Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / January 2008

I'm looking for a way to eliminate having a physical USB cable come
from my computer and go to my USB hub where I keep my camera, insteon
interface, flash stick, and other USB devices plugged in.  The only
one I can find so far only has a range of 30 feet:

Was just thinking and trying to plan out what I need to implement the
ELK M1 in my home. In the area of temperature control, I have a
hydronic warm air system with A/C - 2 air handlers, one which has 2
zone dampers.

Don't know if I'm one of the few having hard time with the value of
the $1200 ELK touch screen.. I can afford it, but it really comes down
to the value for the dollar in my book.
I came across this relatively new Samsung touch screen tablet PC. It's

My 7 year old Sony VPL-CS2 no longer projects a black startup screen.
All it projects is a dazzling white background.  No text; nothing.
All buttons have no effect. What could be the problem here?
Mark

I'm upgrading from a 20 year old stereo to a "home theater surround"
receiver..
Did realize until I got it, that there's no phono level inputs!  I still
got a turntable, and maybe 40-50 vinyl disks.

Is the lower-priced ICON line of wall relay and dimmer switches
discontinued?  The web site is not showing them when I search for Icon
switch model numbers.  I have about 40 of them in my home, was there a
problem with them?  I'm a little worried seeing that they are not on

Has anyone used the RCS RS-485 keypad with an ELK M1? From a quick
read it appears they should be compatable. Considering it as an "easy"
way to set temperature should I choose not to install a thermosat
(mentioned in my earlier post) and perhaps a cheaper interface (but

I have been reading the many posts here, and appreciate everyone's
input that enabled my research leading me to decide on the ELK M1 Gold
to replace my old security only FBI panel.
Going beyond security as I need to automate UPB lighting and remotely

Do you need to have a dialup connection to access a thermostat
connected toa modem or is there a way to connect to the modem via a
broadband connection?

This looks interesting:
http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/4585/actiontec_introduces_zcontrol
Actiontec Introduces zControl Line of Home Automation Controllers
Actiontec Electronics today announced its new zControlT series of home

If you were wiring to display video on lcd panels throughout a home
(say 2 to 4 screens), what wiring would you use?  HDMI seems to be
easiest and most cost effective because it's smaller wire (vs
composite, dvi etc), best quality and includes audio and video.

I've got a few devices that dont have an on/off switch (the George
Foreman Grill, electric heater, etc)
Anyone know of a commercial a/c plug that has an on/off switch?  Kind
of like a power strip but compact with only 1 plug?

I'm just starting to wire a new home and was wondering if there is a
document covering best practices. I'm going to install audio distribution,
home automation (insteon at this point), home theatre, security cameras,
multiple computer network spots etc.

I stumbled across this while looking for data on CFL Power Factors and Total
Harmonic Distortion. Some of you may find it helpful.
http://director.lrc.rpi.edu/FMPro?-db=CFLscrewbase%20NLPIP.fp3&-lay=Full_Form&-f
ormat=/cfl/NLPIP_search.htm&-view
While this source is tooting its own ...

I have a system in my 2600 sq ft home that I use for controlling my
Christmas lights in season and just a couple of other lights during
the rest of the year.
I am having fits with it because of seemingly random control failures.