What did you do today?

[Scottmichaelj]

So there is a thread on another forum I frequent titled "What did you do today..." - so I thought it would be fun maybe to start something like that here. Maybe things that don't really need a thread and just a way to share. Doesn't have to be Home Automation related. Can be anything you want! (or learned)

 

Today I spent a couple hours working on my server racks doing some organization. I unplugged everything and loaded up my Brultech Dashbox web interface. When I started plugging everything back in I made notes how much power was being used by each device. Short story check your devices! I found over 200W worth of vampire draws. I also found DirecTV DVRs were using about 40W each turned off! An amp for my theater room was drawing 100W in "standby"! Needless to say I put an appliancelinc on that sucker and the only time its uses power now is when I need it!

[Dr Pepper]

I spent several hours cleaning the new aquarium.  Its larger and in a different location than the last one and I need to get a system down to do it quickly.  Looking to automate various lighting

 

IN regards to your day I have slowly added appliance lincs and outlet lincs to shutdown a lot of "vampire" devices at 12:30 am and turn them back on at 6:30 am as well as when we arm the alarm away.  It definitely helps.

[paulbates]

Sounds good Scott ... organizing is cathartic maybe?

 

I had my first full day with house power back since Wednesday due to windstorm. Spent Thursday night 'camping' in the house after flying back in.. candles, fireplace, tried my new rei sleeping bag, take out food. It got into the 50s inside. Power came back last night.

 

Gave everything a look over today, especially the roof. Internet died soon after power came back. Still waiting...

 

 

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[andyf0]

I spent the day at a food bank helping feed the hungry.

[larryllix]

Sounds good Scott ... organizing is cathartic maybe?

 

I had my first full day with house power back since Wednesday due to windstorm. Spent Thursday night 'camping' in the house after flying back in.. candles, fireplace, tried my new rei sleeping bag, take out food. It got into the 50s inside. Power came back last night.

 

Gave everything a look over today, especially the roof. Internet died soon after power came back. Still waiting...

 

 

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Thanks for the reminder to check my roof.

 

I got a high wind warning, while in Florida, from my ISY, in Ontario. Those high winds also rolled a vehicle in West Virginia in the mountains that blocked the highway for us. It was top to bottom of the eastern seaboard.

 

Stopped in NY area to shop but many of the favourite stores were closed due to power outages. Man! The employees just go home and didn't come back for days, while the power company takes their sweet time. In my area they would never get a rate increase with that multi-day dragging service. There were about 6 grid service trucks at the stores when we left for home, days later.

[Scottmichaelj]

I spent several hours cleaning the new aquarium.  Its larger and in a different location than the last one and I need to get a system down to do it quickly.  Looking to automate various lighting

 

I used to have a saltwater aquarium. I started like everyone else with freshwater then went to salt. After about 10 years I lost interest in cleaning it twice a month.

 

Sounds good Scott ... organizing is cathartic maybe?

 

For someone who is OCD I think so Otherwise its a "complete mess!" lol

 

This morning I went back out and spent a couple hours just printing labels for each wall wart and power cables (both ends) so going forward I knew what each one was for. I also added another Digital Loggers Power Switch and removed all the old vertical surge protectors. Now everything that is plugged into the rack also has a network IP controlled outlet. In bed and need to reboot the DTV box? No problem!

 

My next time suck will be doing labels for the 40 something hardwired devices that go to the network switch. I spent a good part of my evenings last week doing DHCP reservations and grouping all devices by type (IP range/group). The plan now is to print labels with numbers on each CAT cable then write down the actual device it goes to. Then I will print a sheet and attach it to the inside of the rack. Then if I unplug something I can just plug it back into the same port. I will also put the number on the opposite side of the cable so when if I unplug it from the device side I know what port on the switch it goes too.

 

Once all thats done then I will rip it all apart and do something else and have to change it all again. HAHAHA

[Dr Pepper]

I used to have a saltwater aquarium. I started like everyone else with freshwater then went to salt. After about 10 years I lost interest in cleaning it twice a month.

 

 

For someone who is OCD I think so Otherwise its a "complete mess!" lol

 

This morning I went back out and spent a couple hours just printing labels for each wall wart and power cables (both ends) so going forward I knew what each one was for. I also added another Digital Loggers Power Switch and removed all the old vertical surge protectors. Now everything that is plugged into the rack also has a network IP controlled outlet. In bed and need to reboot the DTV box? No problem!

