> > Frequency is 433.92MHz, as expected, and can switch either 1000W @ 
> > 240V (4A) or 10A, depending on whose advert you read.  I'd assume 
> > these are available world-wide.
> 
> Yes they are, I've seen similar things here in Italy.
> Apart from the joy deriving from making yours :-) I'd not buy 
> something which can't be computer-controlled, and of which I 
> don't have/know the protocol Of course, if it's a one for all 
> solution, they're pretty ok.
> But for complete domotic I'd not use them.


To be honest, I'd prefer infra-red.  For what I want to control, I'd like to
be there (not in the next room) so I can see what happens.

The adverts for these are a bit confusing.  I gather the remote sends 8
codes, to control 4 devices, so 4 'ons' & 4 'offs'.  That's handy, having
toggles (like TV on/off) on an RF remote would be silly (& negates my IR
choice!).  One picture I saw had an A/B switch on the remote though...

I'm assuming these remotes are similar to the 433Mhz modules you can buy, in
that case you could modify them to add more functions.  As you say, just
what is the protocol?  Might be like old RC cars that sent tones and annoyed
CB fans.  Speaking of which, the newer ones (esp the micro cars) have
potential.

The last IR remote I made worked like that.  The remote generated a 'tone'
on a 38k carrier, and an IR detector, tone decoder (NE567), flip-flop &
relay made up the sensor.  Well, it was a while back.  One advantage of IR
is the remote only needs one button (if there aren't multiple device in the
area).

I'm putting in a few ceiling fans (& exhaust), and I'm using "I couldn't be
bothered to run new wiring & switches" as my excuse for this.  For those who
saw the .au on my email and are thinking 'eh, you're six months late, stupid
Aussies, always behind", you be surprised at how well they warm up a house
in winter.  And I'm not looking forward to the summer/winter switch
discussion, even the mfgs get that wrong (or they've given up).

Price-wise, you get a remote & single control for $AU25.  Extra controls are
$AU17 (I think) in packs of 4.  Usually story, parts will cost me more than
that.  Having the controls plug into sockets (not hard-wired) isn't an
issue, AU wiring for fans (like bathroom exhaust fans) is you install an
outlet in the roof, and simply plug the fan into it.  The authorities might
take a dim view if I plug in a powerboard with some extension leads.  Mind
you, that would be better than what's up there (that metal tubing & foam
stuff), but the phrase 'are you taking the piss?' spring to mind.

Tony

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