Software

• Debian 3.1 Network Install from a minimal CD
• Asterisk 1.2 (SVN revision 7230)
  Built and installed with the help of this guide.
• Xtend 1.1
  Application to execute shell commands based on activity from the CM11A X10 Interface through the COM port.
• SJphone for Pocket PC
  SIP softphone running on my Axim X50v

Hardware

• Micron Transport XPE
  Pentium 133MMX with 64MB RAM
  This is my Asterisk box. My parents bought this laptop for me in 1997. It handles the calls fine as long as there isn’t transcoding necessary.
• X10 Wireless Motion Sensor (MS13A)
• X10 Transceiver (RR501)
  Out of production but similar to TM751
• X10 Computer Interface (CM11A)
• Sipura SPA-3000
  ATA and PSTN gateway to provide one FXS port and one FXO port to Asterisk.
  Purchased from Voxilla.com
  Interfaces standard phones and fax machine to Asterisk.
  Interfaces Asterisk to PSTN local line.
  I was having problems getting the SPA-3000 to do what I wanted until I found the Voxilla SPA-3000 Configuration Wizard for Asterisk. After running through that and uploading the config file to the SPA-3000 it did exactly what I wanted it to.

SJphone is running on my Dell Axim X50v which I can leave cradled in the living room more often now that I have a Nextel i930 Smartphone (Thanks Jon!). The Axim stays on the Wifi network connected to Asterisk with SJphone. I have SJphone set to auto-answer. When I walk in the front door the MS13A motion sensor detects me and sends a signal to the RR501 which relays it to the CM11A. Xtend then picks up that motion was detected and copies the call file to the Asterisk outgoing spool directory. The call file tells asterisk to connect two extensions together, one is the Axim and the other is the Asterisk voicemail already logged in to the correct voicemail box. So, I walk in and my X50v says, “You have 2 new messages, press 1…” It works pretty slick. Ideally the voicemail would go right into the mode of playing the first message automatically, but it doesn’t look like the option exists for that by default and I haven’t gotten around to adding it in yet.

The Network Operations Center

Pertinent config file excerpts:

#
#voicemail.call
#
Channel: Local/752@home

MaxRetries: 2
RetryTime: 60
WaitTime: 30

Context: home
Extension: 751
Priority: 1

;
; extensions.conf
;
; this is the extension that 752 gets connected to
exten => 751,1,GotoIf($[${VMCOUNT(17)} > 0]?102)
exten => 751,2,Hangup
exten => 751,102,Wait(5)
exten => 751,103,VoiceMailMain,s17

; this is the called extension for auto-dial out
exten => 752,1,GotoIf($[${VMCOUNT(17)} > 0]?102)
exten => 752,2,Answer
exten => 752,3,Wait(1)
exten => 752,4,Hangup
exten => 752,102,Dial(SIP/msprague)  ; X50v
exten => 752,103,Hangup

I feel that many buildings could benefit from the addition of computer control for security and fire protection as well as the control of existing HVAC and lighting systems. The automation can be used to offer improvements in the comfort and convenience of the inhabitants. One example of this is a project I completed for one of my classes. It is an automated pet door that offers the convenience of a conventional pet door, but with added security and weather protection made possibile by using a microprocessor and motorized door actuation.

For another class I worked with a group to develop a fuzzy logic temperature control system. This is basically a computer driven heater and fan with optomization for energy savings and comfort level. Both of these systems could be integrated into a complete home automation system very easily.

I am also interested in the use of renewable energy, such as solar and wind, to power homes and businesses. I have not been able to get hands-on experience in this area yet. I would like to build a portable solar-charged power source with battery storage. It would be capable of supplying power to lights and small appliances independently of power companies and gasoline engines.