Make a smart home. We are trying with our own hands to make a smart home from an ordinary “kopeck piece. What technical devices are commonly used in a modern apartment

The topic "Smart Home" is already on everyone's lips. They talk about it, invest in it, develop it ... On this topic, to such giants as Siemens, General Electric and others joined, it would seem, not quite profile companies, such as Microsoft, Google, Apple.

There is no single standard on the topic, just as there is no instruction, they say, “do this and that”, so theoretically build your own smart House everyone can, and exactly the way he wants, and therefore I could not miss this topic and actively connected to it. I won’t say that I ate a dog with smart houses ... no, rather, I bit it, but nevertheless, based on my experience and my observations, I’ll try to lay out a detailed one ... mmm ... How-To? No, it won't. Review? It’s not that either ... Rather, it will be a parting word or a certain set of tips.

The theater begins with a hanger, and I will start by immediately dotting all the “I” so that readers do not have unreasonable negativity or just some kind of misunderstanding in the process of reading.

The most important thing is that the article is intended for people who have not really understood yet whether they really need this very “Smart Home” and whether they need to get into this topic?

Now the term.
Let's be honest, "Smart Home" is not only such an artificial intelligence system that talks to you in the morning in the bathroom (while you shave) and cooks dinner for you while you drive home. Do not confuse the system with the wife.

Smart home is any an automation / automation system (or a complex of automation / automation systems), which somehow, at least for the smallest fraction, but makes your life easier. It doesn’t matter if it’s automatic turning off the light in the toilet after a person leaves and closes the door, or a system that waters house flowers, feeds your beloved cat and shuts off a leaking water supply pipe if you stay late at work. If something works in your house based on some algorithm, then it can already be called a “Smart Home” system, only with limited functionality.

Also, "Smart Home" is not only a mansion stuffed with electronics, but also an apartment in which your automation and / or control system works, i.e. "Smart apartment" is also "Smart home" and further in the text we will use this term.

In general, excessive tediousness is useless for a person, and to go into polemics on the question of how smart the “Smart House” turned out to be, which was made by student Kolya - I think it is disrespect for the work of that same Kolya. Did he do it? Does it work and manage something? Excellent, well done! Let it continue to grow.

We return to the topic.

We want to build our Smart Home, where do we start? From purchase, construction? No, in this business, as in all engineering tasks, you need to start with paper, or rather, with a project. Will it be a piece of paper with diagrams and drawings that only you can understand, or will it be something drawn in *CAD ... the main thing is that at least you understand what is shown there.

Do not be afraid to describe "long-term plans", write down and think through everything, even what you can do in a very distant future. It's better to think it over now because then it will be too late. This is an experience paid for by the blood of many engineers who stepped on numerous rakes.

What should you pay attention to?

1. Users

Consider how the system you are introducing will be handled by users, i.e. residents of your home or members of your family. Will people who are not technically savvy (old people, children or wife - no matter who exactly) be able to use this? Scenario like: "Honey, the light in the toilet is now on, now I'm just uploading the firmware to the Arduino." does not fit. Imagine that you are renting your system to a rich "rude" gangster who, seeing your switches from LED backlight will tell you: This… listen, what the hell is this? Where is there to reap?". What is obvious to you may be completely incomprehensible to others.

2. Technology

Wired or wireless. If wired, then you need to make plans for laying all the necessary cables (and preferably with a large margin). Where to ditch the walls, where to place sockets and automation elements - everything should be on the diagram. If the system is wireless, then think about where the transmitters / receivers will stand, where the signal repeaters will be placed.
Now you remember this, in a month, when there will be a lot of information, there will be porridge in your head and something will be forgotten.

3. Executor

Who will do all this? Are you yourself or hired by a specialist firm? It will be cheaper on your own, but you will need to deep dive into the issue. We will still rely on self-deployment, because the category of the article is "Do it yourself", right?

4. autonomy

Thinking through the functionality and capabilities of a smart home, always count on the fact that there will be no Internet in the house. Of course, many smart guys will object to me, saying that you need to think over the possibility of pairing with something in the outside world ... think over, lay it down, no one argues, but your smart home should work properly in full autonomy / isolation mode. It may be difficult for a person living in a metropolis to understand how it is so that there is no Internet at all ... GPRS, ADSL, at least something should be backed up? No no and one more time no! Nothing can happen, but it should work all.

