December '03 newsletter:
the X10 Files
Lessons on Safety from Tim the Toolman
(plus a
great giveaway from Smarthomeusa.com)
Anyone who's ever watched Tim "the Toolman" Taylor
on the Home Improvement TV series can appreciate good intentions gone awry.
On one episode Tim got the bug to install his own home security system.
It actually was pretty effective in driving off potential burglars - as well
as friends and neighbors. Blaring sirens and flashing strobe lights
that went off at slightly inopportune times... well, they were just a
hallmark of Tim's enthusiastic approach to home improvement projects.
With the holidays nearly here, we might get away
with the flashing lights, but the sirens probably aren't very Christmas-sy (wow-that
word looks worse than it sounds).
While none of us want to be the object of
neighborhood scorn, it is possible to improve the security of our homes
discreetly. There is a place for sirens and strobe lights (for some of
us anyway) - but beyond that there are "quieter" ways of protecting our
families.
For instance, a
driveway monitor can alert you to vehicles entering your driveway.
That way you won't be caught unawares when visitors approach after dark
(plenty of time to tie the Rottweilers up - or let them loose!). These
things are pretty cool. They work by sensing changes in the earth's
electromagnetic field (moving cars make that happen). This means
animals or people won't cause false alarms.
In addition, with the newer wireless versions
installation is a snap. If you check out the link above you'll see a
variety of choices. Some of them are intelligent enough to tell
whether a car is entering or leaving, and inform you accordingly by chime or
contact-closure.
This is nice enough as a standalone unit. But
if you've got other goodies in place (Timecommander
or
Stargate) you can do a lot more. How about triggering the TV to
tune in to the
outdoor camera when a car enters the driveway? Or automatically
turning on some outdoor lights for you or your visitors? Maybe if you
have reason for paranoia your security system could automatically arm.
The point is, you can use your imagination and customize your home to meet
your individual security needs.
Now if you're new at this and just want to break
into home automation related security without spending a lot, you could just
buy a few
X10 modules and
remotes. Add a
timer, and you've got scheduled lighting for after dark!
There are a hundred other things you could do.
Of course a good
security system is the perfect place to start. Whether you decide
to do it yourself or have one professionally installed is up to you.
If you're doing it yourself, ease of installation is a tradeoff with cost
when you decide to do a wireless system versus hardwired; but the
peace of mind that comes with knowing YOU are in control of your home's
safety is just about priceless.
ONE OTHER
IMPORTANT NOTE!!
If you're thinking about making any purchases for
yourself or as a gift, NOW is the perfect time.
www.SmarthomeUSA.com is running a
promotion through December 12. THAT'S TOMORROW!!!
It seems that they'll be giving away an Adicon Leopard
Touchscreen to some lucky person, and three Xanboo cameras to others.
In order to enter, you just need to place an order of $100 or more by
December 12. If you hurry, you can still get in on this!
Check out SmarthomeUSA's home systems overview.
Sign up for the 7-Day Home
Automation Course.
Get more detail from Integrating the Smart Home and its Owner
(now available in
PAPERBACK!!
FREE electronic
version included!).
Till next time,
Andy Jackson,
Integratorpro.com
SmarthomeUSA.com
Andy@Integratorpro.com
Index to Archives
|
