HTINews Review

HomeVision - Version 2.4 - Custom Solutions Inc.
Page 3 of 3

Programming

Programming your HomeVision is fairly straight forward and doesn't require knowledge beyond a basic understanding of computer logic (i.e. If (something happens) Then (do something else) Else (do another thing). The software is set up so you basically push buttons to build your schedules and programs. Once again these code modules must be downloaded to the controller before they will function. Let's take a look at the basic program features and see how HomeVision builds and implements them.

By the way, this discussion of programming applies to most of the Home Automation systems available today. The logic is the same but each manufacturer has a different method of presenting the information to the user (i.e. the user interface). With my old Enerlogic 1400e I had to learn the programming language (similar to BASIC) and write in the code line by line. Many techies still prefer this method as it is very fast if you know what you are doing. Fortunately for those of us who don't program every day, modern systems manufacturers provide us with a simple interface to build our code. So, here's how HomeVision does that.

Everything that happens in your home automation system does so because of an input of data (the IF part of the logic). Remember those "On / Off Actions Defined" columns in the X10, IR etc. setup screens. (Click here for a reminder) This is where you enter your code modules ... in other words, an X10 ON action means IF X10 device A2 goes ON Then do whatever I say here. Clicking on an Actions Defined cell brings up the code building interface which lets you tell the program what you want it to do.

So, in this case IF you command the LR Ceiling Lights ON with a pushbutton for example THEN the TV will turn on and the Entertainment Center Lights will turn on. But we didn't have to type in these command lines. The pushbuttons on the left of the screen represent the THEN options for each type of device. If you click on the X10 button for example the following screen is presented where you select what you want to happen and then click OK. The software writes the line of code for you.

As you can see by the array of buttons, you can build complex commands with HomeVision including nested IF/THEN statements, macros etc. This means that every IF action that you define can do a multitude of THEN actions. Hence the need to structure your logic a bit so that you don't end up with a quagmire of interrelated actions happening. (Read my Editorial this month on "Structuring your Logic".)

Let's take a look at the THEN actions that you can program with the HomeVision. These are the buttons on the Defined Actions Screen.

• X10 - Send X10 commands to your devices.
• CONTROLLER - Tell the controller to do something internal (i.e. Start a log file, transmit the time and date etc.)
• IN /OUT - Enable a digital input or activate an output.
• FLAG - Clear, Set, Toggle etc. a flag (Note: Flags are used to tell the system that a certain state is in effect. For example you may have defined a flag to indicate that it's daytime or evening. Your program would then toggle this flag depending on the time of day etc.)
• MACRO - Run a macro (series of commands). Macros are defined using another module built into HomeVision.
• VARIABLE - Manipulate the value of a defined variable.
• IR - Send an IR command.
• TIMER - Start or stop a timer.
• DELAY - Wait for a time period before executing the next command.
• SCHEDULED EVENT - Enable, Disable or Do a scheduled event.
• PERIODIC EVENT - Enable, Disable or Do a periodic event.
• IF/THEN/ELSE - Use nested logic statements.
• SERIAL - Send an ASCII string to your PC via the serial port. This can be used to have the controller send you messages etc.
• NOTE - Allows you to insert comments into your program (important for future reference).
• OTHER - Presents a list of other features and devices which you can command. Presently these are CALLER ID and THERMOSTAT.

Using this interface it is possible to build very complex command structures without writing any code. Each option presents you with a popup screen similar to the X10 screen shown above with relevant options available for the device or logic to be controlled.

That's about it as far as setting up your HomeVision to control just about everything imaginable.

So what do I think? Or do you really care. I'll list some Pros and Cons here but I've tried to cover most of the features in the review so that you can judge for yourself. If you're still not sure then download the Demo and try it out. You don't need any hardware to play with the software and get a good feeling for its interface and capabilities.

PROS
- Stand Alone Operation (PC required for programming only).
- Easy hardware setup with good instructions and testing procedures.
- Allows many optional control interfaces including TV screen.
- Complex but friendly programming interface.
- Good manual and online help.
- Batteries included (i.e. you don't need to buy extra cables etc. to get the system to work ... except the Video).
- Beats the hell out of my old Enerlogic unit.

CONS
- Tedious setup procedures for IR and Video functions (perhaps unavoidable considering the options available).
- Limited communications features (i.e. telephone interface etc.)
- Won't vacuum or do the dishes.

I'm told by CSI that version 2.5 of the software is now available. It adds the following features:

• Adds a weather conditions video screen.
• Adds "data log" function for recording data. The data log can store up to 65K bytes of data, which can later be transmitted over the serial interface.
• Adds a thermostat configuration screen to the TV menu system. The user can now configure two RCS TX10 or TX10-B thermostats entirely from the TV with just a few button presses.
• The Multifunction Expansion Board can now connect to Dallas Semiconductor digital temperature sensors. Up to 64 sensors can be connected using just 3 wires total.

As you can see, this is a powerful little black box with a powerful PC interface to go along with it. There are many other features which I have not touched on. For example you can add more IO port expansion boards, control your RCS thermostats, use a modem to program or control your system remotely etc. In addition, Custom Solutions are continuously upgrading the software and hardware available. Upgrades are downloadable from the internet. And, if you want to absolutely bananas have a look at my review of HomeVoice in this issue. With it you can control your HomeVision with your voice from any room in the house. Just talk to the walls.

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