Interview with Andrew Rubin - Alloys Digital Entertainment and Home Automation.

What does the HAI system offer the Shabbat observant?

The HAI system offers the ability to control all aspects of Shabbat observance in the home at the press of a button. As well it offers advanced home automation outside of Shabbat time to make overall home life easier. Anything can be automated from lighting, security, even to pool maintenance and garden watering!

Which controls in the home does it enable/disable?

The HAI home automation system is able to disable the use of light switches, thermostats, keypads, touch panels and other electronic devices during certain periods of time.

For the observant it could do this from Friday until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. Lights could come on in the early morning on Shabbat, gradually dim to off mode when the sun has risen and then come on gradually before Shabbat is over.

Before sunset on Friday, an observant Australian family could press a button on a touch panel or set this to occur at a specified time without the need to push a button, to put their home into Shabbat mode. At this time the HAI system would do all the light switching and thermostat adjusting for the family. Pretty handy for the observant.

It would disable all LCD panels used for viewing, as this would be against Shabbat. It would also ensure that security can be used but not tripped, again a violation of Shabbat. These would be re-activated when Shabbat ends and or at the press of a button.

How easy is it to use?

HAI systems are designed for ease of use. For the home user, it is a simple touch pad system with a very user friendly interface. One would set Shabbat start time and Shabbat end time and let the system do the rest. In addition, lighting control and the order in which it does the automations could be controlled from the end user.

Is it flexible?

HAI designs equipment to be integrated into any and all environments. This means that it suits and can integrate into existing lighting control systems such as C-bus, but HAI can control a variety of additional equipment which C-bus cannot. It also is the MOST cost effective solution in the industry offering full automation at a fraction of other competitor.

How does the home security component work on Shabbat?

This will automatically engage in closing garage doors if they were left open, engage magnetic locks and close windows if they have been left ajar. All without notifying/sounding an alarm or having to illicit a response from the Shabbat observant home owner.

What is required to install a system?

Because HAI integrates with a lighting control system called UPB or universal power line bus, there is no requirement for home owners to have any specific pre wiring in their walls. Lighting is automated using the existing power line (normal power that runs to lights) and does not require proprietary systems.

It can integrate into current security systems and can also be installed as a security system in a house without one previously, via the use of wireless sensors which can be used throughout the house.

How long does it take?

It is hard to predict an exact installment time, as each house is different, and the needs of the inhabitants are different too. However as a retrofit, this can be accomplished in an average of 4 days.

How often would you have to reset the controls (eg seasonally, prior to the high holy days)?

Controls never have to be reset, however, they should be checked about once a year, and Shabbat times should be updated as they become available. The HAI controller does not lose any information and when relevant data becomes available it should be added using the PC access software by the Observant home owner. As stated previously, the interface is easy to use and extremely user friendly.

What happens if the power goes out?

If power goes out, the HAI controller does not lose information. When the power is restored, the system can remember its current settings (as it is backed up by a long life battery) and if this occurs during Shabbat it will not cause the system to become unstable or even result in the Shabbat being disturbed.