Smart Home Hacks: Tips & Tools for Automating Your House (Hacks)

Book Description

So much of what is commonplace today was once considered impossible, or at least wishful thinking. Laser beams in the operating room, cars with built-in guidance systems, cell phones with email access. There's just no getting around the fact that technology always has, and always will be, very cool. But technology isn't only cool; it's also very smart. That's why one of the hottest technological trends nowadays is the creation of smart homes. At an increasing rate, people are turning their homes into state-of-the-art machines, complete with more switches, sensors, and actuators than you can shake a stick at. Whether you want to equip your home with motion detectors for added security, install computer-controlled lights for optimum convenience, or even mount an in-home web cam or two purely for entertainment, the world is now your oyster. Ah, but like anything highly technical, creating a smart home is typically easier said than done. Thankfully, Smart Home Hacks takes the guesswork out of the process. Through a seemingly unending array of valuable tips, tools, and techniques, Smart Home Hacks explains in clear detail how to use Mac, Windows, or Linux to achieve the automated home of your dreams. In no time, you'll learn how to turn a loose collection of sensors and switches into a well-automated and well-functioning home no matter what your technical level may be. Smart Home Hacks covers a litany of stand-alone and integrated smart home solutions designed to enhance safety, comfort, and convenience in new and existing homes. Kitchens, bedrooms, home offices, living rooms, and even bathrooms are all candidates for smart automation and therefore are all addressed in Smart Home Hacks. Intelligently written by engineering guru and George Jetson wannabe, Gordon Meyer, Smart Home Hacks leaves no stone unturned. From what to purchase to how to use your remote control, it's the ultimate guide to understanding and implementing complete or partial home automation.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting and Informative reading........2007-02-20

I am very into the X-10 gadgets and have been for several years. This book was intended for the average homeowner interested in inexpensive home security. The only thing it lacks is diagrams and layouts for the systems it covered.

Very Interesting Book: So many ideas, so little money!.......2006-03-16

This book presents a great variety of ideas for using the X10 protocol. I'm sure every reader will find several ideas or projects interesting enough to try.

Although I've been using X10 products for over five years, I have found this book to be a very useful reference. What I like about it is that it starts off with the very basics and move through to the esoteric ... something for everyone.

I recommend this book to the beginner or to the experienced. I'm glad I bought it: I refer to it all the time.

Occasional gem, but disappoints overall.......2006-02-06

"Smart Home Hacks" provides a basic introduction to X10-based home automation, a technology that's been around since the 1970s. For the most part, the book just scratches the surface of the subject and often goes off on unrelated tangents, such as an example of how to build a robot lawnmower. What's missing is a more comprehensive overview of X10-compatible modules and the different ways they might be used to solve home automation problems. For example, irrigation is a very practical application that's ideal for a computer, and there are X10-based models, such as the Rain8 made by WGL designs. But the author chooses to ignore irrigation because of a perceived flooding hazard, even though the Rain8 has an internal limiter that shuts off the water even if no X10 "off" signal is received. Many pages are devoted to computer automation systems sending text-base messages, but no mention is made of voice-based solutions which are much more practical and cost-effective. The newer software applications that are available are impressive but it's amazing how primitive the available hardware is. The book fails to mention one of the biggest obstacles to X10 deployment: the need for a "neutral" (white) wire in household wiring. Since most light switches are wired with a simple 2-wire loop-back for economic reasons, it would require expensive re-wiring to use X10 switches. And, unless I missed it, it fails to discuss the problem of X10 signals not being passed to the "other side" of typical 2-phase house wiring. Only a passing mention is made to the new INSTEON technology that improves upon the old X10 protocol. So, although the book appears to be "current" it reads like it was written five years ago. "Smart Home Hacks" works best as sort of an idea cookbook. You'll find yourself bouncing around from one "recipe" to another but often finding most cool ideas can't be cooked up because of various obstacles (cost, permits, electronic expertise, obscure hardware, and so on).

