Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / August 2008

A ceiling fan, consisting of a fan motor and 4 compact fluorescent
bulbs, is controlled by an X-10 system.  In order not to place too
much load on the X-10 module, the module controls an external relay
which controls the ceiling fan, a system which has worked for years.

I've just got a new house and am about to run a couple of Cat5e cables
to connect the main computers in the house.
I have been given a box of Cat5e FTP cable which is shielded and a few
non-shielded faceplates.

Hello all;
Can anyone recommend a good wireless web based video camera to be used
for property viewing/monitoring?
I wish to install one at my 2nd home to keep an eye on the snowfall

Im looking to buy a webcam and network camera, ideally a device that
does both. I'd like to connect the device to my home (wireless)
network through my wireless router (netgear). I'd use the camera as
- a 'surveillance' device (either remote web access or email video/

Since I upgraded to Vista, my Smarthome Manager software is no longer
compatible and I need to upgrade my automation/X10 PC-based control
unit and software.  Smarthome has the INSTEON HouseLinc Desktop kit
which I believe is Vista compatible. Just curious what others are

I've got a linux based PC that I use for home automation.  It's
connected to a UPS that actually had Linux based control software.
So, it's configured, that upon a power failure, the linux box shuts
itself down (nice and orderly).  With the delays, and times involved,

I have a 5 unit track light (lamps in parallel) controlled with a standard
incandescent X10 wall switch (WS467).  The box holding the switch does not
contain a neutral so I cannot use a Fluorescent compatible switch.  Since
there only has to be one incandescent bulb in the ...

I'd like to install a more intelligent control system for the heating in my
house. Currently the system consists of:
- an oil fired boiler which heats domestic hot water and water filled
radiators. Mains gas is not available in our village.

Cyberguys.com currently has the original Kill A Watt on sale for $24.
Their P/N is 112 0240.

DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Michigan authorities say a shoplifting suspect
has died after being crushed in a trash compactor where she was hiding.
 The Eaton County sheriff's department said two women fled a
Lansing-area TJ Maxx discount store after spraying a security guard with

Does anyone know how/where I can obtain the crestron toolbox software?
Rob

My wife finds it a pain to come from the attached garage to the house
while carrying groceries because she has no free hands to open the
door.  My plan is to put in an electric strike and a foot or knee
operated switch to release the strike.  The door opens into the house,

Does anyone know how/where I can obtain the crestron toolbox software?
Rob

I have a fairly large X10 installation that I just added around 40 or
so Insteon switches/dimmers to based on the inputs of a couple of
people in this forum a few months ago.  I also moved things around
into a new wiring closet, etc., etc.

Hi all,  my electroncis knowhow is a bit dated nowdays... can anyone
comment on the feasability of using something like the TDA1543 as a
home-brew (DC) light dimmer?
My idea was to couple it to a 10-bit DIP switch and some TTL and