Lately, the phrase " smart home” is found more and more often, but not everyone understands what is hidden behind these words. It is quite difficult to characterize such a system, since various companies provide kits aimed at different areas. But in general, a smart home involves increased comfort, high security and practicality. Despite the high cost of installing and maintaining systems, you don’t need to be a very rich person to equip your apartment or house with everything you need.
Smart home design
First of all, you need to decide on the necessary functions. Companies that install such systems offer complete kits, which are usually equipped not only with everything necessary, but also with a lot of additional (and often completely useless) things. There is a definite advantage to assembling the system yourself - you can install only those functions that you need. Most often, people are interested in light and heating control, door locking and alarms, and fire safety. The second one is very important point- a way to control these functions. If previously access to them was possible only through the control panel, now it is possible to remotely configure and adjust them.
Based on the requirements, you need to calculate the quantity necessary materials. This includes not only the server itself, but also controllers, wires, wi-fi. Purchasing all these important elements will certainly require investment. But the amount you spend will be much less than the cost of the finished option.
Smart home: server or computer
This question will definitely arise in front of you during the planning process. The fact is that the server will certainly require larger investments than a regular personal computer with the appropriate program. But it also has more functionality. In addition, the PC at least sometimes needs to be rebooted, which will cause a system failure. A constantly running computer fails faster, but this does not threaten the server.
Whatever you choose, you should also take care of special software to create smart home. You can put together several systems or use only one - it depends solely on your needs and willingness to deal with new programs that are constantly emerging.
Security systems
Very often, the creation of such a system begins with the desire of the owner of an apartment or house to control what is happening around him. Video cameras are installed in the right places, the signal from which is transmitted directly to the computer. In this way, all information can be stored on the hard drive and rewritten, for example, after ten days. If you have such a desire, you can enable remote access. So, while at work, you will know exactly what is happening near your home.
Another very convenient thing- lock control. You can configure it to open or close from the control panel or smartphone. This function is very convenient, but it also has its pitfalls. Examine the lock carefully; it must be mechanically accessible. Otherwise, in the event of a power outage, you will not be able to get in or out of the house.
DIY smart home: comfort
How many times have you encountered the fact that the switch is located in an inconvenient place? I really don’t want to get out of bed to turn off the light. The smart home system solves this problem very simply. Special devices are installed on all switches in the rooms, allowing you to control the light remotely. If you want to change the light level, then you can’t do without dimmers. You can also smoothly regulate the operation of the lamps from the remote control or smartphone.
Professionals recommend taking care of the humidity level in your home. This function does not seem necessary to everyone, however, the correctly selected level of humidity will provide you with not only healthy, sound sleep, but also less dust. In addition, in rooms with windows facing the sunny side, as well as throughout the house, when the heating system is operating, the air is much drier than the recommended minimum.
Is it profitable?
Spending considerable amounts of money on the ability to remotely monitor the house and switch the lights may seem unjustified. But it's not just about convenience. The smart home system even allows you to control all the outlets. Forgot to turn off the iron or electric stove? No problem. You can do this remotely.
In addition, through the control panel you can set up a special schedule for some devices. For example, turning on the coffee maker at seven in the morning. Of course, you will have to add all the necessary ingredients yourself in the evening. You can also create a schedule for the air conditioner.
Such moments allow you to save electricity. The amount may seem small to you at first, but gradually it will accumulate.
The adjustment of the heating system deserves special attention. Of course, to install it you will need special temperature sensors in each room. But you can set the exact temperature for the bedroom, bathroom or living room. Plus, you won't have to waste heat. Smart home can turn off the heating immediately after you leave the house, and turn it on one or two hours before you return.
Simple amenities
If you understand that you have no desire, need or ability to create such a system, then pay attention to the individual elements. For example, a controlled lock syncs directly with your smartphone. By choosing the right application, you can not only open the door with one touch of your finger, but also send special invitations to your friends. They will calmly open the door at the specified time using a message, without distracting you from cooking.
