MAVROMATIC » myro

Sole Power Tile – Integrated Solar Panel Roofing

Danny Mavromatis — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:29:40 +0000

I can’t remember exactly who I was talking to years ago (was it you, Mike D?) about turning roofs into full solar panels? This seems like the most practical model yet as you can blanket the whole roof and capture every angle. Perfect option if you have a Spanish/Mediterranean style home! The Sole Power Tile is the first curved photovoltaic roofing product and can be used as a full solar panel roof or woven into sections of traditional terra-cotta titles. The cost is about $50/sq ft installed… if you are interested in finding out more about this solar roofing system check out the SRS Energy website. Just don’t forget to add a TED 5000 to monitor your power savings!

[Originally seen in Popular Science Magazine]

Myro:Home Automation Controller Running In Apple iPad Simulator

Danny Mavromatis — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:53:28 +0000

Just downloaded the newest iPhone SDK (3.2) and ran the Myro:Home iPhone app in the iPad Simulator. It works (you can press the 2x to zoom it, seen in the second image) Once I release the iPhone app, I will be focusing on making a native version for the iPad. This should be fun! A $499 home automation controller is perfect — the iPad is Myro Control’s wireless home controller!

SNEAK PEAK: Myro:Home for iPhone (HAI Controller)

Danny Mavromatis — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:08:26 +0000

Here is a sneak peak of the Myro:Home iPhone application. As you can see, progress has been coming along. I’ve been getting the design finalized and now I’m just tweaking the look and feel a bit. The mobile framework has also been set in the core Myro:Home application which acts as a server on your home network. The iPhone version connects into Myro and loads and controls the HAI panel via a secure channel.

The key focus has been getting control of your home via the iPhone in the quickest time possible. As it works now, I can load and control in less than 3 seconds (if on WIFI).

- MYRO CONTROL – Myro:Home

Myro:Home iPhone Application In Development

Danny Mavromatis — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:37:54 +0000

I’ve been learning Objective-C and have been working on a few iPhone apps… one of which will be the official Myro:Home iPhone application which will allow you to control your HAI panel and view IP cameras. This application will only be available to users of the Myro Control 8″ In-Wall Panel (MYRO:8W). The application is in early BETA and should be ready for release beginning of November.

Myro Control Releases 8″ In-Wall Touchpanel and v1.5 of Myro:Home

Danny Mavromatis — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:33:01 +0000

Myro Control has announced the availability of their 8″ in-wall touchscreen panel and version 1.5 of the Myro:Home interface control software. The in-wall touchscreen panel features a fan-less design that is both energy efficient and elegant looking while the latest software release adds support and features from HAI’s new firmware 3.0 (or greater) release. If you have a HAI OmniPro Home Automation system running firmware 3.0 (or greater) you should do yourself a favor and check out Myro Control today.

The 8″ in-wall panel with software retails for $1999 and the software only option retails for $249 and $498 depending on features needed.

- Myro Control Releases New 8″ In-Wall Panel

DIY: Water Flow Meter For Monitoring Water Usage

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:42:25 +0000

I’m currently investigating what I need to get Water & Gas (Natural) monitoring added to my home. I already have Power via Energy Inc’s TED 1001 & Myro:Home. However, it would be nice to add Water & Gas to the mix so I can monitor and control its usage. Currently, I’m checking out different flow meters from Flow Monitors Inc. Anyone have any other brands that have an output that I could rig/modify/extend? The nice thing about the CoolPoint line is that they offer outputs that I can use to interface with my automation controller.

Universal Flow Monitors – CoolPoint CP Series Water Flow Meters

Using Netbooks for Home Automation Control?

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:43:28 +0000

DIY’ers and people wanting to control their home inexpensively can use Netbooks as an option. For less than $400 you can have a small computer that sits in your kitchen or family room ready to surf the web, view security cameras or turn off the lights. This is one of the reasons why I created Myro:Home as a software only version so users can achieve this type of control for less than purchasing a proper in-wall panel. However, I still recommend for the ultimate integration and control that an in-wall panel is installed in a home.

If you are in the market for a netbook check out this buying guide and find the best netbook for yourself!

Challenges Working With Embedded Devices

Danny Mavromatis — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:52:17 +0000

I’ve been busy working with on the new version of Myro:Home which will run on the 8″ in-wall touchscreen panels. My original plan was to have the same “downloadable” software being able to run on these types of panels, however, the truth is that these panels need special care in order to bring the best performance and stability. I’ve chosen Windows XP Embedded as the OS and can get everything running very quickly. Now, I’m working on adding in specific hooks to the hardware to take advantage of controlling the “bare metal” like LCD and GPIO. Since these devices are not full powered desktop PC’s where you can be a bit less strict using CPU cycles, you cannot afford running things that aren’t necessary. Heat is the biggest problem and when you put panels in walls where ventilation is an issue, you need to use less powerful (less heat producing) architecture.

In the end, I feel I will have a very powerful home control solution that is cost-effective and very competitive!

Myro Control’s 8″ In-wall Touchscreen

Danny Mavromatis — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:53:25 +0000

I just received a demo 8″ touchscreen panel for Myro:Home. I’m creating a custom Windows XP Embedded version that will run Myro:Home. I’ll still be offering the software only version, which has been receiving great reviews, but for custom installers that want a complete system — this will be the solution.

More to come, stay tuned!

P.S. It still has the protection plastic on the bezel…

Update: XPe build is ready to move onto SSD

Samsung Q1b Hacked with SSD and XP Embedded

Danny Mavromatis — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:19:28 +0000

I had an old Samsung Q1b laying around, I ripped out the 1.8″ Hitachi HD, replaced it with a 1gb SSD by Apacer. Then I created a custom build of XPe which boots up into Myro:Home. Here’s a video of the results.