Here is an example:
You have built a funny system: say “Nafanya, turn on the slow cooker / light in the toilet” and the system turns off the slow cooker or the light in the toilet, saying “I turn it on” along the way. But suddenly, because of the evil hackers of Al-Qaeda, your provider's network fell off, and after it the network of your mobile operator Rupor fell down, which provides you with a backup LTE channel. Naturally, Google TTS, which was based on your voice control system, fell off and the smart home in the blink of an eye turned into a dumb dumbass who cannot turn on anything. Make it possible to manually control, and even better, make the system so that it can, for example, read the weather aloud without voice Google service. Difficult, but possible. Nobody said that deploying "Smart Home" is like installing MS Office.

Second example:
You made smart home control through an Android application, but after the malicious hacker attack described above, your smartphone could not access the cloud service and instruct the smart home to turn off the forgotten iron. Write your own application that can work remotely through the 2G network of a mobile operator or via Wi-Fi if you are in the coverage area of ​​your home hotspot.

5. The next point to remember when designing follows from the previous one: The "core" of your automation system.

Your house may have a router (ADSL, LTE or something else), a switch or some other network switching device, but a smart home should be controlled by a "core" - a separate and independent device. In no case do not combine network traffic management and home management in one piece of hardware. Now there are many routers on which you can install firmware with a miniature copy of Linux, and many people who get acquainted with this topic try to hang everything that comes to mind on such routers. Personally, I love these routers, in which you can fine-tune everything that you need, but I do not consider it correct to install controls on a device that was not originally designed for this.
Your house may be left completely without a network, but home automation should work, or vice versa, home automation may “fly out”, but this should not drag the LAN (local network) to the bottom.

6. Core placement

Under all this quotation with a router, a switch, a control system core, systems backup power etc. you need to allocate a separate place: closet, closet, closed niche / mezzanine. Anything where there is ventilation (equipment will get warm and you need to think about cooling) and where it will not get in the way / get into your eyes. Your system should not spoil the overall look of housing and make negative changes in home comfort.

If you have a basement, then it is better to deploy your "mission control center" there.

7. Expenses

Perhaps this should have been inserted somewhere closer to the beginning, but if the previous points have not been fully worked out, then the matter may not come to expenses.
The most important thing to know is that the "Smart Home" is a damn expensive undertaking. You can do things yourself (poison boards, program microcontrollers), but this will only reduce your costs, not eliminate them altogether.
The next most important thing to consider at this point is duplication. The purchase of any equipment and performers should be doubled and always rounded up. In your house, for each performer (switches, sensors, etc.) there should be an understudy in the gas box (unless, of course, a third-party organization is engaged in servicing your house). Do not count on the fact that if something breaks, then you will go to the store and buy it.

Example:
The tension jumped. Although the protection worked, some of the built-in light switches burned out, I got sick yesterday and are lying at home with a temperature of 39.2 degrees. Let's say that you are a courageous man (that's a pun turned out), and, spitting on your health, you decide to get out of bed and replace all the switches yourself, but ... with what? Understudy.

Decided to place a camera in front of the entrance? Buy two. Have you thought that you need 12 smart switches around the house? Buy 24. Do you think it does not happen that all 12 will fly out at once? Sometimes, unfortunately, the very first thing that you should have duplicated is the core of the system.

Outcome

I described a negligible part of the beginning of such a large and interesting project for most "techies" as "Smart Home". This topic affects almost all areas in IT: networks, programming, administration, automation, electrics and electronics ... and therefore it is a complex topic that requires a special approach. This can be seen from what I wrote above, but if it is not visible, then the writer in me has not matured.

There is no way to cram the entire text into one article, I have already shortened it enough, therefore there will be at least one more part of the material, which, in principle, will contain tips / recommendations on choosing software and hardware. It sounds a little strange, they say, such a variety of technologies, what advice can there be? However, there are tips and tricks even in such a situation.

Thanks to everyone for your attention, and to those who have read all this to the end.

What is a smart home, and how this system works, readers often ask. It will be difficult to answer this question unambiguously. However, it can be said that here we are talking about the introduction of the latest technologies that have found application in everyday life. Today, many have heard or read about the smart home system, but not everyone can even imagine what level of comfort and security can be achieved with its help.

Review: "Smart home" - what does it mean?

