{"id":23778,"date":"2014-12-08T08:35:21","date_gmt":"2014-12-08T08:35:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/?p=23778"},"modified":"2017-03-01T08:34:05","modified_gmt":"2017-03-01T08:34:05","slug":"the-uks-smartest-home-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/installation\/the-uks-smartest-home-part-2.html","title":{"rendered":"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Here&#8217;s the second part of our series on what may well be the\u00a0UK\u2019s Smartest Home\u00a0(make sure to <a href=\"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/installation\/the-uks-smartest-home-part-1.html\" target=\"_blank\">read Part 1 first<\/a>). Over to Chris Hunter to take us through the next instalment\u00a0on his amazing Idratek powered home automation system&#8230;<\/p>\n<h2><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24970 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P1%2B2.jpg?resize=500%2C259&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Part 2\" width=\"500\" height=\"259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P1%2B2.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P1%2B2.jpg?resize=300%2C155&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"sj-gblock\">\n<script language=\"javascript\">\n<!--\ngoogle_ad_client = \"ca-pub-5598479065369258\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 300; \ngoogle_ad_height = 250; \ngoogle_ad_format = \"300x250_as\"; \ngoogle_ad_channel = \"7058025304\"; \ngoogle_ad_type = \"text_image\"; \ngoogle_color_border = \"FFFFFF\"; \ngoogle_color_bg = \"FFFFFF\"; \ngoogle_color_link = \"52a79f\"; \ngoogle_color_url = \"CFFFDF\"; \ngoogle_color_text = \"000000\"; \n\/\/--> \n<\/script>\n<script language=\"javascript\"  src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div>In Part I, we gave an overview of what we&#8217;d done, the self-build and the automation. Here in Part 2 we go a level deeper\u00a0and give some more of the details behind the system (note that painting was about to start, when we took the photo&#8217;s).<\/p>\n<h2>Installations<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Node Zero<\/strong> &#8211;\u00a0when we came to build our Node0, we managed to get a lot more into it than we had anticipated. We\u2019d imagined having to spread it over two locations, one above the other, on the middle and lower floors. But, by doing it in layers, we managed to get it all into one location &#8211; and still keep everything reasonably accessible.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24975 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P3.jpg?resize=500%2C678&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Node 0\" width=\"500\" height=\"678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P3.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P3.jpg?resize=221%2C300&amp;ssl=1 221w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><br \/>\nWe tried to keep it neat, and there are doors to hide it away (they\u2019re smoked-glass, and open in the photo&#8217;, and the patch-panels have yet to be patched &#8211; soon, hopefully).<\/p>\n<p><b>Node1<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; nevertheless, later in the build, electrical loading considerations caused us to split-off a satellite Node1 in the sub-basement &#8230;<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24972 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P4.jpg?resize=500%2C332&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Wiring\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P4.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P4.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><br \/>\nNode0 and Node1 are two of the forty-plus locations at which everything systems-wise is concentrated around our home. Meaning all power and comm\u2019s outlets, all lights, all sensors, all actuators, all ventilation inlets and outlets, all water outlets and wastes. We call the locations \u2018installations\u2019, because they each needed significant joinery work.<\/p>\n<h2>Details &amp;\u00a0Features<\/h2>\n<p>What does everything do and what\u2019s the result ?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cat-5e UTP<\/strong>\u00a0caters for point-to-point links via the patch-panel in Node0, so anything anywhere can communicate directly with anything anywhere else, one to one (we generally put three outlets in each location).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cat-6 UTP<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; patch-panel with Ethernet switches in Node0,\u00a0for networking\u00a0Computers &amp; other IP devices, plugged-in at any location &#8211; they can then talk with each other &amp; reach-out over the Internet (again, generally three outlets per location, more in the study).<\/p>\n<p><strong>CT100\u00a0<\/strong>&#8211;\u00a0another patch-panel in Node0, and\u00a0to ensure good Radio &amp; TV reception at every location, so we can listen &amp; watch and be precise on time &amp; date (via DAB) anywhere in the house.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re out in the country, and the house is built of concrete with lots of steel reinforcement, so we have the aerials (DAB FreeView, FM, 3G, plus Satellite &amp; AM to be added later) up high, at the back of the house, feeding to splitter-amplifiers at the local location, which in-turn feed to a local patch-panel, that feeds to Node0.