Sunday, February 24, 2013

Pytomation 1.0 Released

We are pleased to announce the 1.0 release of Pytomation.

Pytomation is an extensible open source automation system written in Python. It's uses include home automation and lighting control but is certainly not limited to those functions.

Pytomation features include:
        - Written in Python (Multiplatform)
        - REST API
        - Unique language to describe devices and actions.
        - Smart objects: Doors, Lights, Motion, Photocell etc.
        - Regular python programming in Mainloop for more complicated control.
        - Easy interface to web browsers and other technology.
        - Time of day on and off control.
        - Delays for time off.
        - Idle command, device will return to "idle" state.
        - Map one command to another with optional source and time.
        - Good hardware support with more coming.
        - Very easy to add new hardware drivers.
        - Local Telnet and Web access.
        - Good documentation complete with examples.
        - Much more.

Pytomation currently has support for the following hardware interfaces
with more planned in the future.

        - Insteon / X10 (2412N, 2412S)
        - UPB (Universal Powerline Bus) (Serial PIM)
        - JDS Stargate (RS232 / RS485)
        - Weeder Digital I/O board (Wtdio/RS232)
        - W800RF32 X10 RF receiver (W800/RS232)
        - Arduino Uno, digital and analog

Future:
        - Z-Wave (Aeon Labs) DSA02203-ZWUS
        - CM11 X10 control
        - Others as requested.


Download links and documentation are at the bottom of the web page.
Please use the mail list for help at  this time, information about
subscribing can also be found on the home page.


Downloads, docs and mail lists http://www.pytomation.com

Cheers and enjoy.

Raspberry Pi Installation into Neato XV11 Robot

Just put the finishing touches on installing the Raspberry Pi embedded Linux computer into the Neato XV11 robot.

Following the guide at Dave's Home Robotics Notes I disassembled the Neato Vacuum, tapped the battery for 5V using a DC-DC converter per Ben's idea , and installed a Raspberry Pi in place of where the dustbin usually goes.

Cable management is extremely important in this configuration as the Pi is more consumer friendly with its plugs which means a bit of pain for us electronic geeks wielding soldering irons.   Having said that I didnt want to solder directly on the Pi board, so I managed to jam most of the cables / DC-DC into the blower area underneath the turret.  Because the Laser ( LIDAR ) is so close to the top of the robot, I needed to make sure everything in the dustbin area is as flat as possible.

Unfortunately I discovered that there doesnt appear to be an API command for the robot to return to its charger, and  signal strength may not be available through its API as well for a more obvious solution, so I would appear that my first task is to get a spatial Neural Network setup for this specific purpose.  More on this later....