Hey guys, I've been planning this project for a while. Just been waiting to buy my own house and do it instead of in an apartment.
The plan is to use the Arduino with lots of relays to control 110v stuff. Also everything will be web controlled. Just want to throw the idea out there, see if anyone has any good idea about implementation. I've seen a couple of different methods on this, but I need something reliable and decent response speed.

First Method:
Arduino + Ethernet shield... this will limit the HTML size, so it wont look so nice... and I wont be able to control a lot with it.

Second Method:
Arduino plugged into a home server... I have successfully linked the Arduino with C# before, so it wouldn't be too difficult to implement a web based client/server to control, but the speed will suffer because I cant seem to get the response from C# to Arduino fast enough.

Third Method:
Arduino and Python... I dont know much about Python, but from examples it seem easier and faster?


I will be using the Arduino Mega, because I'll need plenty of pins. So the ethernet shield wont work with it easily... so that's something to keep in mind.

Projected Outcome:
I want to be able to connect my phone to my home wifi, then go to the "home server" mainsite, it'll show different controls for the house, by different rooms. Each room has different functions... like lights and such. The main "Home" site will have the security features as well, because it will be running my security system as well.


I think it's plausible, just need some help and inputs. I will make a nice work log of everything from research to implementation to part list for others. Thanks!

Ive been thinking about doing something similar, and haveing recently bought my first house (yay) I'm itching to try it. Im not great with electronics however, what relays would you use? and how would it be different if it were 240v (uk)

Thanks!! That was really helpful.

I guess I will be running the Arduino Mega with an ethernet shield.
The website will be fairly simple, and I am not too worried about the security since it's not going to be "online" per say, it's just in the network, so you'll have to be on the network to control the house.
Maybe once I get that working then I'll take it online and see if I can remotely control my house :-P.


I will be using 5v relay so I can use the same power supply as the Arduino, or 12v relay, one or the other. 12v would probably be easier since I can just attach it to a car battery and have that on a float charger so that I'll always have power even during power outage. The system will be controlling solenoids to lock and unlock doors as well, so I would appreciate the back up power.

Does anyone know if CAT5 cable can carry 12v power? and what the limitation would be? or 5V? Because I am replacing all the switches with relays and push buttons, which will be plugged into the Arduino.

My workblog will be here:
http://vinhworkblog.blogspot.com/

All cables can carry 12v, the question is how much current you want through it.

Quote:

I saw something about that too, but I think it 'just' required a manual reset to work every time. But that would be a pain too.

just as a reply to post #2 i dont have a great html page on my arduino just a error msg and a redirect to the original page

I use a *.php page for the forms and visual stuff (you can host a server on a old pc and connect it to your LAN)
and send the strings in an GET or POST form to the arduino that the only has to act accordingly and trow the browser back after a second so the arduino can process it.

(i prefer GET over POST since you can see what is send in the link )

P.S. i used Xampp for a while. it works great.
i now use my own rented server.

I'm so gonna do this when i buy a house!
bedroom with PWM light

friend of mine has to rooms (live's with his parents and got two rooms because his sister moved out)
he made the curtains close and light dim with the push of a button.
he uses the room to watch movies on his beamer.

Thanks for the tips on XAMP!!! I love it. Simple and pretty easy to set up. I was going to set up an apache server and then configure all that other good mess, but this is a all in one package!

I will be using RFID key tag for door security, so I can give people acccess to the house when I want, and that's a good idea on the IP camera as well!
Thanks!

There will be a back up system that unlock all door on a 12 volt car battery on float charger that will be monitoring the smoke detector, water and temp sensor as well.

I will definitely have to look into the heater and AC control.

really wanted to do this a long time so that's why have alot of ideas and time to think it out