<\/p>\n<p>For economy, we didn\u2019t run CT100 to all locations, but we wish we had. For example, we missed window-ledge locations, and they&#8217;d be good places for clocks and radios. \u00a0 Then again, DAB reception has improved a lot since we started so, maybe, it will work-out.<\/p>\n<div style=\"color: #222222;\">the patch-panels in Node0 all sit next to each other, top-right in the photo&#8217; &#8211; so they can be inter-patched, if needed.<\/div>\n<p><strong>Comm\u2019s and Power Sockets<\/strong>\u00a0are mostly concealed behind flaps (some drop-down, some hinge-aside, some removable), with mains to the left &amp; signal to the right. The flaps can carry \u2018strips, for outlet-multiplication, and they have a brush-seal along one edge, for cables to come-through, for temporary connections. Window-surrounds are hollow, window-ledges &amp; shelves, too &#8211; so additional permanent connections are easily arranged. Integral ventilation outlets keep help to keep wall-warts from getting too warm, while also making sure heat is distributed, for wider benefit.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-24977 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P5%2B6.jpg?resize=500%2C377&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Wiring Location\" width=\"500\" height=\"377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P5%2B6.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P5%2B6.jpg?resize=300%2C226&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sensors<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; temperature, humidity, light-level, PIR, buttons, analogue and digital inputs &#8211; are placed all around the house, in locations where\u00a0they can work well &amp; give good inputs for sensor-fusion, which gives representative values for the automation. Analogue inputs include under-floor and black-bulb temperature sensors, signals from dedicated controllers, etc. Digital inputs include reed-switches, relay-closures, float- switches, push-buttons, third-party PIR devices, etc \u2026<\/p>\n<p><strong>Actuators<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 there are plenty of relays, to switch appliances, pumps, valves, solenoids, to select dedicated controller modes, etc \u2026 plus several 0-10V outputs to adjust pump speeds and valve-settings \u2026 and digital-outputs to switch indicator LEDs in status-boards \u2026<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ventilation<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 there&#8217;s MVHR for fully-fresh air with good economy, and a heat-pump to recover latent energy, and an after-unit heat-exchanger (like in a car radiator) looped off the UFH, to be sure to avoid any chill in the air, and a microfilter.<\/p>\n<p>Routing the ventilation ducts to each location gives better control of air-quality and also ensures quietness (separate ducts ensure acoustic isolation and the ducts are good attenuators). Generally air outlets to the room are kept high and pointed upwards (to give a fountain effect) and air extracts from the room are kept low (for good dust control), but extracts are set high in the showers and by the hob, to be sure to capture steam (it being a nuisance, but also having lots of latent heat to recover). Duct-sizes are optimised to match the needs of the locality &#8211; the aim being to keep velocities high-enough for scouring and low-enough for quietness. Every duct goes via one of four manifolds (built-in to the stair-side service ducts \/ chimneys), to ensure pressure-equalisation and dust settling.<\/p>\n<p><b>Wet UFH,<\/b>\u00a0in the two upper floors, was chosen for economy and comfort, including radiative comfort. We did have electric UFH in the washrooms in the basement, too, but it got damaged somehow in the fit-out and had to be abandoned.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Multiple heat sources<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 in addition to heat-recovery in the MVHR unit, we have two more ASHPs, one middling and one small, and solar-thermal, and each is associated with a thermal store, the first two having back-up immersion\u2019s, and all having a dedicated controller \u2013 the first thermal store (225 litres, fed by a 4.5kW ASHP that takes heat from the yard) is used primarily to heat the pool (10,000 litres, which is very small, as pools go), the second (285 litres, fed by a 1.5kW ASHP that extracts excess heat and humidity from the pool room) is used primarily for the UFH, and the third (800 litres and fed by 6kW vacuum-tubes, up on the roof) is used primarily for DHW.\u00a0Cortex\u00a0(the Idratek application) keeps an eye on them all and provides safety and performance and efficiency enhancements, \u00a0intervening when necessary to make sure the \u2018stores don\u2019t get too cold or too hot and the vacuum-tubes don\u2019t boil or freeze. Heat is shared when one is short and heat dump is enacted when necessary (to the other \u2018stores and ultimately to the pool). NB: the ASHP output numbers are nominal (they depend on operating parameters), but are a good guide to what\u2019s typical, and the solar-thermal output number is summer-peak.