It must be understood that the smart home system helps to achieve two main goals:

1. Lighting, television, as well as all other electrical equipment in the house will be fully automated. It can work both according to programmed parameters and in manual mode. remote control via mobile phone or internet.

2. The "smart home" complex perfectly copes with the security function, and protects not only from external intrusions, but also from internal fires, gas or water leaks.

Wouldn't it be nice for the owner of the house, driving up to the garage, to see how the smart home system itself opens the gate? And for this you do not need to get out of the car or use the remote control.

Who wouldn't want to live in such a smart home where you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn off the lights in a room or the TV while leaving for work? The system itself will take care of this problem. Dozens of great and other types of smart home equipment are now available, which until recently were quite expensive. Therefore, only very rich people could afford such a luxury. But now even middle-income people can boast of a smart home.

History of creation

Americans first heard about such a system as a smart home. This happened back in the 70s of the last century. Then at the Washington Intellectual University they were able to develop a system of how to make living in a residential building easier, which modern technologies can be adapted for this. True, today no one will call such an innovation a smart home. But at the time it was a major breakthrough.

Back in 1987, a description appeared in the Soviet journal Technical Aesthetics, created by domestic engineers. In the countries of the former USSR, the invention, which was called "smart home", appeared only in the late 90s. But then it did not find much demand among the population. The problem was not only that the equipment for the smart home system was very expensive. It turned out that it was very difficult to install and operate. One could even say that this system was primitive, but very expensive. And since energy resources cost a penny, few people were interested in such an innovation.

And only since the beginning of the new millennium, they started talking about a smart home in the post-Soviet space again. There were several reasons for this:

1. Energy resources began to become more expensive, so there was a need to save them.
2. Computers are being used more and more.
3. The Internet appeared, thanks to which a smart home could be controlled from a distance.
4. Due to the emerging competition, the implementation of a circuit for smart home equipment has become less expensive.

It is important to remember that both the audio market and the TV market have begun to develop actively.

Smart home equipment: pros and cons

And now it’s worth figuring out what the smart home has both advantages and disadvantages. First, let's talk about the disadvantages. They are still available in this system. For example, equipment for a smart home system is still expensive. But this is the case if it is offered from well-known European manufacturers. So why not think about Xiaomi smart home or other companies that produce relatively inexpensive, but very high-quality gadgets?

But it must be borne in mind that everything is not so simple here. For example, there is one small difficulty with the Xiaomi smart home. The fact is that Europeans are poorly versed in it, since the user needs to know Chinese. Therefore, to install and configure the Xiaomi smart home, you may need the help of a specialist. After all, here even the fork has a special design. good master will be able to configure functional modules for a customer's smartphone or tablet.

As for the advantages of such a system, they are much more. Who used to do all the work in noble houses? These were butlers, housekeepers, servants, etc. They aired the rooms, opened the curtains on the windows, looked after the comfort in the rooms. Today, such work can be performed by a smart home system, and for it this is not a problem.

Among its advantages, several very important points can be indicated:

1. Energy costs can turn into "robbers". And if you introduce this innovation, you don’t have to worry about energy saving. If you choose the right system, you can use it for years. And how much energy can be saved during this time?
2. The smart home system can turn into a reliable security guard who will never fall asleep. The owner immediately learns about the penetration into the housing, and about the occurrence of a fire. Immediately the message will go to the security console. So with such a system, you can achieve complete home security.
3. In this way, it will be possible to achieve the ideal level of comfort in the premises. Smart home technology makes sure that the house is always cool in summer. But in winter time it will be warm and cozy. She will take care of heating, air conditioning, and optimal humidity in the premises.
4. Ideal ease of maintenance. After all, the program of the smart home system includes up to 50 different engineering actions.

If you equip your house or apartment with such technology, then the owners will enjoy life. It will independently turn on the heating of the premises before you return from work, irrigate the lawn on the site, open the curtains in the morning, ventilate the rooms, etc.

Surely, dear readers, you are interested in the question - is it possible to create a smart home with your own hands. Let's run to the very end of the article and say right away - you can, and if you really want to, then you need it. After all, the price of the issue has dropped significantly. The market is full of ready-made systems for which you can buy smart things, sensors. When planning such a project, you will need to decide on the basis of which system you will make a smart home:

1. Xiaomi Smart Home Suite
2. Amazon Echo
3. Arduino

Today, this system is far from what we mean by a smart home - there are still few devices that can be integrated into it. Despite this, we can hope that in the near future the list of supported devices will be replenished.

