Mile High Automation - Home Automation Blog

iPad Sells 90,000 Units on Day 1

From the estimates we have been seeing it looks like Apple sold between 90,000 and 120,000 iPads last Friday. That is pretty amazing for a product that almost nobody has held in their hands or even seen in person.

This shows how the popularity of the touch screen has grown. Many companies have attempted tablets in the past, but never with widespread success.

Estimates are Apple took in about $50 million on iPad preorders, not bad for one day. We would be happy to do that in an entire year!

Labels: apple, home automation, ipad, multi-touch, touch screen

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Monday, March 15, 2010 at 9:21 AM

How To Setup Remote Access - Part 4: iPhone Setup

We have now established remote access to our home automation system by configuring port forwarding in the router, creating a DDNS account, and setting up Snaplink. We now move onto getting the iPhone up and running, which is a piece of cake!

Step 1: Download the App - Go the App Store and download the add "H@me".

Step 2: Edit Preferences - After the H@me app installs open it up and go the preferences. Enter the following information:

IP: This is your DDNS account (myhome.homeip.net)
Port: 4369
Key 1: encryption key (explained in Part 3 of this guide)
Key 2: encryption key (explained in Part 3 of this guide)
Code: Your 4-digit user code

Step 3: Save & Connect - The first time you connect you will need to LOAD NAMES. This is a one-time download.

Enjoy!

Labels: HAI, home automation, ipad, iphone, itouch, omni, port forwarding, remote access

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Monday, March 1, 2010 at 10:02 AM

Customize your HAI Touch Screen Interface

We have been using the HAI Omnitouch 10p for almost a year now. It is a great device that allows clients to easily control their home automation systems. Prior to the 10p and 5.7e touch screens, we used the OmniTouch 5.7 and before that the OmniTouch 3.9. These were great screens, but did not allow for any customization. The standard HAI interface is very nice and extremely functional. However, it’s not ideal for all homes. The now 10p and 5.7e, along with HAI’s automation studio give us the tools to unlock the screens and create some amazing touch screen designs…

The software tool, called HAI Automation Studio, can be used to customize the interface of Omnitouch 10p and Omnitouch 5.7e touchscreen devices. Using this tool, you can create the new interface for the touchscreen and then upload the new interface to the device. You can now choose your colors, themes, buttons, and options. Going further, we can map your floor plans onto your touch screen. The map would act as a menu to control the rooms in your house. These customizations make the system more personal and user friendly.

So, how would you like your touchscreen interface to look?

Labels: automation studio, HAI, home automation, ip devices, omnitouch, touch screen, touchscreens

- Mile High Automation
Posted Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 10:57 PM

Home Automation in India

Home automation systems have already started appearing in most of the corporate offices in India. However, most of the people in India don't consider it as a good investment, when it comes to installing these systems at home. This could be due to following reasons:

1) Cost: As of now, it takes around Rs. 540,000 to install a basic usable home automation system at home.

2) Need: In India, some families are still joint families. Also, the cost of hiring maids is lot cheaper compared to the cost of devices and gadgets.

Although, the reasons given above are valid for some people, they don't seem to apply for equally larger population where people are living in nuclear and independent families. For such families, home automation systems provide great amount of value. To understand it better, lets consider few situations where home automation systems could be used:

1) Security: Security is a concern for most of the independent families which are living away from their home town. Home automation system can help in this situation by providing a reliable security solution.

2) Energy savings: To save electricity, it is important that lighting and other electrical devices like air conditioners etc. are used only when they are required. This could be achieved easily via home automation systems.

3) Remote management: Some people need to stay away from their home due to work assignments for considerable amount of time. Home automation system can help them by allowing remote monitoring of their houses using Internet interface.

Considering these points, an investment of Rs. 540,000 feels like a good investment for your home.

If you are interested in purchasing a home automation system for your home in India please fill out our Free Home Automation Quote Request form.

Labels: energy savings, home automation, india, remote management, security, security systems

- Mile High Automation
Posted Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 6:09 AM

How To Setup Remote Access - Part 3: HAI Snaplink

By now you have setup port fowarding in your router and implemented a DDNS system. Now we are going to configure your HAI Snaplink software to allow you to log into your home automation system from anywhere in the world.

