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Everyone helped me big time here...solonoids is what I was thinking of. And, i think I got the idea from the link provided to the make shift automatic car starter :) Now, I know nothing of what kind of solonoid to get. I'll probably want one to push a garage door opener, one to start a car...

I'm looking for something that will automatically push a button. Meaning, if I put a car starter under this device, I can have home automation turn the device on, which will push the button down somehow, hold it, then release. I have many applications for this including an application for...

Excellent information, especially that I would have them install a cheap timer, then I just replace that. That answers a lot of questions floating around in my head. Thanks for the information and the links. This is a good place to start, and I'll post back when / if I need more info.

I am having someone come out to give me a bid on a sprinkler system for my yard. I would like to know where to start to research the possiblity of automating the sprinkler systems with Home Automation. I have a cpu built that is dedicate for my Home Automation needs and it is running Homeseer...

Very cool info...is it sort of standard for these devies to all fit regular holes?

I already have Homeseer Pro for the backend, and I built a dedicated PC to run it, so that is covered. I like the magnetic option, where it knows if it is open or closed, that is huge to me for what I want to do. I'll do some research on those as that will more than likely be the approach I...

I am not familiar with Door Contacts, but a quick google shows that is a nice approach :)

ooh yes, good question! I will definately need to have a key backup if the batteries die!

I am wanting to set up some sort of trigger, where if the garage door opens, then the lights in the garage will turn on...then, after 5 minutes, they will turn off. Where do I begin for the garage door trigger? Should I use some sort of motion detector?

I am looking to replace the door handles on my door that leads to outside with a Z-Wave (or similar wireless device, if existant) device. I have a couple questions about this: 1) My current door has a regular knob and deadbold. When looking at online replacements, it looks like the ones that...

For the Wii sensor and two subs, could I use an appliance module to power a regular surge protector? That way, I in essense turn on the surge protector, and then the surge protector filters to everything else? I think I will be able to use the one surge protector that says if one is on, then...

The main problem right now would be the subs / wii sensor. The subs do power themselves off, yes, but they are in a state of ready, aka, sucking power. And, I have no device that will be plugged into the same strip that I can power on via any sort of remote. I can work with the strips that...

The PowerUSB one appears to be the only one that allows the use of home automation. But, my htpc will be in the opposite corner of the room, so I will not be able to control anything as it is not near it. The first option seems to be a potential candidate, but another remote is not ideal. I...

Yes and no that will work. Yes it will work if I can have the sense portion turn on only some of the outlets. For example, I have an HTPC in my AV rack that I need to be on at all times, but the rest of the stuff can have the power taken away. For the Wii connection (and for that matter, my...

I am looking for some hardware that will give me the ability to turn on and off devices. Two devices will be fans that are in my AV rack, and they are on when they are plugged in, and off when unplugged (no on / off switch). 1 device is the same, on when plugged in, off when not. They are...

It looks like this: http://www.smarthome.com/2207/X10-Pro-20-A...IW-WS13A/p.aspx Could work for the x10 route (cheaper)..do you agree?

Gotcha...buy relay switches to control outlets (do they come in the rocker look?) What about x10 with the non dimming mode? is it possible?

Excellent info here. Having the ability to turn my dimmer rocker switches into simple on / off switches helps a lot for the fans and the outlets, and the power needed. Can I do the same with x10 switches as I can with UPB and UPSTART? If yes, great as I have a bunch of those lying around, if...

I am slowly getting my home automation working, and I currently have some upb dimmer switches, along with some x10 dimmer switches. This is working great for one room, however, i want to expand to others. I have two situations where I need advice. First is the living room. We curently have a...

Great info! If I go the insteon route, then how would I send a signal to the controller to open it? I see the straight USB could be a good option also. And ya, the first link is the door strike we have