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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Volume 12, No. 1, Winter 2004

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ECUs Put Control at Your Fingertips

Dan Fendler, AT Specialist, Sussex County ATRC

After leaving work tonight, I will have a short drive home. As I approach my house, I will aim a small transmitter and press a button. The door to my garage will open and I will be able to drive right in, avoiding any nasty weather. For me, this is a convenience. If I did not have the garage door opener, I would be able to survive. For some folks, having the ability to automate the control of their living environment is a convenience; for others, it is a necessity. In this article, I will cover some of the technology available to help make a home (or office) more accessible. There are dozens of options available that may truly help—many at a reasonable cost.

Door locks may be barriers

Assuming that an individual is able to get to the front door, one of the first barriers that is encountered is the front door lock. Many people are unable to manipulate keys to unlock a door. I have spoken to a number of individuals who do not lock their doors because it is too difficult for them to use a traditional key. There are many different types of commercial door locks available that eliminate the need for traditional keys.

SmartHome, an Internet based retailer, has an Infrared (IR) Remote-Controlled Deadbolt (Figure 1) available for under $80. It locks and unlocks with an infrared remote control and will replace an existing deadbolt without drilling. There is no special wiring required, but it does require batteries.

Figure 1 Infrared (IR) Remote-Controlled Deadbolt

There are also dozens of push button locks available. These locks eliminate the need for keys and may be easier for some individuals to manipulate.

Lighting

Another important thing to consider at the entrance to a home is lighting. One of the simplest and least expensive ways to light a dark entryway is a socket light sensor. This simple device screws into a light-bulb base and includes a photoelectric eye that will detect the amount of light present. The device will turn the lights on at dusk and turn them off at dawn. This device may be purchased at the local hardware store. No special tools are required for installation. Lowe's has socket light sensors for under $8.

Motion lighting is also an option. Motion sensors detect movement and may be used to turn lights on when someone approaches. The lights can be programmed to remain on for a set duration (e.g., one, five, or ten minutes). The type of motion lighting that I have seen most frequently uses dual floodlights with an integrated motion detector. There are a number of other types of lighting products available, including decorative sconce lights. Check the local hardware store; there are several different types of motion lights available for under $20.

Alternatives to wall switches

There are a number of relatively low cost alternatives to traditional wall switches, which may present a barrier to some individuals. One is a motion activated light control. When installed, the control is able to turn the lights on in a room whenever it detects movement. Home Depot has these controls for under $20.

Also available are programmable wall switches that allow an individual to control the time of day when a switch controlled light will turn on and off.

X10 your way to an automated environment

X10 is a communication "language" that works on a home's existing wiring system. An X10 system can control up to 256 lights or appliances with a single wireless remote. The technology is powerful, flexible, and time tested—it has been around for over 20 years. Many of the system's components are relatively inexpensive. Setting up a basic system can provide an individual with control of lights, appliances, heating system, and more.

Here's an example: to control a lamp in the living room from the bedroom, plug a lamp module into a wall outlet near the living room lamp, then plug the lamp into it. Next, plug a controller (Figure 2) into a wall outlet in the bedroom. The controller in the bedroom will send signals through the power lines to the lamp module and turn on the lamp. A wireless remote control unit is available to allow control from anywhere within the home. From this basic setup, more X10 products may be added to control more electronic devices in different rooms.

Figure 2An X10 system

For the most part, X10 products work without a hitch. However, since the products communicate using a home's electrical wires, the devices may have difficulties in two situations. The first may occur when there is an appliance running that generates "noise." Appliances that may cause problems include those with motors (e.g., dryer, treadmill, vacuum cleaner) or advanced electronics (e.g., switching power supplies on some laptops, some big screen TVs). Noise filters are available to eliminate this problem. The second situation in which an X10 encounters difficulties is when the transmitter is on one "side" (phase) of your home's electrical wiring and the receiver is on the other "side." In some installations, a simple plug-in phase coupler may be needed to solve this problem.

SmartHome (www.smarthome.com) is a great place to get ideas—they have dozens of X10 products. You can also find a number of X10 devices at your local Radio Shack.

Automatic door openers

Doors also present a significant barrier to many people. However, there are a number of affordable door openers available.

Take the Automatic Sliding Patio Door System sold by SmartHome, for example. It is a remote controlled system that will open and close a sliding door at the touch of a button. The retail price (not including installation) is $289.

Systems are also available to open hinged doors. Prices on the hinged operators start at $600.

Parting thoughts

As I researched the type of automated controls readily available, I discovered there are literally hundreds of options. What was covered in this article just scratches the surface. The information presented is intended to increase awareness of some available options. If you have a specific question or need, please give your local ATRC a call. We are here to help.

The DATI makes no claims about any of the retailers mentioned above. We do not endorse any vendor over another. Local resources were included whenever possible.

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