ethernet/wifi based user input devices

[wexfordman]

Hi,

One of the things I feel is missing from my setup is a more intiutive user input device which connects to comfort. I understand touchscreens etc are available, but tbh, they are way out of my budget range, especially when considering you might want to deploy a few devices around the house.

I am specifically referring to wallmointed devices, like the scs, but more flexible, and able to provide specific feedback rather than just outputs.

One possiblity is to get some cheap android devices and see if they could be wallmounted and throw the adnroid app on to them, but if this is possible, perhaps it could be something cytech could consider producing ?

Some physical requirements for example:-

1) Wall mountable into standard backplates (same as scs)
2) Powered via 12v power
3) ethernet interface preferable, but wifi alternative ?
4) would run adroid app, but perhaps not need login codes for most functions.

A drawback with the current setup would be the limitation on number of connections to comfort at any time, and this may require some thought or limitations.

Regards,
Eamon

[Ingo]

If that product sees the light of day then why not run it via PoE.

Here is what I\'ve been thinking about for a while:

ComfortClient via a small PC and LCD touch screen. See http://www.fit-pc.com and http://www.keetouch.com

The Fit-PC could possibly run Clinton\'s Comfort Server to allow multiple connections and then you have a few of these around the house. One in the Kitchen, at the Front Door and in the Bedroom but I fear cost might be an issue.

Ingo

[slychiu]

a device running android would be an affordable solution, which is why we are developing the android tablet app. One of the major manufacturers should have or may come up with wall mount fittings
Producing one may not be practical because only the larger manufacturers would have the economy of scale

[wexfordman]

It may even be possible to do a diy type scenario... Must see if I can dig out an old phone!

Only prob remaining then would be multiple access. If for example you have 4 of these, and a few iphones as well, then connection may be a problem.

Regards,
Eamon

[ident]

With a short idle time out say 1 minute, having many users should not be much problem. It is unlikely that a few users would want to access as well
The app should be work fast amd simple so people can go in and out fast
Thats why we dont want to have fancy graphics to distract people

[juwi_uk]

IMHO this is the wrong approach and there needs to be a hardware solution in Comfort that allows multiple connections.

Julian

[wexfordman]

Mmm, im just sitting here looking at my scs switch and weighing up the options

SCS switch gives me macro control of 6 functions, built in temp monitoring, and led feedback of status of certain flags/outputs etc permanently.

It does not give me real user input such as setting levels,temps etc that the app would, and this is what is really missing.

If i did put in a wall mountable android, i would have the app, but no temp monitoring, and no display of status of outputs/flags/states etc unless using the app at the time.

So, perhaps, the end requirement would be something like an android wall mount with comfort outputs wired to led\'smounted for status etc.

I reckon there is something in this, although I apprecaite it might not make sense if the numbers are small to produce such a product. I wonder would even the cheaper resistive type devices work, as you dont need multitouch etc.

Agree with juwi on the multiple connection point though.