EFB

What is HouseBot?
HouseBot is a client-server based software solution that provides full remote control automation for homes.

The server runs on a standard Windows machine. Since it runs on standard hardware and OS, it has access to and can leverage:

Any hardware installed in the machine. This includes not only home automation hardware, but any non automation related hardware.
Any software installed on the machine.
Any resources connected to the network.
Any information accessible over the Internet.
The functionality of the system can be distributed throughout the house by using additional Software Remotes. These remotes are simply standard Windows or Windows CE based machines running the HouseBot "Software Remote" application. If combined with wireless networking, the Software Remotes offer un-tethered remote control throughout the house.

HouseBot provides an extensible architecture with features that meet or exceed most standard automation products.

What can HouseBot do?
HouseBot can monitor and automate so many things that they can't all be listed here. Here are a few of the most common automation tasks that can be easily accomplished with HouseBot.

Turn lights on and off at preset times.
Turn lights on and off at sunrise or sunset.
Respond to input receive from Software Remotes. The response can be to:
Send an IR signal to control media equipment.
Turn X10 enabled lights on, off, or DIM.
Run pre-defined Tasks.
Enable or disable Modes.
Open or close relays.
Execute or control software on the HouseBot server.
Play MP3 files using the computers sound card.
Track caller ID and send information to cell phones.
Setup different Modes that control lighting behaviors.
Automate Christmas lights.
Pause a movie when the phone rings or when motion is detected inside or outside the house.
Play a chime when a car arrives in the driveway.
Display status of lights, garage doors, doors and windows, motion detectors, etc on Software Remotes.


What can it control?
HouseBot can control all of the following with the standard installation.

ADI Ocelot or Leopard controller (X10 & IR)
ADI SECU16 - Relay control / Input channel monitoring
Generic Serial control. Can be customized to control a wide variety of equipment attached to RS232 port
Modem / Phone Status - Provides call notification and caller ID information
X10 CM11a - X10 controller
X10 Firecracker - X10 controller
Device Replicator - Controls other Devices running on remote HouseBot machines
SMTP - Sends email
Execute any program running on HouseBot machine
Girder Bridge - Send event strings to Girder application
VB Scripting - Write simple VB Script programs to enhance automation control
WinAmp 2.x - Control WinAmp 2.x application
The following Plugins can also be downloaded (for free) to add additional support.

X10 MR26a - X10 RF receiver
USB UIRT - IR transmit and receive
Nirvis Slink-e support - X10 & IR. Also provides control of CDJ application
PowerLinc USB - X10 control
Meridian 565 - RS232 control of Meridian 565 DSP
External Control - Control HouseBot remotely from command line application
Text-2-speech - Plays text over system sound card
Windows clipboard - Send and receive data using the Windows clipboard
To control equipment that is not included in these lists, the SDKs provide the necessary tools to build your own Plugins to control almost any type of automation equipment.