 |
| EMagazine Volume 4 Issue 4 August 1999 |
Features
Interviews
|
 |
| Home Toys
Interview - August99 - [HTI Home Page] |
[Click Message To Learn More] |
WHOLE HOUSE SYSTEMS INTERVIEW Compared to other systems, Vantage is much more cost-efficient. Not only does the Vantage system use less hardware, but the system also utilizes a series of "slave" systems that distribute the processing power of a single Master Controller throughout the home or business at a fraction of the cost. |
QUESTION 1 - New House Construction. What is the process for including your home automation system in my design and construction process? Who should I talk to first ... when should I start ... what do I need to know ahead of time etc.
There are several ways a Vantage Home Automation system would be included in blueprints for a new home.
- Vantage Dealers (approx. 300 in the U.S. and Canada) actively solicit homeowners and members of the construction industry to utilize the Vantage system in place of traditional switched lighting.
- Architects and Designers specify Vantage after becoming comfortable with the system at regular regional training sessions.
- Homeowners contact the Vantage factory directly for information on the system.
Installation of the product can be done as late as the Advanced Framing stage when plumbing and other in-wall transport systems are being installed. It is not necessary to know exactly how everything will be controlled at the installation stage because software programming and updates can be made at any time.
Note: Auxiliary inputs such as in-floor pressure sensors and driveway sensors should be installed as soon as possible.
QUESTION 2 - Old House Renovation. What is
the process for adding your home automation system to my old house? Do I need to tear out
walls etc.? Who should I talk to first ... what do I need to know ahead of time etc.
Vantage has the option of installing non-invasive wall-mounted system enclosures that can be placed in UL-rated closets, basements, or other spaces. Homeowners have the option of routing powerline wiring into one of the central enclosures or sending it into distributed "slave" enclosures to cut down on wiring and "fishing" for wiring.
As soon as 4th quarter 1999, Vantage plans to release a entry-level controller called “Activator™” (see press release on Hometoys.com). This new system from Vantage will give homeowners the capability of installing a whole-home lighting and automation system at a very reasonable price. Activator™ is also a great renovation/retrofit control system because it is designed to work with Vantage’s Dimmer Stations to provide lighting control. Up to four separate lights (totaling 2000W) can be attached to each Vantage Dimmer Station .
QUESTION 3 - What systems can I automate using your equipment? (i.e. Lighting / Entertainment / Security / Other) What is the most popular system to automate in the home ? What is the most cost effective system to automate? What is the most fun to automate?
Vantage Automation Systems are capable of controlling devices such as: Lighting (incandescent, fluorescent, magnetic low-voltage, etc.), HVAC Dampers, Draperies, Pumps, Garage Door Openers, Lifts, Screens, Pool Covers, Sprinklers, Showers, Baths, Distributed Audio/Video, Security Systems, Motorized Shades, Windows, Solenoids, Ballasts, Cameras, Audio/Video and anything that can receive a contact-input signal or can be controlled with RS232.
By automating Lighting and Thermostats, a homeowner can save up to 50% on utility bills over the course of the year. Some homeowners automate windows and shades to block out or let in sun as it travels across the sky to utilize natural heating/cooling and cut down on utility bills.
One of the most popular applications (home theatre) can also be the most fun. Homeowners become very creative when automating an entertainment center - big-screen TVs pop up from the floor, closets and armoires turn into screens, draperies close, lights dim, a projector drops from the ceiling, etc.
QUESTION 4 - How will I interface and control the system once it's installed? Do I need to call the dealer to make changes to schedules and modes etc.? How are software changes made (PC / Controller / Other)?
As soon as a decision is made on controls and automations for the home, each keypad is custom engraved to indicate programming for each button. An Authorized Vantage Dealer programs the system to customer specifications and changes can be made at any time via modem connection. The Vantage Dealer can be anywhere in the world and still make changes in the home via laptop computer. If desired, the homeowner can download "Q-Link" Software from the Vantage website and make any changes himself.
QUESTION 5 - What features set your system apart from the others? How can I compare the features and prices of the various systems offered?