There are also special “smart” lamps that can also receive messages from your smartphone. They are not only durable, but also easy to operate, however, the cost is quite high.
Smart Home technology is familiar to almost every user of digital devices, so there is little point in talking about the features. Smart home equipment is supplied in two versions - an expensive complex package and in the form of components; in the second case, the system must be assembled with your own hands. Consumers who buy an off-the-shelf package may not understand the features, but tech-savvy buyers already have a good idea of the functionality they want.
“Smart home” in every home – how accessible is the technology?
In practice, the use of Smart Home technology depends on the available equipment and software applications with which you can control installed system. Our review will focus on the components offered on the market, and will discuss both price and technical availability.
Readers can choose between inexpensive equipment that provides all the functionality they need, and more expensive systems that offer advanced features, high reliability and security. Both options are available to a wide range of consumers and do not require huge investments.
Available solutions – what are they?
Today you can choose between the following offers:
- specialized Chinese-made equipment and mobile API applications, the level of reliability of which can be improved due to inexpensive equipment also produced in China Russian production and various desktop systems;
- Russian components that allow you to assemble almost as many as you like difficult decision A smart home with the required level of reliability and protection, made by yourself with independently programmable PC-based functions, expandable on a modular basis;
First, let's figure out where to start and how to choose components for your Smart Home. Note that the functionality of the system can be expanded as needed in one or another version. The necessary and optimal equipment package allows you to control lighting and turn on/off equipment, usually carried out not only from remote controls, but also from a software application installed on a PC or on the user’s smartphone.
Smart apartment or small house: how to make your life more comfortable?
Available technologies and their features
Objectively, technology has already become a part of our lives. Today, speaking about Smart Home technology, we are talking about the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. These are devices that can be connected to the Internet via wired or wireless channels, in the second case via Wi-Fi (with an average range of up to 50, depending on the transmitter) or Bluetooth (up to 10 m).
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are two short-range radio communication standards that are used in home automation systems. Bluetooth can only be used if the distance between the control module and the device is no more than 10 m, and in practice - no more than 3-5 m. The range of Wi-Fi wireless transmission depends on the transmitter and specific installation conditions; the radio signal is poorly transmitted by concrete floors.
Despite fairly developed capabilities, manufacturers are not intensively introducing and selling such equipment. The main problem is that the widespread use of technology will lead to an increase in the number of IoT devices that the existing Internet infrastructure is simply not designed for. As a result, those who want to install a Smart Home in their apartment inexpensively will have to understand the intricacies on their own, without relying on large manufacturers.
AliExpress – China will always help out: “Do-it-yourself smart apartment” package
If you want to implement new solutions home automation with low costs, of course, you need to turn to manufacturers who sell their products on AliExpress. This portal practically does not offer “Do-it-yourself smart home and how to make” packages, but there are necessary equipment, which is quite enough for the necessary equipment of an apartment or house.
So, the minimum package of equipment that is available in China at a very affordable cost and applications on the network - let’s call it “Do-it-yourself smart apartment” - includes:
- on/off control household appliances and devices;
- sensory systems;
- lighting control equipment;
- devices for monitoring and security - alarms and video cameras;
- API applications for smartphones, available for free on Google Play;
- network cloud applications that make it easier to connect and control home appliances.
Smart Home Equipment on AliExpress
The range of equipment includes relays for connecting devices, dimmers for smooth load control (for lighting and electric heating) and package systems that include control of climate control, lighting, alarms and sometimes a video camera. Full list offers can be obtained by entering “smart home”, “smart home”, “intelligent home”, as well as the names of two Chinese manufacturers Lilovo and Sonoff, into the search bar of the AliExpress portal.
Sonoff releases Wi-Fi relay for remote control household appliances from a smartphone. The device is installed on a line with one or more electrical appliances and allows you to turn the power supply on and off from a smartphone using a mobile application.
