Category Archives: hardware

equipment related to the home automation of my house

Intelix, TouchOSC and Processing

As mentioned in a previous post, I use the Intelix 4×4 matrix switch for distributing HDMI video throughout the house. The only issue (not a major one) is the remote for switching between sources is never close to where I’m … Continue reading

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Homeseer and Napco

I have already documented my tribulations over the state of the Napco plugin from HomeSeer. Today is a more positive note, after a few hours of work on a couple of DLLs I have created my own C#.Net Plugin which … Continue reading

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Z-Wave Thermostat

On Wednesday I had my first hardware failure, the Wayne Dalton Z-Wave thermostat died, 4 days after I installed it. The guys at SmartHomeUSA were great, I had bought the thermostat a couple of months ago but hadn’t had time … Continue reading

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Remote Automation

I am currently testing the HS Touch Server and PI-IPHONE-IPAD plugin, along with the iPhone/iPod Touch application. The combination of these three pieces of software allow me to remotely control the HomeSeer system. HS Touch, this is an interface module that … Continue reading

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Light Control

As mentioned previously I went with Z-Wave  technology and have purchased a number of dimmers to take control of the lighting. Last year when I went searching I found Leviton had nice looking and reasonably priced dimmers at Lashen Electronics. … Continue reading

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Network

At the heart of the network  is a D-Link 24 port Gigabit switch, this ties together all the computers, satellite components, Apple TV, home control system and various other ethernet equipped hardware.

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Structured Wiring

I mentioned in a previous e-mail that I was not a fan of coax, nor of telephone wires. So when designing the wiring for the house I decided on a different approach.

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Z-Wave

From Wikipedia: Z-Wave is a proprietary wireless communications protocol designed for home automation, specifically to remote control applications in residential and light commercial environments. The technology uses a low-power RF radio embedded or retrofitted into home electronics devices and systems, such as … Continue reading

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The House

About the house, a local builder was developing new houses as phase 2 of an existing estate. Our house was to be the first in a block of three, and as it turns out the only ranch style on the … Continue reading

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