Remote wireless security and control.

[Canvasman]

Does anyone have experience with remote temp. control and possibly security control. I would like to set up my house,  with the ability to adjust temp. from southern WI, to house in northern WI. Also possibly set up cameras for security. I know honeywell has a system. I'm looking to use both computer and smartphone. Also any info on pre planning for future solar panels, as my walls are still open and uninsulated.
Thanks
Eric

[MountainDon]

.... future solar panels,.....

Photovoltaics?  Air heating? Water heating?

[Redoverfarm]

Does anyone have experience with remote temp. control and possibly security control. I would like to set up my house,  with the ability to adjust temp. from southern WI, to house in northern WI. Also possibly set up cameras for security. I know honeywell has a system. I'm looking to use both computer and smartphone. Also any info on pre planning for future solar panels, as my walls are still open and uninsulated.
Thanks
Eric

Can't say anything about the temp control but the security system I may spread some light.  My son was a contact person for security breech's at a neighbors house.  He could view 4 cameras live via our computer of the neighbors house.  I am not sure what the exact namebrand was but I think the recorder, cameras and modem were only about $600.  Of course you had to have internet.  For a while there were several false alarms before the bugs were worked out but they could easily be varified as false by looking at the live action cameras.  So in essence you could view the cameras from anywhere there was internet access.

[yankeeredneck]

I sent you an PM on this. I run my own home automation business and will advise you if needed.

[Canvasman]

MtnDon, thinking electric. I don't know, because I Do Not understand! what I can do. The house will have hydronic heat as pex tubing is buried into the concrete floor. Everything else is open to what can be done.
Thanks

[MountainDon]

PV electric can be grid tied or off grid or a combination; a hybrid if you will.

Do you have grid power?
Do you want to be grid tied; use the grid as a battery so to speak?
If grid tie PV is being considered, do you want to have some battery based storage for power outages?
Do you want to be autonomous; no grid connection?

There are other questions but that will do for a start.

[Rob_O]

As John stated, remote access requires a 24/7 internet connection. You also need 24/7 power. Is any of that a problem at your location?

[Canvasman]

I have 200amps to house. Phone buried 100 feet away. I also have ability to have cell phone and higher speed internet from cell tower. I  am going to install generac backup with propane. I would say I'm looking at this as an alternative.

[rick91351]

I have 200amps to house. Phone buried 100 feet away. I also have ability to have cell phone and higher speed internet from cell tower. I  am going to install generac backup with propane. I would say I'm looking at this as an alternative.

Thanks, in other words you are not off grid, and wanting to stay that way.  That really helps us help you.  This is also a project I would be very interesting in following.  We however are minus the cell phone service unless I can find a very, very good cell phone booster.  We really have no chance of high speed internet unless we choose to go satellite. 

   

[Rob_O]

I have 200amps to house. Phone buried 100 feet away. I also have ability to have cell phone and higher speed internet from cell tower. I  am going to install generac backup with propane. I would say I'm looking at this as an alternative.

Sounds like you are have the power and communication requirements covered. I'd suggest you start here http://www.smarthome.com/forum/ to see what others are doing and what equipment fits your needs

[Native_NM]

Look at the DLink stuff.  I can monitor my camera on my iPhone. 

[Canvasman]

Thanks for link. Native do you also control Temp.

[UK4X4]

If your into tinkering and messing with gadgets

something like this would be a start-

http://www.quasarelectronics.com/velleman/vm110-usb-experiment-interface-board-module.htm

Obviously way cheaper than a standard "designed" system but still fun to mess with if you have time

PC anywhere - timbuctoo is a program where you can remotely access a PC and control everything remotely.

Ie you just leave your PC on up at the house - have a webcam or two setup- plus a few relay outputs and you can control everything remotely.

Ie just position a temp gauge in sight of the webcam - and a relay on off for the heating system which you preset to your desired temp.

I have used PC anywhere globally ands its very straight forward - but I like to use a dual screen system at the controlling end, so you don't get mixed up between your PC and the remote one.

The one linked too seems to have iphone control aplication too.

[walkabout]

This is what my HVAC guy will probably be installing next spring:
http://www.ecobee.com/

• requires wifi connection
• control hvac remotely from smartphone or computer

Honeywell is apparently is comming out with a similar product soon.

[TheWire]

I have an off-grid cabin with a PV system.  I can get cellular phone reception and internet with a Wilson Electronics booster.

I'm in the process of programming a micro-controller (MCU) to connect to a cellular modem that can send text messages. I'm going to have it send me a once a week text with the PV battery voltage, KWh generation, inside & outside temps.  It would immediately send a text if the battery voltage goes low or if someone enters the cabin.  The MCU runs on about 10mA a would stay on all the time and have the ability to turn on the cell booster and modem.   

The MCU is the open sourced Arduino http://arduino.cc/en/ which costs about $30




and it uses a cellular modem shield (a board that plugs into Arduino) that is about $50.  The project requires interfacing the voltage and temp sensors and writing code that instructs the modem to send text messages.  Its not off the shelf, but the Arduino community is tens of thousands strong and the people there are as helpful as the community here at Countryplans.

[Pine Cone]

You might want to check out the X10 stuff here... http://www.x10.com/automation/

Lots of home automation stuff available, and they have been around for a couple of decades.  Like everyone has said, needs power, a computer, and some sort of network/internet connection.

[NM_Shooter]

The MCU is the open sourced Arduino http://arduino.cc/en/ which costs about $30

That looks pretty dang neat.  I'm surprised at the thru-hole processor....which mcu is it? 
What is the programming language?  Is it a compiled language or script based? 

[metolent]

I agree - I hadn't heard of these little board/cpus...they look cool to play with...

I've used Zwave devices at home for a number of things and have built apps to control/monitor the devices.  I've used a few at the cabin and plan to set up a surveillance system where I can monitor things remotely, but haven't gotten that far yet.  I haven't gotten around to trying out one of their t-stats yet though... 

[Native_NM]

I've played with the Basic Stamp boards.  The Ardino is supposed to be better.