<\/p>\n<p><b>Data &amp; Status<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; key temperatures are spoken on-demand (push a button on an intercom, and an appropriate summary is replied). Idratek&#8217;s Cortex can present actual numbers and trends on graphs for any sensor, HVAC object, etc. But summary status information is also displayed in Node0, on a diagrammatic board that has LEDs to show the state of things \u2013 valve positions, pumps on \/ off, thermal stores and pool up to temperature, heat-pumps running, etc. The LED states are on, off, or flashing. \u00a0 It&#8217;s something like they have in railway signal-boxes, but for our heating &amp; ventilation system rather than trains, and it allows us to see how things are at a glance, with no need for finger-work or menus.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P7.jpg?ssl=1\" target=\"_blank\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24978\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P7.jpg?resize=501%2C266&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Wiring Diagram\" width=\"501\" height=\"266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P7.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P7.jpg?resize=300%2C159&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P7.jpg?resize=768%2C408&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>Fully automatic\u00a0<\/b>&#8211; automation is relied-on almost completely, around 99%, with no conventional fall-back, no light-switches, no wall- thermostats, and just one tap (over the sink in the garage, for the garden hose). But nearly all power-outlets have been kept separate, so we could use the working lamps and heaters we saved from the build, if we had to.<\/p>\n<p><b>Context Sensitive<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; automation is fully context-sensitive \u2013 lighting, heating,ventilation, water-outlets, appliances and access are controlled in ways that take account of equipment characteristics, efficiency factors, and people \u2013 where they are, home or not, in which room, what they\u2019re doing \u2013 and also the weather (how light, how warm or cold), the time of day, what\u2019s coming-up (visitors, sunny-day), etc.<\/p>\n<p><b>Buttons &amp; proximity sensors<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; while there are no light-switches or thermostats, there are buttons and proximity sensors (all low voltage) carefully positioned to be where people will be (by windows, at table or desk, in shower, in bath, by sink, on sofa, etc). So people can make an input when they need or want to &#8211; which is not very often.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24980 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P8.jpg?resize=500%2C332&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Kitchen\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P8.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P8.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sensor-fusion<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 there are lots of sensors, of every type, and plenty of sensor-fusion \u2013 both to avoid the confusion that can come with open-plan layouts (several sensors triggered at once), and to improve context sensitivity. Lights come-on appropriately and are not left-on unnecessarily, heating and ventilation are provided appropriately, information is provided appropriately, etc. Logic in Cortex deduces what\u2019s going-on\u00a0by using\u00a0data from several sources. Which sensors, what order, how long between triggers, movement from one room to another, doors and windows opened or closed, water-outlets used, buttons pushed, etc.<\/p>\n<p>Summary information is displayed for each room on a second status board in Node0, that shows both where people are and where there are problems (rather like the panels that are provided with some fire alarm systems).<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24981 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P9.jpg?resize=500%2C663&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Plan\" width=\"500\" height=\"663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P9.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P9.jpg?resize=226%2C300&amp;ssl=1 226w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Water-outlets<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 these are no-touch, using hand-wave proximity sensors, for good hygiene, and fully automated to cut frustration. Proximity sensor (CoastForm) &amp; solenoid, installed locally, work together with a thermostatic valve at the thermal-store off-take. \u00a0 No need to repeatedly adjust temperature and flow-rate while the water is flowing, and Cortex takes account of context and provides timing \u2013 wave a hand and bath or bucket or sink are filled just enough, with no need to hang-around, or worry, or even be in the house (automatic top-up of feeder-channel for plant-trough, and of waste-traps, too, so no dead plants or nasty smells when we\u2019ve been away for a while). Outlets are inhibited when the house is unoccupied or we\u2019re asleep etc (so also no floods, hopefully). It&#8217;s our own home-brew arrangement, and it&#8217;s economical and cuts water-consumption, and cost less to install than conventional taps.