Recent content by Smarty

  Hilarious video....it is SPOT ON!!

42etus - Question - why do you have two XEP's (I assume connected to the one single ELK M1), and how did you set the second one up?   I presently have an extra XEP sitting around and was thinking how I could re-purpose it somehow with the Elk M!.

Thanks for the info.....   ....Seems to me that this price is REALLY HIGH compared to the $12 - $20/month that you can get Vaders or Necro streaming IPTV for...and they offer more like 300-500+ channels....  Run those through Plex and call it a day....   

Can't go wrong with the Elk M1 choice....it just works.   As for motion sensors with the Boxers.....likely won't work....focus on perimeter (door, window etc.) sensors instead (unless there are times the house is fully empty (like if the dogs are boarded when you are on vacation).   Really can't...

In my setup (ASUS N66 router - stock firmware), I use the Open VPN SERVER to connect securely TO my network (when I am away from it).   Then, when home (in my network), I use NordVPN CLIENT to change/hide my location when using various programs (think Kodi streaming).    You can't really use...

I use Nord; it seems ok to me.  There is indeed some speed hit (as seen by running speed tests), but nothing really noticeable outside of that.   As for non-ISP routers, I use an older ASUS router.  Their firmware is VERY CLOSE to DD-WRT open source firmware...there are lots of nice options.  ...

My two cents....   ElkM1 for alarm and base automation controller is hard to beat (agree with the post above...Elk plus ISY is nice!) .    Homeseer or some other PC based software controller (CQC, PowerHome, many others) will prvide higher level functionality to augment the "ladder logic" type...

Ditto what Mike said above!

Curious to hear how this turns out.....I am looking for similar failover protections...

Have you considered mounting an Echo near the hot tub?  That way you could control via voice.   I am considering doing this, but I am waiting on an Echo skill to be added into the automation system I am using (PowerHome).

I use these and they work fairly well.  Not all of their API is "workable", but enough to control it as you desire.  Their free App is pretty good, you should look at it...

FYI...I have a copy of the latest (2014 and earlier) ISCP codes from Onkyo.  Can anyone help me get them uploaded (XLS file, 756 KB)

I have successfully controlled my Onkyo receivers for many years using the serial port (but not yet by Ethernet or wireless).   My newest receiver (TX-NR-838) appears to have the ability to show on screen messages.   I have not yet been able to figure out how the protocol for this should look. ...

I am looking for a programmable, PC controllable thermostat that doesn't have to be "cloud connected".  The closest that I have found appears to be from Radio Thermostat:   (http://www.radiothermostat.com/latestnews.html#partners   On this page you can see that then even publish their API.  ...

Thanks Pete....   I may end up going this route....just didn't want to have to support another PC....but maybe....