I've been using X-10 for years, but would really like to get a "once and for all" sophisticated controller. I've been using a Houselinc for 6 months but not really happy with it.

So... I'm willing to spend a couple grand for something really nice and integrate something like HAL 2000 voice control throughout the house.

Please send some feedback my way - Stargate? Homevision? or just a PC running Homeseer? or is there something else?

Thanks for any advice.

I doubt there are any 'once and for all' products in the area of computers or even consumer electronics.

Larry and I both own JDS products and there are others here who own Ocelots and related modules but give us some idea what you want to accomplish and perhaps we can help you better.

I don't know much about voice control except that it has a big 'gee whiz' factor - at least when it works right - and that if you have more than one mic the cost goes way up.

Cheers, Jim.

Well, I'd like to be able to do light scenes, control drapes, etc., in response to Pronto commands and motion detectors; which I can do now.

The problem is that Houselink doesn't seem to have enough memory to accept the schedules I've been trying to achieve.

I just thought it would be nice to "max out" the automation, but I don't want to hard wire because if we move, I want to take it with us. Voice announced caller id of Stargate sounds pretty good, along with the ability to program complex decision making.

It's not that I'm looking for something that will technologically relevant for 30 years. I'd just like to get the most capable controller that is currently available.

As far as voice control; I haven't heard anyone mention how reliable these units are, ie HAL 2000. I do know that I'd have to put mics in everyroom along with about $1000 worth of equipment to modify the signals coming from all the mics. I'd be willing to do that, but only if it works.

So, is Stargate pretty sophisticated? Homevision? etc?

Thanks!

Any Pentium class PC, I have a K6-233, a CM11A, a Slink-e and Homeseer.

Who needs a stargate. Once I finish wiring my Napco Gemini in my home I'll have everything the Stargate can offer and more.

how does Slink-e into the picture

thanks

The Ocelot, and it's Touchscreen version, The Leopard, can be networked 128 deep (with repeaters) on an RS485 twited pair.

This allows for true distributed control. The Leopard comes with a high power IR emmiter, allowing across the room control of A/V equipment. Digital I/O allows monitoring A/V status, controlling drapes and other non X-10 devices.

Macros can address devices on any node in the network.

Multiple macros may execute from a common trigger on any node. You see how powerful this can get?

Once programmed, a PC is not required. Programming across housecodes is possible.

Homeseer supports Houselinc now.

So you Should get Homeseer. While the houselinc is an Excellent X10 controller its non learning IR function kills it. While you can often get upgrade IR chips, The slinke gives you 7 zones of IR control and learning.
With HomeSeer and a Slink-e you can trigger any X10 command using IR. I have a Pronto CCF and a Slink-e CDE file to trigger all 256 X10 addresses and commands using IR from any room in the house.

I think your first decision is whether you want a standalone smart controller or a PC based system.

If the first, then I think your choice is between the JDS Stargate and the ADI Ocelot (plus expansion modules).

There are mailing lists for both where you can get additional information. For JDS products send email to [email protected]
And Future Standard maintains one for ADI products – visit http://www.futurestandard.com to subscribe to it.

If your choice is a PC based system, other folks here can give you advice about Homeseer and similar software. I don’t know how they handle relays, analog, or digital inputs but you can ask them.

I consider digital inputs important (I am using 15 of the 16 I have available and could use more) if for no other reason you can use hardwired motion sensors and dump the Hawkeye’s with their problems, not the least of which is putting a lot of chatter on the power line.

And both JDS and ADI have keypads – see [Link: jdstechnologies.com] for info on the LCD-96M Multi Menu Keypad.

I don’t know much about the ADI, Leopard touch screen but there is probably info about it at Future Standard. Btw, while the chap who runs Future Standard is very helpful, the company has had a number of unhappy customers, but a number of firms sell ADI products.

Other good sources for info on HA, besides Remote Central of course, are www.hometoys.com and the Usenet newsgroup comp.home.automation.

Opps - almost forgot - if you have a Sony megachanger be sure to visit www.nirvis.com and consider buying a Slink-e ---- great product.

Cheers, Jim.