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24982 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P10%2B11.jpg?resize=500%2C666&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Water\" width=\"500\" height=\"666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P10%2B11.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P10%2B11.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Dispensers<\/b>\u00a0&#8230; we have no mains drainage so we use a septic tank.\u00a0 Battery-operated soap dispensers limit detergent use and save water, too (less water needed to rinse).<\/p>\n<p><b>Float-switches<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; our water table is not kind, float switches are wired to ODI digital-inputs so Cortex can monitor it\u2019s ups and downs and keeping us informed via speech-synthesis. It also records the data so we can plot the trends and project ahead (manually, for now).<\/p>\n<p><b>Timing<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; washing machine and dishwasher have options to start immediately or after we\u2019ve left the room or gone to bed, or the electricity tariffs are more\u00a0favourable. They\u2019ll auto-pause if people come-back in the room.<\/p>\n<p><b>Boiling water<\/b>\u00a0is available for a brew on-demand, without having to wait, even when have just arrived home. Cortex takes account of time of day, occupancy, etc, and switches the Quookers, so the water&#8217;s only heated when it might be needed.<\/p>\n<p><b>Speech synthesis<\/b>\u00a0informs us via the intercom when a door has been opened, or one has been left open too long. Not annoyingly, but again only when necessary (eg: when small children are about and are exploring where they shouldn\u2019t, or we are not nearby when a visitor lets themselves in by the garden door, or it\u2019s the pantry or pool-room door that\u2019s been left open, or it\u2019s an external door and it\u2019s winter or night-time, etc). \u00a0\u00a0Speech synthesis is also employed to let us know if any doors or\u00a0windows have been left open as we leave the house. All internal and external doors have reed-switches fitted. We&#8217;re also reminded to switch the water off (SureStops) and given warning of auto\u2019 shut-down \/ fall-back of house systems and appliances and lights, setting of alarm, ghost activation, etc. It also reminds us when we return home\u00a0to switch the water on, put the \u2018bins out (if it\u2019s the day), wind the clock (ditto), or whatever.\u00a0It will also tell us when, for example, heat-dump has been started or stopped.<\/p>\n<p>There are ten Intercom modules, at various locations about the house &#8211; we could do with a few more, but they&#8217;re useful when we are far apart. There are cameras at front door and yard gate, and we\u2019ve wired for small displays to be installed later by some intercom stations (screens sold for car reversing display might be the thing, when budget allows).<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24983 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P13%2B14.jpg?resize=500%2C336&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Access Comtrol\" width=\"500\" height=\"336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P13%2B14.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P13%2B14.jpg?resize=300%2C202&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Parlour \/ Kitchen \/ Diner<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; a\u00a0home-grown design and build, optimised for sociability, sight-lines and ergonomics, with a minimum-clash. Also good stowage, convenient waste-disposal. Facilities come into play automatically, when someone starts to work. We also took care to get air flows right, there\u2019s an air-curtain to trap billowing steam, and fan-speeds are varied with humidity. The window ledge herb garden is watered automagically. Most appliances are linked into Cortex, but some needed intermediate contactors which was a step too far (though we might add them in the future).<\/p>\n<p><b>Lighting scenes<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 when the cooking is done, switch the lights to something more comfortable, lighting-wise, at the push of a convenient button. Ditto when we want to watch a movie, view slides, relax in bath, read in-bed, etc.<\/p>\n<p><b>Freezer boost<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; automatically pre-enacted for shopping days, and also available on-demand (push a convenient button) with automatic stand-down &#8211; so it\u2019s no-longer left running unnecessarily (second-relay in a DRB wired across the boost button, enables Cortex to do this).<\/p>\n<p><b>Logs<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; overall power consumption is logged courtesy of a stick-on sensor added to main meter &#8230; significant individual loads are also logged, using pulse-output power-meters wired into power-feeds &#8230; both being wired to digital-inputs in convenient nearby modules (most IDRATEK modules\u00a0include two of these). Cortex counts the pulses and presents totals and trends on-demand, so we can keep an eye on overall consumption &amp; on individual &amp; groups of appliances. This way\u00a0we can know what&#8217;s eating energy &amp; be sure of how things are doing (we hope to add CoP analysis etc, too, before too long too).