Now the Smart Home Suite package includes the hub itself, the controller, motion and door opening sensors, as well as a universal button. Smart Home Suite can manage a large number of devices from Xiaomi and other manufacturers.

As a central hub device, we have a rather large “tablet”, which is connected to the power supply network. There is support for control from a smartphone through a special application. The hub can connect to the Internet, which allows you to control the status of devices from a distance. By purchasing Smart Home Suite, you will be able to control Mi TVs, speakers, smart lamps, humidifiers and other appliances.

Smart Home Suite, which will save you from creating a smart home with your own hands, will cost about 4,000 rubles, which is inexpensive, given the scope of delivery and capabilities. And yet this device from Xiaomi is far from the concept of "smart home", which implies more flexibility. Smart Home Suite is easy way automate the work of electrical devices in the house.

Where to buy cheap?

And this smart gadget has already been developed by the search giant, which has not yet gained much popularity in the Russian Federation, but everything is ahead. - This is a kind of Google Assistant (the same as “OK Google”), which received its own “home” in the form of a compact Bluetooth speaker. In general, this is an analogue of Xiaomi's Smart Home Suite, only more expensive and with great potential. Can do almost the same, but stands out, of course, the possibility of voice search.

Now you don't have to force your smartphone and Google Assistant to find all sorts of information, from the birthday of the author of "Fathers and Sons" to the question of how much an elephant weighs - just say "OK Google" while sitting on the couch.

Google Home can manage various devices user, so that he, in this way, makes his own smart home with a smarter TV and a video surveillance system. There are already a lot of compatible devices today (Android smartphones, set-top boxes, some Appliances), and over time they will only become more.

In addition, Google Home, in order to really feel like a smart home, supports some interesting services. So, you can ask an assistant to order food for you at home or book a ticket for the next flight, or provide a weather forecast. Google Home also adapts to the desires and interests of the owner, requesting information about preferences and hobbies during the first setup.

Google Home, despite its potential, today cannot boast of huge opportunities. However, she has already found her user, and not just one. A smart speaker will cost about $130.

Another fresh development of an American company, which is a complete analogue of Google Home. Only instead of Google Assistant, the Amazon Echo has Alexa as its voice assistant. On the Russian market, as usual, the device is not yet widespread, but over time the situation should be corrected. Amazon Echo can play your favorite music and can be integrated into your smart home system for later control various devices. Amazon Echo is very easy to set up and manage using a dedicated smartphone app.

Now the smart speaker looks quite interesting, but, like its predecessors, it is limited in its capabilities. Amazon Echo understands user commands well, thanks to cooperation with other companies, it can work with many smart home devices and systems. True, Amazon Echo costs more than its closest competitors - 12,500 rubles.

Smart home based

We turn to solutions for creating a smart home with our own hands. , in fact, a set of network protocols that, when creating a smart home, help to abandon the wired connection of equipment in favor of wireless. Many different companies are now working with ZigBee systems, providing both equipment kits and individual devices for smart homes. It has a lot of advantages, starting with the cost.

Do-it-yourself equipment for creating a smart home will cost much less than ready-made systems from well-known companies. allows you to show your talents by developing your own smart home scheme, which only your heart desires. In addition, the system is characterized by low power consumption, which cannot be said about many others. The energy-efficient operation of the components is possible precisely thanks to the communication protocol, which, although slow, does not require much energy.

Equipment for systems, as already noted, is being developed by a variety of companies, so there are no problems with finding controllers and sensors. However, it should be borne in mind that equipment components from different companies may not be compatible, therefore it is better to give preference to devices from the same manufacturer. Do-it-yourself equipment for building a smart home based on a base can be purchased for relatively little money in all your favorite Chinese online stores.

Do-it-yourself smart home based on Arduino

Arduino, like ZigBee, is not a complete Smart Home system. This is the means that this smartest home helps to build. Arduino is a complex of software and hardware that is designed to build simple automated systems and even robotics by non-professionals. Smart homes are also among the possible projects. Hardware - a set of boards, sensors and devices, that is, "hardware". Software - providing communication and control of hardware.

Arduino has a completely open architecture, which allows everyone to work with it, so the market today is littered with equipment for building a smart home with your own hands. At the same time, the purchase of individual components will cost several times cheaper than the purchase ready solution. Again, with Arduino, you have a huge opportunity to create a smart home.

