Installing Cortexa Home Automation
(Please Note: This is an older home automation install using the Cortexa 7202. Cortexa no longer makes this model. Even though the controller is outdated, much of this install is still relevant to more modern installs. The setup theory is nearly the same when using a more modern automation controller)This article focuses mostly on the Cortexa Technology 7202 Home Automation Controller (although this information is applicable to home automation in general). Why did I choose this controller over the competitors? I'm a programmer and System Administrator and I feel comfortable around computers. My first choice was to use Pluto for my home automation system. Pluto seems like a really powerful and flexible system (and you cannot beat the price). However, I was looking for more than just myself. My brother and another friend are both housing contractors who like technology. They're both interested in building automated custom homes. I wanted to use myself as a guinea pig and hopefully find a home automation system that I could be happy with that would also provide the stability and support that may be necessary for my brother and my friend to use in homes they build and sell.
There are quite a few home automation controllers out there, but I like the Cortexa for a few reasons. It is powerful, but simple to use. It is a hardware and software combination so it does not require somebody to install it and then configure it (and the communication ports) on a PC. I really like the fact that it does not use a hard drive (It uses flash RAM for storage). The Cortexa has great networking ability built into it (Firewall, VPN, IP and port forwarding). It does not require programming. All events are "programmed" from drop-down menus. This should make it reasonably easy for new home owners to set up their own events. Cortexa has designed it to work with a lot of different sub-systems (for example, for lighting it works with X10, Insteon, UPB, Z-Wave, HAI and more). So far, it seems to be a really good product.
Cortexa Technology is a new company. At this point, they do not have a lot of in-depth documentation on their website. They have been responsive to my emails, but there just isn't a whole lot of information out there. I searched the Internet and really could not find many other people using the Cortexa. I have had to figure out a lot of things on my own. I am hoping this write-up will help others who are interested in purchasing a Cortexa or who have already purchased one and are looking for help and information.
The Cortexa 7202 Controller
X-10 devices (now UPB)
Automating thermostats - HVAC
Automating home security
Video Cameras around the house
Controlling IR devices and equipment