5 Different (and Practical) uses for your iPad – Home Automation (Part 2 of 5)

In the first post of this series, I covered how you can integrate video surveillance with an iPad (or an iPhone). In part two, I’m going to take the home surveillance component and add home automation. Now I have to make a disclaimer here that the cost of a home automation system can range from several thousand dollars (including the cost of the iPad) up to tens of thousands of dollars. I have worked in several houses that had a home automation system that was more expensive than my home (seriously!). When it comes to home automation, the only limitation is your imagination and budget. Think “Bat Cave” or “Secret Lair” and that is what I imagine.

Home Automation

Before the iPad, anyone who wanted a touch screen home automation interface had to shell out at least 500 dollars for a low-end touch screen interface that was bulky, hard to program and limited in both features and functionality.  Now, most (if not all) of these companies have custom applications that run on either a PC or a Mac or have developed an app for the IOS or Android operating system. They also can supply a custom touch screen interface. To compare, Crestron makes a 9″ panel that is more like a computer than a tablet and costs $3,800. (Isys™ 9″ Tilt Touchpanel). On the other end of the scale, you can download an app for your iPad, and you have a custom, touch screen home automation interface. Granted, Crestron offers complete home automation solutions but what if you want to start small and use your iPad? I’m going to show you how to get started and show you some examples of what you can do to start automating and controlling your home with the iPad (and yes, the iPhone too).

Lights, Camera, Action!

If you want to start small and grow into a fully controlled home automation system, take a look at the Crestron Mobile Pro® G iPad app. This app can control as little or as much as your budget can afford. The real cost of the system will be in the brains and modules that you install. These systems need professional installers and a lot of planning (and money). Crestron also offers the Prodigy solution which is affordable, expandable and, ultimately, what most homeowners would ever need.

If all you’re looking at is controlling a few lights without spending a small fortune, take a look at the X10 home control system. It’s a low-cost, entry-level system that has an iPad app for remote control (X10 Commander app ($9.99). They do offer the ability to add video, security and home theater automation to your system for a reasonable price. X10 is an okay system but one thing you have to take into account is that it uses your home’s electrical wiring to transmit control signals. If you have an older home, this could be a problem (electrical interference). There are solutions that X10Pro offers to help with filters, range extenders and phase couplers that you can’t find at X10 to deal with interference.

If this is the way you want to go, you can start with a simple control system and the iPad app. However, I warn you that (from personal experience), I wouldn’t go this route unless you only want to control a few lights and never plan on extending or expanding the system. I would skip the X10 route and save my money until I could afford a system from Crestron, Savant, or one of dozens of other companies that offer home automation solutions. Why you ask? If you have an older home, electrical interference can plague the system. Plus, these systems are capable of extending to your entire home, business or secret lair.

So what it all comes down to is what do you want to control. If it is the entire house, then look at Crestron (or Savant, etc). If you only want to control lights and a few appliances, look at X10 or X10 Pro. Either way, you will enjoy the flipping switches from the iPad screen.

Doors and Locks

I’ve been asked how to set up something simple that will allow a homeowner to see who is at the door and (based on who is at the door) unlock it remotely. There is an app for that (Schlage LiNK – Free ). If you have a webcam pointed at your front door, you can install an electronic lock and control it remotely via your iPad or iPhone. You might want to call a professional to install the lock (if you are not a handy person). Schlage offers complete home automation solutions (although not as complete as Crestron). Their systems can include remote-controlled lights, thermostat, camera and locks. The only downside to this system is the monthly subscription fee ($8.99). My personal preference is free and entirely controlled by me.

Here is a great review of the Schlage LiNK system

If you’ve made it this far and still want to automate your home, go out, educate yourself on all of your choices and have fun. There are many systems to choose from that will fit any budget. I know I didn’t cover all of the available iPad apps or home automation systems that are available. There are just too many to fit into a single article.

One last point – Just remember, if you get your house (or secret lair) automated and anyone complains to you that they don’t know how to work the system, it’s all your fault. I didn’t twist your arm or tell you to go out there and buy the stuff. I’m just here to get the idea planted in your brain.

Good luck and enjoy your iPad controlled home automation system.

Stay tuned. In part 3 of this series, I’ll cover how to turn your iPad into a multi-media mobile entertainment system.