For the system today you can find a lot of devices and sensors at a very low price, but be prepared for the fact that you have to worry about connecting all these devices to a single network, and you will also need to get acquainted with the program code. In general, those who like to do something smart with their own hands, tinker with boards and programming environments will be satisfied.

Where to buy cheap?

High technologies cease to be something inaccessible, belonging only to scientists in their laboratories. They enter the life of a person more and more densely, provide coziness and comfort. One of good examples, previously found only in science fiction novels, is the “smart home” system, which allows you to remove a lot of worries from the owner: automate the management of all communications, reduce heating and electricity costs, and increase the comfort and safety of the home. In reality, this is a computer technology, logical and understandable to everyone who wants to understand its structure, which allows you to create this system with your own hands.

What is a "smart home"

This is a high-tech automation system that controls all systems, utilities or residential devices. Simply put, it is a processor that oversees and coordinates the operation of all devices connected to it.

Most of the problems faced by residents are due to the lack of attention shown to one or another communication node or subsystem. Heating, water supply, Electricity of the net at home - all these groups of equipment periodically fail due to minor malfunctions not detected in time, which gradually grew to the size of a serious problem. The complex also constantly monitors the functioning of communications, warns in time about emerging threats or possible malfunctions.

The structure of the complex is designed for maximum convenience for the user, for example, it is possible to control the entire system using a smartphone

Thanks to this technology, it becomes possible to program the time for turning on or off a particular node, the transition from one mode of operation to another. For example, organize the daily switching on / off of street lighting, increasing or decreasing the temperature in heating system depending on weather conditions. It becomes possible to control the electronic devices of the whole house with a single remote control, which allows you to turn on the DVD in the living room, but watch it on the TV installed in the kitchen, if it is more convenient for the owner.

The possibilities of such a system are great and depend only on the types and implementation options.

Kinds

There are many varieties of the complex, each with its own pros and cons, which are most conveniently considered in the table.

Varieties of the system	Peculiarities	Advantages	Difficulties
Wired	work directly, transmitting signals from control sensors to the control unit or to actuators via wires laid in the house	responsiveness of wired devices; there is no risk of overloading the transmitting bus with different commands, that is, “freezes” and malfunctions.	complex installation, time consuming and labor intensive; the need for installation during construction, for finished houses are unacceptable
Wireless	connection executive mechanisms and control subsystems is carried out via television and radio communications	there is no need for laying wires, which significantly speeds up the installation process, eliminates interference with the structure or violation of the final finish of the house	the need for frequent replacement of batteries in controls; communication with the base by radio somewhat limits the functionality.
Centralized complexes	allow full control over the status and operation of all communications at home from a single control unit - a processor with a large number of connectors for connecting equipment and devices	is able to coordinate and combine all the involved elements of the room	a high degree of dependence of work on the capabilities and quality of the program installed in the processor
Decentralized complexes	are a set of independent microprocessors	the ability to minimize the consequences of failure of a single node	a large number of individual controls, which sometimes creates confusion and complicates the process of setting up or configuring
Equipment with an open protocol	control commands used in the system are used by many manufacturers	allows you to connect devices from different manufacturers that can be recognized by the processor and work under its control	it is possible that the elements may need to be partially adapted to each other
Closed protocol kits	control is carried out in its own language, developed by the manufacturer, and allows the use of only appropriate devices or devices	has a high degree of compliance of all nodes and elements	does not allow connection of foreign devices - they will not be recognized by the system and will not be able to work in conjunction with it

The development of new, improved types of this technology is ongoing. Updated or newly created versions of a software or design solution are constantly appearing, capable of performing more complex and responsible tasks.

Advantages and disadvantages

"Smart Home" is a complex and multifunctional system that undoubtedly has a number of advantages:

• The ability to install indoors and configure any of its types according to your own parameters, from security to water supply or heating.
• From the first days of operation, this complex allows you to save up to 30% of the cost of maintaining a house.
• High level of comfort.
• The ability to use this system not only as a manager, but also as a source of entertainment.

