Re: xPL/xAP an alternative to C-Bu$ ?

["lysanderroad" <vcw1@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "Kevin Hawkins" <lists@u...> wrote:
>=20
>  Do Idratek have a dimmer pack or module ? - perhaps I missed=20
that, I know
> they didn't last year ..=20
>=20
> 	I guess when they have xPL you could onwardly link to X10 or=20
even
> C-Bus / other hardware dimmers. This would require a bit of smarts=20
for the
> true interaction within the Idratek network and programming=20
language
> environment though.
>=20
> 	K

Hi Guys,

Just to try and clear a few things up :-)

We already have two dimmer module designs in late stages of=20
development and at least one will become part of our range as soon=20
as possible.  Also in late stages of development is a DAC module. We=20
also aim to introduce a DALI interface module in the near future.=20
Idratek's PC application, Cortex, can already control X10
appliance=20
and dimmer modules.  Also the Idratek modules can directly interact=20
with X10 via our XGW-001 gateway module without the need for a PC.

We demonstrated xPL support at UKHA 2004 with 16 schemas for the=20
Idratek modules and functions, with more planned.  Cortex also=20
exports XML for xPLHal.

We understand the comments on the appearance of the modules. And in=20
the near future we hope to cater for the more technophile end of the=20
market in this respect. However you must understand that our prime=20
development objective at the outset was to have a system capable of=20
delivering `true' home automation features (rather than
simply=20
remote or sequenced control) to the wider public. This meant a=20
system capable of providing efficient and reliable sensing and=20
control in every room - at an affordable price.  Also since we felt=20
the average public would just want a system which got on with the=20
automation tasks in an unassuming manner the appearance has been=20
designed to be largely understated eg. not much more dominant than=20
an MK light switch.=20=20

Comparisons with C-Bus or EIB are somewhat inaccurate as, although=20
our network IDRANet is a free topology architecture and provides=20
some similar final services, the underlying protocols are quite=20
different and, we believe, more capable =96 for example able to=20
simultaneously support higher volume/data rate traffic for future=20
applications and delivering very efficient arbitration and=20
addressing.   Notwithstanding any appearances, individual module=20
capabilities are also highly advanced, just as one example our IR=20
transceiver modules are simultaneously capable of arbitrary frame=20
recognition, emission, and redistribution to other modules via the=20
network..  As for the capabilities and features of Cortex =85

Also in developing our system we chose to build a communication=20
audio bus into the infrastructure. In the context of our wider=20
objective we felt that this was an important requirement since=20
delivery of audible information is in many cases much more=20
convenient than having to walk to an LCD panel for example. The=20
audio bus also provided other practical and useful capabilities such=20
as intercom and audio monitoring features.

Of course the power of the IDRANet system can also be harnessed via=20
other user interface options. For example at the UKHA2004 event we=20
demonstrated the use of a wireless PDA as an interface point. Cortex=20
already implements a PDA friendly version of its web page style=20
interface.=20

Finally, thanks to all those that visited our stand at UKHA 2004. We=20
very much appreciate any feedback so that we can improve our=20
products.

Viv Watts

Idratek.com