rocketmonkeys
Member
Hi all,
I've been reading through some of the forum (not as much as I'd like) and the wiring 101 guides, and it's been a huge help.
I'm currently in the middle (or more?) of a new build. My goal is to create a HA system mostly DIY / from-scratch in order to save money, automate everything, and just in general be pretty neat.
My background:
- Computer programmer
- Comfortable building PCs, networks, etc
- Decent with simple small-electronics soldering
Right now my (flexible) plans:
- Central computer that handles DVR, webcam monitoring/security, file backup, and home automation
- Motorized shades on many windows (not sure which motor yet)
- Ethernet drops (w/ POE) in ceilings for IP webcams (baby monitors, general living area, etc)
- Ethernet drops in walls for DVR/TV (using xbmc or mythtv + embedded boxes)
- Some outside ethernet drops (w/ POE) for security IP webcams
- Automated light switches/dimmers (living areas, external lights)
- Remote controlled external door locks
- Motion sensors for DIY security system (ie. txt me a picture when discovered when I'm out of the house)
- Some random appliance sensors (ie. washer/dryer are done)
- In-wall speakers for living room
Details of the house
- Spray foam insulation
- No basement/crawlspace
- 2 stories + attic
Right now the house is framed, sided, and nearly done being pre-wired. I'm about to close up walls and trying to get the last wiring details in. (as of 2013-04-16)
And finally, a list of things I need to figure out (mostly for my own benefit):
- What kind of wiring do I need for the window shades? (maybe cat5e + 18/2 for DC power)
- What webcams can I use? (have foscam right now, but they're not great... something with h264, reliable, audio, better delay)
- How can I put in-wall / ceiling speakers in walls that will be filled w/ spray-foam insulation (icynene)?
- What kind of lighting control should I use? something wireless? Powerline?
- What kind of door-locks should I use?
- And so much more...
Looking forward to getting advice here and learning, and hopefully come out with a great system.
I've been reading through some of the forum (not as much as I'd like) and the wiring 101 guides, and it's been a huge help.
I'm currently in the middle (or more?) of a new build. My goal is to create a HA system mostly DIY / from-scratch in order to save money, automate everything, and just in general be pretty neat.
My background:
- Computer programmer
- Comfortable building PCs, networks, etc
- Decent with simple small-electronics soldering
Right now my (flexible) plans:
- Central computer that handles DVR, webcam monitoring/security, file backup, and home automation
- Motorized shades on many windows (not sure which motor yet)
- Ethernet drops (w/ POE) in ceilings for IP webcams (baby monitors, general living area, etc)
- Ethernet drops in walls for DVR/TV (using xbmc or mythtv + embedded boxes)
- Some outside ethernet drops (w/ POE) for security IP webcams
- Automated light switches/dimmers (living areas, external lights)
- Remote controlled external door locks
- Motion sensors for DIY security system (ie. txt me a picture when discovered when I'm out of the house)
- Some random appliance sensors (ie. washer/dryer are done)
- In-wall speakers for living room
Details of the house
- Spray foam insulation
- No basement/crawlspace
- 2 stories + attic
Right now the house is framed, sided, and nearly done being pre-wired. I'm about to close up walls and trying to get the last wiring details in. (as of 2013-04-16)
And finally, a list of things I need to figure out (mostly for my own benefit):
- What kind of wiring do I need for the window shades? (maybe cat5e + 18/2 for DC power)
- What webcams can I use? (have foscam right now, but they're not great... something with h264, reliable, audio, better delay)
- How can I put in-wall / ceiling speakers in walls that will be filled w/ spray-foam insulation (icynene)?
- What kind of lighting control should I use? something wireless? Powerline?
- What kind of door-locks should I use?
- And so much more...
Looking forward to getting advice here and learning, and hopefully come out with a great system.