How to monitor DoorOpens/DoorCloses on a PC?

[frogblender]

Hi... I have a door on my house which I want to monitor.  Whenever the door opens or closes, I want my always-on PC to write the timestamp to a textfile.

What hardware do I need?  I'm a reasonable software programmer, so I can read serialports and whatnot.

Any help would be appreciated!

[-Bill- (of wgjohns.com)]

Hi... I have a door on my house which I want to monitor.  Whenever the door opens or closes, I want my always-on PC to write the timestamp to a textfile.

What hardware do I need?  I'm a reasonable software programmer, so I can read serialports and whatnot.

Any help would be appreciated!

Unless you really want to get "down and dirty" with a serial port and serious coding, I would suggest the CM15A USB computer interface which comes with Active Home Pro (AHP) software.

The AHP software has a built in event log ("Activity Monitor").

You can also write your own software easily using the AHP SDK.

[HA Dave]

.... Whenever the door opens or closes, I want my always-on PC to write the timestamp to a textfile.

It is often advantageous... to look at what the technology has to offer.. before deciding what to do. I would also use the AHP (and CM15A) as Bill. But I would consider email notification (and maybe include pics).

[Tuicemen]

frogblender
Doing what you want is a very simple task. Unless your using a security sensor to monitor the door!
If your using a security sensor you'll need the AHP all plug-ins kit(includes OnAlert for monitoring security sensors)
If you monitor it with a non Security motion sensor  and you have the CM19A you can download the AHP SDK which will allow you to write a logging program.
If you have the old CM11A and plan on using a non security sensor you can still write something your self but it is a little more difficult.
you'll need to download the X10 protocol