Comments on: Whole House Audio system: version 1 is complete

By: killswtch

killswtch — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:14:03 +0000

The source for the VAMS-0808 control software is at http://www.killswtch.net/2008/08/23/source-code-for-the-vams-0800-serial-interface/

By: killswtch

killswtch — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:19:30 +0000

The source for the C# version should be released soon. You should be able to follow that, or at least extract the commands from it. In the meantime you may wish to look at my post about the initial commands that I discovered before owning the unit at http://www.killswtch.net/2008/02/17/the-vams-0808-matrix-switcher-and-determining-its-protocol/

Please note that the post doesnt contain all of the necessary commands, and does not take into account the reponses from the VAMS-0808.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:26:58 +0000

What serial codes are you using to read the current state of the system? I’m trying to implement an interface using php with a serial extension, but I haven’t found any read state commands for the VAMS.

Nicely done project, btw. What you’ve documented so far has been very helpful.

By: killswtch

killswtch — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:37:38 +0000

I can provide the source code for my implementation of the interface. It’s written in C# and should be fairly straightforward to follow. I was going to write up a guide for control of the VAMS0808 but it proved to be quite complicated with all the different possible states.

I’m cleaning up the code at the moment, and I’ll make a post about it when it’s ready.

By: Paul Hewson

Paul Hewson — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:13:17 +0000

Killswitch,
Any chance, you could let me have the serial commands you were able to work out, please.
Trying to control the VAMS from a Crestron system!
Does it need a or do you just send the command?

Thanks and regards,

Paul.

By: killswtch

killswtch — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:17:46 +0000

Yep, it’s a relief to have finished something at last. I did try out setting up networked webcams for security, but my parents weren’t too keen on the idea. External webcams might be an option though.

There is also the possibility of tying in with the security system but all this conflicts with saving enough money to buy a house.

Another possibility is using it for home automation - turning lights and other electrical items on and off. Tied in with motion sensors, this can save power by turning off or reducing the lighting in rooms that appear to be unoccupied.

The heating system could also be integrated so that only the rooms that need to be heated at certain times of day have their radiators turned on. Our heating system doesnt have a thermostat and our gas bills are huge, so doing something with the heating could be beficial.

By: Beckyd

Beckyd — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:03:09 +0000

Looks good, bet you are glad you have finished! Could you turn it in on itself to use webcam to see what room people were in? Or for home security? Or is it just a communications console.