Home Business Success Is Automation -

Today I want to touch on the topic of home automation.

This has been around for a long time with one of the main players being X10 and their cost effective system of wireless and powerline communications to get the intended message to the end unit. Many other systems are available from stores and mail order outlets. What I find missing however is a system that the hobbyist in the street can embrace without getting tied in to a particular product. Usually one wants to start off small, switching a light or appliance remotely and then moving on to dimming applications.

These simple systems usually involve a central “controller” and one to many end units that can be configured to perform various functions. One of the drawbacks of X10 is the inability to get data back to the controller and nowadays even a simple system would be required to have a duplex communications method for exchanging information. We all want to know what the temperature is! A system would not be complete without a PC interface and some sort of program for monitoring and controlling the data to the end units. Zigbee seems to be a growing data transfer system of choice and Zigbee modules can be purchased that allow a network to be formed automatically almost without user input. This allows the user to concentrate at the message level of data transfer to get the job done - Light No 5 ON - Read TEMPERATURE in room 3 etc.
So what do we need for a basic hobbyist system:

1) A “controller” that is used as a conduit for messages from a PC to the end units.
2) One to many end units that can perform various functions like switch ON/OFF, dim UP/DOWN, read temperature, read switch inputs etc. These end units should be versatile enough that with a simple exchange of internal modules, end unit functionality would be adapted to the current application.
3) A PC program for setting up various scenes or displaying monitored information.
4) A remote control would be a logical next step. This could send a command to the controller which would then transmit instructions to the various end units, depending on the scenes (list of instructions related to a particular input)that had been programmed e.g. Button 1 = dim light 5 to 50% AND switch on appliance 6 AND switch off appliance 9.
Hobby level systems would allow the user to program their own functionality into a system and create their own home automation environment without having to design the hardware.

X10 Home Automation -
As man learns to make machines that no longer rely on animal
or human power, he finds that he has to develop some means to
manage and control them. Powerful machines let loosed by
themselves will create havoc and destruction.

Control systems have been developed for machines or processes
so as to reduce the chances of failure and to provide the
required results.

Basically, there are open loop control systems and close loop
control systems.

Open loop systems are those where the controller action is not
related to the final result. This means that there is no
feedback to the controller to adjust the control action. A
simple example is when you fill up a tank using a garden hose.
As long as the tap is opened, the water will flow. The height
of the water in the tank will not make the tap close.

However, when you see the tank becoming full and decide to
close the tap, you are adding the element of feedback to the
loop. It then becomes a closed loop. But it is a human
controlled closed loop.

Closed loop systems use feedback from the final result to
adjust the control action accordingly.

But how would you like to stand in one position, watch the
process going on and operate valves, or switches according to
the conditions you want? This is very tiring, isn’t it?

Moreover, human beings are prone to fatigue, boredom, and
misjudgment. Manual control works very well only if the speed
of the response is very slow, and the result is not very
critical or important. Human controlled systems can become
very unreliable.

Machines are made to replace humans in most control systems
today.

The basic feature of any control system consists of 4 elements.
These are the measuring element, the controlling element, the
set value, and the correcting element.

The measuring element provides a means of detection/measurement
of the conditions required. This is the “eyes” or “ears” (or
other senses) of the system.

The controlling element is the place where all the decisions on
what actions to take are being made. It can be considered the
“brains” of the system. It must make decisions based on certain
guidelines or values required. The set values are inputted into
the system by humans.

The correcting element is where the correction to the process
is done. It can be considered like the “hands” or “feet” of the
system. It must take certain physical actions to bring the
processes back to the set value.

Well folks, be in control!

“Gain MORE Time and Get MORE Profits!”
Proven Time Management System sharpens your Focus.
Direct your efforts to things that really matter.
Watch your Business Grow and your Profits soar.
http://www.free-marine.com/linkfranklin.htm
or human power, he finds that he has to develop some means to
manage and control them. Powerful machines let loosed by
themselves will create havoc and destruction.

Control systems have been developed for machines or processes
so as to reduce the chances of failure and to provide the
required results.

Basically, there are open loop control systems and close loop
control systems.

