INTERACTIVE HOUSE (Part 2)

Michael Holigan: Tim, what do we need besides the telephone to control H.A.L.?

Tim Shriver: Well, we need a computer, a 486 or better with at least 12MB of more running Windows 95 with a voice modem installed.

M.H.: Okay. We've got that. What else are we going to need?

T.S.: Well, we need to connect it to our house wiring, so we need this module that we'll plug into the serial port.

M.H.: Okay. Serial port's in the back.

T.S.: So we take a standard telephone line that comes with the kit, and we plug that into our module. Plug this into the serial port on the back of the computer. Then we take the other end and plug it into this module and that gets plugged into our household AC.

M.H.: Okay. Now what do we need to receive the signal?

T.S.: Well, we need a switch of some sort. And we provide one switch in the box, so right out of the box you're ready to go.

M.H.: How about the rest of the switches?

T.S.: These are some other switches by other manufacturers. This is a light switch and also a receptacle for a socket so we could put a coffee maker or something in here and control it.

M.S.: Now the first module is convenient because you don't have to wire it in. You just plug right into the end of it. Can you get more of these if you're afraid to wire?

T.S.: Right. You can order these directly from us or you can get them from any Radio Shack or order them directly from an electrical supply store.

M.H.: What kind of price?

T.S.: Under $10.

M.H.: Okay. Great price. I wouldn't want to see them in every plug though, in the house. SO let's go see what it takes to install a plug.

T.S.: Okay.

M.H.: To begin with, remember, the first thing you always want to do anytime you're working with electricity in your home is turn off the power at the main breaker box. Once you've done that, you're ready to get started switching out your ordinary wall outlets with new ones that will respond to signals from your computer. And it's really just as simple as that. It's an easy do-it-yourself installation that most anybody can do, but please remember to get the power coming to the outlet turned off before you begin. Well Tim, let's use one of the typical switches here, since we've got the power off. I see no power. Okay, what do we do?

T.S.: We're going to take the plate off, pull the switch and replace the switch with an automated switch that we can control via the automation system.

M.H.: It's still a normal switch though, if anyone doesn't want to use the automated system.

T.S.: For all intents and purposes. I mean, you can control it manually just like you would this switch. It's just that it has an address underneath the switch panel here that we can identify this switch uniquely to the automation system.

M.H.: Here again, switching out the ordinary light switch with one your computer can talk to is simple and easy. It's just a matter of removing the switch plate cover, disconnecting the old switch, wiring in the new one and putting the new switch and cover plate back in place.

T.S.: Okay. We're going to set the address to "B". The reds are always our letters and the black is always the number. And we want this to be "B-6".

M.H.: It's easy enough to change an address if you like.

T.S.: Yeah. You wouldn't even have to take the face plate off. You can still access the address control from just pulling off the switch itself.

M.H.: About how much is the cost of a switch like this?

T.S.: They vary, depending upon the capability of the switch. If it's just a single switch like this, in quantity one it might be $20. It could be as little as $12. If it's a three way switch, they start getting more expensive. If it's for heavy load or for fluorescent lighting, it starts getting even more expensive. But like anything else, if you're going to do your house, you don't want to do it one at a time. You want to do a number of them so that you can take advantage of a quantity buy.

M.H.: Yeah. $12 isn't too much for a switch like that.

T.S.: No.

M.H.: Okay. Let's turn the power back on.

T.S.: Okay.

M.H.: You'll also want your thermostat to respond to your computer, so your standard thermostat will have to be replaced too. But that's not a complicated job either. We've shown you how to replace a thermostat before on Your New House. In fact, if you need a little refresher, you can reference the Setback Thermostat transcript in the About TheHouse section and follow the instructions.

For more information on Home Automated Living, check out their web site at www.AutomatedLiving.com or call 1-800-935-5313.

Episode 46 1996 - 97 Season

| Interactive House - 1 | Interactive House - 2 | Cleaning Your Computer | Destination 2000 | Bi-Weekly Mortgage |

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