Build Your Own Home Automation w/ Pusher, Twilio, and Arduino • Hacker News Board

Re: Build Your Own Home Automation w/ Pusher, Twilio, and Arduino

#31

Post by jonmarkgo » Wed, Aug 22, 2012, 4:35 AM UTC

notatoad wrote: post #21

thecodemonkey wrote: post #14

This is really cool! But also kind of complex for a task that could be performed in a much simpler way. Using a GSM module such as the Telit GM862 [1], you will be able to receive text messages directly on the Arduino without the need of any web services. This would be much faster and cheaper. This particular module even includes a GPS. [1] http://tinkerlog.com/2009/05/15/interfacing-arduino-with-a-t...

a GSM module requires you to deal with cell phone companies for service though, right? i'd much rather integrate with twilio than with bell.

My understanding is that you get raw SMS data similarly to raw TCP data - via Serial assuming your GSM shield supports that sort of functionality. You would likely need a prepaid sim card as well, but it is possible to get SMS directly to your device without any intermediary server.

Personally, my comfort zone was with web development and I had the WiFly handy so I used Twilio and Pusher - worked out alright :)

Re: Build Your Own Home Automation w/ Pusher, Twilio, and Arduino

#32

Post by jonmarkgo » Wed, Aug 22, 2012, 4:36 AM UTC

BarnabasLAL wrote: post #23

jeffiel wrote: post #2

Check out ninjablocks too, really cool stuff they're building

You piqued my interest, Jeff, so I did check out ninjablocks.com. They have a cloud service (ninjablocks.com/cloud) that appears that the whole heroku/pusher bit might be unnecessary. The hardware is open, so you could build your own, or they are also doing limited runs were selling them for $155 AUD ($160 USD, £100 GBP) for the basic device, more with sensors and stuff. I suppose one could also use IFTTT recipes too…

Yeah, building it yourself isn't the cheapest solution - but it is the most fun and interesting in my opinion. A Belkin WeMo (which integrates with IFTTT) costs $60 per outlet, so it ends up cheaper but again..less fun

Re: Build Your Own Home Automation w/ Pusher, Twilio, and Arduino

#33

Post by nosignal » Wed, Aug 22, 2012, 4:52 AM UTC

ijustwantbacon wrote: post #27

I'm in Australia. If only there was some way to get an Arduino Uno in Australia. OH WAIT THERE IS, SNAP. http://jacobsdirect.com/arduino/1-arduino-uno-rev3.html

If I had karma enough to downvote advertising, I would.

FWIW, Little Bird electronics are another Australian supplier of Arduino & associated electronics. http://littlebirdelectronics.com/products/arduino-uno-r3

No association, except for being a satisfied customer.

It's always a toss-up between ordering locally & just shipping from Sparkfun, though, especially with the exchange rate.

Re: Build Your Own Home Automation w/ Pusher, Twilio, and Arduino

#34

Post by rebelnz » Wed, Aug 22, 2012, 6:02 AM UTC

nosignal wrote: post #33

ijustwantbacon wrote: post #27

I'm in Australia. If only there was some way to get an Arduino Uno in Australia. OH WAIT THERE IS, SNAP. http://jacobsdirect.com/arduino/1-arduino-uno-rev3.html

If I had karma enough to downvote advertising, I would. FWIW, Little Bird electronics are another Australian supplier of Arduino & associated electronics. http://littlebirdelectronics.com/products/arduino-uno-r3 No association, except for being a satisfied customer. It's always a toss-up between ordering locally & just shipping from Sparkfun, though, especially with the exchange rate.

I buy most of my hardware from Little Bird too - I could easily source it cheaper but they provide awesome service. I attended a great presentation of theirs showcasing http://ninjablocks.com/

Re: Build Your Own Home Automation w/ Pusher, Twilio, and Arduino

#35

Post by sean-duffy » Wed, Aug 22, 2012, 9:25 AM UTC

Too bad there isn't anything like the PowerSwitch for UK power outlets!

Re: Build Your Own Home Automation w/ Pusher, Twilio, and Arduino

#36

Post by vonmoltke » Wed, Aug 22, 2012, 12:16 PM UTC

jonmarkgo wrote: post #31

notatoad wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

a GSM module requires you to deal with cell phone companies for service though, right? i'd much rather integrate with twilio than with bell.

My understanding is that you get raw SMS data similarly to raw TCP data - via Serial assuming your GSM shield supports that sort of functionality. You would likely need a prepaid sim card as well, but it is possible to get SMS directly to your device without any intermediary server. Personally, my comfort zone was with web development and I had the WiFly handy so I used Twilio and Pusher - worked out alright :)

You would likely need a prepaid sim card as well

I think that was notatoad's point. To use GPRS modules, I would think you need to buy access to the towers from somebody. I don't see how that would be cheaper than using WiFi, because you would have to pay for every communication.