Open loop systems are those where the controller action is not
related to the final result. This means that there is no
feedback to the controller to adjust the control action. A
simple example is when you fill up a tank using a garden hose.
As long as the tap is opened, the water will flow. The height
of the water in the tank will not make the tap close.

However, when you see the tank becoming full and decide to
close the tap, you are adding the element of feedback to the
loop. It then becomes a closed loop. But it is a human
controlled closed loop.

Closed loop systems use feedback from the final result to
adjust the control action accordingly.

But how would you like to stand in one position, watch the
process going on and operate valves, or switches according to
the conditions you want? This is very tiring, isn’t it?

Moreover, human beings are prone to fatigue, boredom, and
misjudgment. Manual control works very well only if the speed
of the response is very slow, and the result is not very
critical or important. Human controlled systems can become
very unreliable.

Machines are made to replace humans in most control systems
today.

The basic feature of any control system consists of 4 elements.
These are the measuring element, the controlling element, the
set value, and the correcting element.

The measuring element provides a means of detection/measurement
of the conditions required. This is the “eyes” or “ears” (or
other senses) of the system.

The controlling element is the place where all the decisions on
what actions to take are being made. It can be considered the
“brains” of the system. It must make decisions based on certain
guidelines or values required. The set values are inputted into
the system by humans.

The correcting element is where the correction to the process
is done. It can be considered like the “hands” or “feet” of the
system. It must take certain physical actions to bring the
processes back to the set value.

Well folks, be in control!

“Gain MORE Time and Get MORE Profits!”
Proven Time Management System sharpens your Focus.
Direct your efforts to things that really matter.
Watch your Business Grow and your Profits soar.
http://www.free-marine.com/linkfranklin.htm

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

What Home Automation Can Do for Your Family and Home -

Last year I authored an article entitled, “Log home automation? Excuse me?”. The article was picked up by scores of blogs and syndicated services and since then I have received tons of email asking questions about home automation and the company whose products I mentioned, X-10.

First, I will discuss the company; X-10 was a pioneer of online ‘in-your-face’ marketing. Anyone who was aware of X-10 in the early days of the Internet can remember the mind-numbing garish ads this company seemed to have pinned to every website in the universe. Heaven forbid if you opted in to any of their newsletter or advertising solicitations, as you would get blasted daily with offers and eleventh-hour deals.

That company, and the vast majority of regular Internet users learned the hard way how NOT to get involved with such marketing techniques. Companies who practiced these tactics eventually lost the support of their customers, and prospective clients learned to avoid these businesses. I do not blame X-10 for their unconventional approach to marketing. When the Internet was first made available to business, no one knew what would work or what was needed to attract customers. That was the ‘Wild West” of online marketing. Good companies made some bad mistakes, but eventually most learned that good products promoted properly will yield positive results.

X-10 is a survivor of the “dot-com meltdown” and the early marketing blunders of online promotion. Today, they are a 30+ year-old company offering quality products, with excellent warranties and free shipping to USA addresses (orders over $50). Today they are one of the world’s leading Web retailers and a manufacturer for several lines of best-selling consumer electronics products.

Revisiting Log Home Automation Home automation is about making things easier and improving convenience; it is about what you want - and when you want it to happen. Home automation is ‘green’ and good for global warming.

Although my primary focus is log homes, what follows pertains to all houses whether they are constructed of log, brick or even manufactured. Home automation is about making things easier and improving convenience; it is about what you want and when you want it to happen. With X-10’s ActiveHome Pro, your imagination is all that is needed to make your home “your automated castle.” Using this system you can program your thermostat to turn on or off to suit your schedule and wake up to a hot pot of coffee, and have your lights turn on or off at preset times.

This electronic brain for your home is managed by a system-control package for Windows PCs, but your computer does not need to stay connected for the system to work after it has been programmed. Once you download your behaviors into the computer interface, you can plug it into almost any electrical outlet in the house and it will run unassisted. The software permits you to program the behavior of any number of devices in your house, and is quite robust, yet easy to use. Set-up of the hardware components is a breeze. Outfit lamps or appliances that you want to control with small inexpensive modules that allow the ActiveHome Pro computer interface to communicate via signals that are broadcast across your home’s electrical wires.

