PMBACS - Current Availability
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We are not yet offering all of the full PMBACS components into new installations.
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We are taking enquiries relating to our low-cost starter
system option.
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We may be able to provide support to customers of the original 1604
system. email
The reason we are not offering all components of our updated PMBACS
is that we are still working on development and fine tuning. This is
a large task and is on-going; currently being slotted in with other
tasks. New system installations of the more complex components
require us to provide a lot of training of installers and technical
support during installation, setup and configuration stages. Until we
have the components and documentation fully ready and are in a
position to train and support installers it would be unfair to
installers and customers to make these components available.
If you are currently building or considering installing a home
automation system, have a look at the starter
system that we can offer. This provides the full system wiring
structure at a low cost with control equipment that provides much
more than traditional wiring and can be progressively upgraded into
the full-blown PMBACS automation system later on.
If you are considering another system, I do recommend talking to a
couple of owners and having a look at a working system. Ask the
supplier or installer to refer you to existing customers. The
supplier should at least be able to show you a working system even if
it is a demo or display system. Try to ensure that it is a full
system and not just a couple of flashing lights on a wall in the office.
Availability of PMBACS
technical information
I'm interested to know if anyone has an
interest in this or would like to comment (email).
I'm going to release the PMBACS under the GPL Open
Source license.
The general idea would be to make the system available at a
reasonable price to anyone interested. This will include customers,
professional installers and DIYers. The hope is that this would
encourage others to help further develop the system for the benefit
of all.
Initially we will release the hardware and low level support
software; a base on which to build a system. It will depend largely
on available time. The release will include the various control
protocols and command information making it possible for anyone to
write control software or even design their own hardware. We will
sell hardware components for those who want to write their own
embedded control software. The software support and examples provided
will be covered by the GPL.
PMB Electronics would sell hardware components and continue to sell
and install complete systems. Anyone would be able to sell, install
and maintain systems. The only requirement would be that you don't
charge for the software. The business is in selling and installing
the wiring and hardware. Configuration to a customers needs would be
chargeable as part of the installation.
I think that one of the biggest dangers for home owners is that their
control system may not be available or even supported in the future.
Houses last a long time; most larger electronic equipment seems to
have a supported life of not much over 5 years. Companies merge,
change direction or go out of business. We've already seen this
locally with a few automation systems.
An installed home automation or control system is not like a TV or a
Microwave; you can't just replace it every 5 or 10 years. Imagine if
your television or CD player had to be maintained for the next 20 to
30 years and even added to or upgraded during that time. The catch;
only the truck driver who delivered it knew how. I think open source
is probably the only way it can be done because it allows anyone with
some electronics or programming skill to pick it up.
A major advantage to the customer is that their automation system is
not proprietary; anyone can gain access to the information required
to maintain or improve on it at any time.
PMB-1604 technical information
We are also planning to release a new program for the original 1604
Smart Switch. This has been developed and is currently undergoing testing.
There are a few new features that I'd like to add and test before
release which will likely be May or June 2005.
Let us know if you have any questions or comments (email).
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