More Practical Uses for Home Automation

Filed in archive Home Automation on March 16, 2005

There's a lot of discussion about how useful home automation is. We've pointed out one home automation user's experience the other day. We've found a forum entry at CocoonTech.com, where electron has an enormous list of how he uses technology in his home like:

IR control: mute all audio equipment and TV's when the phone rings, so the Caller-ID announcement can be heard. Turn on PiP/Twin View when there is motion outside, or the garage door opens, showing a live camera feed. Also mute all audio systems if there is a high priority announcement (such as as the medication reminder), unmute once the announcement has been made.

and

Car starter: I built a cradle for my remote keyfob, so my system can control the remote starter by activating a solenoid. My system will start the car every morning after I wake up (using time restrictions and motion detectors), so it is all nice and warm when I am ready to leave for work. I am planning on adding the outside temperature as a condition so it can decide if it should start the car a few minutes before I leave (summer) or if it should start it 15-20 minutes in advance (winter).

Electron, you are the man!!

See the Impressive List at CocoonTech.com