In building a home automation system, models of actuators are used. There are many factors to consider when making the home automation system. These factors include: using the right technology for the project, whether to use Arduino or Raspberry Pi, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth among others. To make the home automation system; first, a person considers the platform then the sensors and actuators and finally the board and cases building process for the project.
In the construction of the platform, a person finds what they are going to use to interface with the physical world (actuators, sensors). Then they find out what to use to “brain” the system. Arduino should be utilized by users as an interface with the physical world. For the central unit of the system, there are cases where it is not necessary. That is when the system intended to be build is small or when all the devices interact with the web and to a closed-based service. Otherwise, a system is needed to control the sensors and actuators. This unit runs the software and interfaces to control all the modules that build one’s home system.
The sensors and actuators stage has the most degree of freedom. Many actuators and sensors can be interfaced with all the platforms mentioned above. However, it is recommended to take components that were already used by many people thus finding excellent libraries for those components. By that, a lot of time is saved when developing a new project. The parts recommended for home automation are temperature and humidity, motion, relay and temperature only.
The next step is how to connect the equipment once a person has a platform and some components connected to it ready. Wireless solution for the home automation is the best option to use. For a person integrating the modules with the web using Wi-Fi is recommended. If things want to remain local, XBee or RF modules Bluetooth is also a good option to consider. Ethernet is also a solution, but it is discouraged to avoid cables running around the house for every module been installed. There are breakout boards, tutorials, and libraries on the web containing all the solutions.
There are two types of interface, first is using a central unit where the interface is running with all the modules connected to it. The chosen solution influences the kind of interface. Web-based interfaces developed using HTML and JavaScript are safe to use. Other solutions include building a custom application in Python. The other type of interface solution is sending all data coming from the modules to a closed-based service. With this solution, the home automation system can be run from anywhere using services like Carriots or Xively. One of the benefits of this project is that it is easy to setup without having to code the interface itself. Its disadvantage is if the internet connection fails, home automation system access is disrupted thus causing insecurity issues. On the issue on the custom boards and cases, the building is done using Arduino boards. Customs make boards are best. By then, the whole building process is complete.
The home automation system is easy to build provided a person has the necessary equipment and guidelines. The above information is vital in the building of a home automation system.
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