Internet Devices for Home Automation

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This instructable shows the principles involved in making devices to control home automation over the internet.

In contrast to devices controlled from a web browser or phone, these are designed to be simple, Arduino based devices that are capable of talking to each other bi-directionally. They may be in the same house or in different buildings and may have one way communication (e.g. a light switch and light) or two way (e.g. an automation controller).

It’s possible to have local Device/Relay combinations to control Mains socket power to TVs, Computers etc..

Also you could see this working in building control. Commercial examples that work over local or proprietary interfaces are : Clipsal C-Bus, X10, Bus-SCS.

Practically speaking, it would make most sense to have one device per room with several switches, sensors and possibly low-voltage motors wired into it, and one device at the distribution board controlling relays or dimmers.

A major factor in Energy Waste is having Lights on too brightly during periods when a room is adequately lit from Natural Light. Adding a Light Sensor Device in a Room with a Dimmable Light Device significantly increases Energy Efficiency by controlling the Room Light in response to the sensed light in the room.

For each Device you will need:
* An Arduino (Uno)
* An Ethernet shield (or Wifi)

To prototype:
* A breadboard
* Some LEDs, Wires and Switches

For Mains Control:
* A Mains Relay Arduino Shield (e.g. http://www.dfrobot.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=496)