For a one room setup, this should be pretty easy; however, I will want to expand this to multiple rooms.

So, what do I need to set up wireless microphones throughout my house, and, anyone have specific hardware that could come in handy?

 

[Dave X10]

... So, my next question is how do I send it signals through wireless microphones? For a one room setup, this should be pretty easy; however, I will want to expand this to multiple rooms.

So, what do I need to set up wireless microphones throughout my house, and, anyone have specific hardware that could come in handy?

The question is simple enough... the answer... could fill volumes.

The first and most important part (IMHO) is: you can NOT just plug in a microphone and be good to go. If a microphone is used in the microphone [in] plug [in the back of the computer] your computer will use auto-gain. That built-in auto-gain feature (at lease in Windows) will drive you insane with frustration as the setting will continue to alter automatically. You must use some sort of mildly amplified and regulated audio input and it MUST be plugged into the LINE-IN input.

I use a different brand of voice control software... although much is the same between brands. For wireless microphones... I know many are using intercoms. I had always planned on using intercoms myself.. actually. But I tried several different things as a way of testing... looking for cheap alternate methods. I found... and 3 years later still use cheap 49MHz baby monitors. My entire story is on line. I even have YouTube Video links (below).

 

[dzirkelb]

ya, I do vaguely remember reading about needing some sort of amplifier for the wireless mic's, and, now learing from you, I'll need that even for testing any mic I get. So, i will play around with that.

It is my understanding that an intercom system has buttons and you have to press something to activate the channel...I am not sure on that, but if that is the case, i want to shy away from that as I'd like to give my home a command wherever I might stand or sit (the most common places that is).

I am going to take a look at your links above and see if that answers any questions / gives me any ideas.

 

[dzirkelb]

Wow, I am really digging the baby monitor idea. i think that will be a nice way to start up for now, and then, later on, I may choose to go the route of having the microphone recognize which room i'm in instead of telling it where to listen.

Does BVC support UPB?

 

[dzirkelb]

And, I might be able to set up soemthing with my magic jack system then, set up the out of that to the in of the mic, then talk through the phone. Then, I shouldn't have to worry too much about the following throughout the house as the phone stay on each level, and quality isn't generally lost with multiple hooked up.

 

[Dave X10]

Does BVC support UPB?

BVC is X10 PLC and RF (and also does IR)... but just X10.