Recent content by chedemefedeme

I've done some research and have found out why they say no rechargeables. Somfy shades operate on 12v. Lithium batteries are pretty stable around 1.5v....but NiMH and NiCD rechargeable AA batts are 1.2. This doesn't affect some devices, but it means when you multiply by 8 the Somfy shades are...

Hello folks.   I've talked a decent bit on here about my Elk controlled Somfy shades. I love them...except I'm finally fed up with buying the insanely expensive Energizer Lithium batteries?   I'm hoping someone here who knows a decent bit about batteries/electricity can provide some insight.  ...

      Precisely my point. IP cellular monitoring does everything traditional cellular monitoring does, plus much more!   And (for occasional viewing, lest you run your data bill too high) you could use the usbmodem+cradlepoint setup described above to even have your cameras visible from afar...

No problem. I'm glad to help. Unless anything you need to discuss is very private we should keep it in this thread. In this community there are lots of folks who benefit from getting to watch and read and jump into the conversation as ideas and problems are tackled.

No problem providing more details. What do you want to know? What is your level of networking knowledge?

That's cool. I wonder if this is simple commercialization of the "hackerspaces" that keep getting all the media attention lately. It would make sense...maybe...

So we are supposed to put a Kinect attached to a computer in every room? Maybe I'm not getting it here. Also, and again maybe I don't know enough about Kinect to get it...what is advantageous about using a somewhat unsightly camera type device such as Kinect as a microphone instead of a...

Here's what I'd do. - Get an M1XEP for your elk if you don't already have one - Sign up for a cellular data service that provides a USB modem. If you already have something like AT&T or Verizon for your mobile phone adding one only costs $20/month. Or if you're in range of Clear's 4g Wimax...

Not sure if this will work with your board, but I did the following: 1) Buy variety pack of photoresistors for a few bucks at radio shack 2) Connect a random one directly to a zone on my elk 3) Write custom rules in the Elk that monitors the zone voltage It works PERFECTLY. I have one in a...

The elk contactor for sure. The box it comes in could probably be used outdoors with some weatherstripping and perhaps a little shield overhead to avoid direct rain. Dunno what your pool equip area looks like, but the one at my parent's place where my second insteon setup is would handle this...

I can say that WAF is higher when something does not go in the master closet..so there may be some valid element to it from that perspective. I can say this from experience the other way. I've basically taken over all the high shelves/walls of the master closet with automation gear..and the wife...

It's luck, still, really. I've had several things stolen in plain sight of my cameras. The cops look at it and think my system is cool, but they can't do anything about it unless the guy does something that afternoon so dumb he gets caught red handed and they then recognize him from my video.

If you want a supplemental device to the Elk look at the Universal Devices ISY. http://www.universal-devices.com/residential/isy994i-series/ I don't own one but I'll probably get one soon. The Elk honestly does a LOT on its own. Without any supplemental processor/controller my elk: -...

Why would you want your M1XEP to have a dynamic IP? You really should have it assigned static for a number of reasons: - So you know what IP to find it at from ElkRP - So you can port forward to it for access outside your network - So you can use third party devices & software (ISY, custom...

Would not any Elk compatible wireless reed switch/magnetic security contact work? If you want something heavier duty or more appropriate for the outdoor setting perhaps a garage door sensor? Most are encased in metal, screw down rather than use adhesive, and are weather resistant.