This user’s guide is for use with Version 2.4.0.1 or later of the HomeSeer software.
This guide was last updated November 10, 2009.
If you are an experienced HomeSeer user, please see What's New in this Version for a quick summary of the changes in this version.
There are some important update issues if you are using Z-Wave, please see the Updating from a Previous Version of HomeSeer for more information.
HomeSeer is an advanced home automation package designed to take full advantage of the features available in your PC such as Internet access, E-mail, text-to-speech, and others. These features are typically not available in stand-alone controllers. The software was designed to be easy-to-use yet flexible enough for advanced users.
HomeSeer works automatically by responding to events that you configure. For example, a motion detector causing a light to be turned on if it is dark is an example of an event that you might want to set up. The motion detector sending an ON signal is a trigger, whether or not it is dark is a condition, and turning on a light is an action. These terms will be referred to several times throughout this help file.
All things that happen automatically are because of an event. HomeSeer can be controlled by voice, web browsers, touch screens, PDAs, even instant messaging programs. For example, you can run a pre-defined set of actions (configured in an event) in response to a button pressed in a web page or a phrase spoken into a microphone or telephone. For Touch Screen support, see our web site for information on our HSTouch Touch Screen design system. This system is included with our HSPRO version of HomeSeer.
HomeSeer is designed to work with a wide range of home automation devices. Support for new devices is through the use of Plug-Ins. New plug-ins are constantly becoming available through HomeSeer Technologies, as well as third parties and end users. Check our support web page and our message board for the latest plug-ins that are available. Some plug-ins are purchased separately. Here is a partial list of hardware that HomeSeer supports -- please visit the HomeSeer website for more information:
HomeSeer is designed to work with just about any X10 or Z-Wave compatible device. If you are confused about what Home Automation or X10 is, please read the FAQ section before going any further. The FAQ is available at the HomeSeer website.
At a minimum, you will need the following:
An X10, Insteon, UPB or Z-Wave Interface for your computer. The CM11A or TI103 connect to your PC’s serial port, the SmartHome PowerLinc connects to a USB port on your computer, and HomeSeer's Z-Troller Interface connects to a serial port. There are many other X-10, Z-Wave, Insteon, and UPB interfaces supported by HomeSeer.
Some X10, Insteon, UPB or Z-Wave plug-in lamp modules.
Some X10, Insteon, UPB or Z-Wave plug-in appliance modules.
If you are using Z-Wave, one master controller is needed (usually a handheld controller or HomeSeer's Z-Troller or Z-Stick USB).
The easiest procedure for getting started with HomeSeer is to create devices in HomeSeer that represent the devices you want to control and then create some events to control those devices. As you become more familiar with HomeSeer, you may wish to explore more advanced automation topics, plug-ins, scripting, and much more.
Some key information:
HomeSeer has an autosave feature. Any changes you make to your configuration, either locally or via the web, are saved immediately. There is no need to be concerned about losing data and no need to perform frequent saves. It may be wise to backup your configuration file periodically. Note that HomeSeer automatically creates a backup file of your configuration. Configuration files have the extension ".mdb". All configuration information is stored in the config directory in the HomeSeer folder. HomeSeer settings for the program itself are stored in the file SETTINGS.INI which is also in your config directory.
The current configuration file is always displayed in the title bar of the main window. When HomeSeer is first installed, this is usually Sample.mdb - once you customize your HomeSeer environment, you should use the File... Save As... function to save this file under a different, more descriptive name.