Hello, I am new to this forum so if i'm repeating somebody elses thread i apologise. I was hoping maybe somebody could put me on the right path. What i am after is to be able to control multiple switches/relays somehow through my computer.
This will be used mainly for home automation/security but i think if it is possible the limitations are endless. I know about X10 controllers etc but i thought it could be possible to build something on the cheap that connected to my serial port and use this to do it, this unit could drive smaller relays to switch larger ones. I am familiar(ish) with electronics, if such a thing could be made and if it would need building from scratch i would give it a good go. One thing I'm rubbish at is anything that needs any code writing for it, this would be beneficial if it was something already written and open sourced that i could use and donate funds to!
The unit doesn't really need two way communication, but this would be a bonus (ie confirmation of switching on/off) but if 2 way comms wasan option then PIR's could be monitored some how.
I have done the obvious searching on the internet but to no prevail.
If anyone can help, please do. If not, then am gonna have to use something like X10!
If any of you electronic genius could build something not overly expensive then i's sure i could re-imburse you for your time and materials!
Thanks...
This will be used mainly for home automation/security but i think if it is possible the limitations are endless. I know about X10 controllers etc but i thought it could be possible to build something on the cheap that connected to my serial port and use this to do it, this unit could drive smaller relays to switch larger ones. I am familiar(ish) with electronics, if such a thing could be made and if it would need building from scratch i would give it a good go. One thing I'm rubbish at is anything that needs any code writing for it, this would be beneficial if it was something already written and open sourced that i could use and donate funds to!
The unit doesn't really need two way communication, but this would be a bonus (ie confirmation of switching on/off) but if 2 way comms wasan option then PIR's could be monitored some how.
I have done the obvious searching on the internet but to no prevail.
If anyone can help, please do. If not, then am gonna have to use something like X10!
If any of you electronic genius could build something not overly expensive then i's sure i could re-imburse you for your time and materials!
Thanks...