Present Setup:
Ocelot triggered by a Pronto TSU-2000 using IR, along with the usual internal Ocelot timers, etc. The Ocelot C-Max program scans the list of code at a fairly slow rate in electronic terms and has some latency that is annoying.
Things it does now:
*Has macros programed to turn on the home theater equipment in sequence using IR emitters.
*Has typical control including scene control over PCS X-10 dimmers. Turns lights on at 5am, turns lights off at 9pm. Sets light levels for pre-movie, post-movie, etc.
*Has X-10 control of my motorized masking system (triggered by a button on the Pronto)
*Has IR control of my PowerRise motorized light filtering blinds, lowering them so many minutes after sunrise (varies daily due to trees blocking sun from hitting house and angle of sun changing).
*Raises blinds at same set time each day after sun leaves front windows.
*Controls blackout motorized blinds for home theater room darkening. Blinds are 24v DC, so relays are used (Adicon Relay 8 ). One position of the relay is up, the other down. Stops are built into the blinds.
*Adicon Secu 16I coupled to Xantech LS-1 light sensor prevents Ocelot from turning on BFD sub equalizer if Velodyne Sub is already on, thus preventing loud thump. If sub comes on and BFD (X-10 controlled) is not already on, Ocelot turns sub back off.
What do I want in the future, both near and distant, that Ocelot doesn't do well, or can't do:
*Allow conversion to Z-Wave dimmers and removal of most X-10.
*Allow addition of some sort of small touch screen (couch tablet). I'd like to have something 7 to 10 inches. Pronto is too small. Could be tethered, but free standing is always nicest. RF would be preferred. I don't think the right thing is on the market yet, I'm thinking of the future. I'm willing to wait until the time is right.
*Get rid of the latency of the Ocelot when controlling equipment. I'd like instant response.
*Work toward a Creston atmosphere where it makes no difference what the existing status of the equipment is, the automation will take it to where it should go. In other words, it makes no difference what the receiver is set to do, when you push a "watch movie" button on the remote, the equipment is prepared for that function. It doesn't have to start from a known point as it now does with an IR macro. I realize this will require the eventual upgrade of things like the receiver to something like RS-232, or at least discreet IR. My Marantz SR-780 is getting a little old and obsolete in this respect.
At age 75, I'd like the GUI to be reasonably intuitive. If I don't use something regularly, it's easy to forget procedures.
*I don't do much with security, but might want to add motion sensors if something reliable is available.
*I have no need to communicate with the HA system by cell phone, or other remote device.
*I probably won't run a thermostat.
*I probably won't be installing control screens on the wall, that is unless they communicate wireless and come down in price dramatically. Paying $1500 to $2500 for a little screen on the wall is not my style. Paying $300 for a 7"-10" screen might be. I have a feeling that the future will bring a lot of touch screen possibilities to the market.
The Ocelot can remain in the mix. It's a great piece of gear for the money. The problem is that ADI isn't advancing. Something may be wrong within the company, I don't know. They promised the replacement for the Ocelot, the Firecat, over two years ago. They were supposedly testing the software at that time. but nothing has happened. So, I want to think about the possibility of forced life after Ocelot. In other words, I'd like to be able to do everything with Housebot.
I promised not to get wordy, but I lost my way. Sorry. When I get on this home automation stuff, I don't know where to stop.
Deane
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