SMART HOME HACKS: Tips & Tools for Automating Your House.......2005-09-15

SMART HOME HACKS: Tips & Tools for Automating Your House
Gordon Meyer
O'Reilly Media Inc.
ISBN: 0-596-00722-1

For years we have heard of how computers can provide benefits around the house. Television news programs show research labs using computers in conjunction with special equipment for recording or controlling test. I have often wondered, "How is this accomplished?"

Smart Home Hacks introduces you to previously hidden benefits our computers can provide. With software available for Macintosh and other operating systems we learn to control many items in and around our home from our computer's CPU.

How is this done... using the existing 120 VAC wiring in our walls to transmit and receive signals via X10 transmitter and receivers around your house. Whether controlling 12 volt landscaping lights, the timing cycles for your pool pump, or simply turning lights and sound on and off for security reasons, from the ground up Gordon Meyer's Smart Home Hacks explains the process.

Your computer can send messages to your cell phone, pager, or e-mail account. Driveway lights can be set to come on and remain on for a given period of time, and sprinkler systems can be controlled by your home computer. Meyer takes readers from the basics of X10 codes to starting your hot tub and having it ready when you get home.

For those wanting a computer to work for them this book even shows you how to monitor and plot heating oil fuel consumption. With broadband Internet service you can monitor Fido's actions when you are away from the house by adding video camera(s) and a link to the Internet.

To add cost effectiveness to a home, SMART HOME HACKS: Tips & Tools for Automating Your House is a great addition to a home library. Additionally, it should be considered as an ideal gift.

All about X10.......2005-03-16

Technical people are always looking for ways that technology can improve and enrich their lives. Smart homes-or home automation-has always seemed like something more from science fiction than science fact. However, after reading this book, the truth is that creating a smart home is easier and far less technical than most people think. This book provides the reader with 100 tips or things that can be done (some quite easy, some might take longer to complete) to automate your home.

Contrary to what you might think, much of what you can do with home automation doesn't require your home to be re-wired. Instead, much of what you might want to accomplish (like having your computer automatically turning on or off lights in the house while you're on vacation) can be done very easily through X10 modules. X10 modules are relatively inexpensive components which can send signals over power lines. Once you understand X10, many of the more straightforward hacks in this book make a lot of sense.

Other projects you'll find in this book include a home monitoring system, a smart sprinkling system, sending messages of what's happening at home to a cell phone or pager, and even controlling your home from a web browser. While some of these projects may sound a bit Orwellian, they are actually very interesting and can make your home a safer place to live. Instead of becoming a victim when a toilet or washing machine overflows, you can put preemptive measures in place to be alerted before a problem occurs.

This is a very interesting book and a must read if you've ever considered home automation. Not only will this book step you through some projects, but it will give you some excellent ideas for the future. I enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it.

Home Theater Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools (Hacks)

Average customer rating:

One of the Best Books on Home Theater
Good book, but some weaknesses
Excellent Home Theater Basics explained.
A must read before working on your home theater
Educational

Home Theater Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools (Hacks)
Brett McLaughlin
Manufacturer: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0596007043
Release Date: 2004-11-01

Book Description

It might be the long lines at the theater, the $4.00 for a small bag of popcorn, or the cutting-edge technology that's now so readily available to the home market. Whatever the reason, the home theater market today is booming like the soundtrack to Star Wars! Want proof? A Google search for home theater reveals over three million results. Yikes!

It's simply undeniable: More and more people prefer watching their favorite movies, television shows, and videos from the comfort of their own sofas and couches. What's also undeniable is the inexperience of most people who choose to install or upgrade their home theaters.

Until now, the knowledge, technique, and experiences of those who've encountered similar conditions to yours could only be accessed through laborious web searches, stacks of magazines, and water cooler conversations. Home Theater Hacks from O'Reilly is the perfect remedy for this group.

A smart collection of insider tips and tricks, Home Theater Hacks covers home theater installation from start to finish, purchase to experience. Just imagine: no frustrating trial-and-error process and better yet, no expensive appointments with installation experts. Home Theater Hacks prevents both by imparting down-and-dirty technique not found anywhere else.

