In order to automate your house, you need at a minimum:

• A computer where HomePlanner will run. Any computer with Windows NT/200/XP/Vista will do. HomePlanner has a very small footprint, and therefore it doesn't require any fast hardware to run.

• One or more PLCBus devices . These are typically light dimmers and appliance switches. You can find many of these in this section.

• A PLCBus Interface for your PC . This is PLCBus 1141 or equivalent. You can find info about it in this section.

• If you have a 3-phase installation , you will also need a phase coupler (for instance PLCBus 4825). HomePlanner can work with both single-phase and 3-phase installations.

Apart from these items, you may optionally want:

• One or more scene controllers . These devices allow you to trigger scenes in conjunction wth HomePlanner, or even standalone. Scene controllers are mentioned here.

• One or more remote controls . Remote controls allow you to walk around your house, and still be able to switch your lights and appliances. HomePlanner will recognize all remote controllers for PLCBus.

• A PDA (Palm, PocketPC or any other with an embedded web browser). If you have a WiFi connection at home, then the PDA can very well replace the remote control, and it will be a lot more powerful.

Finally,  you will need your imagination . You can design your own plans and maps, create remote-control-like user interfaces for your PDA, and everything else you can think of!