Home Automation

I have been interested in home automation for quite some time. As with most people, I started with a few X-10 lamp and appliance modules and a control box. Currently, we have one computer handling the job of home automation. It is a Windows XP machine running HAL 2000 by Home Automated Living. We have also have upgraded from X-10 lighting control to Insteon, which is far more reliable.

As time goes by, I hope to be able to document the features of our system, including how it has changed over the years. At the top of the page are links to major projects of interest. Feedback and questions are always welcome.

HAL 2000

We have only begun to tap the capabilities of HAL 2000. The following are a few examples of what we are doing. For those new to HAL, pay a visit to Jim's Home Automation site for more examples of what can be done.

When we are about to leave the house, all we have to do is press a button on the Insteon Keypadlink 6 in the kitchen. HAL then performs the following functions:

The HAL telephone interface is set to answer on the second ring.
HAL speaks a random good-bye phrase.
Unnecessary lights are turned off. This varies with the time of day.
The house mode is set to Away after 4 minutes.

We also use a Keypadlink 6 in the master bedroom to tell HAL that we are going to bed. Getting HAL's attention and saying "Good Night HAL" performs the same function. Here is what happens:

HAL speaks a random goodnight phrase.
The lights in the main living areas of the house are shut off.
The master bathroom light is turned on to 50% brightness. No more searching for the switch in the dark.
The house mode is set to Sleep.

If someone gets up in the middle of the night, a motion detector informs HAL. HAL then turns on a living room lamp for several minutes. Here is the HAL script to perform this function:

Here in Texas, the weather changes very quickly. Want to know what to wear in the morning? All I have to do is pick up the phone and press the # key. HAL responds with, "Yes?" If I speak the phrase "Morning News", HAL will respond with the current date and the weather forcast for today.

Just before sunset each day, a lamp is turned on in the living room. This happens even if nobody is home.

Meal Time is another button on the Keybadlink 6 in the kitchen. The dining room light is turned on to 65% brightness and other lights are turned off. This helps to save energy and provides a better atmosphere for dining.

Thank you for visiting. Please write to me at or look for me on the HAL forums.

Site Updated 10/16/2011