 

My next time suck will be doing labels for the 40 something hardwired devices that go to the network switch. I spent a good part of my evenings last week doing DHCP reservations and grouping all devices by type (IP range/group). The plan now is to print labels with numbers on each CAT cable then write down the actual device it goes to. Then I will print a sheet and attach it to the inside of the rack. Then if I unplug something I can just plug it back into the same port. I will also put the number on the opposite side of the cable so when if I unplug it from the device side I know what port on the switch it goes too.

 

Once all thats done then I will rip it all apart and do something else and have to change it all again. HAHAHA

 

I have a nice label maker that I need to start labeling everything.  I could spend a month or more LOL  With the snow coming in a few days it might be something to work on.

 

You had to mention it LOL

[larryllix]

I used to have a saltwater aquarium. I started like everyone else with freshwater then went to salt. After about 10 years I lost interest in cleaning it twice a month.

 

 

 

For someone who is OCD I think so Otherwise its a "complete mess!" lol

 

This morning I went back out and spent a couple hours just printing labels for each wall wart and power cables (both ends) so going forward I knew what each one was for. I also added another Digital Loggers Power Switch and removed all the old vertical surge protectors. Now everything that is plugged into the rack also has a network IP controlled outlet. In bed and need to reboot the DTV box? No problem!

 

My next time suck will be doing labels for the 40 something hardwired devices that go to the network switch. I spent a good part of my evenings last week doing DHCP reservations and grouping all devices by type (IP range/group). The plan now is to print labels with numbers on each CAT cable then write down the actual device it goes to. Then I will print a sheet and attach it to the inside of the rack. Then if I unplug something I can just plug it back into the same port. I will also put the number on the opposite side of the cable so when if I unplug it from the device side I know what port on the switch it goes too.

 

Once all thats done then I will rip it all apart and do something else and have to change it all again. HAHAHA

We do look to you for perfection though!

 

I know when you do something if it isn't perfect, you do it, and redo it, and redo it, until it is redundant.

[nwchicago]

Wow I love this topic. I've been working on my basic home automation since December. For me, that's been putting in Insteon dimmer switches across my house with a few select insteon single switch keypads to control all devices in a given room for the less technical. Yesterday (Sunday) I knocked out all of the outside lights and fixed some internal hallway lights.

 

I have a few bathroom lights I would like to get to next for convenience, but am pretty much done.

 

I also installed Insteon thermostats and the Venstar add-a-wire kit. Went well. Finally I put the garage lights in Insteon switches as well.

 

Now with almost all of my lights on insteon switches I have to:

 

A. Wrap up the final bathroom switches.

B. Make sure all switches are in my ISY.

C. add switches to a few existing scenes - I have a night time scene that turns most of the outdoor lights on

D. Physically convert any remaining incandescent lights to LED - some of my outdoor lights are incandescent candles or Flourescents.

E. Figure out what to do with the thermostats - right now they are set at heat for 72 - figure I can do better.

F. Do something interesting with all of these lights on-line / better scenes maybe scensor enable them?

G. Put in the garage controller

H. Add video

 

 

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[Bumbershoot]

Now that the snow has finally receded from my yard, I spent the day raking, pruning and hauling debris, while also scouting for good locations to place a 1/2 dozen or so CAO water/moisture sensors in the garden.  With these, along with my rainmachine, my upcoming WeatherFlow weather station and my ISY, I'm going to nail my irrigation requirements this year.  Water is expensive in the high Oregon desert, and irrigation is the single area that I've found where data driven automation pays for itself in a short amount of time.

[Scottmichaelj]

Wow I love this topic. I've been working on my basic home automation since December. For me, that's been putting in Insteon dimmer switches across my house with a few select insteon single switch keypads to control all devices in a given room for the less technical. Yesterday (Sunday) I knocked out all of the outside lights and fixed some internal hallway lights.

 

I have a few bathroom lights I would like to get to next for convenience, but am pretty much done.

 

I also installed Insteon thermostats and the Venstar add-a-wire kit. Went well. Finally I put the garage lights in Insteon switches as well.

 

Now with almost all of my lights on insteon switches I have to:

 

A. Wrap up the final bathroom switches.

B. Make sure all switches are in my ISY.

C. add switches to a few existing scenes - I have a night time scene that turns most of the outdoor lights on

D. Physically convert any remaining incandescent lights to LED - some of my outdoor lights are incandescent candles or Flourescents.