The advantage of this device is that it is always available online, can be connected via the telephone network (PTSN) and allows you to set an individual operating program using 8 built-in timers. Through the relay, you can control the operation of any household appliance with a power of up to 2.2 kW using the eWeLink mobile application, available on Google Play IOS and Android.
Sonoff products are also available in Russia. The price in China is about 6 dollars (without remote control), in Russia - 2000 rubles (with remote control). The relay is offered in two versions for 10 A and 16 A; in the second case, in addition to all kinds of household appliances, a boiler can be connected to the mobile application.
Other models of electrical accessories work similarly, allowing you to connect several devices at once, for example, Sonoff Sensor-AM2301. Moreover, control is implemented with different meanings timers.
The manufacturer produces three models of Sonoff Wi-Fi relays:
- Sonoff World On – Wi-Fi relay with connection to a mobile application (for household appliances and cameras);
- Sonoff World On TF – Wi-Fi relay with sensors, for example, for a climate control system (for boilers and air conditioners);
- Sonoff World On RF – Wi-Fi relay with remote control, for example, for gates and doors with magnetic locks.
Sonoff also produces touch-sensitive dimmer switches for lighting devices with continuous adjustment, which can simultaneously be connected to Wi-Fi and a mobile application.
For devices to be accessible on the Internet, they must be connected to one of available ways. One of the successful and inexpensive options can be considered a Broadlink home automation router that supports 4 types of wireless communications WI-FI, IR, RF and 4G.
With it you can connect all home devices via a SIM card to mobile internet. It is better to choose the services of an operator with a new communications infrastructure, in particular, one of the MTS packages with per-megabyte pricing.
XIAOMI releases a whole series relays, dimmers, sensors for home automation. First of all, you should pay attention to Wi-Fi humidity and temperature sensors, door and window sensors, smart sockets and inexpensive IP cameras. The equipment of this company is distinguished by its simplicity and affordability along with high quality assemblies.
The manufacturer produces package solutions for apartments and small houses- This Xiaomi Smart Home Suite. This package is widely offered in Russia and belongs to the luxury equipment category. The price category of these sensors is slightly higher than devices from Sonoff.
Lilovo touch switches only work with remote controls. Their key feature is the ability to smoothly adjust the lighting, elegant design and different color solutions. Switches from this company can be used to turn on and off household devices without an internet connection.
Wi-Fi relays from Russian manufacturers
In China you can purchase products from Russian manufacturers who assemble electrical accessories on a Chinese base. Russian Smart Home DC Wi-Fi relays are available at a lower cost than Sonoff, and are considered more reliable and accurately pick up the signal. The consumer disadvantage of the Smart Home relay is the absence of a plastic case, but this is the simplest, most reliable and inexpensive way to integrate household devices.
API applications for smartphones on Google Play
- eWeLink is an application that allows you to connect a seemingly unlimited number of Smart Home devices and supports products from Sonoff and a number of manufacturers. The disadvantages include some latency in Russian networks; it is advisable to connect to the application through the interface of a mobile provider, and not wired PTSN (public telephone network) channels.
- Smart Home from Alltek Technology Corp. is another universal mobile application to which you can connect lighting devices, alarms, heating and a number of other home devices. Some users respond better to this application than to eWeLink.
You can download a whole range of more on Google Play mobile applications for connecting home automation devices that differ different levels versatility and stability.
Home automation devices can be connected using local PC-based and cloud-based applications. Each of these options has a number of advantages. Applications in the “cloud” are designed for low-cost use of Smart Home technology with a wide range of functions, but in such systems the issue of security and unauthorized access to home devices remains open.
Desktop package offerings in a secure cloud environment or for desktop are designed for automation country houses, public buildings and institutions. This application guarantees high level safety and reliability.
