I've always been interested in doing some home automation, so I thought I'd better record the fact that I've finally taken the first step!
I want to go wireless...
- Didn't want to go with Wireless Ethernet as it would be too visible
- Considered Z-Wave but decided against it as it was proprietary
- Probably best to go with ZigBee as an open standard with secured connections
- What about plain RF? Not as secure, but cheap!
Considering a number of devices, but want something I can program to work the way I want!
First "ready to use" controller I found that has reasonable programmability was from National Control Devices
Then I found this TI EV Kit! Just one little chip would do everything I want! Unfortunately I'd need the development board to program it and I'd have to make a small mounting board to provide the power and hold the I/O - scratch that - I'd be better off just making an entire board!
Finally I found a cool hobbyist kit called Grove - Going to try some of these bits & pieces as they simply plug together and are cheap enough to get some pieces just to play with.
