OpenHome
An Open Source Home Automation System using AVR-microcontrollers
Introduction
Me and a friend of mine started the OpenHome project as a project on remotely
controlled lamps and similar things. During the design of hardware and software
the idea to realise everything as extensible and configurable as possible to
account on future changes was born. I searched the web for already existing
projects but all I found were commercial systems like EIB, LON, X10 etc. After
all, I decided to combine my own protocol with the best parts of already
existing protocols. Therefore the following design considerations were made:
- Simple hardware
- Media independent
- Extensible (which can be used in many types of communications)
- Implementable on a at90s8515
The resulting protocol stack is mainly influenced by the LonTalk-Protocol which
is very flexible and has proven its potential in millions of installations. The
first idea was to implement the whole protocol on the avr-platform. Caused by
hardware limitations and documentation availability this very soon turned out
to be too difficult. Furthermore, it was somewhat oversized for a little
self-made home automation system. Because of that, I designed my own protocol
which is in fact a simplification of the LonTalk-Protocol.
Currently the development is in a very early stage. Although the hardware of the
main panel and a general purpose actuator exist and function well it requires
some hacks to get it running. This sure will be solved in future but the
managent software is not ready to use at the moment.
Requirements
The project is built on custom, self made hardware. Anyone who is interested in
building parts of it should be familiar with pcb creation and soldering. Also
you will need the following:
Documentation
Overview
Protocol stack
Main Panel