Within the framework of this technology, it is possible to adjust not only the operation of audio and video equipment, but also, for example, the temperature of the water in the pool

However, not the most pleasant moments are associated with it:

• High price. This is the main problem limiting the spread of technology. The purchase and installation costs are too high, and the failure of some system components is sometimes not recoverable due to prohibitive prices.
• Difficulty in wiring for the system. This procedure is very time-consuming, available only at the construction stage ( interior decoration). If you replace the system with a wireless version, its cost instantly increases several times.
• The need to have a separate room or space for the installation of equipment. For a small dwelling, this moment becomes no less problematic than the rest. You will need a backup power source, voltage stabilizers that protect the nodes with the control unit from voltage surges. All this needs to be installed, maintained or repaired somewhere.

Despite the existing difficulties, the installation of this system is becoming more and more popular and widespread.

Preparatory work before installation with your own hands

Before proceeding with the direct installation of the system, it is necessary to carry out some preparatory work:

1. Choose certain type available on technical and financial positions.
2. Create a detailed project, a working drawing of the entire system.
3. Examine the house and assess the state of communications, their readiness for the installation of controls and control sensors.
4. Determine the most convenient place for installation, installation and location of the main components and elements of the complex.

Some varieties of the system require a computer on which the necessary programs are installed, a home site is created that displays the system diagram and basic controls. The setup and adjustment of such a complex is carried out from a PC, tablet or smartphone.

A similar arrangement of icons, each responsible for its own “section”, makes managing the system much easier.

Performing preparation requires a clear understanding of the principles of operation, configuration, features or device of the selected complex. If knowledge is not enough, you will have to familiarize yourself with the structure of the system and obtain the necessary information, or abandon the idea of ​​​​organizing such a complex complex, using only your hands and head, and seek help from specialists.

Scheme of "smart home"

Before starting installation work, it is necessary to draw up a diagram that allows you to determine all mounting points, methods of connection, communication and control of the elements.

The scheme of the complex includes many elements, for example, cameras, a video server, sensors, performers

A schematic representation allows you to visualize the configuration, the principle of operation of the system, to determine its most important nodes and sections. It consists of three main groups of elements:

• Sensors. They are the "sense organs" of the system, signaling changes or detected violations.
• Executive elements, mechanisms. These devices have a direct impact on communications, change the mode of operation, switch or adjust.
• Control devices, controllers, servers. This is the central part of the system that controls, executes installed programs and manages its functioning.

This will help visualize the configuration, detect errors, and draw up a specification for the composition of the system.

Step by step instructions for making

To assemble the system with your own hands, it is best to purchase a ready-made kit that meets the needs and capabilities of a house or apartment. Order installation work detailed in the user manual, which must be carefully read before starting work and constantly checked during practical actions.

The installation process of the complex consists in connecting actuators and sensors to the central processor. The procedure is as follows:

1. Installation of control sensors.
2. Installation of actuating elements - servomotors, switches, cranes, etc.
3. Connecting devices to the corresponding connectors on the processor board.

After the installation is completed, a trial run and system configuration are carried out.

For some subsystems, separate small circuits are developed

It is recommended to start with the simplest functions and gradually move on to more complex operations. You should not immediately program multi-stage modes of operation, first you need to adjust, configure the system using elementary actions.

Features of installation in a cottage and apartment

The composition and configuration of the complex is largely tied to the type or size of the premises.

• For a private house, cottage or dacha, heating, water and power supply subsystems are relevant, which are often used offline.
• For an apartment connected to centralized networks, the management of these elements is reduced to the timely inclusion or deactivation. Often these elements are not included in the system at all.

The number of actuators involved in the complex increases with the increase in the autonomy of the dwelling. The less dependence on network or other resources supplied from outside, the greater the fullness of the management complex, the higher its responsibility and significance for the life support of the home.

Controls: voice and manual

There are two groups of these elements:

• Wireless. They use television or radio technology for communication.
• Wired. They are connected via a special cable (sometimes using a conventional twisted pair), they have a fast response to commands, a high degree of reliability.

System functions can be controlled from different devices:

• Remote Control.
• Control panels.
• Control unit, shield - all three of these types involve the use of buttons or a touch screen.
• Tablet, smartphone, PC - here you can also use the voice method.

Remotes belong to wireless devices and are mainly used on complexes with a closed code. Control panels have a fixed type of installation, usually equipped with a touch screen.

At the request of the customer, a stationary system for adjusting the operation of the complex can be installed

The way of communication with the executive elements is the same for all types of devices, since in the end the commands come to the processor, which transmits them to a certain mechanism.