<\/p>\n<p><b>Security<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; garage doors and yard gate are enabled only when appropriate, so their remote\u2019s work when they should, not all the time. The gate can be\u00a0opened and closed while looking onto it from a window by pressing a convenient button.<\/p>\n<p><b>Projector<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; signalled by push of a button on the sofa-table, the slide projector comes on, room-lights are set, and in-rush resistors are by-passed a few seconds later &#8211; so projector bulb is run hot enough for colour-accuracy, but protected during start-up, when resistance is low &#8211; meaning they will last longer, as a result.<\/p>\n<p><b>Garden fountains &amp; cascade<\/b>\u00a0are included both for their sound (there\u2019s a motorway across valley, about a mile away) and for summer-cooling (even our way, it can get too warm, in summer).\u00a0 Using just a 185W pump, it\u2019s not Chatsworth, or Versailles, but the pump\u00a0is turned-on as a function of light level and temperature, and when people demand, with auto-off in-case forgotten. \u00a0 Plan is to add a reminder to service the filters, too, based on accumulated operating time.\u00a0 We had hoped also to include micro-misters up on the roof, for summer cooling, but we couldn\u2019t source them in-time.<\/p>\n<p><b>Pool<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; it took six-months to excavate the rock for our\u00a0small swimming pool machine (SwimEx) in the basement. It has its own controls, but water-temperature &amp; top-up &amp; filtration is looked-after by Cortex, which also feeds a digital display (London Electronics) to show water-temperature (when stationary) and water speed (when running).<\/p>\n<p><b>Workbench<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 lift the lid, and things are set for work (lights, safety-interlocks, etc) \u2026<\/p>\n<p><b>TV &amp; time<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; the CT100 cables allow computers\u00a0\u00a0to be used\u00a0for TV and Radio,\u00a0in most locations\u00a0(desktops and laptops, with an EyeTV USB-stick). When budget allows, we\u2019ll add low-cost DAB clock-radios, too, to continuously show the time. Advantage is, they\u2019ll set themselves after power-cuts and auto-adjust for summer-time.<\/p>\n<p><b>Virtual Rooms<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; Idratek\u2019s Sensor-Fusion logic works-out when someone\u2019s doing, for example, the ironing. It then creates a virtual room and sets the relevant lighting etc appropriately for the task.<\/p>\n<p><b>RFID<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; we wired for Violet Mir:ror RFID readers in key places, so people can place tags on them to signal particular requirements. For example, to say it\u2019s them who\u2019s home, have the kitchen facilities behave their way, set a virtual alarm-clock or timer for a particular task, etc.<\/p>\n<p><b>Alarms<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; dedicated alarms have been included for smoke and fire, but\u00a0they&#8217;re linked to Cortex, which monitors, enhances them. In-turn it uses the sirens and flashers to signal other events\u00a0too,\u00a0much in\u00a0much\u00a0the same way schools use theirs for class-changes. Cortex adds intruder, flood, tamper, malfunction, and temperature, alarms &#8211; amongst others.<\/p>\n<p><b>Railway<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; the model railway on the middle-floor is a simple oval track with two sidings and two trains, set all above our heads. Track-side reed-switches &amp; magnets on trains (front &amp; back) signal events to Cortex, which looks after safety-interlocks &amp; manages a status-panel, with track-plan &amp; LEDs &amp; push-buttons, for user information &amp; requests. Cortex controls and monitors the pattern of reed-switching, sets power and signals and points appropriately, and interrupts power-feeds when something\u2019s not right. In effect, Cortex plays signal-man, people play engine-driver. \u00a0 There\u2019s no scenery, focus being on the dynamics &#8211; it&#8217;s set up-high both to see the trains from the right angle and to have the space for large radii for both curves &amp; points, and also so the lighting can light the rooms below. Rope-lights are run in hollows on each side of the track. We&#8217;ve had two train crashes, and it&#8217;s a long way to fall, for a train &#8211; the first was catastrophic (the train being delicate &amp; detailed, for enthusiasts), but the second caused only minor damage (the train being less detailed, having been designed to be reasonably child-proof).<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24985 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P16.jpg?resize=500%2C235&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The UK\u2019s Smartest Home? Model Railway\" width=\"500\" height=\"235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P16.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P16.jpg?resize=300%2C141&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>More<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; there\u2019s a lot more, and more to do, especially in terms of context-sensitivity. For example, to detect the difference between someone just passing through a room and someone staying there. Also, if something happens while we\u2019re out, then we need to be told on our return. Plus, we need an ability to think ahead &#8211; when there\u2019s a problem, we&#8217;d like to be told what might happen next.