Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / December 2003

Let's see...70 some-odd Cat 5e cable runs with 16 110 punchdowns
each...Hmmm...I've acquired the materials and tools, but no history or
technique.  This sounds prime for being a QA nightmare not to mention taking
forever.

Hello!!
Does anyone have the schematics to built  this cable!!?
RS232 - connected to serial on pc
rj11 - connected on my x10 PLC ( pc interface )

I am building a house and could use a little advice.  What is the best audio
and video distribution
system for the following needs:
For video:  I would like to run a digital cable signal, a DVD, a Tivo, a VCR

I am building a new house and looking at home automations systems.
What is the best/easiest to use for the money??

I would like to know what momentary switches/modules could be used to
operate a relay. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the 3 way
slave switch was momentary, but i'm not sure if it would work for what
I want. Is the slave switch sending a momentary 110vac pulse down one

Hello!!
Im new on home automation and i got a few questions for ya pros :)
I've recently boght an Interface PLC bidirectional ( PLC x10
powerhouse please see

What is the most budget way I can automate some infrared components like my
stereo receiver.  I own homeseer and noticed it is compatible with many
different hardware products that can transmit infrared.

I have lost my original manual for my Marmitek 8in1 remote.  The manual at
Marmitek relates extensively to inputting a 3 digit code from the code table
but can I find a code table - can I hell.
Please someone, point me to the Library Code Table.

I want to use PIR repeaters in my house.  I understand the target device
will convert the IR signal and put it onto Cat 5e and the emitter will do
the opposite at the IR controlled component.  Since everything is bridged,
all components receive all IR commands.

Has anyone seen any products that will allow for tracking (at least in the
house and recording when it leaves the house) personal items such as car
keys, wallet, camera, phones, valuables?  There is a lot written about the
use of radio tags and RFID tags for inventory in warehouses ...

I'm planning to install a X10 home automation system but I've got some
questions, first if my neighbour has the same system, don't you think that
he could switch on/off my lights or appliances? Since X10 is a
communications protocol that allows compatible products to talk to each

Do the Russound A-Bus units work with the new CA series?
As in, if I installed some A-Bus stuff will it remain useful if I upgrade to the
newer stuff?
I'd like to start with the audio distribution and possibly later move up to the

I'm confused. Our home is 7800 ft2 and the electrician installed about
20 keypads throughout the house that each have 6 buttons. That is 120
different choices for turning things on and off.
What is the best way to figure out how to organize this system. My

I downloaded Thinking Home from Always Thinking a while ago, but hve not
been using it.  Today I went to register it so I could use it, but could
not access the Always thinking website with any of my browsers.  Does
anyone know how t reach them or if they have folded?

I would like to be able to turn on a light in my TV room and have x10
turn on my TV components (TV Projector-DirectTV Receiver-Surround
Sound Receiver).  I have two problems with this!  First my TV
projector is a Sony VPL-VW12HT LCD front projector that hangs on the