Just getting started with Home Automation - Looking for ideas and sharing mine

Other Hardware Home Automation
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Hi all,
I'm just getting started with HA and could use some assistance/advice. Years ago I learned BASIC and have found the Arduino language to be very similar. Right now I'm 15 of a 20 lesson set on leaning Arduino programming. (I'm getting it.)

For my HA project I want to control lights in my house and in my yard. I'm installing 12vdc LEDs or will use relays to control existing 120vac circuits. (The relays will be hard wired into the circuits. (Not looking to do the plug or X10 module thing.)

I have several gates and a shed I installed magnetic switches on so I can tell if they are open or closed. (For this I'm using NO burglar alarm contacts. When the door is fully closed the circuit is open. They are hard to find since most burglar alarm alarms are NC.)

And lastly I've been installing momentary push buttons (SPST) door bell buttons on my gates so I can press the button to turn walkway lights on for 5 minutes. But after looking at some code I'm realizing I could do a press, press and hold, double press and long press. So maybe press to turn on for a 5 minutes. Double press on for 3 hrs. Long press turns them off and not sure what to do with extra long press.

One more thing. I'm thinking I will replace my sprinkler controller and control with the Arduino. Valves are 24vac so I would just use a SPST relay.

I'm using Cat 5 wire from the door contacts and for the low voltage side of the relay contacts. Since Cat 5 cable is 8 conductor my plan is to use the unused wire pairs and bond them together to power the 12vdc LEDs. (I'm bonding the wires to reduce the voltage drop and increase amperage.) Cat 5 wire and Rj-45 connectors are rated at 2.5 amps. For my the LEDs I'm using this is plenty.

For hardware purchased a Mega 2500, RTC shield and an Ethernet shield.
On eBay or Baggood I'v found 2, 4, and 8 relay boards which work perfects with the Uno I'm been learning on. I also purchased some time delay relays, before I considered using an Arduino.

Can I ask how does my plan sound so far? (Maybe this will give you some ideas too.)

I'm ready to start coding Would it be better to modify someone else's code? Or should I start from scratch or start with someone else's piece of code? If I use someone else's code how do I know who's code to use? Is there a common code base for HA?

Then down the road I would like to add a LCD display so I can see/read what gates/doors are open and what lights are on.

How does my plan sound so far?

Please offer suggestions good or bad.

Thanks

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Sounds like what i would like to accomplish one day.. As for what code to start with, its always good to start with either a sample sketch for certain sensors so that you can test and debug then move to your master sketch.

For me that helped insure that each sensor worked individually then combined into the master sketch and do progressive testing as you add so that you can begin to see your over all automation at work.

By the sounds of what you want to accomplish the mega may be the board to start with to allow all the connections, but ive only worked with the uno and mega, so not sure if that is truly the best board to use.

Others will def chime in.. but good luck and post back update or if you have other questions...

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Thanks - Hope I can help you one day.

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Hi Guys. I'm also a fan of HA and very like it. Because it's simple and helpful for my life. I began with Arduino, playing with some modules (RFID, RF, BLE ...) and made some small apps (IR remote control, RC car). And then had heard of OpenHAB which is HA software. As my point of view, the software is so good and suitable for DIY, hobbyers. Based on the software I built an HA app for my home. In which I can turn on/off the light, increase/decrease the incandescent bub, getting indoor/out door temperature ... Honestly, the app make me very comfortable in the winter and especial is that my child can control electrical devices without fear of any electrical relations.

That is my experience with HA and just want to share with you.

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KatyaS: Did you manage to interface openHAB with arduino? Can you give some more details what you did?