OR: I discover Distribution
The progress on OR is getting me to learn again.
Just as a way of update, the Open Remote Controller (ORC) is a piece of software. ORC assumes various extensions. It runs on Java/Linux and it controls your home.
From an installers standpoint, it runs on a little physical box and network I call "the runtime". Another runtime for professionals can be KNX-TP for example.
By contrast, the runtime for developers can be something as virtual as a VMWare runtime which can mimic the proper OR linux distribution by having the proper image including drivers. You have a virtual representation of your hardware environment. It requires no hardware besides your existing development box.
For those that need a physical runtime, we need a chip somewhere. The EEE B202 is probably retailing at a local 250 :). Although not solid state the EEE packs an awesome PC in a compact format making it a good candidate to easily provide construction grade runtimes.
What I have learned a bunch about is the distribution system in hardware for HA and specifically for EU. It is a lot harder than it sounds :) These are intrisically low volume affairs for high end construction. They entirely rely on distributors for distribution (hence their name).
It took 2 days to fly 10 B202 from Taiwan to Madrid. Total cost, including travel is at 300 and it takes another 200 or more to move it around the EU with door-to-door service. Regular local post snail mail is affordable and apparently a big way everyone moves end-user sub-300 goods around in the EU. End of story is that it is a big cottage industry.
We are studying the refurbishing of B202's as convenient high-volume low-cost low-headache runtimes. This could be a DIY offering. We are also exploring the Alix route as a way to assemble a entirely silent solid-state box for half the price of an EEE. Juha Lindfors reports child-like wonder at assembling your own Alix box. We plan on having a first assemble-fest in A'dam. The thing wants LEDs says juha. We like LEDs. A part of me wonders if Ingram Micro could have them systemically off-the-shelf like a EEE would stock... :)
Just as a way of update, the Open Remote Controller (ORC) is a piece of software. ORC assumes various extensions. It runs on Java/Linux and it controls your home.
From an installers standpoint, it runs on a little physical box and network I call "the runtime". Another runtime for professionals can be KNX-TP for example.
By contrast, the runtime for developers can be something as virtual as a VMWare runtime which can mimic the proper OR linux distribution by having the proper image including drivers. You have a virtual representation of your hardware environment. It requires no hardware besides your existing development box.
For those that need a physical runtime, we need a chip somewhere. The EEE B202 is probably retailing at a local 250 :). Although not solid state the EEE packs an awesome PC in a compact format making it a good candidate to easily provide construction grade runtimes.
What I have learned a bunch about is the distribution system in hardware for HA and specifically for EU. It is a lot harder than it sounds :) These are intrisically low volume affairs for high end construction. They entirely rely on distributors for distribution (hence their name).
It took 2 days to fly 10 B202 from Taiwan to Madrid. Total cost, including travel is at 300 and it takes another 200 or more to move it around the EU with door-to-door service. Regular local post snail mail is affordable and apparently a big way everyone moves end-user sub-300 goods around in the EU. End of story is that it is a big cottage industry.
We are studying the refurbishing of B202's as convenient high-volume low-cost low-headache runtimes. This could be a DIY offering. We are also exploring the Alix route as a way to assemble a entirely silent solid-state box for half the price of an EEE. Juha Lindfors reports child-like wonder at assembling your own Alix box. We plan on having a first assemble-fest in A'dam. The thing wants LEDs says juha. We like LEDs. A part of me wonders if Ingram Micro could have them systemically off-the-shelf like a EEE would stock... :)
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