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    Somfy Shade Battery Alternatives?

    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...
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    Somfy Shade Battery Alternatives?

    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.  ...
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    Elk-compatible GSM for DIY'er?

          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...
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    Elk-compatible GSM for DIY'er?

    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.
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    Elk-compatible GSM for DIY'er?

    No problem providing more details. What do you want to know? What is your level of networking knowledge?
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    Lowe's Membership Workshop

    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...
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    CastleOS - new home automation software with Kinect voice control

    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...
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    Elk-compatible GSM for DIY'er?

    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...
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    Want An Analog Light Detector That Will Output 0 to 5 VDC depending on Light Intensity

    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...
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    Pool Pump Control Solutions - Insteon

    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...
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    Bedroom Closet or Attic

    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...
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    Video Surveillance Works to Catch Thief

    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.
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    My reluctant head long dive back into HA

    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: -...
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    Can't connect to M1XEP, plus ElkRP2 issues, any tips?

    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...
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    Pool security

    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.
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    Insteon Appliance Linc with PLM 2413S

    In my experience (have aninsteon system with about 20 devices in my house, 15 in my parents, both direct to PLM like yours) it is either: - Bad signal (most likely) - Faulty module (rare but happens) I dont quite know why, but I have found it is much harder signal wise to get a module to link...
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    Email video clip on driveway entry

    My setup consists of: - ElkM1 + Elk Ethernet + doorbell attached to elk - Cameras running in BlueIris (but they can really be even just one standalone IP cam, so long as it supports jpeg stills) - A copy of debian with perl, apache, php and such common things installed - The ElkM1Control...
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    Email video clip on driveway entry

    Forgot to say what I'm doing with my script and Elk is actually using BlueIris as the central point where I snag the images from. You could do this entirely within BlueIris also and its probably the most bang for your buck as far as DVR software goes - its $50 for what many $200+ programs do.
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    Email video clip on driveway entry

    I wrote a little script that runs on a linux box adjacent to my elk. Anytime someone rings the doorbell it grabs a jpeg from my front door camera and push messages it to my iPhone. Doing so with a video (perhaps a gif, for easy/instant smartphone viewing) wouldn't be that much more scripting.
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    The mother of all HDMI switchers?!?

    I have one question. Maybe my imagination is too small but....what on earth would this be used for?!
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