My first venture into some form of Home Automation began back in 1994 when i was installing Security Systems.I was doing quite a large install in a house when i got talking to the Sparkie who mentioned he had to supply a lighting controller. He didnt seem interested in doing it so I offered at a price to supply what was required and he agreed. It was pretty basis ,light sensor, timer , dimmers and some contactors .
Then i thought it would be nice to be able to control the lights with something with some intelligence, so i made one up using an industrial plc . It worked fine but was too expensive, at that time i had just started playing with Microchip Pics. So i designed an 8 in 8 out module (see pic projects) and used it for my security lighting .
Then when i started buying an electronics magazine called Circuit Cellar i noticed them advertising the HSC11 Home Automation Controller.I was many times tempted to buy it but didnt.