E. Figure out what to do with the thermostats - right now they are set at heat for 72 - figure I can do better.

F. Do something interesting with all of these lights on-line / better scenes maybe scensor enable them?

G. Put in the garage controller

H. Add video

 

 

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That's quite a list my friend! Lol Although I am sure we all have lists just as long as other priorities get in the way of the "fun stuff".

 

Search around the forum, there's been posts about most of the things your looking to do that others want to, are doing or have done. This forum is a great resource not for just ISY things but other areas as well. There are a lot of smart people here willing to lend a helping hand so don't be afraid to ask.

 

That's a reason I liked to do this thread, someone always has something interesting going or being worked on or doing. Not all being Home Automation and tech.

 

BTW have you guys seen Adam Savage's Youtube series "One Day Builds"? Pretty cool stuff. Interesting just watching him and how he thinks.

 

https://youtu.be/-tUHJnl8qPM?list=PLKqXxhKj-VjqKzdBYPeqQUM2No2Ps7qU3

[nwchicago]

Sounds cool - where would we find Adam's series?

 

 

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[nwchicago]

Today has been a busy day with business and homework. Not as much time for the fun stuff. I did however try testing the thermostats with mobilink while remote and even though I use UD'd portal it seemed to allow me to change the set point. Was I imagining things?

I also had a chance to work in the outside light scenes and include some floods.

 

 

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[Scottmichaelj]

Sounds cool - where would we find Adam's series?

 

 

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I posted the link in my post. Strange. Here try this.

 

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKqXxhKj-VjqKzdBYPeqQUM2No2Ps7qU3

[MWareman]

Today, I early voted in the local elections. Gotta get the right people on our school board....

[Scottmichaelj]

Today I worked from bed and didn't get dressed. Made 2% on my $TNA trade.

[cyberk]

Today I worked from bed and didn't get dressed. Made 2% on my $TNA trade.

Tits N ***?

 

 

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[cyberk]

As of today Alexa works within the official Amazon app on my iPhone. It controls all devices just like the Amazon Devices except its not always ON. Enjoy!

 

Also received my Netgear cellular backup to add to my pfsense router. I have AT&T with unlimited data (22GB) on this device for $20 per month! Not a bad of a deal. Works for my alarm backup over cellular (via data) and as a backup ISP. I am happy with the price/features.

Good to know about the Amazon App!

 

 

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[larryllix]

Today I worked from bed and didn't get dressed. Made 2% on my $TNA trade.

I saw that on your motion sensors that you never left the bed!

Laying in bed googling yourself again?

[Scottmichaelj]

So because I was so lazy last week I felt I needed to step up my game this weekend to get things done.

 

I took the "time change" BS to do the typical "check your shit" routine (even though I was late). So today I checked all the windows and doors that the alarm is working correctly. I did a quick spot check under all the sinks to make sure there are no small leaks. Checked my smokies (and CO2) with actual smoke in a can and made sure the monitoring company got all the notifications.

 

The biggest task (and rewarding) was cleaning the dryer lint. I have a gas dryer and I am always making sure to remote lint from the lint trap but the exhaust on the side of my home clearly shows that doesn't stop it all. I looked at a few Youtube videos and frankly one really scared the shit out of me.

 

This one:

 

https://youtu.be/vfExQ3mwBH8

 

It appears not all the dryer flex ducting is created equal. So I found a fire retardant UL listed one on Amazon and ordered it.

 

LAMBRO INDUSTRIES 3120L Flex Ducting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BOAYL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_KRgLn9mo4ycRw

 

Then I moved the dryer out, removed the duct work and thoroughly cleaned the lint from everything. I then took my leaf blower and blew the lint out from the ducting itself. A bunch flew out from the exhaust on the side of the house. I ran it for quite a while and once no more lint blew out I stopped.

 

Heres a video I saw that gave me the idea.

 

https://youtu.be/dO9Y5j1uhqk

 

One that was done I took my webby spider web head and made sure to remove the last of the lint from the exhaust. Then installed the new duct work.

 

If you haven't seen the webheads check it out here.

 

Starmax 050-06 Webster Cob Web Duster Replacement Head, Blue (Pack of 6) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TRZUC4S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Vgb2yb7FPDWSD

 

I'm sure its more effective drying now too but at least I know I am safer from lint fires. I couldn't believe how much did still come out. Lint fires aren't no joke!

 

Now off to finish up. Cleaned the electric air filters (washable) so need to go put them back in. Just took five to relax.

 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

[jtara92101]

It's Pi Day for me, albiet a bit late.

