Overview

With Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Automation shows users how to take control of their home. Never again will they worry about turning on lights when away. Never again will they serve meals late because they forgot to turn on the crock pot. And the good news is, users don't have to be a card-carrying nerd to do it either. With a few simple tools and the existing 110 electrical wiring, users can be on their way. With a few other additions, X10 technology and a little effort, users can create a home that does their bidding. X10 Technology is a protocol that simply allows commands to be sent over power lines to control electrical devices. X10 is a communications language that allows compatible products to talk to each other via the existing 110V electrical wiring in the home. No costly rewiring is necessary. And the best part, it's now more affordable than ever. This technology has been around for more than 25 years, but only recently has it become mainstream, affordable and useful. To most, home networking is something you do to connect one or two PCs for a rousing game of Unreal Tournament. Think bigger. With the skills taught in Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Automation, users can outfit every room in their house with a network connection, allowing them to control X10 and other home automation systems with a few clicks of the keys.

Full Product Details

Author:   Mark Soper
Publisher:   Pearson Education (US)
Imprint:   Que Corporation,U.S.
Dimensions:   Width: 17.60cm , Height: 2.40cm , Length: 23.00cm
Weight:   0.540kg
ISBN:  

9780789732071

ISBN 10:   0789732076
Pages:   384
Publication Date:   08 June 2005
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Out of Print
Availability:   Awaiting stock  