<\/p>\n<p>We need a rain-gauge, and more logic &#8211; eg: for swimming-machine speed control, and automatic bath-fill pause (when someone wants water from another outlet, somewhere else in the house). And more sensor-fusion. And, while we can already use our &#8216;phones and tablet to switch things, we need to develop links with other things on the computer network &#8211; TV, Radio, HiFi, etc. \u00a0 We also need to do something about mobile&#8217; reception &#8211; for &#8216;phone &amp; broadband, we have an aerial at the back of the house, at roof-level, which feeds to a coupler &#8211; but things only work when placed against the coupler, which is not very convenient, and can be quite awkward. We&#8217;ve joined the local B4RN initiative, which will hopefully provide a solution, sometime next year.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/b\/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=19450&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=4370276031&amp;pf_rd_i=home%20automation&amp;pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&amp;pf_rd_p=539091067&amp;pf_rd_r=0YEVB842KD51PRBTCGV8&amp;pf_rd_s=desktop-auto-sparkle&amp;pf_rd_t=301&amp;qid=1420041099&amp;ref=spks_0_0_539091067&amp;tag=ah4-21&amp;linkId=F6UYHDJMIO5K7QNR\" target=\"_blank\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-25332 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/ahas.png?resize=500%2C242&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Amazon Home Automation Store\" width=\"500\" height=\"242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/ahas.png?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/ahas.png?resize=300%2C145&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>In the third and final part of the series, Chris looks at how the system actually works in real life, shows us more amazing photos and talks about\u00a0what the future developments with be for his incredible system (coming soon).<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.idratek.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.idratek.com<\/a> \u00a0: \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/?s=idratek&amp;x=0&amp;y=0\" target=\"_blank\">More Idratek<\/a> \u00a0: \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/category\/installation\" target=\"_blank\">More Smart Home Installations<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 11\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><strong style=\"color: #222222;\">Want More?<\/strong><span style=\"color: #222222;\">\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"color: #52a79f;\" href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/ottomate\">Follow us<\/a><span style=\"color: #222222;\">\u00a0on Twitter,\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"color: #52a79f;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AutomatedHomeUK\" target=\"_blank\">Like us<\/a><span style=\"color: #222222;\">\u00a0on Facebook, or subscribe to our\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"color: #52a79f;\" href=\"http:\/\/feeds2.feedburner.com\/automatedhome\">RSS feed<\/a><span style=\"color: #222222;\">. You can even get these news stories\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"color: #52a79f;\" href=\"http:\/\/feedburner.google.com\/fb\/a\/mailverify?uri=AutomatedHome&amp;loc=en_US\">delivered via email<\/a><span style=\"color: #222222;\">, straight to your inbox every day<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here&#8217;s the second part of our series on what may well be the\u00a0UK\u2019s Smartest Home\u00a0(make sure to read Part 1 first). Over to Chris Hunter&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":24972,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"2017-03-01T08:34:10Z","apple_news_api_id":"98301391-36f6-4171-8199-f411291ca4a0","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2017-03-01T08:34:10Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAD\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/w==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AmDATkTb2QXGBmfQRKRykoA","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"activitypub_content_warning":"","activitypub_content_visibility":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[3],"class_list":["post-23778","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-installation","tag-featured"],"apple_news_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/automatedhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/chris-hunter-P4.jpg?fit=500%2C332&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23778"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23778"}],"version-history":[{"count":61,"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23778\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34779,"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23778\/revisions\/34779"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24972"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23778"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23778"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/automatedhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}