Step 1: Open Snaplink and EDIT the controller file. If you are prompted for a password, enter "password" (and then change it!).

Step 2: Enter you account settings.

IP Address or Domain Name: This is your DDNS domain name (ex: myhome.homeip.net).
Port Number: Always 4369
Encryption Keys 1 & 2: If you purchased the system from us this will automatically be filled in. If not, go to your touch screen and hit System, Setup, System Setup, Enter Code, 6 (Misc), and scroll down to the encryption keys.
User Code: The 4-digit code you use to arm/disarm the system.
Click Save.

Step 3: Hit the connect/disconnect button on the top right and you will connect to your system. Enjoy!

Labels: HAI, home automation, how to, remote access, setup, snaplink

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 11:59 PM

HAI products for Spanish, Catalan and French markets

Home Automation Inc (HAI) is going to increase it's presence in foreign market this year. As per this expansion plan, HAI would be releasing home automation products with support for Spanish, Catalan and French languages. The products that would start shipping in the second quarter of this year would include:

OmniPro II
Omni IIe
Omni LT
PC Access software
OmniTouch series

With this expansion, HAI is trying to ensure that their customers in the new markets would get to enjoy all the benefits and functionalities of their home automation systems. This would also lead to improvement in local home automation market by creating more competition with other home automation system manufacturers.

Labels: foreign language support, HAI, home automation, omnitouch

- Mile High Automation
Posted Friday, February 5, 2010 at 11:29 AM

What the iPad means for Home Automation

Despite all the bad press the iPad has received I think it has some great uses, especially in the home automation and control segment.

What it is: Currently the iPad will support the H@me app and HAI’s WL3. Both of these applications are great at giving you control of your home on your iPhone. From the tablet you can control lights, temperatures, music, and security.

What is is not: The iPad is not a replacement for a true home automation touch screen. A dedicated touch screen gives you control over your system, as well as allows you to access setup menus, change settings, and have a greater level of control of your system.

The iPad and iPhone/iTouch systems are great, but they aren’t going to replace the OmniTouch touch screens any time soon.

That said, my order for a iPad is already in with Apple…

Labels: HAI, home automation, ipad, Nuvo

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 4:32 PM

Touch Screen Options: OmniTouch 5.7e & OmniTouch 10p

Compared to other devices, touch screen based devices are easier to learn and operate as they provided a GUI based only on the options you need, not every option a remote manufacturer can put on their device. On the other hand, developers find it easier to create new interfaces for touch screen devices as they are not limited by the number of input buttons provided by the hardware. Popularity of cell phones with multi-touch capabilities are an excellent example of the rise of popularity in touch screens.

In the home automation world, owners of Omni and Lumina home automation controllers (Omni LT, Omni IIe, Omni Pro II, Lumina, and Lumina Pro) can enjoy two new touch screens from HAI; the OmniTouch 5.7e and OmniTouch 10p. Apart from allowing you to manage your home automation tasks, these devices can also be configured to control your home theater system through HAI's Home Theater Extender (HTE). The user interface and graphics can be modified in the event you don't like the default one, using HAI’s Automation Studio software. The following page shows the OmniTouch Touch Screens in action.

The OmniTouch 10p is the portable version of OmniTouch 5.7e. Its portable nature and large 10” screen make it easy for you to carry it around your house just like your normal television remote control. But that's only one of the reasons this device is powerful and fun to use. The 10p gives you the added benefit of allowing you to browse the net and check email right from the wireless tablet itself. What could be better?

Labels: HAI, home automation, HTE, omnitouch, portable touchscreens, touch screen, touchscreens, wireless

- Mile High Automation
Posted Friday, January 29, 2010 at 7:51 AM

Home Automation: Yet another reason to have iPhone

Around the world, a lot of people have found the iPhone as a great tool to improve the effectiveness of their daily tasks. For those who are new to iPhone, the post in "MacRumors" forum called "What do you use your iPhone for?" will show what people do with this nice little tool from Apple. Hey, but what about maintaining my home automation tasks? Can iPhone help me there as well?

To answer this question, DigitalDan has come up with an iPhone app called "H@me" which can talk to the HAI Omni or Lumina home automation controllers. If you are a proud owner of an iPhone and a supported HAI controller, then you should give H@me a try. Once downloaded, follow the instructions given in the project page to configure it with your omni/lumina home automation controller. After that, you can control lighting, thermostats, temperature sensors, audio controls and you security system.

Last month, DigitalDan announced that he would be releasing new version of H@me. This new release will come with lots of bug fixes, new features and enhancements. You can read about those changes here. However, this new version won't be freely downloadable. DigitalDan is yet to declare the price at which H@me 2.0 would be available. But till then, you can always try the existing free version of H@me.

Labels: HAI, home automation, iphone, lumina, omni

- Mile High Automation
Posted Monday, January 25, 2010 at 11:44 AM

Tyco Purchases Brink's Home Security

Tyco, owner of ADT security systems has purchased Brink's Home Security. Brinks (which now operates as Broadview Security) and ADT are the 2 largest security monitoring companies in the country. Their total market share is now about 50%, with the other 50% comprised of independent security companies such as Mile High Automation.

Full story can be found on CEpro.com.

Labels: adt, brinks, home automation, monitoring, security systems

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 12:23 PM

Mile High system for injured Marine

On November 10, 2009, five and a half years after being felled by sniper fire in Fallujah on his second tour of duty, 26 year old Corporal Visnu Gonzalez will cut a ribbon and wheel into his new green, state of the art adapted home in Hillsdale, New Jersey. At the ceremony will be a representative from our local Mile High Automation based in Commerce City, which designed, supplied and helped install the home’s cutting edge adaptive technology. Rick Goyette of the non-profit Homes for Our Troops, who oversaw the 4 year long project and its army of volunteers, will hand Visnu the keys to his new home.

Gonzalez’ new home was designed to address his unique physical challenges and to help him regain a measure of independence. Paralyzed from the upper chest down, the Dominican-born Marine has use of his arms but only limited use of his hands. His body can no longer regulate its own temperature and Gonzalez is in constant danger of infection, necessitating both a continual supply of fresh air plus a carefully controlled thermostat.

Coordinating with Rick Goyette, Daniel Lowitz, Sales Manager of Mile High Automation, ensured that the air in the house which is completely replaced every two hours, is kept at a prescribed temperature. Lowtiz designed a system for Visnu that will allow him to control the home’s security system, lighting and thermostat by means of a portable 8” touch screen that can be hand held or attached to his wheelchair.

From this screen Gonzalez can run the sprinklers, close his garage, turn on his porch light and open the front door to let in a visitor; the screen also allows him to access his email or surf the web. In addition, Mile High placed motion sensing lights throughout the house to allow for hands free operation, switching on when Gonzalez enters a room and darkening after he leaves.

Other adaptations in the house include custom cabinetry and lowered countertops with wheelchair access, allowing Gonzalez to prepare his own meals and work at a desk. In his bedroom a lift will carry him from his bed to a specially equipped bathroom. Even with the home’s state of the art technology, Gonzalez will require the assistance of his mother, Maria Baez, who will be moving in with him. It was his mother’s refusal to give up on her son that finally brought Visnu’s case to the attention of Homes for Our Troops.

Not only is the home adaptive, it is arguably “the greenest home in New Jersey” thanks to a generous grant from the Sierra Club, earning it the highest platinum-level LEED certification. The house is completely powered by solar roof panels (including a solar-powered elevator), uses geothermal heating and cooling from two deep wells in the backyard, collects rainwater from the roof to water a drought-resistant garden, and uses energy efficient LED lighting.

As with many other suppliers on this project, Mile High Automation donated labor to help install its custom home automation system. “MHA is proud to partner with Homes for Our Troops in this worthwhile cause and we wish Visnu all the best in his new home,” states Josh Ferguson, Mile High Automation president. “We’ll train Visnu how to operate the system from his touch screen and we’ll be here to answer any questions he has down the road and provide him a lifetime of tech support.”

Of her son’s new home Gonzalez’s mother, Maria Baez states, “This is our second miracle. The first miracle was that he lived. The second is now he has a possibility of living well.”

Labels: charity, home automation, HVAC control, lighting control, security systems

- Dan Lowitz
Posted Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 11:23 AM

DIY Prewire Shows Lots of Organization

A new client of ours is doing a large system and was nice enough to send a few pictures of his pre-wire. Take note of the excellent organization of the wiring, this is the type of effort that will save you hours on the trim-out phase of the job. On these automation systems nothing is more important than labeling and organization, you have wiring going to hundreds of locations and all for different services. Taking the time to make sure it is all done right the first time is well worth it. Nice work!

Labels: DIY, home automation, labeling, organized, prewire

- Dan Lowitz
Posted Friday, September 25, 2009 at 10:46 AM

Video on our Design Software

We have spent hundreds of hours and tens of thousands of dollars developing our project management software. Here's a quick demo to show you how easy it is to make changes to your system on the fly.

We will be posting this video, along with several others (in larger formats) on our website shortly.

Labels: demo, design, home automation, platform, Software, video

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 2:14 PM

Georgia - Home Automation Hotbed

We work with clients all over the country and world. In the past we have not observed major geographical trends in the location of our clients. However, in the past 12 months we have seen a HUGE increase in the number of clients from Georgia.

If you name a city in Georgia, chances are there is an automated home that we provided there. A few of the cities we have clients in are Athens, Sandy Springs, Ellijay, Cedartown, Gainsville, Fort Oglethorpe, Agusta, Hampton and Woodstock.

Labels: Agusta, Athens, Cedartown, Ellijay, Fort Oglethorpe, Gainsville, Georgia, Hampton, home automation, Sandy Springs, Woodstock

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 4:26 PM

Mile High Jet Setter

Having had the pleasure of traveling to our clients homes and complete the installations of the systems, I thought I would share a bit about the systems themselves and how our clients are actually integrating them into their lives. Primarily everyone is utilizing the security portion of the systems to the fullest. These are complete perimeter and interior alarms, some have taken advantage of the 24-hour central station monitoring we are now offering. Lighting controls and HVAC systems are being integrated in all of the installations and combining those with the security system customizing the systems has been pretty intense. I think once a client sees something actually working as it is meant to it allows the imagination to run wild. We were able to make on the fly programming updates and create custom buttons for the system that our clients were able to see and then tweak immediately to suit their needs. It has been a lot of fun working directly with our clients, in their homes, to make things work for them exactly as they wish.
I have gotten to visit some areas I might never have gone as a result too. I got to visit Lincoln's tomb in Springfield, Il. I was in the hills outside of San Jose in a beautiful area of the country known as Los Gatos. Got to see most of Georgia as I drove from about an hour north of Atlanta from a lakeside home to another house in the western hills of the state. Very different areas each stunning in their own way. Our clients have all been very nice and extraordinarily accommodating. The systems have all been substantial and have had all the different services we offer represented. It has been a pleasure so far, despite a few travel issues, and I look forward to working with many more of you in the coming years.

Labels: California, custom install, custom programming, Georgia, home automation, HVAC control, Illinois, integration, lighting control, security systems, Travel, wiring

- Dan Lowitz
Posted Friday, August 7, 2009 at 9:45 AM

On-Site Home Automation Installations in Full Swing

Mile High Automation unveiled its nationwide installation program several months ago. Since that time it has been a roaring success. In the past month we have completed four installations, with two in Georgia, one in California, and one in Illinois.

Dan Lowitz, our lead installer has headed up the installation program and helped to get it off the ground.

If you are interested in having a system installed please contact us ASAP, as our schedule for 2009 is quickly filling up!

Labels: California, Georgia, home automation, Illinois, installation, on-site

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 9:31 AM

Mile High Installations

You might have noticed recently some broad, sweeping to changes to the company website. Well done, we have made quite a few around here lately. Most importantly and increasing in popularity is the availability of installations! We are very pleased with the response we have been getting from our existing clientele and prospective customers as well. People, us included, are very happy that we can now come to their homes and get the system up and running.
Changing the company over from a strictly DIY installed/professionally designed and programmed platform to one that includes full-service installations was a decision we discussed at length. In the end it was decided that this was a big step in the right direction and your feedback has been telling us we were right.
Since the unveiling we have been busy with two jobs in Georgia and one starting in California as well as some local interest here in Colorado. This is a big change for us and we are hoping that by providing the highest levels of service to our clients with our full service options, as we are known for from the history of the company, we can continue to grow at an incredible rate. Hoping to see you at your home soon!

