Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
There is also an open port on the bridge, 30000, to which you can
telnet
and issue commands directly such as
[Link,Touchlink]
However interesting the result, they don't offer any functionality that's not available already from
the API so need not be discussed any further. Similarly, for more unofficial goodness you should visit
everyhue.com
.
N
You can not change the color of Hue bulbs while they're switched off, although you can still issue “alerts” to
bulb that will make them come on temporarily to indicate the arrival of mail, or the pressing of a door bell.
Note
Insteon
Although capable of controlling more than just bulbs, it is with lighting that Insteon has found its mark. It has taken
the X10 idea of passing all messages around on the power line, but extended it by providing a second “mesh” through
its RF network. It has also improved on the X10 model by allowing every device to both receive and transmit messages,
which means that every device is also a repeater, ensuring better coverage throughout the house.
N
Note
Although X10 and Insteon can work on the same power lines, Insteon will not repeat X10 signals as it does
its own.
In fact, in most cases, Insteon is a better choice than X10—it's faster to react, has better data throughput, the
device status can be queried in all cases, and all addresses are assigned uniquely at the factory so there's no issue with
house codes or neighbour disputes. Where is does come lacking is in the range of devices available (something that is
being remedied) and Linux software.
As with X10, you will need a special unit, such as a PowerLinc Modem
8
, to allow your Linux machine, or Raspberry
Pi, to communicate with an Insteon device. You will also need the appropriate USB driver (iplcd) and control software.
And therein lies the problem! The only real contender in this space is at
http://www.bobsplace.com/ilinks
, but
even that has ceased development work. Fortunately, the code survives and does work on most of the older devices.
Otherwise you should look toward Mister House (
misterhouse.sourceforge.net
), as this contains an Insteon driver
that is more up to date than the others available. Although it does mean installing more code than it necessary, it does
have a better than average chance of working!
Lifx
Originally started as a kickstarter project in 2012 this comes under the heading of “one to watch.” As supplied, the
bulbs can be either set to master or slave. The master is given an IP address, and connects to a Wi-Fi network, and
is able to distribute commands, in a mesh formation, to the slave bulbs. Current claims indicate that 9 slaves can be
connected to each master. Smart phone control apps, and a hacker SDK, are expected around the same time as the
bulbs and should available before the end of 2013.
Night Lights
By far the cheapest, and easier, automatic lights you can find. These have zero intelligence and comprise of a plug, a
bulb, and a light sensor. When it's dark, they light up. When it's light, they switch off. It's that simple. However, despite
the simplicity one need not ignore their benefits out of hand. They are, after all, incredibly cheap. Therefore, if you
4HEOLDER0OWER,INE#ONTROLLERSARENOTCOMPATIBLEWITHNEWER)NSTEONDEVICES
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