Table of Contents

Introduction.     Smart Homes for Everyone     How This Book Is Organized     How to Use This Book     Conventions Used in This Book I. HOME TECHNOLOGY BASICS. 1. Understanding Home Technologies.     Ways to Automate Your Home       Lighting Systems       Appliance Control       Alarm and Security Systems       HVAC Systems       Window Control Systems       Remote Access     Major Home Automation Standards       X10       Universal Powerline Bus       Z-Wave       Ethernet/Wi-Fi Home Automation Systems       Proprietary Home Automation Products     Methods for Controlling Your Home       Interactive Home Control       All Lights On/All Units Off Controllers       Timer-Based Control       Photocell-Based Lighting Control       Sensor-Based Controls       Programmable Devices and Remote Controls       Remote Control by Telephone       Computer Control       Home Network Control       Remote Control via the Internet     Home Technology Glossary 2. Getting Started with X10 Home Automation.     What X10 Can Control     Why Use X10 for Home Control?     How X10 Systems Work       A Technical Look at What Makes X10 Work     Setting Up a Simple X10 System       Equipment You'll Need       Selecting House and Unit Codes       Configuring the Components       Testing the System     Troubleshooting Your First X10 Installation 3. Strategies for Adding Home Technology Features.     Determining Your Home Automation Budget       Selecting Where to Start       Automating on a Room-by-Room Basis       Automating on a Task-by-Task Basis       Evaluating Products and Price Ranges       Deciding on a Control Method       Choosing the Most Important Features       How to Select Versatile Components       Vital and Useful Accessories       Selecting Your Next Goal       Budgeting Your Time     Skills Checklist       Plug-in and Wireless Modules       Electrical Outlets and Switches       HVAC Controls       Specialized Tasks       Computer and Internet     Deciding When to Call in the Pros       Selecting a Contractor     Just Do It!       Controlling Seasonal Lighting       Turning On Porch Lights at Night       Creating a Lived-In Look When You're Away       Keeping an Eye on Your Home II. USING X10 FOR BASIC HOME AUTOMATION. 4. Using X10 to Control Home Lighting.     Understanding X10 Lamp and Appliance Control Modules     Selecting the Correct Module for Your Lighting Type       Higher Wattage Rating       Adjustable Dimming Rate       Adjustable Brightness Level       Support for Resuming Dim Level (Memory Dim)       Pass-Through AC Connector       Three-Prong Plug Support       Status Light       Burnt Bulb Detection       Support for Preset Dimming       Support for Scenes       Two-Way X10 Support     Programming an X10 Remote to Control Lighting       Controlling Multiple Lamps with X10     Black & Decker freewire Lighting Control       Elements of the freewire System       Controlling Groups of Lights with the Mood Button       Dimming Lamps Controlled by freewire Modules     Using X10 with Built-in Light Fixtures       Installing and Using Screw-in X10 Lamp Modules       Installing and Using X10 Light Switches     Using X10 with Fluorescent Lighting     Using X10 with Halogen Lighting     Using X10 with Aquarium Lighting     Choosing the Best X10 Controller for Home Lighting     Troubleshooting X10 Home Lighting       Can't Turn Lights On and Off       Can't Dim Lights       Can't Bring Light to Full Brightness       Lights Operate Erratically 5. Using X10 to Control Appliances.     X10 Appliance Module Types     How X10 Appliance Modules Differ from Lamp Modules       Lighting Support       Support for Motor and Electrical Loads       Programmability     Installing X10 Appliance Control Modules       Installing Plug-in X10 Appliance Modules       Installing X10-Compatible Wall Switches for Use with Appliances       Installing X10 Electrical Outlets       Installing X10-Compatible Appliance Relay Modules     Using Appliances with X10 Appliance Modules       Programming Your Appliance to Work with Other Devices     Troubleshooting X10 Appliance Control       Incorrect House and Unit Codes       Device Is Turned Off       Remote Control and Transceiver Problems       Tabletop Controller Problems       No Power to Outlet       Incorrectly Wired Outlet       X10 Devices Work Erratically 6. Using Timers and Advanced Remotes for X10.     X10 Timers       What X10 Timers Can Do       Preparing to Use an X10 Timer       Setting Up an X10 Mini Timer       Using the Timer Interactively       Using Timed Control       Using the Security Feature       Sleep, Alarm, and Snooze Features     X10 Tabletop Maxi Controller       Setting Up the Maxi Controller       Controlling Devices       Using All On/All Off Commands       Configuring Programmable Modules     X10 Universal Remote       Setting Up a Universal Remote       Using the Remote to Control Home Entertainment       Using a Universal Remote with X10 Devices       X10 IR Controllers and Universal Remote Controls III. USING X10 FOR ADVANCED HOME CONTROL. 7. Using X10 to Control HVAC Systems.     Integrating X10 with HVAC Systems     Using X10 for Temperature Monitoring       TempLinc       Programming TempLinc       Configuring TempLinc       How TempLinc Reports Temperatures       Using TempLinc's Thermostat Mode     Thermostat Setback Devices       Installing and Using the TH2807 Thermostat Setback Module     X10-Compatible HVAC Controllers and Thermostats       Installing the TXB16 Control Unit       Installing the TS16 Wall Display Unit       Operating the TXB16     Using X10 Control for Heating and Cooling Appliances       Installing X10 PLC Control for Attic and Whole-House Fans       Installing X10 PLC Control for Space Heaters       Installing X10 PLC Controls for Fans and Air Conditioners     Troubleshooting X10 PLC HVAC Control 8. Using X10 to Control Exterior Landscaping.     Connecting Standard Exterior Lighting to X10       Controlling Porch Lights with X10       Controlling Patio, Pool, and Deck Lights with X10       Installing Photocell Sensors for Outdoor Lighting       Using X10 in Your Garage     Connecting Low-Voltage Accent or Holiday Lights to X10     Controlling Spas, Hot Tubs, and Pool Filters with X10     Troubleshooting X10 Exterior Controls 9. Using X10 to Provide Security.     Methods of Securing Your Home     Installing X10-Compatible Video Cameras       Installation Preparations       Configuring the Camera       Configuring the Receiver       Using the Camera       Using Multiple Cameras       When Wired Cameras Are Better       Moving the Camera       One Camera or More-Determining the Best Camera Strategy       Recording for Additional Security     Using X10 Motion Detectors to Improve Security       Preparations for Setup       Using a Battery-Powered Motion Detector       Using Other Types of Motion Sensors     Installing Comprehensive X10-Compatible Security Systems       Security System Consoles       X10 DC8700 Monitored Security System       Configuring the Security Console to Use Security Components       How the Security Sensor Reports Problems       Testing the Security System       Arming and Disarming Your Security System       Controlling X10 Devices Through Your Security Console     Troubleshooting X10 Security Systems IV. REMOTE ACCESS TO YOUR X10 HOME CONTROL SYSTEM. 10. Accessing X10 Home Control via Telephone.     X10 and Home Telephone Systems     Installing and Using a Touch-Tone Controller       Configuring the TR16A Touch Tone Controller       Using the TR16A to Control Your X10 System Remotely       Using the Touch Tone Controller as a Tabletop X10 Controller       Limitations of the Touch Tone Controller     Using Home Automated Living       HAL's PCI Voice Portal Modem       Using HAL Setup to Configure Your System       Adjusting HAL's Telephone Settings       Adjusting HAL's Voice Recognition Settings       Configuring HAL's X10 Module Support       Creating Macros, Scenes, and Modes       Using HAL to Control X10 Modules Remotely     Using HomeSeer Phone       Using HomeSeer Phone to Control X10 Modules     Keeping Your Home Safe with Sensaphone       How Sensaphone Works       Configuring Sensaphone for Use       Adding and Configuring Sensors       Responding to a Sensaphone Alarm       Receiving a Status Report Remotely       Controlling Sensaphone Remotely       Typical Sensaphone Sessions       Sensaphone Cottage Sitter     Troubleshooting Telephone Access to X10-Based Systems 11. Accessing X10 Home Control via Your Home Computer.     Connecting Your Computer to Your X10 System       Serial Port       USB       Important Features     Installing a Computer Interface for X10     Using Smarthome Manager       Creating a New Location       Adding Devices to Smarthome Manager       Controlling a Device Interactively with Smarthome Manager       Creating a Timed Action       Creating an Event-Triggered Action       Saving Your Smarthome Configuration       Downloading Your Smarthome Configuration to the Controller       Using the Smarthome Manager Tools Menu       Creating and Controlling Scenes     Using HomeSeer       Starting HomeSeer with the HomeSeer Assistant Wizard       Adding and Configuring Devices with HomeSeer       Adjusting Specific Device Options       Creating an Event with HomeSeer       Viewing the Event Log       Using Device Control       Using the Tools Menu     Using X10 ActiveHome Pro       Registering ActiveHome Pro       Working with My Room       Modifying My Room's Module Addresses       Modifying My Room's Name       Renaming and Editing a Module       Removing Modules from a Room       Adding a Module to a Room       Controlling Modules Interactively       Creating a Timed Event       Adding a Room       Storing Changes to Your Configuration       Updating ActiveHome Professional       Creating a Macro       Using the Tools Menu       Using Lifestyle Mode       Retrieving a Deleted Module       Ordering SmartMacros and Other Plug-ins       Creating Reports and Printing Labels       Finding Other Computers     Troubleshooting Computer Control of X10-Based Systems 12. Accessing X10 Home Control via Your Home Network and the Internet.     Methods for Accessing Your Home Automation System Remotely       Integrated Web Server       Remote Access Software and Services     Selecting the Right Home Networking/Web Access Solution     Configuring Your Home Automation System for Remote Access       Upgrading Software       Using an Integrated Web Server       Using Remote Access Software and Services     Adding Webcams to Your Home Automation System     Troubleshooting Home Network and Broadband Access to Your X10 System       Home Automation Software with Integrated Web Server       Remote Access Software and Services V. APPENDICES. A. Integrating X10 with Other Home Control Systems.     Methods for Integrating X10 with Third-Party Home Control Systems     Integrating HAI with X10     Integrating Xanboo with X10     Integrating Leviton DHC with X10     Integrating Z-Wave with X10     Integrating Home Automated Living with X10     Integrating JDS Stargate with X10     Integrating Lightolier Controls Compose with X10     Integrating Applied Digital, Inc. Controllers with X10     Integrating HomeLink with X10     Brand Names for X10-Compatible Equipment B. Troubleshooting X10.     Typical Causes for Problems with X10     Diagnosing and Solving Problems with X10 PLC Signals       Solving Wiring Phase Problems with X10       Using Signal Boosters       Using Noise Filters       Blocking X10 Power Line Signals from Entering Your Home       Testing X10 Signal Quality     Solving Problems with X10 Wireless Transceivers and Remotes       Adding Wireless Signal Repeaters for Greater Range       Upgrading to All-House-Code Transceivers       Leviton HCPRF       X10 CM15A Index.

