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I've been looking for an inexpensive waterproof controller (ideally an android tablet) to use to control my lighting and audio systems from the hot tub.  As long as it can run android, I can get it to do what I want.  Alternatively, I could use an iOS device, but I suspect this would be more...

I was having some work done in our basement over the summer, so I created a separate "Area" in my Elk M1 system using the Elk RP software.  Now that the work is done, I deleted the area using the Elk RP tool.  However, I can't figure out how to actually delete the Area on the panel.  I can't...

I have a Hot Spring brand hot tub in a second (weekend) home that's about 2 hours away.  I would like to be able to control the temperature remotely, so I can start it heating up when I'm on my way to the weekend house.   Any suggestions for how to handle this without totally hacking apart the...

I'm buying a second home that has a Frontpoint wireless security system.  Frontpoint appears to use the GE Simon XT.  Does anyone know if it is possible to use the Frontpoint equipment with a different monitoring company?  The rates for Frontpoint monitoring are very expensive (on the order of...

I have been slowly building a z-wave network in my house for the last couple of years.  I use a VeraLite with the plugin for my Elk M1 alarm system.  The system was working great for several years (100% reliable).  In the past couple of months, I added 2-3 more lamp modules (plug-in type) and...

We use (and appreciate) the voice chime on all of our entry doors and windows (Elk M1 system with speakers behind the keypads).  But when we have a party or people are going in and out to the deck, it gets crazy annozing.   I would like to limit the number of times that the chime on any given...

I'd like to start a pretty simple discussion on how people are controlling their automated lighting devices from bed.  I.e., what interface are you using for the control.   Scenario:  Master bedroom adjacent to hall and master bathroom Lights: 1.) Master Bed Overhead Lights 2.) Master Bed...

I thought it would be useful to start a discussion about voice/video intercom software for wall-mounted home automation tablets.  Personally, I use android-powered tablets, but I understand that many others use iPads (due to the wide availability of wall mount docks).   One aspect that I've...

My security system (Elk m1) includes a number of wired motion detectors.  I recently picked up a VeraLite and started converting switches over to Z-Wave.  One of our favorite things is being able to trigger the lights in a room/hallway to turn on when motion is detected (and then later turn them...

I've been toying around with different options for my new deck lights, and wanted to get opinions from others on how they would handle the situation.  I use zwave with leviton switches and a vera lite.   I have a double gang box with 2 switches (one for kitchen lights and one for outdoor wall...

I recently started using a logitech alert outdoor camera to monitor my backyard. The software lets you draw zones (boxes) to trigger a motion detected event, which will send you an email and a snapshot. I would like to leverage motion detection for home automation and security. Specifically...

Does anyone have recommendations for outdoor motion detectors?  I want to use these to trigger lighting and email events on and under my deck.  I'm having trouble finding outdoor sensors other than the DSC-151 and DSC-171, which don't appear to be widely available.   What outdoor sensors are...

Does anyone have any experience with using distributed audio/video equipment from Zektor?   I started a thread a while back looking for a replacement for my Niles ZR6 units.  See http://cocoontech.com/forums/topic/22780-multizone-audio-receiver-or-matrix-with-iprs232-control/?hl=+zektor   The...

Is anyone else having problems accessing cocoontech in Chrome? I've tried from multiple computers over the past few days and it crashes every time.

I currently have 7 sources (with the potential for more) and 8 zones (with the potential for 3-4 more) with a dual Niles ZR-6 system with wall keypads. The ZR-6 is unfortunately limited to 5 sources (plus the built-in FM radio), even when you daisy chain two units together (I thought...

I need to control a few devices (attached to appliance modules) from a PC. I need to be able to send commands using custom scripts/programs that I am writing or have already written, so I need something that has an app that I can call from a command line. What is the best and least expensive...

After tinkering with some of the voice announcements on my Elk m1 via ElkRP the other night, I got a call from my alarm company (Alarm Relay) indicating that they received a "TransmitterUnencrypt" message from my alarm system and wanted me to confirm everything was OK. I use IP monitoring with...

I have an Elk m1g system and I would like to add Insteon lighting control. I have the XEP module for the m1, but no XSP modules. I plan to use the dual-band Insteon products. What do I need to add to the Elk? If I use the isy99, do I need an XSP module or is the XEP sufficient? Will the...

I want to install top-down, bottom-up blinds/shades in our master bedroom, with the top-down portion motorized. I would also consider motorized top-down only (no bottom-up), if necessary. Unfortunately, I did not pre-wire for blinds. I did, however, pre-wire the top window pane with 22/2 awg...

I would like for my Elk to be able to control my Niles ZR6 multizone audio system. Does anyone have any experience with this? The Niles ZR6 has a serial (RS232) interface, so I am planning to pick up an Elk M1XSP and have them to talk to each other using the text send rules in the Elk to send...