bedroom automation

In this Instructable I am going to show you how I constructed a system to let me run my bedroom using my computer.

Step 1 Parts of the beast

here are the parts I used to build the system:
USB interface board (I used a K8055 experiment interface board)
4 channel remote socket set
box to put it in
single core wire
USB cable

Comments

[Robert L]

This is pretty cool. You need to put an insulator between the vellman and the tin so it doesn't short it.

[angellicktrooper]

one head-sup dude that board is capable of so much more if you seriously learn to program since that board supports Delphi, Visual Basic and C++
and with some modifications you can even use it as a programmer for simple pics

[DanNixon]

One recommendation.
Have a look at VB programming, I used this to make an automated pyrotechnics controller, but it could be modified for this purpose and gives a lot of customization as far as functionality goes.

[uberdum05]

Yeah, I do a LOT of VB programming for arduino projects and the like. If you want to use the velleman kit with VB, you have to download a seperate .DLL file to control the board, then you can make your own interface for your system. :)

[Dominion-Network]

The DLL comes with the board on a small CD, as well as the demo program he used in this ible... but if you're running windows vista/7 you need to go to the velleman website and get the version 4 DLL.

[Dominion-Network]

I'm attempting something like this but instead of household automation, I'm attempting to build some kind of robot toy for my friend.

I've got the K8055 board hooked up to my computer and I've attempted to wire in the controller of a robotic arm that I have laying around.

I've got the GND wire hooked up to one end of the switch and the DI1 wire going to the other side of the switch. But when I run the demo program and turn DI1 on... nothing happens, how did you wire up the remote to your experiment board?

[taurus123]

So what exactly do you "run" in your bedroom that requires an automated system?

[HP psc 2110 all-in-one makebot]

you can plug in anything that normaly conects to the mains supply. when I tested it i was using it to control some of my rooms lamps.

[legless]

Why were you surprised that there were 8 switches? Weren't there 8 buttons on the font of the remote transmitter? 2 on and 2 off for each of the 4 channels.

[HP psc 2110 all-in-one makebot]

sorry for the late reply.
there were only 4 switches on the front of the remote, one doing off and on for each channel. thats why I was surprised to find 8. I suppose there were two switches so that, no mater where you pressed on the switch, it triggered the channel.

[purpulhaze]

So you set up the software to mimic momentary to trigger the relays? Can you tell me how you did it ?

[HP psc 2110 all-in-one makebot]

sorry for the (very) late reply.
I didn't set the software up at all. I just soldered the output of the usb board on to the output of the remote switch. when the board outputed, it had the same effect as pushing the switch.

[ry25920]

I like the idea and all... but it needs some more meat and details. Go into specifics like the type of interface board, or the specific socket. 3 stars...4 if you can tidy it up. ry25920

[HP psc 2110 all-in-one makebot]

The board I used was a K8055 USB experiment interface board from maplins. the sockets came from maplins as well. they are no longer available but the next best thing would be a maplins remote control sockets twin pack, order code N98GT. any remote control socket set would do as would any USB interface board.

[dancmarsh]

If your going to use the maplins remote systems, please don't use channel 1.
Everything interferes with it, baby monitors, garage door openers, the lot.
Program your switches using any other channel will be fine.

Have done this time and time again, its the only way to stop the lights coming on in the middle of the night!

[ry25920]

There ya go. 4.5 stars

[HP psc 2110 all-in-one makebot]

thank you

[redstarsrbija]

lmao

[HP psc 2110 all-in-one makebot]

you don`t need to. the softwere just sends a pulse out of the boards outputs when you push the button on screen.

[purpulhaze]

I think I'm gonna to try this. You can find remote socket sets on ebay pretty cheap. The only thing that might be a problem is a big room and or trying to control sockets in other rooms. I guess an antenna could be added to the transmitter to improve range. Can you tell me the range of your remote? Another idea would be to use a learning universal remote so that you would be able to have more control of your tv, stereo and other electronics. Unless the remote that came with the set can be programmed.

[HP psc 2110 all-in-one makebot]

the remote has a range of 25 meters and will work through walls. as for progaming, it only works with the sockets it came with.

[purpulhaze]

Kool thanks so I think I will try using a learning universal remote. Just program the socket remote into it and I will be able to control more stuff.

[andrew101]

lol i would wire all the lights and make a custom arduino alarm. so at 7:30 i am awoken by beeping and all the lights come on. the only way to turn the crap off would be to get up and press the button.

[uldics]

I am still curious, what do you have to run in your bedroom? Idea is good, but it somehow doesnt make a connection with bedroom. Or is it some motorized bed you have?

[HP psc 2110 all-in-one makebot]

at the moment it is runing my desklamp and lava lamp. not very bedroom spesific but, I put the system in my bedroom so thats what I called it. you could put it any were you had electronic stuff.