X10 Community Forum

🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Topic started by: BadaBing! on August 09, 2010, 12:56:28 PM

Title: Are there any X10 controls for elevators?
Post by: BadaBing! on August 09, 2010, 12:56:28 PM
I'm on the 11th floor of a building. The elevator is extremely slow and takes forever. Are there any X10 controls that I could incorporate into the elevator call button/readout on my floor that I could use to build a widget/app that tells me:

1. What floor the elevator is currently on
2. Call the elevator remotely (e.g., via my iPhone)

...without buying something expensive designed to control the entire elevator system for the building. Unfortunately, I just have access to the control panel on my floor (would obviously get permission to install from the building). Would like to keep it as simple and as cheap as possible.

Thx!
Title: Re: Are there any X10 controls for elevators?
Post by: Dr.Fiero on August 09, 2010, 01:18:29 PM
Not sure if I'd actually TRUST an X10 with something like that, but....

You could hook a universal module up to the 'call' button (assuming it's just an SPST switch), then use X10Commander running on your iPhone to signal it.
Feedback as to what floor it's on...  I'd just leave that one alone.

(btw - all of the above is probably going to violate so many building and safety codes it's not funny!  So - it's for entertainment purposes only.  ;D )
Title: Re: Are there any X10 controls for elevators?
Post by: dave w on August 09, 2010, 01:27:54 PM
I'm on the 11th floor of a building. The elevator is extremely slow and takes forever. Are there any X10 controls that I could incorporate into the elevator call button/readout on my floor that I could use to build a widget/app that tells me:

1. What floor the elevator is currently on
2. Call the elevator remotely (e.g., via my iPhone)

...without buying something expensive designed to control the entire elevator system for the building. Unfortunately, I just have access to the control panel on my floor (would obviously get permission to install from the building). Would like to keep it as simple and as cheap as possible.

Thx!
IMHO the easiest answer is: NO. Especially the call part. Public elevators are heavly regulated and inspected. I don't think it would be allowed to start hacking in to the elevator control circuitry.

You might be able to put a X10 wireless camera on your floor readout. The camera would have to be mounted close to the readout and have access to 120V outlet. You would need a receiver in your apartment which would pick up the camera transmission and couple to your TV or computer. Wireless range of X10 cameras is not spectacular...in fact this forum is loaded with wireless range complaints. I guess you would have to "buy and try"  because there is no good way to predict.
Title: Re: Are there any X10 controls for elevators?
Post by: Brian H on August 09, 2010, 01:38:38 PM
I would no count on any X10 device to do what you want to do. It is not fool proof and most will say their setup is maybe 99.999% OK.
I have one light that misses a command maybe one or two times a year.

Even if it was possible and I don't think you could legally do it.
Title: Re: Are there any X10 controls for elevators?
Post by: pconroy on August 09, 2010, 07:42:45 PM
I don't think he wants to rewire the control software.  At least I hope not!
 ;D


But even tinkering with the call button would prolly get you in a heap of trouble.
Otis, Montgomery, Schnidler, ThyssenKrup - would prolly skin you alive if they traced it back to you too.
 ;)
Title: Re: Are there any X10 controls for elevators?
Post by: Dr.Fiero on August 09, 2010, 09:36:33 PM
Otis, Montgomery, Schnidler, ThyssenKrup - would prolly skin you alive if they traced it back to you too.

{bottom of OP's message}
"IP Logged" 

THEY'RE COMING TO FIND YOU!!!    rofl