Home Automation

mar344

Hello,

I am new to the forum, but I have exuberance with the basic stamp. I am interested in setting up home automation using the stamp. I would like to use a universal remote for my tv, cable box and a few light switches, maybe some other things in the future. But for now my main question is how can I set up a dimmer switch for a 120 vac switch and how can I use the stamp as an IR extender for the TV and cable box. I would like to have my cable box hidden and use the chip to repeat the signal from the remote to the cable box. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

jsaddiction

Welcome to the forum! The basic stamp is a good place to start learning. Look at X-10 type of controlls. i believe BS2 and up have X10 commands built in. The older Harmony 890 remote had all of the features you are seeking but i don't think it is supported anymore. (I used to have one). The Ir Repeater may be a little more difficult to integrate into a universal remote that is already built. You could use The X-bee to get RF connectivity. It will bidirectionally transmit serial data pretty quickly. You could program it to send a command to the host controller the host controller could then preform the action and then send something back to your "remote" to signify completion of the action. You could also integrate a DS1302 and keep date and time and controll your lights on timers while you are away. If you are feeling really crazy you could connect it to the internet and program a smartphone interface. Lots of possibilities out there. Lets start with the basics. Decide on what features you would like it to have when its complete. This will help you decide on a hardware platform. I would suggest the Propeller because you will have room to grow.

Chris Savage

I wanted to drop in and say that before 2005 I had designed a few Security Alarm Systems around BASIC Stamp circuitry. Once I moved out here I created my own home alarm system which has a BS2p and a BS2p40 in it. Later I added a PINK Module so I could get TXT messages when there was an event and so I could login via the web and change system settings. I had also designed a Digital Thermostat back in NY and a few years ago I thought about merging the systems with some additional control into a Home Automation System. After some design work I decided to go with the Propeller chip because the system would be switching live audio for intercom and live video as well, so I decided to take advatage of the power of the Propeller. I think a modest Home Automation System could be realized using BASIC Stamp Modules as well, but just like with the Propeller based system I am working on now, you would probably need a BASIC Stamp Module in each room. In any event it would be interesting to see your posts on how your design goes. Good luck! :cool: