Navigation

    • Register
    • Login
    • OpenHardware.io
    • Categories
    • Recent
    • Tags
    • Popular
    1. Home
    2. JoeStrout
    3. Topics
    • Profile
    • Following
    • Followers
    • Topics
    • Posts
    • Best
    • Groups

    Topics created by JoeStrout

    • JoeStrout

      Need advice on extending Z-wave range
      General Discussion • • JoeStrout  

      4
      0
      Votes
      4
      Posts
      5286
      Views

      msebbe

      @JoeStrout said: I started setting up a Z-wave network a couple months ago when I moved into this new house. For the most part, things are working pretty well. But I have a node in the back yard that controls the yard lights; it's located in the pool pump area, behind a concrete wall, and the far edge of the property. At first I couldn't reach that node at all, but then I stuck another module on one of the outside outlets on that side of the house. Then I was able to reach that remote node fairly reliably. But it was still a bit flaky, and for the past two days, I haven't been able to reach it at all. That means trudging out to turn the yard lights on and off by hand. WAF is low, and I'm not happy either. Moreover, we want to add Z-wave control of the pool pump as well, which would be in the same area, but that's going to require an extensive electrical refactoring — so we need to be sure it's going to actually work! So! This is why I'm asking: How can I best extend the range out to a remote node, when there are no outlets in between? Are there dedicated "relay" modules that have bigger antennas or more power? Or is there some sort of wired relay (the wire of which I suppose I could bury in the yard)? (And sorry for the non-MySensors-specific question... but I've found this forum to be friendlier and more helpful on all topics than other Z-wave forums on the net!) What controller are you using? I successfully changed antenna in my Vera Edge wich gavel alot better range
    • JoeStrout

      Combo entry scene trigger?
      Hardware • • JoeStrout  

      6
      0
      Votes
      6
      Posts
      2682
      Views

      jsondag

      Here is a basic untested code that might do what you're wanting. I combined a my sensors button sketch with the following. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-door-lock-with-password/ I might build one up at some point, but currently I haven't tested it. #include <MySensor.h> #include <SPI.h> #include <Password.h> //http://playground.arduino.cc/uploads/Code/Password.zip //tells to use password library #include <Keypad.h> //http://www.arduino.cc/playground/uploads/Code/Keypad.zip //tells to use keypad library #define CHILD_ID 3 Password password = Password( "0000" ); //password to unlock, can be changed const byte ROWS = 4; // Four rows const byte COLS = 4; // columns // Define the Keymap char keys[ROWS][COLS] = { {'1','2','3'}, {'4','5','6'}, {'7','8','9'}, {'*','0','#'} }; // Connect keypad ROW0, ROW1, ROW2 and ROW3 to these Arduino pins. byte rowPins[ROWS] = { 9, 8, 7, 6 };// Connect keypad COL0, COL1 and COL2 to these Arduino pins. byte colPins[COLS] = { 5, 4, 3 }; MySensor gw; int oldValue=-1; // Change to V_LIGHT if you use S_LIGHT in presentation below MyMessage msg(CHILD_ID,V_TRIPPED); // Create the Keypad Keypad keypad = Keypad( makeKeymap(keys), rowPins, colPins, ROWS, COLS ); void setup() { gw.begin(); delay(200); pinMode(11, OUTPUT); //green light pinMode(12, OUTPUT); //red light keypad.addEventListener(keypadEvent); //add an event listener for this keypad // Register binary input sensor to gw (they will be created as child devices) // You can use S_DOOR, S_MOTION or S_LIGHT here depending on your usage. // If S_LIGHT is used, remember to update variable type you send in. See "msg" above. gw.present(CHILD_ID, S_DOOR); } void loop(){ keypad.getKey(); } //take care of some special events void keypadEvent(KeypadEvent eKey){ switch (keypad.getState()){ case PRESSED: Serial.print("Enter:"); Serial.println(eKey); delay(10); Serial.write(254); switch (eKey){ case '*': checkPassword(); delay(1); break; case '#': password.reset(); delay(1); break; default: password.append(eKey); delay(1); } } } void checkPassword(){ if (password.evaluate()){ //if password is right open Serial.println("Accepted"); Serial.write(254);delay(10); //Add code to run if it works gw.send(msg.set(1)); digitalWrite(11, HIGH);//turn on delay(5000); //wait 5 seconds digitalWrite(11, LOW);// turn off delay(5000); gw.send(msg.set(0)); }else{ Serial.println("Denied"); //if passwords wrong keep locked Serial.write(254);delay(10); //add code to run if it did not work gw.send(msg.set(0)); digitalWrite(12, HIGH); //turn on delay(5000); //wait 5 seconds digitalWrite(12, LOW);//turn off } }```
    • JoeStrout

