Items Tagged With cabling

Idratek is still a little known brand in the Smart Home industry, but it has an impressive array of hardware modules and software features. The aesthetics and form of the modules have always been controversial, but there's no doubting the Idratek networks functionality. UK home automator, David Gumbrell, is blogging his Idratek installation and it's a great insight into what the system is capable of. With lots of photos and screen grabs it's a great home automation diary...

Press release just received from In Touch Technologies...

"Multimessage and distributor In Touch Technologies announce the launch of the M400 Home Communication Centre range as one of the most complete home networking and entertainment solutions available in the industry.

Available in both system and modular form, the M400 is a hybrid based system using both CAT5e and Coax cable. This system has been designed from the ground up to be a true residential system rather than an evolution from a commercial solution. Starting with the unique, built in power distribution panel from which each module is powered, leaving just a single external 230v feed to connect to a switched fused spur. Other modules include an amazing 2x10 PBX with music on hold, 8 Way 10/100 Ethernet Switch, ADSL Modem, Audio distribution panel and 1x8 TV Amp with three built in modulators, all of which fit directly into the cabinet with minimum fuss and complication...

Submission by Steve Jones - I wanted to improve the control of my central heating system by utilising my home automation controller (HomeVisionPro) whilst still retaining the original central heating timer so it could easily be switched back on if the controller was down or if I needed to take HV out if we moved...

There have been a couple of nice DIY Cabler Tester projects posted on Digg.com over the last few days...

"Making Ethernet cables is easy, when you have the tool to crimp the connectors. But even then, you can't always be sure that the connector has been properly connected to the cable. Commercial network cable testers can cost £60 or more. Here's an idea for a simple cable tester that costs under £20 if you, or someone handy with a soldering iron, makes it from scratch...

Just noticed this one on digg.com..."It's all to often I hear about people buying a new home that is "wired for the future"... meaning it only has a single Cat5 cable to each room. I don't know why builders cut corners with this since cabling is cheap and you can pull two at a time...