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Control lights in your house with your computer

Control lights in your house with your computer
Have you ever wanted to control the lights in your house from your computer? It's actually fairly affordable to do so. You can even control sprinkler systems, automatic window blinds, motorized projection screens, etc. You need two pieces of hardware to get started. A controller, which connects to your computer; and a dimmer switch. I'm using SmartHome Insteon products in this example.
 
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Step 1Install the switch

Install the switch
Follow the instructions provided on how to install the switch. The switch I'm using is Insteon brand, but there are other types of remote controllable switches such as X10. These switches require the neutral line to send signals (commands) over. If your switch box doesn't have a neutral, you're in trouble. Try contacting an electrician to see what you can do.
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45 comments
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Dec 3, 2011. 6:19 AMsweir says:
can i get it free
Jul 23, 2011. 3:16 PMComputothought says:
Linux users may want to check this out:
http://www.linuxha.com/common/iplcd/
Jan 2, 2011. 11:24 AMMajesticNarwhal says:
Is the PLC you are using programmable with Rockwell Software Logic 2000?
Aug 7, 2009. 7:58 AMjaxxster1 says:
can i get those for free?
Sep 13, 2009. 6:59 PMjaxxster1 says:
the parts?
Jan 2, 2011. 11:22 AMMajesticNarwhal says:
HAHAHA! get a PLC for free? Braski if it was possible to get one of those mothers for free my entire house would be marquee lighting lol.
Jul 25, 2010. 4:26 AMBladtman242 says:
out of curiosity, how did you install the socket server on mac? in a VM or? oh and, is there any chance you wil release the code for your python script?:) Great project btw.
Apr 4, 2010. 7:51 AMzombiefire says:
so am i
Apr 3, 2010. 8:35 PMzeaps says:
 So let's say my dad and I decide to do this, could we both control the same system from both of our computers? Possibly at the same time?
Dec 10, 2009. 12:56 PMkcanek says:
how much money do i need to complite it?
Apr 27, 2009. 4:44 PMcrampedyogapositions says:
if you go with the infared controll idea its possible to redo your house to work of a Wii remmote....hmm...sounds like a good idea. im guessiig that the main problem would be to make the remote stilll compatable with the Wii. it be weird if your playing and suddendly the power cuts off
Nov 9, 2009. 6:26 PMmr bkilled says:
A better idea might be to use the bluetooth connection of a Wiimote with a pc, that way you avoid issues with line of sight the comes with using infrared.  The only problem I see with this is that if you wanted to switch back and forth between using the Wiimote with your pc and the Wii you would have to manually sync it each time with either system.
Jul 4, 2009. 7:46 AMandrew101 says:
im off to wire my house XDXD
Jun 30, 2009. 2:43 AMneardood says:
I made an electronics kit that runs of 12V and plugs into the printer port on a computer. It has 8 heavy duty relay switches on it. Using some slightly dodgy but none the less sound software I can control the relays to turn on and off. I am still thinking up practical applications for it. My main/gaming PC's motherboard does not have a printer port so I can't ue it with that but i do have a dodgy laptop that i can use. Anyone got any ideas?
Apr 21, 2009. 3:43 PMzer0_ says:
would be cooler with a arduino and a Ethernet Shield
Jun 25, 2009. 2:01 PMredstarsrbija says:
THAT'S WHAT I WAS THINKING!!! lol but since i don't even have an arduino yet it'll probably take me a couple months to get it going haha
Apr 22, 2009. 5:48 PMdagenius says:
nice--I always wanted to 'transistorize' my house, and now, thanks to this instructable, I may be able to.
Apr 13, 2009. 10:43 PMBlackHatCracker says:
I have to laugh when someone points out their dust balls... So far so good... I am liking what I am seeing...
Feb 25, 2009. 5:57 PMplane phanatic says:
Nice Instructable! So if I were to do this, all that I need is the switch and controller?
Dec 30, 2008. 1:29 PMmicromuffin says:
lol
Dec 30, 2008. 9:36 AMinkwash says:
maybe you should try a more DIY approach...i have this for you guys...
May 20, 2008. 3:44 PMmaxpower49 says:
celling fan of dooooooooooommmmm this is a great project if only it was a little cheaper
Dec 30, 2008. 9:28 AMinkwash says:
hey checkout the new $10 smart home
Jan 27, 2008. 11:48 PMitisnot_me says:
this is cool and you know something like
this
would be cool to add it as well. i would love to control everything via voice
Jul 15, 2008. 2:54 PMPureBreed says:
lol, u could do that if u had this and Vista's Speech Recognition software, xD
Jul 15, 2008. 10:48 AMPureBreed says:
So, can i have a list of parts and wat there average prices are?
Jul 15, 2008. 2:52 PMPureBreed says:
heres wat im looking for, the cheapest thing i can find that lets me control a power outlet with my PC. Do they have that sort of thing? im looking at there inventory, and i see things that look like they could be it, but i dont know wat all this stuff means, like X10, or ASCII or w/e, so i dont know if they are wat im looking for or not. if u need to know wat kind of computer i have or w/e, just ask.
Jul 15, 2008. 10:51 AMPureBreed says:
me and my dad are thinking about trying this, but i want to get a good estimate on how much we're going to spend.
Jul 12, 2008. 10:46 AMHardCoreHacker says:
That light is so cool!! lol
Feb 16, 2008. 12:30 PMnf_x20 says:
halsir, i really like the idea, but i was wondering if you could explain it a bit better, maybe a few more pictures please thank you... im really looking forward to having this thing in my house one more question, so the computer controls the light switches by running "messages" through the electrical wiring already in your house?
Dec 14, 2007. 5:15 AMNamingishard says:
Can you add more then one and control each one from the same computer.
And can you upload the Python script? =)
Oct 9, 2007. 10:21 AMstatiktv says:
thats definitely awesome. a little on the pricey side for just one switch, if it was more affordable, i'd be all over it. im a cheapass, heh.
Oct 5, 2007. 6:16 PMtheRIAA says:
i went the $50 IR way, i can control it with my universal remote
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