Smart Home Applications:
- Bitdefender is a packaged application for securely connecting home automation devices, which allows you to safely use the functions of any external cloud;
- Friendly-tech.com offers a range of products for home automation, including management of IoT devices with an administrator console and user interface through mobile services, including using the cloud (IoT SaaS)
- IoT Home Guide is available as a package for fairly large home automation systems, as well as from API partners OpenHAB, Home Assistant and Eclipse SmartHome.
Clouds "Smart Home":
- Sharp Cloud Smarthome System is a developed cloud system for home automation; an arbitrarily complex automation system for both a home and an entire neighborhood can be built on it;
- Cloud Based IoT Platform GO+ is a Russian free platform with a small number of users.
Russian equipment from the company “Reasonable House” is distinguished by high reliability and build quality. The manufacturer offers various electrical accessories, sensors, relays for building as many as you like complex systems using Smart Home technology with a guaranteed level of security. The devices allow you to create home automation systems with an individual set of functions; software is available for mobile devices, PCs and tablets.
Video instructions for assembling and operating the Smart Home
Conclusion
The equipment we described will allow you to create various solutions for automation of residential premises and household plots, ranging from inexpensive budget solutions for apartments, ending with full automation of large country houses. It is worth noting that web platforms for managing home automation devices are not currently being developed due to a concept problem.
Buyers are offered to install local PC-based systems or create private clouds controlled by ready-made applications. The user can choose for himself and assemble the most suitable option for automating an apartment or house.
Owning your own country house is the dream of many, but it is very important that it be carefully thought out and comfortable for living. For example, many people want to make a “smart home” with their own hands. What is it and how can you think about it so that your home is not only beautiful and well-planned, but also functional?
"Smart home": what is it?
Experts say that such a system is based on the complete automation of all components of housing. For example, if you don’t want to get up at night and turn off the lights in the hallway, you can do it much easier: one remote control can solve several problems at once. To make a “smart home” with your own hands, you will have to work hard, and therefore many prefer ready-made systems offered various companies. For example, using a variety of controllers, sensors, wires, and actuators that are retracted into the walls of a building, you can simultaneously control all components of your home: electricity and water supply, lighting and ventilation. At the same time, the owner’s participation in this process is minimal - controlled exclusively by the remote control.
How is this done?
The modern Smart Home system is thought out to the smallest detail. That is, the owner of such housing can keep under control all the vital components of his cottage or apartment. At the same time, most companies that specialize in such structures install the Smart Home system taking into account the wishes of customers. It is noteworthy that each such development is individual, it is created for a specific object, and accordingly, the design solution is completely different for each specific case.
"Smart Home" system for an apartment or country cottage suggests that the object will be filled with a kind of “electronic servants”. Moreover, this is not only and not so much televisions, refrigerators and home theaters, but heated floors, air conditioning and ventilation systems, boilers and pumps. Plus sources Of course, installing all these systems yourself is not so easy, but it’s still worth trying to make your home “smart”.
Where to start?
Our house is a kind of puzzle that needs to be assembled correctly. That is, we must saturate it with the help of various technical devices and communications that will work for our own convenience. To make a “Smart Home” with our own hands, we need to combine a number of components into a single, stable working system. Moreover, it is quite possible to create an elementary structure yourself. To do this you only need to have certain skills:
- Knowledge of electrical engineering and ability to operate various electrical appliances, work with current.
- Understand the principles of construction automatic systems, that is, understand what controllers are, what signals they give.
- Know how to program to create a desktop or mobile operating system and the interface through which control will be carried out.
- Clearly understand the algorithms by which the Smart Home system will work.
- It is good to know the equipment used.
That is, our task is to combine all solutions into one in order to control the entire building via a computer or mobile device. Let's try to figure out what equipment is needed for the Smart Home system.
First: warning system
Timely prevention of accidents is a guarantee that the owner will not worry about the breakdown of any structure or leaking pipes. If you install an automatic one in your home, you can keep it under control. permissible load to the power supply network. In this case, even in the event of a short circuit, the electricity supply will be turned off, and the equipment itself will be safe and sound. If you suddenly forget to turn off the iron or tap, the sensor will definitely warn you about this, and if necessary, shut off all systems.