The book begins with a quick glossary of terms so you can speak the lingo when you go shopping, and then dives right into hush-hush, insider tricks. It's all covered where to find the right audio and video components, how to deal with speakers and wiring, understanding cable connectivity, mastering remote controls, how to fully grasp TiVo, and so much more. And to top it off, each of these insider tips is presented in a concise yet delightfully entertaining style. Bringing the Jurassic Park dinosaurs into your living room has never been so easy!

A seasoned veteran with numerous O'Reilly titles under his belt, author Brett McLaughlin leaves no stone unturned in helping you customize your home theater experience to your own personal environment.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best Books on Home Theater.......2007-02-21

Saw this at my local bookstore and checked with Amazon.com and was happy to purchase it online for a substantial discount here. This book is great for anyone beginning to setup their own home theater and for those that really like to get into the meat of this hobby. The pages are easy to read with good, clear black and white photos spread throughout.

What this book offers are those uncommon tips and tricks that big name electronics stores don't want you to know about. This book alone will save me hundreds of dollars from all the information provided inside. It's doesn't have too much techno-babble but it won't feel like a crash course booklet leaving you wanting more. Intelligently laid out and highly recommended.

Good book, but some weaknesses.......2006-04-15

This is a good choice to learn about home theater, and the author has a number of great ideas to get you started. I recommend the book, but I was disappointed with several aspects. 1) It seemed to be aimed more to the high-end user; no information about home-theater-in-a-box or virtual surround sound was given. I can imagine the author's opinions on these subjects, but he should have at least addressed them. 2) Some information is rapidly becoming outdated, especially in the video processing and connectivity sections. This book should probably be updated once a year. 3) Too much unnecessary detail in some areas. For example, a large section on antenna construction should be shortened, since most people probably use either cable or satellite anyway. And while the long section on user service codes is good, most of it will be out of date by the time the book is published. 4) Too much emphasis on projection displays, and not enough detail on flat panels (e.g., mounting issues, care/maintenance issues). 5) I would like to see more information about wiring strategies: different ways to hide wiring, the status of wireless speakers, etc.

Excellent Home Theater Basics explained........2006-02-01

This book covers it all. Very well written and easy to understand. He covers everything from TV's to recievers, amps and speakers. A must for any home theater enthusiest.

A must read before working on your home theater.......2005-03-16

Home Theater Hacks is the perfect book for anyone in the planning, building, or improvement phase of their home theater. This book really covers everything that has to do with a home theater: from selecting the right components, to component configuration, to cabling, to making your theater look awesome. This book is a must read before you start your home theater.

The book begins with a very thorough and impressive discussion of how and where to buy home theater components. The author discusses receivers (both audio and video), DVD players, TVs (both HD and standard), as well as the ins and outs of buying online versus at a local store. This discussion naturally leads to a very large section on "configuration", which includes such things as how to install and configure a terrestrial television antenna, how to match your subwoofer to your room, and everything you ever wanted to know about cables. I particularly enjoyed the author's discussion of the modern myth of expensive cabling. He provides a very good explanation of what "good enough" means (you wouldn't put gold water pipes in your home, why spend $100 on a gold cable?).

As mentioned, this is a very interesting and useful book for anyone planning or currently working on a home theater. It dispelled a lot of myths I had heard in the past, and provides clear explanations as to why many of these myths are false. Additionally, I found that the book provided sound advice in the purchase and configuration of home theater components.

Educational.......2005-01-18

I am by no means a home theater nut, but I figured I could always use a few pointers on setting up my living room to improve my viewing experience. The nice thing about this book (and all "hacks" books, for that matter) is the broad spectrum of ideas and suggestions. As a lot of this stuff was new to me, I appreciated the amount of detail the author goes into for each hack.

