Re: What Infrastruture? - newbie question

["Jonathan Shaw" <semi.jon@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "David Gumbrell"
<david.gumbrell@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi John,
>
> The Idratek system (www.idratek.com) has wall switch modules that
include
> upto 2 relays or 1 dimmer channel in a single gang unit. This means
you can
> have a "classical" radial + switch wires scheme (provide you
stay
within
> module loading limits) and just need an extra Cat5 daisy-chained or
> "spidered" to each wall switch (although ceiling positions
for
sensors add
> considerably to the usefulness). It also makes it easier to remove
the
> automation for resale should you hit issues with technophobes.
>
> But for flexibility you can't beat the star-wired to Node-0 scheme,
this is
> the only way to get the freedom to specify equipment later that you
asked
> for.
>

David,
Thanks I had not heard of Idratek but Googling kept returning to your
articles - you are obviously quite a fan.  I'll give them a ring (no
pun intended) as I have a list of things I'd like to do, so hopefuly
they should be able to tell me if I can aford it, certainly the price
list looks less terrifying than some.

You mentioned dimmers but the output devices mention relays not
dimmers & you appear to use X-10 devices for dimming - have I missed
something?

Point taken re flexibility and star-wiring.  I just don't have the
space in the utility area for essentials like boiler, washing machine
and racks of cabling :-(  I think I could star wire the hall stairs
and landing and downstairs lights where I think automated control
will be of most use.

I also agree with your point re taking it out on moving and like the
idea of being able to start with conventional switches and rolling
changes.

To all
Any other users of Idratek out there? Comments?

Is it possible/common to have hybrid HA installs where one type of
control (e.g. c-bus / Rako) is used for lighting and another e.g. X-
10 / idratek for appliance control.  Or even multiple types for
lighting and appliance control as the system evolves?

Thanks again.
Jon