You can even program the system to do tricks using the ActiveHome Pro software. A download plug-in is available from X10 (for $50) that allows modules to be controlled on an “if-then” basis. For example: If it’s past dusk and the motion sensor module detects movement in the living room, then turn on the lights. Or, if you have some programming experience, you can download a free software development kit and write a control program that interfaces with your e-mail.

Your imagination is the only limitation with this home automation system. You can create the mood you want with a push of a button. Produce a romantic atmosphere with dimmed lights, soft music and your aroma lamp, and make it a night to remember. When you come home after dark the system will automatically turn on your lights providing you a safe and visible entry. Ensure a fun and worry free vacation by turning lights on and off at different times, making your house look occupied. When it comes to peace of mind, convenience and comfort are paramount.

Home Automation is ‘Green’ Today you can manage your home, get control over your expenses and conserve energy. With a home automation system you can manage countless small tasks that will add up to huge savings of both money and energy. Your smart home can be programmed to turn lights off with the dawning of the day, your television to shut off at night after you fall asleep and your furnace to power down at night or when you are away at work. Managing lighting, heating and air conditioning components and appliances can make a significant impact on your household expenses and contribute to fuel conservation.

Will home automation solve the “global warming” problem? Doubtfully, but any measures we take to reduce energy consumption is good for everyone who inhabits this planet whether they live in a log home or a straw hut. Imagine the impact if fifty-million homes in America turned off their furnace and a couple lights for a few hours every day.

In summary, home automation is not just a toy for affluent geeks, but a reasonable consideration for anyone who owns a home and wants convenience, increased security and to save money and energy. If you are contemplating home automation or security improvements, I recommend you investigate X-10’s ActiveHome Pro system. A starter kit with the software, interface and several modules, remote controls and sensors costs just $100. Additional modules cost between $15 and $50 from X10 and other vendors. ActiveHome Pro was selected as the Editors’ Choice by PC Magazine making it their top pick among all home automation systems!

Home Automation And The Entry Level User -
As man learns to make machines that no longer rely on animal
or human power, he finds that he has to develop some means to
manage and control them. Powerful machines let loosed by
themselves will create havoc and destruction.

Control systems have been developed for machines or processes
so as to reduce the chances of failure and to provide the
required results.

Basically, there are open loop control systems and close loop
control systems.

Open loop systems are those where the controller action is not
related to the final result. This means that there is no
feedback to the controller to adjust the control action. A
simple example is when you fill up a tank using a garden hose.
As long as the tap is opened, the water will flow. The height
of the water in the tank will not make the tap close.

However, when you see the tank becoming full and decide to
close the tap, you are adding the element of feedback to the
loop. It then becomes a closed loop. But it is a human
controlled closed loop.

Closed loop systems use feedback from the final result to
adjust the control action accordingly.

But how would you like to stand in one position, watch the
process going on and operate valves, or switches according to
the conditions you want? This is very tiring, isn’t it?

Moreover, human beings are prone to fatigue, boredom, and
misjudgment. Manual control works very well only if the speed
of the response is very slow, and the result is not very
critical or important. Human controlled systems can become
very unreliable.

Machines are made to replace humans in most control systems
today.

The basic feature of any control system consists of 4 elements.
These are the measuring element, the controlling element, the
set value, and the correcting element.

The measuring element provides a means of detection/measurement
of the conditions required. This is the “eyes” or “ears” (or
other senses) of the system.

The controlling element is the place where all the decisions on
what actions to take are being made. It can be considered the
“brains” of the system. It must make decisions based on certain
guidelines or values required. The set values are inputted into
the system by humans.

The correcting element is where the correction to the process
is done. It can be considered like the “hands” or “feet” of the
system. It must take certain physical actions to bring the
processes back to the set value.

Well folks, be in control!

“Gain MORE Time and Get MORE Profits!”
Proven Time Management System sharpens your Focus.
Direct your efforts to things that really matter.
Watch your Business Grow and your Profits soar.
http://www.free-marine.com/linkfranklin.htm
or human power, he finds that he has to develop some means to
manage and control them. Powerful machines let loosed by
themselves will create havoc and destruction.

Control systems have been developed for machines or processes
so as to reduce the chances of failure and to provide the
required results.

Basically, there are open loop control systems and close loop
control systems.