Second: power supply
The Smart Home system (it is quite possible to install certain of its components with your own hands) assumes that the power supply must be reliable, especially if the lights in your area are turned off quite often. To protect your equipment and your home in general, you should install stabilized power supplies in your “smart home” that have a built-in battery. This will keep all systems operational in the event of a problem. emergency situations. In order not to think about possible power outages, you can install a diesel generator and backup power units in your home. Thanks to automatic control, the fuel level in the generator will be under constant control, and the load on the network will be distributed evenly.
Third: burglar alarm
Protecting your home plays an important role, including in the “Smart Home” system. Installing an alarm with your own hands will not be difficult. For example, sensors can be placed along a fence that encloses an area, on walls, windows, doors, and also in rooms. If at least one of them suddenly works, all warning systems that are programmed in a specific algorithm are activated. Such a system will consist of a presence sensor, a control panel, an uninterruptible power supply with a battery (in the event of a power outage, it will work for approximately 6-7 hours), a siren, and a tablet key reader.
Fourth: lighting control
It is necessary to competently manage the Smart Home system. With your own hands (the diagram must be drawn up together with competent designers), you can develop a lighting control system, thanks to which you can significantly save on the maintenance of the house and create comfort in it. You need to select the number and types of lighting fixtures depending on the room in which they will be installed, how the interior will be decorated, and so on. At the same time, everyone can arrange the lighting system the way they like and need it. The main thing is automatic control, when the owner of the house does not have to think about whether he turned off the lights or not. You can configure the system so that the lighting will turn on when a person approaches and go out when he leaves.
Fifth: energy consumption
To limit the amount of power your home consumes, you should definitely install an energy management system. Thanks to this solution, you can avoid serious problems that may arise if the power reaches its peak. For example, if your cottage has heated floors powered by electricity, the power supply may be overloaded. By creating an intelligent system, floors can be seamlessly integrated into different rooms until the house warms up completely. This will avoid sudden surges and network overload. In addition, the presence of such a system will lead to the fact that as the power approaches the peak, the generator will turn on itself, and as soon as it decreases, it will turn off.
Sixth: sockets must be normal
The simplest thing you can do for the Smart Home system is to equip sockets with your own hands. This solution is economical, since it is enough to have an antenna and the ability to control it from a distance using a key fob. The essence of such a system is that all sockets in the house are connected to a single electrical circuit. Accordingly, when receiving a command to turn on, for example, a kettle or toaster, the devices begin to work at a certain time set by you. In addition, the presence of such centralized system allows you to turn off all turned on electrical appliances with one press of a button on the key fob.
Seventh: heated floor
Today such floor coverings They are very popular, and this despite the fact that installation is not cheap. This floor is comfortable and pleasant to walk on; it is always warm and safe. Modern warm coatings can be water or electric. If you install a Smart Home system in your home, you can constantly control the temperature in the room. Moreover, it is controlled via remote control. An intelligent system is the key to maintaining the optimal temperature for living in a house or apartment. At the same time, energy consumption will be rational, and therefore beneficial for the owners.
Eighth: heating system
Agree, the ability to independently regulate the condition and degree of heating of the batteries in the house is worth a lot. IN ordinary apartments we can't just turn them off, for example, if it gets too hot. In a “smart home” this is easy to do, since radiator heating has built-in intelligent modules. Thanks to them, a certain temperature is maintained in the room, which is automatically changed using the remote control. This system can be easily implemented into any interior without causing any harm to it.
This is done simply: control valves are installed on ordinary radiators. They can be controlled automatically using a control panel that has a built-in temperature sensor. If you make a more complex configuration, then the valves and remote controls are connected via a radio channel, and adjustment and control can be carried out via a computer or the Internet.