Labels: custom, home automation, installation, low-voltage wire, Mile High Automation

- Dan Lowitz
Posted Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 4:12 PM

HAI's new IP based products

Today it is official, we announced weeks ago that it was coming, and the first of many new and exciting products are set to ship and ready to purchase. The OmniTouch 10P and docking cradle are by far the brightest and best new products to be released for some time. The new 10.4" portable touchscreen has built in wi-fi and offers all the control of our popular in wall touch screen but it is almost twice as large and completely portable! When coupled with the new design software and "Home Theater Extender" the 10P will be completely customizable and be able to control your TV and other media components too. It will truly be a whole house and entertainment controller.
In addition to the whole house and entertainment control the IP features of the 10P allows the user ability to browse the web and also access their camera hard drives and view the cameras right from the touch screen.
The design software gives us the ability to completely customize the look and function of the wireless touch screen and the soon to be released new 5.7e in wall touchscreen. The new software and these products are ushering in a new era in home control for HAI and Mile High Automation.

Labels: CCTV cameras, DVRs, home automation, Home Automation Inc., home theater, IP, Software, touch screen, tv, wi-fi, wireless touch screen

- Dan Lowitz
Posted Friday, May 29, 2009 at 9:57 AM

Get Involved Early

I have been noticing a promising trend in the world of home automation, homeowners and builders are getting the process started much earlier. This is very important as it is one of the larger decisions you will make regarding your home and really does require a lot of tailoring to get the system right. Since the automated and integrated home needs to have compatible systems to control, the earlier we can come to decisions, the earlier we can share that information with the builder and the sub-contractors. This will make everybody a lot happier about working toward the common goal of a complete home automation system.

Too often do the Audio/Video and Home Automation systems go forgotten until the last minute. We get a lot of calls and emails here from people who are about to Sheetrock and need to get something installed "right away". While this might be OK for a single room surround sound system or a plasma or LCD TV over a fireplace to think that a fully automated and integrated home can simply be designed, finalized and wired in a day is a mistake. Far too much information gets exchanged before pre-wire.

This process should really begin in the planning stage, the earlier you know what you want, the easier it will be to implement. Ideally we would be working with the architect or designer to get the components of the system into the locations they will work best. I have found that the sooner a client is under contract and has access to all the information about the system the smoother their build and installation will go. We give our clients that opportunity by opening ourselves up to them even before they have the plans finalized. Once they do, we work up a system design and allow for changes to be made, often before anyone else(besides the architect) have even gotten started! After the first round of changes or modifications gets made and your budgetary needs are met, a deposit should be made. This not only locks in your pricing, but makes you a client instead of a prospect and clients get all the perks.

No matter the time frame on your build the earlier you become a client the better. We offer the most in depth technical information regarding your system, we will help your builder/subcontractors understand your goals for the system and how they can help you achieve them, we can make suggestions on compatible products and we will provide you with all the installation documents necessary to get the wiring in place to make your system functional. The benefit we have over the other contractors on most jobs is that we have the direct contact with the client, no middle man to communicate your needs. Together with the client we are able to design and make sure that all the steps are taken to create the environment you are looking for.

Get involved early, don't wait until the last minute. Become a client today! We are waiting for your call.

Labels: architect, Audio, blueprints, Builder, construction, designer, documetation, electronics, home automation, homeowner, integration, planning, sheetrock, sub-contractor, video

- Dan Lowitz
Posted Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 1:24 PM

Lighting control for Mother Nature

Mile High Automation is proud to announce that we are, in connection with Blind Corners and Curves, offering motorized shades and blinds. Blind Corners and Curves (BCC) have been providing quality products and installation since 1997. Our clients will benefit from this relationship immensely. BCC, in addition to being a key account for Hunter Douglas, has a custom manufacturing facility on-site for the creation of motorized blinds to fit oddly shaped windows (a staple in current construction). Our customers have been asking for shade and blind motorization and natural light control for a long time and we are now able to offer it.

The systems can be designed and installed for a pre-construction or a retrofit application through the use of wireless remote controls. We will integrate your standard lighting control system to work with your new natural lighting control system and function according to scene control, alarm status, vacation mode or even the astronomical clock. This will allow you to have absolute control over how your home is lit whether you are home or away, day or night.