Open loop systems are those where the controller action is not
related to the final result. This means that there is no
feedback to the controller to adjust the control action. A
simple example is when you fill up a tank using a garden hose.
As long as the tap is opened, the water will flow. The height
of the water in the tank will not make the tap close.

However, when you see the tank becoming full and decide to
close the tap, you are adding the element of feedback to the
loop. It then becomes a closed loop. But it is a human
controlled closed loop.

Closed loop systems use feedback from the final result to
adjust the control action accordingly.

But how would you like to stand in one position, watch the
process going on and operate valves, or switches according to
the conditions you want? This is very tiring, isn’t it?

Moreover, human beings are prone to fatigue, boredom, and
misjudgment. Manual control works very well only if the speed
of the response is very slow, and the result is not very
critical or important. Human controlled systems can become
very unreliable.

Machines are made to replace humans in most control systems
today.

The basic feature of any control system consists of 4 elements.
These are the measuring element, the controlling element, the
set value, and the correcting element.

The measuring element provides a means of detection/measurement
of the conditions required. This is the “eyes” or “ears” (or
other senses) of the system.

The controlling element is the place where all the decisions on
what actions to take are being made. It can be considered the
“brains” of the system. It must make decisions based on certain
guidelines or values required. The set values are inputted into
the system by humans.

The correcting element is where the correction to the process
is done. It can be considered like the “hands” or “feet” of the
system. It must take certain physical actions to bring the
processes back to the set value.

Well folks, be in control!

“Gain MORE Time and Get MORE Profits!”
Proven Time Management System sharpens your Focus.
Direct your efforts to things that really matter.
Watch your Business Grow and your Profits soar.
http://www.free-marine.com/linkfranklin.htm

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best Way To start A Home Automation Business -

X10 Home Automation

Imagine pulling your car into your driveway, late at night. It’s very, very dark — but with a quick button press on your keychain remote, your driveway floodlight and front porch light come on. You walk up to your front door, press your keychain remote again and your house lights come on. One more quick press, and the outside lights go off.

This is one example of the powers of X10 home automation. With X10 home automation, you can remotely control lights and applicances, schedule lights to turn on and off automatically, or turn on / off lights automatically when you enter or leave a room. Plus much, much more.

What exactly is X10 home automation? X10 technology was developed in the late 1970s. It is a communications system that uses your standard household wiring as its “network”. Various X10 modules that you simply plug into your household wall sockets “talk” to each other to make home automation magic.

An X10 command consists of two parts - “what to do” and “who should do it”. The first part, “what to do” is usually something like turn on, turn off, dim to 50%. The “who should do it” part needs some explaining. Each receiving or listening X10 module has an address. This address consists of a housecode and a unit code. Examples of valid addresses are A1, B16, D10. You can set the address on each X10 module in your system. Each module will only respond to commands that are addressed to it. (Actually, this is not completely true. There is a “panic” mode in X10 security where you can instantly turn ON all X10 controlled lights with the press of one button. But you get the general idea).

Let’s use our late night arrival scenario as an example. Our flood lights and porch lights have been set to the same address of A9. Our X10 connected interior houselights are set to A10. When we press the first ON button on the keychain remote, an X10 command sent to A9 and the X10 modules that have an A9 address will turn on.

The beauty of X10 home automation is that you can start with a simple system. Many X10 modules simply plug into a standard wall socket and are ready to go. There are also more advanced modules that involve some basic household wiring — if you have ever added or changed a ceiling fan or light than you would be comfortable with “hard wired” X10 modules.

Want to take X10 home automation to the next level? Add computer control to your X10 automation. Using your home computer and X10 computer interface and software, you can create timers for X10 devices, create macros (basically a series of commands to be executed) and lots more.

The beauty of X10 home automation - start slow and simple, then as your needs and interests grow, your X10 home automation can grow with you !

About the Author

For more information on X10 Home automation please visit: http://www.x10review.com

Home Business Success Is Automation -

Developing large and middle scale software applications involves significant test jobs. There is a need to automate these test processes when the number of tests is increasing.