      seeking advice on system architecture for custom, responsive UI
      Controllers • controller lcars z-stick • • JoeStrout  

      9
      0
      Votes
      9
      Posts
      5262
      Views

      gbfromhb

      If I was to write something like this right now. I would probably use the MEAN stake. MongoDB Express Angular Node.js With NodeJS and express you can have it do your api then add AngulerJS and Web Sockets to those two and you will have a very resonsive Web based UI. Here is were it gets interesting. Python, C++, or C#. Python works with Nodejs very well. Windows 10 under the hood has some big changes which will make it very interesting for development. The new Windows Universal is really new (it is not even released) and very interesting. I have seen it called Core and Windows IoT. I'm right now toying around with Windows IoT on a Raspberry PI and attempting to create a MySensors gateway. I have had some adventures, and am close to putting it away for now until the next build, but it could be very Interesting. I would set it up to use the Vera http API first and then add support for Z-Wave, MySensors, then Insteon.
    • JoeStrout

      How would I interface with Protection 1 alarm sensors?
      General Discussion • • JoeStrout  

      9
      0
      Votes
      9
      Posts
      5663
      Views

      soward

      I agree with @sparkman, swapping that out for a semi-modern DSC will allow you to easily connect it to the VERA and use the existing sensors in scenes, as alerts/alarms, etc for not a whole lot of work or $, and maintain a traditional keypad/panel, especially if you sell the house one day. The DSC stuff is pretty well documented and easy to work with, and available cheaply on Ebay and other places. It can be a bit fiddly and you will probably need a WinXX box to program it ( though it can all be done via the keypad as well )
    • JoeStrout

      Aeon Labs Z-Stick?
      Controllers • • JoeStrout  

      9
      0
      Votes
      9
      Posts
      3749
      Views

      Moshe Livne

      @JoeStrout I tried several home automation systems with zwave. Mist failed miserably, especially with aeon labs 4 in one device. The only one that worked "out of the box" was domoticz. Give it a try....
    • JoeStrout

      disappointed so far in VeraLite... have I chosen poorly?
      Vera • • JoeStrout  

      14
      0
      Votes
      14
      Posts
      6398
      Views

      Dean

      I don't have any experience with iPhone, but I can confirm that the Vera app is horribly slow. When my Vera 3 was on UI5, that app was heaps quicker. I've recently took the plunge and upgraded to UI7, but the app for that is just too slow to be useful I reckon. I have an android phone and use Autovera which is instantaneous. I also have Imperihome running on an android tablet and it too is quick. My experience too is that it has made very little difference between communicating with a zwave switch or a Mysensors switch with regards to speed.
    • JoeStrout

      Total noob's question about building a PWM light controller
      General Discussion • arduino noob z-wave • • JoeStrout  

      12
      0
      Votes
      12
      Posts
      4922
      Views

      JoeStrout

      OK, it's beginning to become clear. My initial gadgets & gizmos should arrive today, so I'll start tinkering, and I'm sure more clarity will come. Thanks for the quick responses, and for your patience. This is so far the best HA forum I've found anywhere!