Imagine being able to control everything from one device: Turn on your room lights and close the curtains. Change channels on your TV and turn up the heating. Answer a phone call and send some texts. Browse the Internet, play some music or watch YouTube. HouseMate hardware in combination with an iOS device enables you to do this and much more.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
HouseMate is a combined hardware/app solution that enables a switch user to fully control their iOS device and use it to operate other equipment in their home or work environment using a combination of InfraRed, HomeKit, IFTTT and other technologies.
TELL ME ABOUT
THE HARDWARE
The hardware is controlled using the built-in switch or by connecting an external switch or joystick. It can also be interfaced to R-Net and DX wheelchair control systems.
It is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery and contains a powerful omni- directional InfraRed transmitter and a Bluetooth radio module.
The hardware communicates the switch presses to the iOS device. With Switch Control enabled the user can use scanning to control their device. If the user launches the HouseMate App a grid of environmental control options is presented. If the user chooses an option then the HouseMate App will either run a HomeKit scene, control a HomeKit accessory or instruct the HouseMate hardware to transmit a pre-recorded InfraRed signal.
HouseMate can be fitted with a radio frequency Nurse call pager. This alarm can be activated at anytime by pressing the switch for a defined period of time. Importantly this feature is independent of the iOS device and Bluetooth connection.
A further possibility is the control of EasyWave or Z-wave devices. On request HouseMate can be fitted with an internal EasyWave or Z-wave transmitter.
TELL ME ABOUT THE APP
The HouseMate app that has been specially designed for switch access and can be downloaded free from iTunes. It will run on any iOS device running 8.4 or higher.
The app presents a grid of environmental control functions using icons and text. When the user chooses an icon the app either executes a HomeKit function or instructs the hardware to transmit a signal. The HouseMate app communicates with the HouseMate hardware using Bluetooth Smart.
Rather than having to switch between different apps the HouseMate app enables you to have all your environmental control functions in one easy-to-use, graphically based interface.
WHAT ARE THE
KEY FEATURES?
Hardware features:
-Control of any device that can be operated by InfraRed signals including light switches, power sockets, bed controls and door openers.
-Powerful InfraRed learn/transmit hardware. Single codes, toggle codes, macros and safety codes can be recorded.
-Pre-recorded database of common InfraRed signals including GEWA, Possum, Siemens KNX, FellerBeamIt, UPC and SKY.
-Control of EasyWave devices with optional built-in EasyWave transmitter.
-Control of Z-wave devices with optional built-in Z-wave transmitter.
-Single switch, two switch and joystick inputs.
Interface cables for R-Net and DX wheelchair control systems.
-Long-life rechargeable Li-Ion battery with mini USB charger.
-Audible low battery warning, Bluetooth connection, InfraRed transmit and charging status LEDs.
Software features:
-Comprehensive, graphic based, environmental control.
-Large database of icons as well as the ability to choose images from the camera roll.
-Designed to be used in conjunction with the scanning features of iOS Switch Control.
-Can be used to run HomeKit scenes and control HomeKit accessories.
-Control over third party apps using iOS Switch Control.
-Can be used in conjunction with IFTTT based services.
-HouseMate can be downloaded free from iTunes with automatic updating as new versions become available.
-Can be installed on iPads or iPhones running iOS 8.4 or higher.