The benefits of natural light control are great. Proper window covering and control will save your furniture, rugs and expensive artwork from the damaging rays of the sun. Think of it as SPF for your possessions. BCC will work with designers, architects, builders, homeowners and Mile High Automation to be certain your home gets what it needs.

Please get in touch with us and we will work with you and BCC to create the natural lighting control system you need. Check out their website at www.bccblinds.com to see the choices they have to offer.

Labels: blinds, home automation, integration, lighting control, motorization, shades, wireless

- Dan Lowitz
Posted Monday, April 6, 2009 at 8:53 AM

Video User Guide - Arming/Disarming your System

This is the first in many video user guides that we will be releasing within the next month or so. This specific video will run over how to arm and disarm your security system from your LCD keypad. There are other keypad functions such as adjusting lights, climate control and running preprogrammed macro buttons but since those features are typically controlled from a touch screen or a computer, I limited my demonstration to security.

Labels: Arm/Disarm, home automation, How-to, LCD Keypad, security systems

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 3:40 PM

MHA in March/April Electronic House

Mile High Automation was featured in this month's Electronic House magazine. The article explained our business model and some new improvements we have made.

A special thanks to our client Steve B. who brought this article to our attention, without his note we may have not seen this!

Download the full PDF here.

Labels: Electronic House, home automation, Pro Sells Do-It-Yourself Plans

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Monday, March 16, 2009 at 3:56 PM

HAI 2009 Product Guide/Catalog

HAI has just released their 2009 product guide. We are a full line HAI distributor and have access to everything they offer.

Download the 2009 HAI Product Guide (PDF).

Labels: HAI 2009 Product Guide, home automation, Products

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 1:37 PM

Home Automation Energy Savings

HAI recently published this pie chart, which shows the breakdown of energy usage in a typical home.

Our home automation systems are able to greatly reduce usage in each area. Here's a breakdown of each system:

Heating & Cooling: By automating your thermostat, we can program your system to heat and cool the house while you are home, and go into energy saving mode while you are out or on vacation. This can easily reduce your heating and cooling energy costs by 15% or more. Your cost on the thermostats is typically recouped in under 6 months.

Lighting: We can have lights automatically turn off when you leave the home, greatly reducing your usage. Also, by dimming your lights to 75%, you are saving 25% in energy. This will quickly add up over time.

Appliance and Water Heater Control: Using HAI load control modules, controlled outlets, and relays we are able to automatically turn off these devices when you are away from the home.

"Go Green" custom programming: We have started offering a button on clients touch screens called "Go Green". Pressing this button will lower your thermostats 2 degrees, and dim any lights that are on 10%. This gives you an instant house-wide energy savings of about 15%. When pressed a second time, the thermostats drop another 2 degrees and the lights dim another 10%.

Labels: energy, green, home automation

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 11:27 AM

Pet Immune Motion Detectors

Many manufacturers sell motion detectors as "pet-immune". Some will even go as far to say pet-immune for animals up to 60 or 80 lbs.

In our experience these ratings are very optimistic... In tests, we have had an 18lb dog set off these motion detectors. While they only tripped the sensor about 10% of the time, that is still unacceptable for security.

Another problem we have seen is in homes with 2 or more dogs. Two 20lb dogs chasing each other look like a 40lb + dog to the motion detector.

We still love motion detectors, especially for their ability to trigger lights and music as you move throughout your home. However, if you do have dogs we recommend also securing your doors, windows, and in same cases implement glass break sensors.

Labels: detector, home automation, immune, motion, pet, sensor

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Monday, November 24, 2008 at 11:43 AM

Motorized Drape Control

We have recently added a product for automated drape control. It will allow our automation systems to open and close drapes from any interface (touch screen, keypad, computer, etc).

We will also be able to naturally heat and cool the house by opening and closing drapes based on indoor and outdoor temperatures.

Last, we can tie these drapes into lighting scenes, as well as put them on schedules to automatically open and close each day at certain times.

We are still working out the final details, but we are hoping to be able to sell these for about $450/window. This is much less then half the price of the control system we research a year ago ($998 per window). At this price it is still expensive to automate an entire home, but doing several key windows will add a lot of value without breaking the bank.

Labels: drape control, home automation

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 4:19 PM

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