 

Yesterday, I went to Fry's and bought my first Raspberry Pi. I shopped online, and realized there are no real discounts for genuine "green" Pi's, I have to pay sales tax to Amazon anyway, and I could examine what I am getting at Fry's. I checked online first to see if they had stock, and they did, so went to check it out.They only had 3 of the board-only, and a few each of the various kits. They carry a fairly decent selection of companion boards, and have Audrino, i2c I/O boards, generic I/O boards, prototyping blocks, etc. on the same aisle.

 

I got a Pi3 Model B, power supply, case (the "hat" case, with the easily-removable lid), and a Patriot 32GB flash to at least promises to be even faster than the usually-recommended Samsung (same price).

 

Since I didn't get a kit that comes with a flash with NOOBs, I will load Raspbian on the flash using my Mac Mini.

 

The "hat" case looks quite unattractive in it's drab, eco packaging (it's just shrink-wrapped) but once unwrapped is actually one of the more attractive cases, has good access to the flash slot (other cases have trouble because now the board no longer has a spring ejector, and you might have to remove the board from the case to remove), and the removable top without the need to completely disassemble the case is a great feature if experimenting with HATs or other expansion boards. 

 

There doesn't seem to be any discount with the "kits". The real decider was that the bare boards were in locked Lexan security cases (surprising for a $35 product, but it is a very small box...), and the kits were in big boxes not in security cases that suffered from the usual Fry's situation with prying fingers.  The checkout guy almost forgot to remove the security case. (Aside: the worst part of walking out of a store that has detectors at the door - the "California rise" at the end of the sentence that turns the statement into a question. "You have activated our security system?" Maybe if they made it sound like an actual statement, more people would take them more seriously... Actually, I haven't heard the one at Fry's but the ones they have at CVS annoys the heck out of me!)

 

BTW, the Pi From Fry's was made in China, not England, but is from Element14, the official U.S. distributor. Not a low-quality Chinese knock-off that you might find on Ebay or Alibaba.

[MWareman]

Welcome to the Pi club!

 

I just replaced all my 5 year old Atom systems (with Nvidia chipsets) running my MythTV front ends with Raspberry Pi systems doing same. What cost me $300/tv 5 years ago was replaced for $60/tv, including a neat vesa case/mount. It's nice to have systems that are fanless, silent and with *much* lower power consumption..... and (finally) have my MythTV frontends be able to talk CEC to the tv....

 

I believe I'm now up to 12 Pis running on my network...

[jtara92101]

Oh, yea, I picked up a ChromeCast device as well. Just for experimenting with Google Home. I already have Apple TV, so doubt it will get much real use. But I needed a device to test my asynchronous TTS announcement stuff on cast devices other than Home. Was going to get Cast Audio, but the price difference is only $5 (actually, they are priced the same, but Target has the audio for $30, and Fry's would match them.) Then I realized it would be better to use HDMI than an analog audio in to my Denon receiver.

 

Thanks, you reminded me I ought to enable CEC on the Denon. I disabled it because of some annoyance from it that I don't remember now. I'm sure it will come back to haunt me! That (might) get me the "cut-through" functionality I want for making announcements on the AV receiver. Though it won't deal with switching back to previous program source...

 

Google Assistant (and also Alexa?) seems to lack what I see as a very important feature. They need "hooks". That is, if I say, for example, "play KCRW on Chromecast", that's great if Chromecast happens to be the current selected receiver input. (Will Chromecast send a CEC signal to switch? Haven't tried it yet.) I'd love to somehow get a notification when it starts playing, and again when playing stops. Pretty-much everything that Assistant does could stand having the ability to "hook".

[TrojanHorse]

I'm remodeling our bathroom. The most unusual thing I did today was take down a wall mounted mirror larger than 9 ft x 3 ft. Glued to wall and also had a frame screwed to the wall.

 

First time I ever did this (alone I might add). Got it on the countertop, but it was too heavy and tight in there so I needed to cut a hole in the drywall to slide it off the vanity into the next room (which is part of the remodel).

 

Got it down in one piece. Did I use enough tape?

 

 

Proof:

 

 

Edit: if I ever do this again I will get a helper

 

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[larryllix]

Unbelievable!

 

Who glues the back of a mirror to the drywall? It would usually pull all the silvering off the back when you remove it to paint behind it.

 

I am surprised you didn't break it with the adhesive in the middle bending it.

 

kudos! May have saved you a lot of money.

 

 

Next time you look at yourself, in the mirror, don't forget to stop and reflect.