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Author Information

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home AutomationAbout the Author Mark Edward Soper is president of Select Systems and Associates, Inc., a technical writing and training organization. Mark is a 22-year veteran of the technology industry. His previous experience in photography, creative writing, and journalism has helped him make high technology useful to everyone. Mark has taught computer troubleshooting and other technical subjects to thousands of students from Maine to Hawaii since 1992. He is an A+ Certified hardware technician and a Microsoft Certified Professional. Mark's previous books on home technology subjects for Que include The Complete Idiot's Guide to High-Speed Internet Connections, Absolute Beginner's Guide to Cable Internet Connections, Easy Digital Cameras, and Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Networking. Mark is also the author of TechTV's Upgrading Your PC, Second Edition, published by another Pearson Technology imprint, Peachpit Press. Mark coauthored both the first and second editions of Upgrading and Repairing PCs, Technician's Portable Reference, Upgrading and Repairing PCs Field Guide (which has been translated into several languages) and Upgrading and Repairing PCs: A+ Study Certification Guide, Second Edition with Scott Mueller, one of the world's leading PC hardware experts. Mark also co-authored the original edition of TechTV's Upgrading Your PC with Patrick Norton. Mark has been writing technical documents since the mid-1980s and has contributed to many other Que books, including Upgrading and Repairing PCs (starting with the 11th edition through the current 16th edition); Upgrading and Repairing Laptops; Upgrading and Repairing Networks, Second Edition; Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition; Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (all editions); Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition (all editions); Platinum Edition Using Microsoft Windows XP. Mark has also contributed to MaximumPC Ultimate PC Performance Guide and MaximumPC Guide to Building a Dream PC. Mark has been writing for major computer magazines since 1990, with more than 140 articles in publications such as SmartComputing, PCNovice, PCNovice Guides, the PCNovice Learning Series, and MaximumPC. His early work was published in WordPerfect Magazine, The WordPerfectionist, and PCToday. Many of Mark's articles are available in back issues or electronically via the World Wide Web at http://www.smartcomputing.com. Mark welcomes comments at mesoper@selectsystems.com. © Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

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