There are a huge number of solutions and technologies to make your home “smart,” that is, functional and well-equipped. Many of them are quite simple. There are some things you can do yourself, such as installing an anti-icing system for roofs and stairs, or automatic design water supply And some systems should only be installed by professionals, for example, when it comes to power supply devices. In any case, it is worth spending the money and making sure that your home meets all requirements. modern requirements reliability, safety, quality.
The term “smart home” today means the comprehensive introduction of high-tech devices into everyday life that provide a high level of comfort for residents. Distinctive feature systems of this type is the maximum automation of a number of processes with minimal human participation. In addition, one of the criteria for a “smart home” is centralized management of all devices involved in the complex. The smart home system has modular design and consists of functionally separated blocks with their full or partial integration into a single system. Each module is involved in performing strictly designated tasks, meanwhile, the blocks can interact with each other.
Possible modular content of a modern smart home system:
- Central control controller, which combines other components and ensures their interaction. Such a controller can act as industrial solution in the form of a complete device, and regular computer with the appropriate software.
- Climate system. It consists of heating and ventilation control units, ensuring the maintenance of a given microclimate in the room.
- Lighting and switching control energy consumers.
- KTSO(complex technical means security). Includes a security and fire alarm system, a video surveillance system and modules for remote notification of the owner about alarm situations.
- System of accounting, collection and storage of data. The tasks of the module include collecting information from metering devices, recording various events and providing data for analysis in order to assess the effectiveness of the entire complex.
- Communication channels. Networks operating with the TCP/IP protocol in wired or wireless versions are used as data transmission channels. To integrate devices with specialized interfaces into the network, appropriate converters are used.
Each of the above modules can be implemented using various hardware and software. The most common and frequently used solutions are as follows:
Control
The use of a single-board computer is most justified as a management controller for a “smart home” system. industrial design. Such computers are small in size, have low power consumption, lack mechanical parts (fans, hard drives) and run on open source software. The number and type of available interfaces can in most cases be changed and supplemented.
It is logical that independent programming of such devices requires certain skills and knowledge. Access to the controller is carried out over the network, using the WEB interface or client applications. There are also ready-made solutions designed to manage the entire complex and provide the user with a simple, user-friendly interface for configuration.
To control a smart home, it is convenient to use universal remote controls that support the execution of macros - ordered sets of actions. Radio remote controls in in this case more effective than IR remote controls, as they allow control outside the direct line of sight of the IR receiver. A more modern control panel can be a smartphone with specialized software installed on it. 
Climate
Climate control is implemented by assessing the readings of temperature and humidity sensors. Based on the analysis of these data, it is made automatic adjustment heating, turning on or off air conditioning, ventilation and humidification systems.
Lighting
This is implemented by installing light, presence, or combined sensors. If necessary, the control controller allows you to control the lighting according to a schedule. When using dimmer devices, not only discrete but also smooth adjustment brightness of light sources.
Security and safety
Complex security equipment may consist of several subsystems:
1. Security and fire alarm system (FS). Presence sensors are used as detection devices, reacting to the appearance of infrared radiation inherent in the human body in the controlled area. Magnetic contact sensors are installed to detect door opening. Fire safety controlled by smoke, temperature and gas leak sensors. Many modern systems security and fire alarm system have a radio communication module that allows you to notify the owner using GSM or 3G networks. Often the alarm system allows the connection of any electrical appliances through a dry relay, which allows you to block the lock, turn on the lighting, siren, etc., upon an alarm signal. Sometimes the alarm system includes a humidity sensor, which allows timely detection of water leakage.
2. Access control system. Consists of an identification device, identifiers themselves (electronic keys, radio tags, fingerprint), a blocking device (lock, barrier, automatic gates) and is intended to limit access to a room or territory.
3. Video surveillance system. It is a complex consisting of video cameras and video signal processing and storage devices. 
Accounting and data processing
In most cases, this functionality is implemented using a control controller using appropriate software.
