I want to mount a camera with a motion detector on my front porch and configure it all to :
1) Turn on the camera when there is motion on the porch.
2) Turn on the PIP window on my Sony TV and send the porch video signal to it.
3) Ring my doorbell or a distinct chime (since the Mailman comes to the porch, but never rings)
4) If I'm away, activate a VCR and record the porch video, time stamped, for the duration of motion on the porch.

Any ideas on what I'd need to do all this, anyone?

See some of the Threads about the JDS stargate or the Houselinc by Smartlinc. These will allow a macro to do what you want. I have my setup just like this except no recording (cool idea) and I am using the Houselinc. Also look at “new products, tips & tricks” and “Chris Coutures idea page”

Visit www.smartlinc.com

Or

RCI Automation
rciautomation@compuserve.com
[Link: ourworld.compuserve.com]


Chris Couture

Thanks, Chris. I'm sure there are ways to get my job done easily if enough money is thrown at it. Money isn't an objection as much as lack of challenge is. I'm new to x10, but from the little I've seen and read, I'm suspicious that there's a simple way to do it that we just have to figure out. X-10's X-cam would get the signal to my TV's AUX 2 inputs. A Hawkeye motion sensor can signal X10 appliance modules to power on the camera, video transmitter/receiver and a VCR, getting the video going. I still need to figure out how to get the IR code for "PIP" to my TV or "RECORD" to the VCR. I "might" be getting a laptop (black, quiet, sits on a slide out shelf in my A/V rack) computer to be a full time controller which could handle custom programming. Does anyone know of a device that can emit a programmed sequence of IR commands when signaled with an X-10 command?

Like I said eariler, Smartlinc and JDS products have "simple" IR controllers that will start a series of IR commands. As far as money, they are probally less than you think! Why would you want to use an appliance module when the camera is ment to stay on full time and the VCR has a IR power command? As far as a IR interface for your computer, Smartlinc makes one of those also. It's probally gonna be your best bet!

Chris

After rereading the above it sounds like I am trying to be a smart a*s. Sorry, I didn't mean it that way.
Chris

Chris. I teach college students. They are almost always smarter than I am at everything except the subject I teach. I like it that way. They have to put up with my smarts (and a smart ass attitude) in class, but I have to listen to their smart asses about everything else. It's a nice balance. Your replies are from my point of view considered informational. Thanks. I'll be looking closed at JDS and smartlink stuff.

The only reason I would use an appliance module is to only turn the VRC and camera on when it needed to be on. If I'm on a week's vacation, I don't see any reason to keep power running to a camera and VCR that may never NEED to be on. I'm a child of parents of the great depression I guess. Can't see any reason to waste electricity.

One idea I can offer, besides that of which I have already posted, is to use a cheap IR remote control that has macro functions available. Go into the remote and solder some wires across the button used to trigger those macros. Most remotes don’t use true switches but have unprotected circuit traces that the button connects with its conductive foot. (The traces are the “lines” that connect the components together). Soldering on to the trace or IR chip directly will work fine. To solder onto the trace you may need to scrape off the insulating “paint” over the circuit. If you solder onto the chip watch the heat. Using a universal contact module (PUM01) to connect the circuit would simulate the button being pressed; starting the macro to do the PIP and VCR record… The remote could be mounted inside you’re A/V cabinet and would transmit the macro whenever the PUM01 was activated.

Chris Couture

Chris.. At first I was sure you were joking about using a remote control but after the third read, and trying to find an inexpensive x-10 activated IR macro emitter I've concluded you may have it upon a wonderful idea. My major problem now is that the only remote I've yet found that has the learning and macro ability to send all the codes I need is my Pronto. I looked... can't solder a screen button circuit closed. ;-(

Any idea on a cheap universal learning macro remote? There's a walmart nearby.

The cheaper the better since you will be using it for this simple task. I only know of one and I think it sells for around $90.00. It's the Universal Remote SL-9000. You might just try running a "WANTED" thread on the Pronto forum and see if anyone will sell you there old remote. One thing you might want to look into if you do decide to go this route is add more than just that IR function. There is several X-10 relay boxes that would allow multiple contacts to the remote. This could allow a RF X-10 remote in the bedroom the ability to turn off the A/V system. I use to take remotes apart in car audio systems and use a multi-function car alarm remote to control features like volume, track adjust and pause from 100's of feet away (wanna see some peoples head turn when a car starts, rolls down the windows and cranks up the stereo by it's self). Anyway, this is not new to me and is very simple. You can use flat multi-conductor computer cable to do the connections. This cable allows you minimum cutting of the remote for the wires to exit. If you decide to do it, keep me informed of how it works.

Chris Couture

David
Are you sure you have seen the Smartlinc X-10 to IR piece? I don't remember the exact price but I think it's around $200.00. Check it out at www.smartlinc.com. Have a Great Labor Day!
Chris

I've seen the Smartlinc. What I'd rather have is something with a large IR emitter built in, as I have all my components exposed and don't need or want to stick small IR lites on them. I've almost deviced the solution to my problem would be VERY simple to create and inexpensive (29.95 or less), but no one has done it yet. It's a small unobtrusive box. It can sit on the end table and not be noticed. It can learn any IR command sequence from other remotes, and will BLAST (emit) that sequence upon reception of an X-10 signal you can specify. It doesn't need to be anywhere near as complicated as a the smartlinc. In fact, it can be functionally simpler than most one-for-all remote controls.

What I'll probably do is make a Rube Goldbergish mechanical finger that presses a captive walmart 6-in-one cinema for me when activated via PUM01 closure. A simple Solenoid should do the trick. Off to Radio Shack.

David,
I don't understand why you would go to all the trouble of building a device to press the button when simply soldering wires to the remote would work better. This wouls not cause damage to the remote and it cuold be restored to a useable remote in a matter of seconds. Two small guage wires coming out of the battery tray would be all that is needed. No holes, no internal damage and best of all no additional cost. If you are unsure of how to wire the remote I would be happy to do it for you and return it to you (if I mess it up, I'll buy you a new one). If you do decide to built the "remote finger", keep us informed of its progress and performance.

Chris Couture

Yep, It's me again! Just one more thing I thought of is the way I had a Sega Gamegear installed into a vehicles glovebox alnog time ago. I had pins just like the Pronto and it's charger, that would conduct power to charge the game and also send sound to the stereo system. You could do this to the universal remote and have it sit on a cradle or stand. Inside the remote, the wiring would still need to be done but no externial wires would be showing.

Chris

If I can find a remote with the macro learning ability I want, my plan is to find a nice spot and mount a sub-mini mono jack on it. The jack will hardwire a macro button, and I will have a simple connect/disconnect from a PUM01 or other switch when I need it. Basically, I'll be creating the IR sender I described earlier.

Just curious... If I get this thing nicely finished and working, would any of you X10ers out there be interested in having one?

And thanks for your suggestions, Chris.

Hope all goes well and YOUR WELCOME FOR THE IDEA!
Chris Couture