Installation of the "smart home" system is available to trained people who understand the principles and features of the complex device. Uncertainty in one's abilities, misunderstanding of any points are grounds for contacting specialists. Mistakes made during the installation of this complex complex in a country house or in an apartment can cause serious consequences, so you need to realistically assess your capabilities so that the created system can only bring additional comfort.

Recently, the phrase smart House” is becoming more common, but not everyone understands what is hidden behind these words. It is rather difficult to characterize such a system, since various firms provide kits targeting different areas. But in general, a smart home implies increased comfort, high security and practicality. Despite the high cost of installing and maintaining systems, you do not need to be a very rich person to equip your apartment or house with everything you need.

Smart home design

First of all, you need to decide on the necessary functions. Installation companies of such systems offer one-piece kits, which usually contain not only everything you need, but also a lot of additional (and often completely useless) things. There is a certain plus in self-assembly of the system - you can install only those functions that you need. Most often, people are interested in the management of light and heating, door locks and alarms, fire safety. The second is very important point- how these functions are managed. If earlier access to them was possible only through the control panel, now it is possible to remotely configure and adjust.

Based on the requirements, you need to calculate the number necessary materials. This includes not only the server itself, but also controllers, wires, wi-fi. The purchase of all these important elements, of course, will require investments. But the amount you spend will be much less than the cost of the finished version.

Smart home: server or computer

This question will definitely come up in front of you in the planning process. The fact is that the server will certainly require more investments than a regular personal computer with the appropriate program. But it also has more functionality. In addition, the PC at least sometimes needs to be rebooted, which will cause a system crash. A constantly running computer fails faster, but this does not threaten the server.

Whatever you choose, you should take care of the special software to create a smart home. You can link several systems or use only one - it depends solely on the needs and willingness to deal with constantly emerging new programs.

Security systems

Very often, the creation of such a system begins with the desire of the owner of an apartment or house to control what is happening around. Video cameras are installed in the right places, the signal from which is transmitted directly to the computer. Thus, all information can be stored on the hard disk and overwritten, for example, after ten days. If you have such a desire, then you can connect remote access. So, while at work, you will know exactly what is happening near your home.

Another very handy thing is the lock control. You can set it to open or close from the control panel or smartphone. This function is very convenient, but it also has its own pitfalls. Carefully examine the lock, it must be able to be mechanically accessed. Otherwise, in the event of a power outage, you will not be able to enter or leave the house.

Do-it-yourself smart home: comfort

How many times have you encountered the fact that the switch is located in an inconvenient place. How you do not want to get out of bed to put out the light. The smart home system solves this problem very simply. All switches in the rooms are equipped with special devices allowing you to control the light remotely. If you want to change the level of illumination, then you can not do without dimmers. You can also smoothly adjust the operation of the lamps from the remote control or smartphone.

Professionals recommend taking care of the humidity level in your home. This feature may not seem necessary to everyone, however, a properly selected humidity level will provide you with not only a healthy sound sleep, but also less dust. In addition, in rooms with windows facing the sunny side, as well as throughout the house, during the operation of the heating system, the air is much drier than the recommended minimum.

Is it profitable?

Spending rather big sums on the ability to remotely monitor the house and switch the light may seem unjustified. But it's not just about convenience. The smart home system even allows you to control all outlets. Forgot to turn off the iron or electric stove? Not a problem. You can do it remotely.

In addition, through the control panel, you can set up a special schedule for some devices. For example, turn on the coffee maker at seven in the morning. Of course, you will have to put all the necessary ingredients on your own in the evening. You can also set up a schedule for the air conditioner.

Such moments allow you to save electricity. Let the amount at first seem small to you, but gradually it will accumulate.

Particular attention should be paid to the regulation of the heating system. Of course, to install it, you will need special temperature sensors in each room. But then you can set the exact temperature for the bedroom, bathroom or living room. Plus, you don't have to waste heat. A smart home can turn off the heating immediately after you leave the house, and turn it on one to two hours before returning.

Simple Conveniences

If you understand that you have no desire, need or opportunity to create such a system, then pay attention to individual elements. So, for example, a controlled lock is synchronized directly with your smartphone. Picking up desired application, you can not only open the door with one touch of your finger, but also send special invitations to your friends. They will quietly open the door during the specified period with a message without distracting you from cooking.

There are also special “smart” lamps that can also receive messages from your smartphone. They are not only durable, but also easy to manage, however, the cost is quite high.