- Vantage's rock-solid reliability is the reason the company can offer an industry-leading 5-year warranty on parts. In conjunction with the warranty, each Vantage controller is backed by a 20-year lithium backup battery to retain system programming.
- As stated earlier, Vantage offers remote configuration and troubleshooting via modem. Problems and programming changes can be diagnosed and changed in real time.
- Vantage's ease in installation is unmatched with a non-polarized, 2-wire Station Bus and plug-and-play module insertion. Each controller and module can be removed and replaced with the ease of inserting the equivalent of a PC card.
Compared to other systems, Vantage is much more cost-efficient. Not only does the Vantage system use less hardware, but the system also utilizes a series of "slave" systems that distribute the processing power of a single Master Controller throughout the home or business at a fraction of the cost.
QUESTION 6 - Is your system expandable and upgradable? How do I go about expanding? How do I go about upgrading?
A Vantage system gets its functionality from its internal software. From time to time Vantage releases new versions of this software, which can be downloaded remotely via modem connection or through the Vantage web site. If a homeowner wants to expand his system, it is very easy to do with Vantage. Many homeowners are not sure at first how much of their home they should automate. By simply pre-wiring the entire home with inexpensive Vantage control wiring, it is possible to replace traditional wall switches at a later date with Dimmer Stations. So, if a homeowner starts out by automating only the main living areas, Vantage makes it simple to later automate the bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, yard, and so forth.
QUESTION 7 - Is your system compatible with other equipment and systems available? Which systems and how do they interface?
The Vantage system regularly interfaces with other control devices such as Phast, Crestron, Elan, AudioAccess, Mark 10, etc.QUESTION 8 - Home Networking of systems and appliances is the buzz these days. How will your system integrate with the future home network which includes data, communication, information etc. as well as automation, security and entertainment?
In the absence of proven, accepted standard, Vantage has used its own communication protocol for its “station bus.” However, Vantage is very interested in the future of home networking, and will continue to watch as standards emerge. When a firm standard does emerge, Vantage will be very interested in working with it to ensure that Vantage can fully participate in the integrated systems promised by the vendors of these systems.
Today, Vantage integrates with security, climate control and audio/video systems and can communicate with any device that uses RS232 commands. RS232 is a proven standard for communication between devices that Vantage plans to support for a long time to come.
QUESTION 9 - For a new house of 3000 sq. ft. / 3 brms what would an "Entry Level" automation system cost (ballpark range)? Assume we want to automate the lighting, 2 room entertainment system (Adults and Kids) and security system.
The Vantage entry-level system including 9-keypads, 1 motion detector, and 2 Door Sensors controlling 8 lighting loads throughout the home is approximately $2,800 (which will also handle a robust security system). The Audio/Video control and requisite components adds approximately $600 to the system.QUESTION 10 - Look into your crystal ball and tell us about the future of home automation. The technologies ... the marketplace ... the cost ... the availability and just the plain old fun we can look forward to.
As discussed in question 8, I believe the immediate future will include more of the same - hardwired and RF automation with a single standard of control (like a CEBUS model) for appliances and subsystems. As soon as the computer industry can create a 10+ megabit connection over standard phone lines, however, home controls will be possible over existing wiring - which could change the whole industry.
In that future, home control would follow an Internet model with everything controlled and programmed remotely. "Intelligent" devices such as refrigerators could create a list of items needed at the grocery store and send it to the store for delivery on a specified day. Wireless internet "uplinks" will be accomplished from your palm computer and you can control your home from there! With faster connection speeds and existing wiring, anything is possible.
QUESTION 11 - Where can I learn more about your system and how do I find a dealer in my area? (include links, addresses, tel, fax, contact names etc.).
Vantage Controls, Inc.345 East 800 South
Orem, UT 84097
(800) 555-9891
(801) 229-2800
FAX (801) 224-0355
www.vantageinc.com
e-mail: info@vantageinc.com
Technical Support: techsupport@vantageinc.com
Dealer Info: http://www.vantageinc.com/locate.html
Subscribe | Submit Products | Submit Company | Submit News | Advertise
Articles | News | Products | Industry | Resources
Other LJB eMagazines
Robotics Tomorrow ------ Alternative Energy Mag