Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / August 2005

After I compared lamp module and wall switch module, I found they are
very similar. So I wonder if by following the existing wall swith local
control button solution, I can by some means to modify the lamp module
to add the local control button too.

I have 4 security cameras that I use at home with a multiplexor. I
wanted to setup a computer based DVR so I could monitor the cameras
remotely and record longer lengths of time. I've been looking at the
geovision 600 card. Has anyone had any experience with this card or any

I want to be able to monitor electrical usage in the home in real time and
to be able to see the effects of for example turning off the TV or turning
on the water heating in graphical or numeric form.
I looking for opinions on the best way(s) and product(s) for doing this.

I am looking for sources of inexpensive 12V lighting to be used to
illuminate shelves.
I believe that halogen bulbs are used, usually in small round cases.
I would like to use two lights on a single transformer on each of four

I need to set up a switch to control outdoor lighting of a long
driveway - up to 200 ft.  The lighting system is 12 vdc and it is
controlled by a switch at one end of the driveway, only.   I'd like
to be able to switch it on/off from both ends.

What eats the signals from my Ocelot?  I know if I plug my laptop into the
same power point as a lamp module I cannot turn on that light.  What other
gear eats X10 signals.
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Hopefully I am posting this to the correct forum.  I am a UK resident and
would like a solution for the following:
I have a PC acting as the centre for my Home Theatre - As a little touch I
would like a cheap option to add to the PC so as to control the lighting in

Does Anyone Out There Have an updated document of the RS-232
communication protocol for the Caddx NX-8e.  I have the communication
protocol for the NX-8 implemented on my HomeSeer setup but wanted to
update my code with the NX-8e.

I only have one phone line and nine phone jacks throughout the
house in a star configuration.  What are the pros and cons of
using a splitter vs. a 66-block?  After reading this group for
a while I'm still not clear on the pros of using a 66-block.

I thought I had solved a sudden change in X10 behavior, however, it
seems to be getting worse.  I thought I traced it down to a battery
charger which definitely had an effect, but that doesn't seem to be the
case anymore.  The problem is that some "talker" can't get to "listener" ...

Hiya
This might seem a little backwards, but i'm looking to use my universal
remote (a Kameleon 6in1) to remotely control an Axim X5 which is set up
to stream shoutcast radio to my stereo.  I'm looking (eventually) to be

Anybody have any experience with these systems?  Seems everyone here is
controlling their heaters & lights.  I'd like to find a system where I could
control the heat, and all that, but more importantly have a single server
for music and video, plus local control if needed.

I've been testing new equipment for X-10 signal issues, first with my ESM1
meter and now with my Monterey.
Today's surprise came when plugging in a switching power supply for a new
Vitek 2 channel video webserver.  The Monterery X-10 reading on the power

I have never licked the idea of 2 phone bills.  I want to cut the land
line, but I have some home theater hardware that must dial out each
night.  I also want the convenience of the existing phones located
throughout the house.

I'm trying to learn how to communicate with my thermostat using RS232.
Unfortunately, so far I have been completely stymied.  Does anyone
have some sample source code that could help me get started?  The very
easiest possible example would, I'm sure, be enough to get me going.