I found the hacks on Calibration (#60 - #74) the most helpful for getting noticable improvements quickly. There are also plenty of other simple tips here and there (i.e. lighting, wiring, warm-up vs burn-in) to enhance my home theater. However, the book was a bit over my head at times -- therefore very educational. I'm going to have to install some bass shakers (Hack #40) into my couch as my first project. =)

Average customer rating:

Good Book
Not for the Do-it-Yourself(er)
Residential Cabling

Residential Network Cabling
BICSI
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0071382119

Book Description

Plan, sell, bid on, install, and upgrade home wiring for networked services

The industry explosion in whole-home wiring, also known as structured wiring, is a lucrative opportunity for cable installers, electricians, IT managers, and telecom equipment manufacturers to expand into the residential arena. Developed for BISCI’s internationally respected curriculum for Registered Residential Installers, Residential Network Cabling provides you with the most reliable residential network cabling manual available. This resource is compliant with NEC, FCC, ANSI/TIA/EIA, CEBus, Firewire, and Bluetooth standards and has been field-tested by tens of thousands of technicians in 85 countries. Here’s all the information and step-by-step training advice you need to master, including:

New installation

Upgrades

Integration for add-ons

Much more

Customer Reviews:

Good Book.......2007-02-09

This is an easy read if your in the business... Lots of standards of installation.

Not for the Do-it-Yourself(er).......2003-06-15

This book contains a wealth of valuable information, but it is not very accessible to a non-professional. It reads very much like a text book and might be a good resource if you really need to know the nuances of every type of cable needed in a Residential Structured Cabling System.

I purchased this book in hopes that it would have a little more Do-it-yourself information, but was disappointed. The largest problem in my opinion was the quality of the illustrations. There were plenty of line drawings, but they lacked detail and utility. It went into great detail on how to work with optical fiber but left it entirely to your imagination of how to work with Network, Television and Telephone cable.

The book is riddled with duplicated knowledge, (several sections are even repeated several times in the same chapter) and makes references to other publications that a home builder or electrician may have.

If you are looking for good resource on how to build your own home network/CATV/telephone structured cable system, look elsewhere. If you are familiar with the electrical or telecommunications fields and need a good reference it might suit your needs.

Residential Cabling.......2002-02-23

I attended the Pilot Training course of the same name taught by BICSI. The book very closely follows whatis in the course, and is required reading if you intend to take the BICSI exam. As technical books go, it is very easy to read. I would recomend this bookto anybody looing to get into the Residential Cabling Market.

Average customer rating:

Wiring Home Networks
John Ross
Manufacturer: Sunset Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0376018062

Book Description

We're all working (and playing) in a digital world. Computers, entertainment systems, satellite cable, and Internet connections-they're multiplying in virtually every household. Before you attempt to connect all the dots, check out Wiring Home Networks, the just-in-time home network how-to guide from Sunset. Step-by-step instructions help you create your own home networks for computers, video, audio, and phone systems. Need to extend DSL service to more than one computer, add cable or satellite TV access in several rooms, or increase the number of remote speakers for your CD or DVD system? This book shows you how. Even electricians and contractors who understand how to work with AC wiring, but who have little experience with data, audio, or video networks, will benefit from its easy-to-follow directions. Don't get frustrated-get wired, today!

Electrical Construction and Maintenance Techniques (2nd Edition)

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Electrical Construction and Maintenance Techniques (2nd Edition)
Elliot C. Gray , and Melbourne E. Bailey
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0133460819

Book Description

Provides a comprehensive, basic introduction to electrical construction and wiring, written specifically for readers with little or no experience in the subject. The book has been written to be easy to read. And because the material is arranged in a logical sequence, it is easier for readers to understand the topics covered. In addition, the book includes many photos, illustrations, examples, and numerous review questions to assist readers in understanding the material. This second edition of Electrical Construction and Maintenance has been updated to correspond with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code (1996 Edition). It also includes a new chapter covering conductors as well as expanded coverage including additional and revised material, photos, illustrations, and examples. A valuable book for any professional who needs a reference book on basic electrical construction or wiring.

