Home Hacking Projects for Geeks

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 ...