
18
Part I: Home Automation
tell our computer when someone approaches the door.
Figure 2-1 shows the components of this project.
Project Overview
This project builds on Chapter 1, Automate a Light, by
connecting a Microsoft Windows or Linux computer to
your X10 network. This project includes simple scripts
for controlling lights based on feedback from the X10
motion detector and the computer’s clock. The comput-
er’s role is fairly simple; however, once the computer is
connected to X10 and you understand how to control
it using scripts, you can do much more exciting things
than simply turning lights on and off.
Shortcut: Home-automation software packages that pro-
vide X10 control without requiring scripting are available
for both Windows and Linux. However, these applications
provide much less control and flexibility, and are not
nearly as much fun.
Figure 2-1. The conceptual design for the
intelligent porch light.
Light Switch
The software you write in this project will turn lights on and off based
partially on information provided by motion detectors and the current
time of day. To enable your computer to control the lights, you must first
install X10-capable light switches on all relevant lights (in this case, the
porch light, the floodlights, and the entry light). You must then install one
or more motion detectors. These will send a wireless X10 ...