News

Sensible Heat announces update of Integration products, and Integration partners (16/6/2006)

Stand G15, CEDIA UK Expo 2006

Web Interface and Data Interface Ð getting you connected

Sensible Heat are delighted to announce an update of 2 products released earlier in the year which integrate with the Hometronic wireless automation system, the Web Interface and Data Interface.

The Web Interface can be used on any Hometronic system, and provides an IP-addressable connection, which may be "browsed" by a PC or PDA running a standard browser. It provides simple, fixed web pages which allow viewing and adjustment of individual room temperatures, and status of other controlled items such as lights, blinds etc. If status or alarm signals from other systems (e.g. Intruder Alarm, Leak Detection etc) are wired into the Hometronic system, these can be displayed too. Whole-house functions (e.g "Away" mode, "Guests Staying" mode etc) are catered for by the "Lifestyles" feature of Hometronic; these different modes may be selected using the Web Interface.

If the house has a broadband connection, with a fixed IP address, the Web Interface can be "browsed" from anywhere in the world!

*** NEW FEATURE FOR CUSTOM INSTALLERS ****

Now the Web Interface may be used for integration with other control system that support IP connectivity. Systems such as AMX and Crestron can be connected to the Web Interface using the Ethernet LAN, which is often more convenient than RS232 interfacing, as the Web Interface and the control system processor do not need to be located near to each other, and it does not consume an RS232 COM port on the processor, which are often in short supply.

For those systems which cannot use Ethernet, the Data Interface provides an RS232 connection which allows other control system manufacturers to interface their systems to Hometronic using a simple textbased protocol.

The Web Interface and Data Interface are both priced at £995 plus VAT.

Integration Partners

Sensible Heat is working with a number of manufacturers to develop standard software "drivers" which will make it easy for Systems Integrators to seamlessly join the products together. In this way, touchscreen technology can be used to provide a single interface for heating, lighting, audio, video and other systems Ð the "holy grail" of Systems Integration! Currently, interfaces have been developed, or are under development for; AMX, Crestron, Home Hub, Living Control, Mode Lighting, Netstreams, and discussions are under way with several other manufacturers. At the CEDIA Expo, we will be demonstrating live integration with AMX, Home Hub and Mode Lighting.

About Hometronic

The Hometronic system is manufactured by Honeywell; originally developed for the German market, and now available in the UK and Ireland from Sensible Heat, this proven system uses robust patented wireless technology in some unique ways. The Radiator Controller, for instance, allows a radiator-based heating system to be split into multiple zones Ð each room becomes a zone Ð without any wiring, and without any plumbing changes. All forms of heating can be controlled, along with cooling systems (both aircon and the "greener" natural ventilation methods). Blinds and curtains can be controlled, along with sun awnings; operation can be linked to wind, light and temperature sensors, giving automatic control over solar heating and lighting of the property-another "green" feature. Roller shutters, a familiar sight in continental Europe and increasingly popular in the UK, can also be automated. The modular system may also be used to control lighting, which may be switched or dimmed automatically.

Using wireless technology allows the system to be applied at much lower installed cost, and it can be used where wired systems cannot; for instance, in a refurbishment, or after completion in a new-build project. Users find Hometronic to be very easy to use; the wall-mounted Hometronic Manager allows the whole house to be set up from a central location. Local temperature adjustments can be made from wall-mounting wireless sensors, and any part of the system can be adjusted using the wireless remote control. The Voice Interface allows remote control of the house from any telephone, anywhere in the world, and when used in conjunction with the Input Module, can report alarm conditions to the houseowner via the telephone. The Input Module can also be used to interface to other control systems (for instance, touchscreen systems from AMX and Crestron) providing a simple, cost effective way of controlling HVAC from a touchscreen system.

Sensible Heat's service

Sensible Heat are Sole UK and Ireland distributors for the Hometronic system; our Head Office is in Sussex, but we work nationwide; with a Sales & Support offices in the Midlands and Scotland, a partner company in the Channel Isles, and technical personnel distributed across the country, we offer services to the UK and Ireland. Sensible Heat offer design guidance to Custom Installers, allowing them to resell our products and services to the end user without becoming HVAC experts themselves, and we come along at the end of the project to check and commission the system.

www.sensibleheat.com