Z-wave vs Zigbee
I am currently researching solution to replace my depreciated x10 domotica in my home.
After seeing what was on the market it seems I have two valid options Z-Wave and Zigbee. Z-Wave is well represented with a lot of module however it’s a closed protocol, which I don’t like since I want to be able to tinker with it.
Zigbee on the other hand is an open protocol yet they don’t have much modules on the market yet. Modules as in light dimmers and switches which is the first phase of my design.
I really like the self healing mesh network both solutions offer, x10 uses the existing power lines in your house for communication, this however has a drawback. When interference like a TV or whatever is on the line the signal won’t reach it’s destination. Another drawback of x10 is that you can’t request the status of the module (on/off). Zigbee and Z-wave however use radio to communicate, and can use other modules as routers so to speak to reach the destination module. If the radio signal is blocked for some reason they simply take other modules as their trampoline to get to the destination. The more modules you have the better your network will function.
Despite the lack of modules Zigbee has my preference right now, as to my understanding XBee (small electronic parts) is also compatible with Zigbee which would give me a reason to get my solder iron out of the attic again to create my own devices and create custom solutions I really want to have.
I’m going to research some more.
Creating notes in evernote with alfred
I recently bought the power pack extension of alfred. I noticed the “Things” applescript extension which allows you to create task entries from within alfred. I took this extension and modified it to get the “note” keyword in alfed which will take the text you type behind it and use it as a title for a new note within evernote.
You can download the extension here: evernote.zip if your using the development build of alfred use the evernote-0.9.zip package.
Unzip it in the “extensions/scripts” folder of alfred, open alfred and type reload (so alfred re-reads the scripts).
To use this extension open alfred type “note” and type the title of your new note to be created.
Tools of the trade
It’s always interesting to see what software someone is using to get his job done.
Let’s start the list with the hardware I am using:
Workstation
I am using an iMac as my primary workstation. Attached to it is a led cinema display.
Laptop
The laptop I cary around is a 13″ macbook air. The first generation of these machines where horrid the second generation which I am using are greatly improved.
Mobile
The mobile devices I carry with me are an iPhone 4 and an iPad 2.
