Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / September 2004

I have just wired my house for data and whole house audio.  The cables
all terminate in a Leviton structured media panel.  I would like to
terminate the speaker cable onto some sort of patch panel in the
cabinet and then use jumpers between there and my equipment.  Does

Has anyone any "positive" experience with Smarthomes' Powerlinc
controller and Smarthome Manager Plus Software?  I've had my unit since
May (and have had it replaced once because they thought the problem was
in the device) and have yet to be satisfied with it.  The sunrise/sunset ...

Just purchased a new house and I would like to be able to install speakers
in several different rooms.  For speakers, I have the Carver 5.1 for the TV
room and the Ensemble by Henry Kloss (Cambridge Soundworks), but plan to add
ceiling speakers in master bedroom and bathroom, ...

Does it exist reliable 1-wire to Ethernet converters nowadays?  Or do i
still need to go via RS232?
Any recommendations?
I would like to use it in combination with http://owfs.sourceforge.net/

i need some information on simulation of power line communciation.
i am looking for spread spectrum techniques in power line communication.
-mahidhar

I have created a (not for profit) website dedicated to gadgets and home
automation information/news. I would love to have some of you that are
knowledgable in this area check out my site and give me some
'constructive' criticism. I am also looking for more knowledgable

Does anyone know of a plug-in controller that is as powerful as a Leviton
6311 controller?
I need it to be able to program on and off times for each day of the week.
TIA

I have a wood pellet stove with a thermostat attached.  However, I would
like to put the thermostat in the hallway and would prefer not to run wires.
Is there a wireless thermostat out there that I can attach to the wall and
then have the receiver next to the pellet stove?

Could seems strange, but since my last experience with an RF repeater, I'm
nnot always sure that repeating signal could be a reliable issue.
In the case of ACT coupler repeater for exemple, I understand well that the
original signal as low as 25mv could be sent at 5V or more on the ...

I want to buy one of those IR-543 infrared X10 controllers which will
allow me to use my universale remote to control my home automation
system.
According to the smarthome.com page for this product,

Hello, I have 2 light cans, they can be turned on off by 4 switches, the  
1st or last (cant remember
4 way wiring) is a dimmer control. What x10 light switch do I need to  
replace this

What's everyone views on buying an existing home
security business?
Good industry to get into?  Make good money?

I've had some intermittent problems and noticed that the error light on
my ACT234 repeater was blinking quite a bit. My signal tester showed
~140mv of noise during this period.  Turns out the problem is caused by
Fantech Dryer Vent Booster that is installed on the long run of the ...

Has anyone else here tried the new offering from X-10?
Basically, none of the timers or macros seem to work...and yes, I've done
this before...about 8 years of x-10 antics both at home & work.
The help desk seems to think it's everything else except the hardware &