European Custom Installer

System Integration for the Connected Home

Home Automation

Touchscreen T-Shirts Only a Few Years Away

  • PDF

Armour39

Under Armour unveiled Armour39, its next generation of wearable technology.

Armour39 is an athletic performance monitoring system that measures "what matters most: WILLpower." WILLpower is Under Armour’s proprietary measurement for how hard an athlete pushes him or herself during a workout on a scale of 1-10, taking into account speed, intensity, heart rate, calories burned, a log of past performances and other athletic metrics.

A chest strap that contains an Under Armour "bug" and heart monitor capture all the information and can transmit data to the Armour39 watch (or via an iOS app to an iPhone).

Read more...

HAI by Leviton Intros KNX Gateway

  • PDF

HAI by Leviton launches the KNX Gateway-- an interface allowing Omni and Lumina ethernet-based controllers to communicate with and control KNX devices through the BUS standardised network communications protocol.

KNX GatewayDevices installers can control through HAI by Leviton interface or automate via controller programming include lighting, temperature and energy management, window covering motors, shades and shutters.

The KNX Gateway maps specific data points of each KNX device to a unit or thermostat number on the HAI by Leviton controller, with RS-485 serial connection as the interface of choice.

Compatible controllers include the OmniPro II, Omni IIe, Omni LTe, Lumina Pro and Lumina.

Go HAI by Leviton Announces KNX Gateway

Embedded Automation Updates mControl

  • PDF

Embedded Automation releases the next generation of its mControl digital home solution-- mControl v3.1, now featuring an HD surveillance module, energy management technology and advanced system administration.

mcontrolThe built-in 24/7 surveillance system offers continuous recording from IP cameras in H.264 MPEG4 video, with support for a wide range of cameras via RTSP transfer (including MPEG/MJPG strem transcoding). Customers can receive customisable email alerts with active camera links, as well as view recordings via playback manager.

The software now supports a number of energy management technologies, including those from wireless sensor developer EnOcean and heating control system maker tekmar.

Wireless protocol support gets an update-- enhanced Z-Wave and ZigBee drivers allow for embedded automation with a broader range of devices.

OEMs and installation partners also find toolset additions, with revamped system management tools and support for 10 languages.

Go Embedded Automation Releases mControl v3.1

What Do Europeans Want in Connected Home Systems?

  • PDF

Security ranks highly among the connected home features European customers prefer Parks Associates claims, following the publishing of the IP Home Management Services in Europe report.

The report covers the European IP-based home system and management service market and examines the business models for utilities, service providers and security companies.

"Adoption of broadband and connected devices provides conduits for many new applications into the home and different means to connect with consumers," the analyst continues. "Overall, European consumers rank traditional security capabilities high among their preferred connected home features, followed by energy management features. The diversity of consumer preferences among European countries opens the market for different business models and channel strategies."

Demands vary per country-- energy management is very popular in Denmark (due to high electricity costs) while security and home monitoring are popular entry-level features in the UK.

Read more...

Z-Wave Alliance at CeBIT 2013

  • PDF

The Z-Wave Alliance shows off various technologies for the "internet of things" at CeBIT 2013-- with offerings from the likes of Aeon Labs, FAKRO, Fibaro, Flat-Out Technology, Philio, Vision Security and Z-Wave.me.

Z-waveThe technology currently features in around 700 products from 200 vendors.

One interesting CeBIT 2013 debut is the RaZberry-- a plug-in module from Z-Wave.me turning the Raspberry Pi mini-PC into a low-cost Z-Wave-based home automation platform through the use of either HTML, JavaScript or CSS.

Control comes through the cloud and smartphones, tablets, internet browsers or any device with an HDMI port.

Also present at CeBIT are Aeon Labs with the latest version of the Micro Smart Switch (a flush-mounted Z-Wave power controller replacement for traditional wall switches), Fibaro launches the Wall Plug energy consumption monitor and Vision Security shows off the ZM1702 networkable smart home door lock.

Go Z-Wave Alliance at CeBIT 2013

Savant Thermostat Goes Wire-Free

  • PDF

Savant launches the SST-W100 Wireless Thermostat-- a wifi-enabled digital thermostat providing control for heating, ventilation and HVAC systems in either residential or commercial settings.

Savant thermostatDesigned to integrate seamlessly within Savant-controlled environments, the SST-W100 only requires standard thermostat wiring at the mounting location, making it ideal for retrofit installations.

Installers can network multiple Savant thermostats over an existing wifi network, enabling temperature and humidity adjustment from any SST-W100 unit or any Savant interface.

Each unit handles up to x2 optional remote temperature sensors (sold separately), while HVAC system programming (via HVAC Scheduler in the Savant TrueControl iPad app) provides further energy conservation options through automatic adjustments based on outside temperature, season or time of day.

Savant says the SST-W100 is easy to operate, with a large LCD display and buttons providing access to temperature and humidity readings, set point adjustments, system mode/fan status indicators and setup menus.

Go Savant SST-W100 Wireless Thermostat

Fibaro Smart Home Showcase at CeBIT

  • PDF

Home control vendor Fibaro will show off is various smart home technologies as it joins the Z-Wave Alliance at CeBIT 2013.

FibaroThe Fibaro solution makes use of the Z-Wave wireless standard, meaning installers can integrate it with all compatible products and devices. The system allows the conversion of any home or apartment into "smart lodgings," complete with temperature, motion and smoke sensors, dimmer options, roller blind actuators and recessed switch modules.

Acting as the brain of the entire system is the Home Centre 2 device.

At CeBIT visitors can also check out the latest additions to the Fibaro portfolio, such as a Z-Wave compatible wall plug (allows control of any devices with power up to 2.5W) and a door window sensor able to handle automatic light, access and security system control.

Go Fibaro