Easy Home Wiring How-To Kit for Telephone, TV and Internet (atHomeSmart)

Average customer rating:

A Must For Do-It-Yourself Wiring

Easy Home Wiring How-To Kit for Telephone, TV and Internet (atHomeSmart)

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Binding: Paperback

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Wiring Home Networks

ASIN: B000BAT5UU

Product Description

Smart Home structured wiring solution for the Do-It-Yourselfer. The kit is a Complete Home Wiring System that includes an installation reference guide handbook and 300+ easy-to-use Coded Cable Labels making wiring a snap! The labels are at the heart of this system. Combined with our fast, easy-to-read handbook with plenty of illustrations, atHomeSmart will guide you to a fully connected home. Our comprehensive kit gives you the confidence and the tools you need to wire your Telephone, Cable TV, Satellite TV, High-Speed Internet, Wired & Wireless Computer Networking, DSL, Cable Modem, Voice over IP, Surround-Sound Speakers, CCTV, Home Theater and Home Office. Everything Is Automated from installing the cables, to managing, the cables during and after the installation, to documenting the installed configuration. The Unique System Saves You Money From Day One! That is because you are no longer locked into a proprietary product. The kit provides for EASY INSTALLATION of cables and: OPEN ARCHITECTURE - use any product by any company and integrate it seamlessly. PLUG & PLAY - gives you the ability to install different components or easily switch to a different service. FUTURE READY - gives you the freedom to add on new services and technologies available in the future. MORE HOME VALUE - increase value to your home with fully documented, future-ready structured wiring system. PROJECTS - Several projects are included in the atHomeSmart kit that can be easily installed so that you can take advantage of your connected home. Simple-to-use connection diagrams are provided with the cable labels shown for the needed cables and equipment connections. EXTRA VALUE!! IMAGINE A HOW-TO PRODUCT THAT WILL ALWAYS BE UP TO DATE. With new technologies and products entering the marketplace on a regular basis, the athomesmart product has been designed to keep you current. As a kit owner, you will have access to new project offerings on our website for your installed wiring.

Customer Reviews:

A Must For Do-It-Yourself Wiring.......2005-10-14

I was in the process of re-wiring my house, and the thought of having to figure out
the wiring had me going bonkers. I wanted to make sure that the re-wire job was
done in a clean, thought out manner.

I came across the atHomeSmart product while doing my research. I figured
that for $20, why not. It turned out to be money well spent, and it saved
me time to boot.

The pre-printed labels and the included How-To projects, made my re-wire
project rather simple. If your looking for a product that not only explains
how to wire, but gives you the 'tools'.....this is it.

Network news: structured wiring offers some extravagant possibilities.(digital home) : An article from: Residential Architect

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Network news: structured wiring offers some extravagant possibilities.(digital home) : An article from: Residential Architect
Rebecca Day
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Wiring Your Home for Voice, Data, and Broadband RF Networks [ DVD Video ]

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Wiring Your Home for Voice, Data, and Broadband RF Networks [ DVD Video ]

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VTLQR6

Product Description

97 minute DVD.

DS2 unveils largest display of market-ready products for HD video and audio networking over home wiring at CES 2007.(POWERLINE NETWORKING): An article from: Home Networks

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DS2 unveils largest display of market-ready products for HD video and audio networking over home wiring at CES 2007.(POWERLINE NETWORKING): An article from: Home Networks
Gale Reference Team
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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ASIN: B000NA2T1K
Release Date: 2007-02-08

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Home Networks, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2007. The length of the article is 436 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: DS2 unveils largest display of market-ready products for HD video and audio networking over home wiring at CES 2007.(POWERLINE NETWORKING)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: Home Networks (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Page: 12(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Flexible home networks: wireless can be a way to add flexibility to a structured wiring network.(Inner workings: a step-by-step guide to home and Internet technologies): An article from: Builder

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Flexible home networks: wireless can be a way to add flexibility to a structured wiring network.(Inner workings: a step-by-step guide to home and Internet technologies): An article from: Builder

Manufacturer: Hanley-Wood, Inc.
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Binding: Digital

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