Recent content by KenM

My original thought for this thread was to just ask everyone, how happy they might be with their current HA system? No bashing other systems would be allowed. Don't know. Maybe it was too complicated for a poll? :) I had hoped to set up a poll. Oh well.

I am just too stupid. I tried to start a poll on 'How happy you are with your current HA stuff'. Only happy thoughts are allowed. ??? By the way Sloop. Try not to be so polite in your posts (joke). We go back a long way (in cyberspace). I have always enjoyed your comments. Ken

Just a thought?

I understand and agree. My only problem is in the way INSTEON was/is advertised/marketed. If no one here can provide it, search on 'INSTEON compared'. I read that back (way back) when I was trying to decide which system to buy, and, I (have and) now raise the BS flag on them. I spent hours...

Hi, One of the things that may have gone by (and I forgot to mention)... Is that we are all talking installed wall light/power switches and stuff. You can purchase plug-in type modules that will work with most any electrical system. The technologies that I know of, all have a version of plug-in...

I was an early INSTEON user and developer. I came away with some low opinions about anything associated with that name. Things may be different now. If you search around on INSTEON plug-in filters, you will start to uncover a whole new aspect of that power-line technology. They have a mix of...

Thanks for mentioning that. I am going to do a little more research on the device. Off hand it looks exactly like what I am needing :rolleyes:. k Edit added: I would invite comments from anyone who has had experience with the 'Mi Casa Verde'. Specifically about: Can remote access be set up...

Hi all, I am fishing for information. My backround for this question: I have been a WinXP user since the 'it' was released (yup I even used Win 3.1). I have also experimented with Linux OSs since about Win 3.1. The latest Ubuntu (10.10) is almost something I could use 100% of the time. I...

Thanks for all the ideas. The circuit is on a 15 amp breaker. I think I will try the pigtail idea. The outlet only gets warm when cloths ironing is going on, I guess electric irons were still a novelty back in the 50s :) .

Hi all, I have a 1959 vintage house in Southern Ca. The 'electricians' who originally wired the house used an outlet in the back bath as a connection point to all of the outlets in the back bedroom. All of the outlets are two pin, no ground type. My concern (other than I need to rewire the...

With a grin on my face, I would somewhat disagree with that first sentence. In some parts of the country, not giving a 'straight answer' means making up some BS answer. I just give my opinion and best advice, based on past experience, as I am sure the others here do too. I think I know what you...

Thanks Wayne. I enjoy the heck out of getting new information. This is a FYI thread, and I started it, so, no hijack is happening. Thanks again for the info. k

I bought into the original INSTEON issue, years ago. It was 100% effective UNTIL I added my first CFL, then it (the network) went to crap (for me). If you view the Smarthome forum, it is filled with "filter link" posts. Those work (I guess) but they cost additional money and if some visitor...

Hi again all, All of this talk made me curious about power factor and CFL bulbs, so I did a little searching. I have linked one of many articles that attempt to explain how power factor effects the actual (price paid) power: PDF article on CFL Power Factor . I am converting my lighting to CFL...

Hi Mike. That sort of surprised me too. I have come to the (biased) conclusion that the (older) Vizia-RF line is indestructible (I sure have not been able to kill one with my experiments). I bought in to the first Vizia-RF issue and have yet to have a failure. This CFL must have some sort of...