Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
If you can ensure that the cables won't move much, you can take the cables directly from the speaker switch box
into the wall and along to the speaker, without using separate connectors as I did for the phonos. You would do this for
better fidelity, which you can improve by soldering the cable directly to the speaker terminals themselves.
Other Access Points?
With Cat5 being such a ubiquitous method of cabling, there are fewer demands on the range of cabling that there once
was. But they're still worth considering.
Telephones, for example, can make use of Cat5 sockets with an inexpensive adapter, so there is no need to wire
for them explicitly, particularly with the increased uptake of mobile and VoIP, so add phone-only sockets only if you
think you'll need them.
Infrared signals can be sent over wireless (but this adds to the already overcrowded spectrum) and through
cables with IR distribution amplifiers (necessary to stop the already weak signal from dissipating further). But it is
generally better sent over Cat5, using gateway devices like the Keene IR Anywhere, from Chapter 1.
Depending on the scale of you CCTV installation, you might also need to run separate cables for each camera
back to the camera switching device. You can find information about these in Chapter 1.
Power is always an issue in HA installations, because there's never enough where you need it. Unless you are able
to self-build, you won't have a choice as to where the sockets are or how many you have. You can always cheat the
issue by converting any existing sockets into multigang units or by adding a spur from an upstairs light to provide a
couple of sockets in the loft. This not only gives you the opportunity of adding a small secure filesystem in the loft, but
it means you can use the space to store X10 DIN Rail devices where they are out of the way and don't add the heat in
Node0 itself.
N Don't pack DIN rails too closely to each other because the heat can induce problems in operation. The
recommended minimum separation is 20mm.
Note
Additional power conduits are also useful for lighting driveways and powering electric garage doors. In the
former case, you need only a low-power (around 12v) supply, which can also be used for water fountains, flood lights,
outdoor Christmas trees, cameras, and PIRs. They can also help power sensors, such as the VAL-1 vehicle alerts
that indicate when a car is approaching the garage or driveway. You can even install two to correctly determine the
direction of travel, as we suggested for the Arduino door mat in Chapter 2.
N If your electric garage doors take ten seconds to open, for example, but your sensor is only in range when
you're five seconds away from the door, you will need to employ a custom RF gateway circuit to trigger the door earlier.
Note
There are also the high-powered devices, such as the garage doors, and mains sockets in a shed or garage for
power tools. These are generally coated in rubber for isolation against the elements. In all cases, consult an electrician
and the laws of your country before installing electrical equipment outside!
N
Note
You could also use the driveway sensors to switch on the porch light, ready for your arrival.
 
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