To get up and running with the Alpha Web Interface you should discover the Mitsubishi Alpha 2 (II, XL) Micro-controller then review these notes...

• Hardware Get the Alpha-In-A-Box Starter Kit. It includes either an AL2-10MR-D or AL2-14MR-D controller, programming lead and software. You need the lead to connect the Alpha to your PC/Laptop. You only need the software to program your own control strategy into the Alpha (not required if you just want to use the Alpha's I/O in dumb terminal mode!).
  
  
• More Hardware! The programming lead only has a RS-232 DB9 connector. So, if your PC only has USB then get a generic USB/Serial adapter. The Alpha needs a 1 Amp 24Vdc Power Supply Unit too.
  
  
• Optional Hardware If you want to monitor temperatures/humidities, etc, you'll need 0-10Vdc compatible sensors. If you want to switch any appliance at mains voltages you'll need interfacing relays and associated control gear. (PLEASE get an experienced electrical person for this kind of thing though!).
  
  
• Operating System Your OS needs to Xp or Vista for XML Control. The XML Control software also requires the .NET 2.0 Runtime, which is free from Microsoft. You'll probably already have that installed, our installer should prompt you to download it anyway, if not then click onto Microsoft's web site and search for ".Net 2.0 download".
  
  
• Web Interface If you don't need remote control or in-built webcam support then get a FREE copy of the XML Control Alpha Web Interface! This software gets the raw data from the Alpha, formats it and serves it up into simple HTML and XML files.
  
  
• Web Server If you want to serve up your Alpha outside the home/office/factory, then you really need a web server. Get the FREE Apache Server or use the server of your choice. If you want server side scripting then we recommend the FREE PHP engine. Equally, if IIS and ASP.Net is your bag, do that!
  
  
• Programming Skills By default the XML Control generates both a fully formatted HTML webpage (albeit very simplistic!) and a generic XML file. These can be used 'as is' or be the basis for your own artistic web-designer license via DHTML, JavaScript and server side scripting! Anyhow, no programming skills are required, although the use of native web-formats do allow unlimited customisation.
  
  
• Notes You'll need one Alpha starter kit and one XML Control web interface for each Alpha you intend to connect to. You can buy the Alpha's and the programming/data lead separately - compare the costs.
  
  

Getting Hardware

Next you'll need suppliers. We recommend these sources, however all kit is generic, so shop if you must and get the price/delivery/support equation that's right for you.

Mitsubishi Alpha Starter Kit - Target cost £170($275) net.

These are available world-wide, in the UK though, the following links are favourite.

LC Automation Ltd. www.lcautomation.com
RS Components Ltd. www.rswww.com

USB/Serial Converters - Target cost £20($35) net.

These are available almost everywhere. Try Maplin's, Radio Shack, PC World, your local PC store, or just Google "usb/serial db9" for many options.

24Vdc Power Supply Units - Target cost £50($80) net.

These take a mains voltage of between say, 110Vac to 240Vac, and output a smooth 24Vdc to power both your Alpha and any peripheral input and output interfacing items such as sensors and control relays. You'll need a 1 Amp supply at minimum, and then add some for your other control's load requirements.

Again, RS can supply these, also Farnell Components (who are worlwide, just like RS). Mitsubishi also offer a range of PSU's matched to the Alpha. Other standard brands include Siemens, Omron, Murr, ...there are many.

Sensors - Target cost from £40($65) net upwards depending on type.

If you need temperature or humidity sensors, or in fact any sensor, then bear in mind that the Alpha has 0-10Vdc Analogue Inputs, so sensors must match this type. Suitable sensors can be had from the aforementioned suppliers plus, in the UK, Sontay, Western Automation/ETS amongst many others. 

Mains Control Gear

If you need to switch any mains electrical equipment with an Alpha then be sure to make the system completely safe! Electrical circuits need to be properly housed in suitable enclosures, each circuit needs to be protected from fault and overload conditions and final loads should never be switched in such a manner as to introduce risk to persons or property! So, if in doubt, get someone in who knows exactly what to do - this cannot be over-stressed.

Finally, a small screwdriver might be helpful. =)