Controlling it all with Stargate

It's no secret that there are dozens of home automation controllers on the market, and a lot of them do a decent job.  Some are software-based and require additional hardware add-ons for specific purposes, while others have certain native hardware.

Among the latter is my personal favorite, Stargate by JDSTechnologies.  If you aren't familiar with it, it's a stand-alone unit (about the size of a large security panel) with the following stuff already built-in:

• a bank of relays
• a row of 16 digital inputs
• analog inputs
• telephone interface
• intercom function
• speaker level outputs
• line-level audio inputs & outputs
• 2-way X10 interface
• RS485 capability

What's nice about it in my opinion is that it contains all the bare essentials for a full blown system.  True, there will probably be other things that need to be added, but you won't find yourself compelled to buy an excess of features you might not personally need.

Most of what's there you'll probably use in time if not right away (though there is a "lite" version available which doesn't have the telephone board).  Some examples of what you can do with SG include:

The power behind bringing all these things together is in the easy to use WinEVM software.  A simple connection to your PC's serial port is all that's needed to program and download your schedule.  After that, the Stargate will run on its own (though you can leave the software running on your PC for enhanced functionality).

But in the interest of objectivity, there is one thing that could use some improvement.  In my experience it seems that the messages recorded onto voicemail have been a little low on volume.  Others have reported similar issues with the voicemail features as well, so I don't think it's just me.

Even so, I really think SG is one of the best values around for its features & performance.  There's also a large user community that's available to assist people with questions/problems, so there's really never a need to feel "stuck."

And when you DO want to expand you'll find no limit to the devices that work with Stargate, primarily because it uses an open architecture.  It only uses protocols that are common in the industry (i.e. infrared, contact-closure, X10, etc.).  There are also some add-ons you can buy made just for SG, like the IRXpander (2-way IR control); the LED or LCD keypads; and the new WebXpander (LAN/ internet and email interface).

When you feel really comfortable you can even integrate the Stargate with other HA controllers like Homeseer.  This adds the power of VBscript/Javascript and voice control into your home system.

*Maintenance tip for those of you who already have a Stargate or TimeCommander:  

If you ever experience strange or seemingly defective behavior with your unit, check for software/firmware updates.  I've had several occasions wherein I thought I had something go bad, only to discover a simple download fixed it;  and I've never failed to get first-rate tech support from JDS.

• Check out SmarthomeUSA's home systems overview.
• Sign up for the 7-Day Home Automation Course.
• Get more detail from Integrating the Smart Home and its Owner.