Digital Input and Output examples?

Ok guys.... it is the dead of winter... time to automate.

Lets hear your top 10 digital I/O examples you are using in your home automation. Let's see who has the most unique example. These can also include wireless examples that use the DS10a or other devices.

Hmmm, not sure I understand the question.

My house is still under construction, but here are some of the "interesting" digital I/O's I'm planning:

Driveway car sensor
Mailbox sensor
Motorized Shade switches and motor control relays
Wind Speed threshold sensor
Elevator position sensor
Water Meter Flow
Electricity Flow

Is that what you had in mind? --Bob

jwilson56 said:

... Let's see who has the most unique example. These can also include wireless examples that use the DS10a or other devices.

Click to expand...

I use a DS10A as part of my Automated Chair. I have made changes in the chairs setup and uses since it was originally modified (on a hoot) in 2008. But this morning the chair (still using the DS10A but now with a tilt switch) gave me local weather (Via WeatherAloud) and turned on the TV (via BVC with IR).

The DS10A triggers macros run on my Home Automation PC. The PC runs XP, and AHP with the entire suite of add-on software to include the OnAlert (which hears the DS10A). I also use a keyholder (inspired by Dan Electron) which I had converted to using a powerflash module... then back to a DS10A.

But my newest (and accordingly current most favorite) is my BlueWatch cell phone Occupancy detector. This uses a simple USB dongle plugged into my Home Automation PC (and the BlueWatch software). Although since my HA PC lives in my basement.. I do have the dongle on a USB extention cord to get it up near the basement ceiling.

The items mentioned above are each $30 or less which has given me HUGE bang for my buck.

All the doors and windows are wired up.

Motions all over the place.

Moisture sensors as needed.

Phone ringer cutoff during dinner.

Current sensor on gas furnace.

I'd love to hear more ideas! I have a bunch of DS10A that I plan on using for a wireless water leak detection system, but haven't gotten around installing them yet.

I've also thought about trying to control the audible chime on my grandfather clock, but I haven't done anything with that either. But I guess that is using a relay rather than a digital I/O.

X10 12-button Mini-controller as a "bedside console" controlling heating, lighting, environmental announcements, etc.

Heated dog bed on back porch for those days when I put my dog out back because I will be gone most of the day. I can activate it via a button on my touchscreen or operate automatically on a schedule. Includes "off" command when outside temperature warms up enough.

I have a DS10 on my medicine cabinet door. If the door is not opened between 6 and 10 AM, Homeseer makes an announcement to remind me to take my medication.

Steve Q

SteveQ said:

I have a DS10 on my medicine cabinet door. If the door is not opened between 6 and 10 AM, Homeseer makes an announcement to remind me to take my medication.

Steve Q

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Steve;

Now THAT is a great idea! You could also do this with say the dog's food (we have a large container holding the dog food), reminders for taking the garbage out, etc...

BraveSirRobbin said:

SteveQ said:

I have a DS10 on my medicine cabinet door. If the door is not opened between 6 and 10 AM, Homeseer makes an announcement to remind me to take my medication.

Steve Q

Click to expand...

Steve;

Now THAT is a great idea! You could also do this with say the dog's food (we have a large container holding the dog food), reminders for taking the garbage out, etc...

Click to expand...

and on the furnace filter door to remind you to change the filter in X months.

That reminds me of THIS thread, which had various uses for a DS10a in it.

"Heated dog bed on back porch for those days when I put my dog out back because I will be gone most of the day. I can activate it via a button on my touchscreen or operate automatically on a schedule. Includes "off" command when outside temperature warms up enough."

I think PaulD should win this one.

I love to hear about people looking out for their pets.

Mike

Mike P said:

"Heated dog bed on back porch for those days when I put my dog out back because I will be gone most of the day. I can activate it via a button on my touchscreen or operate automatically on a schedule. Includes "off" command when outside temperature warms up enough."

I think PaulD should win this one.

Click to expand...

there's not enough details, but is this really a digital I/O application? seems like it'd be controlled by an appliance module...

Mike P said:

I love to hear about people looking out for their pets.

Mike

Click to expand...

start a thread. i'd be interested in this too.

damage said:

Mike P said:

I love to hear about people looking out for their pets.

Mike

Click to expand...

start a thread. i'd be interested in this too.

Click to expand...

DONE

damage said:

there's not enough details, but is this really a digital I/O application? seems like it'd be controlled by an appliance module...

Click to expand...

Correct. Just an appliance module controlling a heated bed pad. However, my dog thinks it is magic.