Interfaces

You can control the Barn with any Web Browser, using a "Client" program that connects to the Mac Mini over your network, or from an iPhone or iPod touch. There are some other bits and pieces that make up the system, such as the RFID reader (the Antenna is outside - remember ?) and an interface from the computer to a outlet - these are connected via a standard USB cable.

There are a LOT of lights in the Barn - which is one of the things that make it spectacular, you would not want to turn on sixty two dimmers by hand just to get the upstairs lit properly.

Most of the 62 dimmers for the 2nd floor are located behind the pub, with the rest are in a cabinet behind the elevator shaft.

The sound system is currently configured for three zones - kitchen, great room and all downstairs. The downstairs systems can be zoned into eight seperate zones.

The video distribution system is located in the mechanical room and currently supports sixteen seperate cable drops. All computer cabes are "CAT-6" - also know as "Copper's Last Stand", because CAT-7 will use a new connector.

There are a number of other things that Natasha controls - such as the fans you saw earlier for example.

If the computer were ever to crash, it can be restored using a memory stick that is sitting next to the computer, in about an hour.

Lets take a look at the screens you interact with - either from another Mac in your house or from a Windows machine (if you must). Click the Green forward arrow below.