Can I update my current house automation with Arduino?

Hello everybody!

This is my first post, so I hope you understand if i say some nonsens or ilogical things. Let's bring it on:

As it says in the subject, my idea is to update the automation system in my house using Arduino. It was built using the system called SIMONVIS (if done a bit of research and Simon its the spanish company that licensed the IHC system for Spain, where I'm from), around 20 years algo. It consists of a connection module, and then some in and outs modules (see the photo attached). I would like to update it basically because whenever we want to make a change or some problem appears, we have to plug a pc using at max Win XP, and then run and MS DOS emulator, which is the interface it is built, and the programming is very limited and tedious. Also, due to its age (or that's what I think), lately whenever a power cut happens some functions stop working.

The installation consist of lights (indoor and outdoor) and its ¿buttons?(sorry, couldn't think of a better translation from my language), window blind motors, water pumps, etc. I think all of the ins and outs are digital. As I've seen in my dad's papers, we have 74 entries :o .

So, the main question is, is it possible to change the system ad control everything with Arduino without having to do a major modification in the physical system? (i.e. re-wiring, change of sensors and actuators). I'm new to Arduino, but i've done some automation and programming in my degree, so i think i would be able to do it.

Thanks for reading if you reached this far, and sorry for my english"

I would hazard a guess that this would quickly become a major headache for one experienced in "both" systems.

You'd have to figure-out how to interface with that system. From the picture it looks like everything is hard wired, and although that might make connecting to it "easier" (if you can figure-out the hardware & communication protocol), all of the modern systems are wireless, or like the X-10 system they send RF signals over the existing power lines.

If you can figure out how to interface with the existing system you could do a lot with the Arduino, including control over Wi-Fi, or over the cell phone network, etc.

(I've had an X-10 system for many years and it's now a combination X-10/Insteon setup. But, it's all purchased... I didn't build any of it myself.)

It's great to have long term goals in what you want to do.
You need a good footing/understanding in electronics and Arduino coding.
Interfacing to existing hardware can be quite evolved, especially if there is poor documentation.
Often, poor interfacing causes the original system to misbehave.
We can help when you run into problems, however, you have to do the heavy lifting.

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