Recent content by MichaelK

I'm researching a HA project, for which I need a vibration detector. I found 1 that might work, but need details.   It's the United Security Products 330. I found a spec sheet for it in a web store. (Their website doesn't even list it.)   I want to integrate it into my z-wave HA system (by...

upstatemike: Routed vs. broadcast: on a z-wave network, any time you change something, you can 'optimize' the network (which fixes routing problems). Reporting: I read last year (I believe from Homeseer) that things in this department will improve. The patent on 'instant status update' ran out...

I'm researching the concept of streaming audio to my stereo. (Yes, just audio.) My system doesn't have Bluetooth or LAN connectivity. Looking for Bluetooth adapters, I found some that also have LAN. What, exactly, can I do with a LAN adapter? I read that they can stream e.g. Pandora. But, can...

  Yeah, I didn't really fully read it when I found it (which I think was several months ago, and I sorta' forgot that it even mentioned Homeseer). Actually, back then, I didn't know about Homeseer; I decided to get it about 2 months ago (because of a recommendation from someone in another HA...

edit: I got the previous 2 posts after posting this.   42etus: I think that a 4-level indication would work nicely: full, half, low, and empty. Low would mean 'refill soon', calibrated such that it has 1-3 more cycles left (depending on how much water the residents use and how much of a...

I've searched the web several times (using various phrases) for a device to monitor my water softener's salt level and feed the data to a HA system. I found a few projects -- but none work with HA. One was on this site --...

  Let's see if I can translate that. A powerful amp set to low and medium levels is better than a weak amp cranked up. Is that correct?     I know about THD; speakers can be driven hard if the THD is low, but a high THD is bad, and could blow the driver.   Maybe music is just so complex that...

I have a pair of dbx Soundfield V speakers. The owner's manual states that the "Recommended amplifier power" is 20 - 250 watts / channel. But, it doesn't state RMS or peak. So, which would it be?

Does a '.2' surround system have to use matching subwoofers? Or, can they be different sizes (and, thus, different ranges)? I'm thinking of replacing my 7.1 (I have a small room for my HT, so I think it's overkill), and going back to a 5.something. I really like the low end (whether for movies...

Hello! OK, I just registered. I have some questions now, and I'm sure I'll have more as I build my system. I love anything technical (hobby electronics, computer programming, etc.) and scientific. And, I love to do projects for my house (plumbing, electrical, landscape, etc.) So, I really love...