Connection
The transport channel, as a rule, is a local network made using wired or wireless technology. To manage the network, a router is used to control all network devices and provide protection against unauthorized access to each of them. Modern technologies high-speed data transfers allow simultaneous use of the network for exchanging information between computers, transmitting IP television signals, telephony, and operating smart home components.
In addition to the above, smart home systems often use devices that do not interact with the entire complex. These can be devices for automatic cleaning (robot vacuum cleaners), systems automatic watering plants, feeding pets and much more. Despite the fact that such devices are autonomous, their integration with the system is quite possible by simply turning on or off the power supply with the control controller.
Video on the topic
I work at the company "Convir" system administrator and a programmer. It so happened that the office, laboratory and production are located in our different places. I’m basically sitting on Preobrazhenka in a small room. But it’s not far from home, and the Internet communications are simply excellent, with inexpensive traffic.
My side is sunny. Depending on the weather it is either hot or cold. I installed an air conditioner in the window, otherwise there is no time for work during the heat. To make it cheaper, I bought a flow-through air conditioner (180 USD), at the same time, it ventilates the room, unlike a split system. Now I don’t open the windows, there is less dust!
In general, everything is fine, but this air conditioner is a hassle. He doesn't have a remote control. He's so simple. But it’s at the top and it’s inconvenient to climb to it. Again some kind of ambush. All these problems with climate and lighting are very distracting, and for me to concentrate - big problem. I somehow started thinking about this all the time. Well, I came up with it.
Our company is engaged in the manufacture of automation, including for the so-called. . Therefore, there was no need to go outside to get the “device”. And since you can’t ask the authorities for money for all this, I did everything to the minimum, from the point of view of money, and, to the maximum, what was convenient for myself. My room is shown in Fig. 1.
In general, everything is very simple. Workplace with a computer (1), air conditioning (2), electric heater with two heaters (3), combination lock on the door (4), server rack with communications (5). Well, there’s furniture, walls, lighting, in general everything is simple... The next task is to simply combine and automate all this. I introduced my idea to our director and received a free voltage regulator (VR) and an adapter for a computer. All electrical systems are controlled from one IRN. A simplified connection diagram is shown in Fig. 2.
Connection diagram of the “Smart Office” nodes
IRN (1) has nine 220 Volt keys. They manage the work door lock(2), air conditioning fan (3), air conditioning compressor drive (4), air conditioner heater (5), electric heater (6), three electric lamps (7), general, table and spot along the walls.
This way I can: open front door, ventilate the room, cool the air in the room, heat it and illuminate the room. Lighting involves 6 lamp switching schemes, plus light level adjustment. IRN also makes optimal switching on and off for incandescent lamps. All devices can be controlled manually or automatically.
For automation, sensors are connected to the inputs of the IRNA input block: code, for an electronic key (8), motion, for alarm (9), fire, for firefighters (10), temperature (11) and light (12). IRN connects to the server via a COM port.
You don't need any super expensive adapters for this. We have standard additional exchange software. My server runs under Linux (Gentoo). The Internet site and mail “hang” on it. Naturally, the IP address and access are permanent. The system is connected to a SQL database and an “apache” web server; I already had this installed for the site. The work is logged in the SQL system, and controlled and monitored via the web interface. I spent two days setting up the system and writing the “site”.
You can use a desktop computer, a mobile phone with a browser, or any remote computer as a management console. The entire system controls the climate, lighting, and combination lock. An example in the browser is shown in Fig. 3.
If I need to reconfigure something, I use the computer on site. When an emergency situation occurs (in addition to the IRN security, it monitors accidents in the system itself, for example, a burnt-out light bulb or a malfunction in the electrical systems), the server sends me an SMS to my mobile phone.
I can see what is happening remotely. I also have a web camera connected to the server there.
There is an energy saving mode. When I'm not at work it's warm and the air conditioning hardly works. I still have temperature and light sensors from some project along with a door card and electronic lock. But I had to buy a motion sensor, and it cost 485 rubles. So, it turned out not completely free :-).
That's basically all...
Vadim Ezhov