Test Automation is basically using soft wares to control the execution of tests (test cases describe the tests that need to be run on the program to verify that the program runs as expected) and comparing the actual output to the predicted one. This helps in measuring the deviation of the actual product from the one that was initially planned. It also involves deciding upon test preconditions, and other test reporting and control functions. It is mainly organized for short-term goal-achievement. One way to generate test cases automatically is model-based testing where a model of the system under consideration is used for generation of the test cases.Test automation means tool support for all the aspects of testing a project, not just its execution. The automation process progresses when supported by dedicated programmers who are directed by the testers. Here, by ’short term’ we mean 40 man-hours or lesser. For relatively longer tasks, these are divided into subsequent increments that in them selves are deliverables. This way, even a longer task is converted into many shorter tasks.?Also, by ‘Directed By Testers’ we mean the progress of test automation is measured in terms of how it solves problems for testers and the test managers.The automation formula typically comprises of the following few steps:1.??? Purchasing a GUI test execution tool. Here GUI stands for Graphics User Interface. This has increased the pressure on testers, who are considered bottlenecks to the delivery of software products.2.??? The next is step is to define and chalk out the various possible test procedures on paper.3.??? These procedures are then automated, one by one, by automation professionals.4.??? A framework that comprises of the tests must be built next. This must be???? comprehensive and scaleable.5.??? This is iteratively fixed.This ‘formula’ so to speak works if the testing of the product is simpler. Also, the product specifications mustn’t change much during the testing process.Several problems that plague test automation projects are: - Lack of clear goals: Automation can save time, make testing easier and improve the testing coverage. But it’s not likely to do all these things at the same time. Different users have different expectations from the system. These need to be stated, or else disappointment is likely. - Lack of experience: Often, junior programmers tackle test automation projects.- High turnover: Test automation takes a while to learn. - Spare time test automation: In most cases, people are allowed to work on test automation on their own time. This keeps it from getting the time and focus it needs. The major benefits are:- Improved efficiency in automation efforts because of use of expertise in building automation frameworks and methodologies.- Reduction in the automation cost.- Automated testing systems can produce test reporting and analysis. These reports provide a measure of test status and results, thus allowing more accurate interpretation of testing outcome- Automation allows the testing organization to perform consistent and repeatable test.Test automation is often expensive in operation and it must be used to aid manual testing. Regression testing is one technique that helps make the operation of test automation a little cost-effective.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Test Automation: A formalized testing process -

X10 Home Automation

Imagine pulling your car into your driveway, late at night. It’s very, very dark — but with a quick button press on your keychain remote, your driveway floodlight and front porch light come on. You walk up to your front door, press your keychain remote again and your house lights come on. One more quick press, and the outside lights go off.

This is one example of the powers of X10 home automation. With X10 home automation, you can remotely control lights and applicances, schedule lights to turn on and off automatically, or turn on / off lights automatically when you enter or leave a room. Plus much, much more.

What exactly is X10 home automation? X10 technology was developed in the late 1970s. It is a communications system that uses your standard household wiring as its “network”. Various X10 modules that you simply plug into your household wall sockets “talk” to each other to make home automation magic.

An X10 command consists of two parts - “what to do” and “who should do it”. The first part, “what to do” is usually something like turn on, turn off, dim to 50%. The “who should do it” part needs some explaining. Each receiving or listening X10 module has an address. This address consists of a housecode and a unit code. Examples of valid addresses are A1, B16, D10. You can set the address on each X10 module in your system. Each module will only respond to commands that are addressed to it. (Actually, this is not completely true. There is a “panic” mode in X10 security where you can instantly turn ON all X10 controlled lights with the press of one button. But you get the general idea).

Let’s use our late night arrival scenario as an example. Our flood lights and porch lights have been set to the same address of A9. Our X10 connected interior houselights are set to A10. When we press the first ON button on the keychain remote, an X10 command sent to A9 and the X10 modules that have an A9 address will turn on.

The beauty of X10 home automation is that you can start with a simple system. Many X10 modules simply plug into a standard wall socket and are ready to go. There are also more advanced modules that involve some basic household wiring — if you have ever added or changed a ceiling fan or light than you would be comfortable with “hard wired” X10 modules.

Want to take X10 home automation to the next level? Add computer control to your X10 automation. Using your home computer and X10 computer interface and software, you can create timers for X10 devices, create macros (basically a series of commands to be executed) and lots more.

