Home
[SiriProxy Installation How Tos] (https://github.com/plamoni/SiriProxy/wiki/Installation-How-Tos)
How tos for installing SiriProxy on various distributions and embedded platforms. I am already maintaining the Marvell SheevaPlug computer how to instructions there.
[DD-WRT Open Source Router Firmware] (http://www.dd-wrt.com)
While it is not necessary to run SiriProxy, I consider it an essential component to any home network, especially if you are a tweaker like me. If you have not heard of DD-WRT, it basically adds commercial router functionality costing $1000's to a consumer grade router although without the same throughput performance. It is not a hack and is perfectly legal. In fact, some consumer routers ship with DD-WRT pre-installed. It is not for the average consumer as it does require a bit of work to get installed, but is well worth the effort if you want or need things like:
- Encrypted VPN access to your home
- Client/repeater bridge
- Multiple SSIDs with different levels of encryption
- Guest Access
- Or a DNS redirect (essential for a transparent SiriProxy redirect)
If your router was supplied by your ISP, then don't mess with it! Go out and drop some coin on your own router or get a used one from somewhere. As with any Linux project, you first find a supported hardware configuration, then install Linux to maximize the chances it will work out of the box. In other words, don't run out of buy the latest router and expect it be supported or work seamlessly. Check the supported router database on the DD-WRT site. If you are lucky, you may find your existing router is supported.
While there may be other mobile apps for home automation and control, none have the same ease of setup, polish, flexibility, and maturity as these apps. Even the more recent SmartHome mobile app. You can literally start controlling your home within seconds. With a little additional effort you can customize both apps for even more wow factor. Both provide excellent support and continue to add features everyday. While both may seem pricey, when you consider the cost of a high end home control touch panel is in the 1000's, these are both bargains. Let's not forget you don't have to pay a licensed professional for installation, customization, nor pay a monthly extortion fee for the privilege of controlling your home. I really can't say enough. Props to both of you!
[eKeypad Series of Mobile Applications] (http://blog.ekeypad.net)
A number of the the apps are targeted for a specific functionality at different price points, or you can just get the Pro version and get all the features in a single app. Supports both the ISY and Elk security system if you have one, as well as IP cameras.
[MobiLinc Series of Mobile Applications] (http://www.mobileintegratedsolutions.com)
There is is a free lite version which you can test out. The developer also has a native iPad version that is really slick. The developer plans to add Elk support among other features.
[Universal Devices ISY-99i Controller] (http://sales.universal-devices.com)
Their ISY series of devices make managing your Insteon/X10 configuration a breeze, not to mention are low power power consumption devices that can be left on 24/7. They have an Elk plugin module, among others, that integrates well with the Elk. Excellent support from both product developers and on user forums.
[Elk Products Professional Grade Security System] (http://www.elkproducts.com)
A high end professional home security system you can buy through retail distribution that allows one to customize without the need for a licensed professional installer. I replaced my builders quality Napco with an Elk M1 Gold and never looked back. I calculated my ROI to be less than one year vs. the fees a licensed professional installer and a monitoring service would charge for the equivalent capability and customization.
[TRENDnet IP Security Cameras and Networking Products] (http://www.trendnet.com)
I looked at a number of IP camera manufacturers, comparing price vs. features before I settled in on TRENDnet's SecureView series of cameras. I bought a few TV-IP41# wireless PTdZ cameras which can be configured to send SMS/MMS messages, stream video/images to a server, and have a GPIO interface which can be integrated with the Elk or an Insteon IOLinc module. It didn't hurt their cameras run Linux, provide a documented API, and are based in Torrance, CA.
[Nest Learning Thermostat] (http://www.nest.com)
The Nest does to the HVAC industry what the original iPhone did for the cellular industry. It's magical! Do I need to say more?
[Thinkflood's RedEye Universal Remote Control with REST API] (http://thinkflood.com)
I started following this company when they were still in beta hardware development. Their products and mobile applications have come a long way and continue to add new features everyday. Their devices now have a REST API for programming and control from home automation systems. I'm already controlling my RedEye units from my ISY. I also wrote a SiriProxy plugin to control my AV equipment using the RedEye.
Before you ask, no I don't have any personal or professional interest with these places, other than being a valued customer.
[SmartHome Home Automation Superstore] (http://www.smarthome.com)
I bought almost everything for my home automation lighting, security, and IR control from SmartHome. The only thing I didn't was my Nest thermostat. Excellent products, support, and customer care. It's a good thing I don't live near their Ivine, CA showroom otherwise I would have no money for beer.
Wholesale Electronic Components
Don't get overcharged for electronic components or Raspberry Pi boards, buy from a wholesale distributor like [DigiKey] (http://www.digikey.com) or [Newark] (http://www.newark.com/jsp/bespoke/bespoke7.jsp?bespokepage=newark/en_US/landing/raspberry-pi/rasp-pi-accessories.jsp&isRedirect=true). It helps if you know what you are looking for in advance.
[Provantage Technology Superstore] (http://www.provantage.com)
I've found 90% of the time Provantage has the lowest prices on consumer electronic products. They have ties with most national wholesale distribution channels. They will ship from the closest warehouse stocking your order which means you might be able to avoid paying extra for faster delivery and still get your order delivered in a few days.
[Monoprice Cables and AV Gear] (http://www.monoprice.com)
If you haven't heard of Monoprice then you have been throwing money away! Don't get ripped off by big box stores for computer cables, AV cables and equipment. Excellent products at awesome prices. Unless you live in China or are buying by the ship container load, I will be surprised if you can find a high quality HDMI cable for less than $2 USD.