The beauty of X10 home automation - start slow and simple, then as your needs and interests grow, your X10 home automation can grow with you !

About the Author

For more information on X10 Home automation please visit: http://www.x10review.com

Home Business Success Is Automation -

When it comes to high-end whole house systems, they generally cost from $5,000 to $250,000. This price usually does not include installation fees, so take a good look at what the dealer is offering before agreeing to anything! When choosing to buy a high-end home automation system for your house you need to ensure it will be properly configured and installed, as these two areas can sometimes cost more than the system itself. There is no limit in what these systems can do, because, besides security and lighting, they can integrate any climate control, audio, video and entertainment systems your heart may desire. You can even get sprinkler and pool/spa control systems, so that your house becomes the most comfortable place on earth for you.

The various features and functions that high-end systems usually include need a rather complicated interface to the users. Otherwise, the control would be very complicated. Because a touch screen can have the buttons specially designed for each and every house, the best solution for the control of high-end systems is choosing the more expensive LCD technology the touch screens offer. The advantage is a plus in comfort to the users and to the programmers too. Other types of interfaces that have recently entered the market include keypad stations with built-in temperature sensors and intercoms. Interesting option I might add, as most of the manufacturers will soon choose to introduce this on a wide scale.

There are some types of high-end systems that come directly with sophisticated lighting control subsystems. Additionally to that, you will get all the key components for a complete home automation system that you can customize according to your needs and wishes. Other types of home automation systems are less expensive, but the truth of the matter is that the only thing you will get for such a small amount of money you invested is a security, lighting and temperature control package. You will have to add the other modules on your own expenses. It is very much like a Do-It-Yourself toolkit that you can play around with. Not to speak about the integrated control of audio and video gear! This may cost a small fortune, if you asked me.The fact is that not all people are fans of these DIY things. People are much more interested in pre-programmed or plug-and-play systems.

Therefore, before deciding upon a certain high-end system for your home, you must absolutely study the market in order to choose the solution that will best fit your house automation needs.

Software test automation and preparing a successful strategy -

X10 Home Automation

Imagine pulling your car into your driveway, late at night. It’s very, very dark — but with a quick button press on your keychain remote, your driveway floodlight and front porch light come on. You walk up to your front door, press your keychain remote again and your house lights come on. One more quick press, and the outside lights go off.

This is one example of the powers of X10 home automation. With X10 home automation, you can remotely control lights and applicances, schedule lights to turn on and off automatically, or turn on / off lights automatically when you enter or leave a room. Plus much, much more.

What exactly is X10 home automation? X10 technology was developed in the late 1970s. It is a communications system that uses your standard household wiring as its “network”. Various X10 modules that you simply plug into your household wall sockets “talk” to each other to make home automation magic.

An X10 command consists of two parts - “what to do” and “who should do it”. The first part, “what to do” is usually something like turn on, turn off, dim to 50%. The “who should do it” part needs some explaining. Each receiving or listening X10 module has an address. This address consists of a housecode and a unit code. Examples of valid addresses are A1, B16, D10. You can set the address on each X10 module in your system. Each module will only respond to commands that are addressed to it. (Actually, this is not completely true. There is a “panic” mode in X10 security where you can instantly turn ON all X10 controlled lights with the press of one button. But you get the general idea).

Let’s use our late night arrival scenario as an example. Our flood lights and porch lights have been set to the same address of A9. Our X10 connected interior houselights are set to A10. When we press the first ON button on the keychain remote, an X10 command sent to A9 and the X10 modules that have an A9 address will turn on.

The beauty of X10 home automation is that you can start with a simple system. Many X10 modules simply plug into a standard wall socket and are ready to go. There are also more advanced modules that involve some basic household wiring — if you have ever added or changed a ceiling fan or light than you would be comfortable with “hard wired” X10 modules.

Want to take X10 home automation to the next level? Add computer control to your X10 automation. Using your home computer and X10 computer interface and software, you can create timers for X10 devices, create macros (basically a series of commands to be executed) and lots more.

The beauty of X10 home automation - start slow and simple, then as your needs and interests grow, your X10 home automation can grow with you !

About the Author

For more information on X10 Home automation please visit: http://www.x10review.com