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Continue reading →: Insteon Devices Arrived – Smarthome Experience… meh
My first order of Insteon devices from Smarthome arrived last Friday. I had ordered a PowerLinc Modem (2413U), two OutletLincs, a KeypadLinc Dimmer, Togglelinc Relay, and an Wireless Phase Coupler. Unfortunately, instead of receiving two OutletLincs I ended up with two TimerLincs. I immediately e-mailed Smarthome but didn’t get a…
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Continue reading →: X10 Wallswitch Remote Orientation
Here’s a an X10 tip, which may be one of the last that I’ll have since I’m switching protocols: If you’re having problems with an X10 wallswitch remote not working properly take a moment to check the orientation. The antenna works best when the device is mounted vertically, such as…
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Continue reading →: LED Bulbs in Home Automation (Not Yet but Maybe Soon)
I’ve been looking at the new LED bulbs in stores; the kind that are intended to replace standard incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. The prices are still unreasonably high, but that doesn’t mean I won’t buy one to test it. I don’t remember where I read this (perhaps on the Insteon…
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Continue reading →: Graduation Day: Phasing Out X10 in Favor of Insteon
I finally had it with X10 issues last night. Granted, the problem that frustrated me had more to do with the CM15A adapter falling off it’s perch at some point and busting the USB interface, but one more night of fiddling with X10 was the final straw (I happened to…
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Continue reading →: Automating ExifTool Output Using OS X
ExifTool, developed by Phil Harvey, is a handy tool for working with meta information. I primarily use it to view photo meta information without needing to load a larger application such as Photoshop. It’s platform-independent and free. Rather than run the tool from a terminal or setup scripts, I decided…
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Continue reading →: The disk cannot be partitioned because some files cannot be moved.
The Short Version: A Boot Camp partition that had been removed left modifications that needed to be cleaned up. The solution was to boot from an install disc (Snow Leopard at the time) and run “Repair Disk”. It found errors and corrected them. I also repaired permissions (again) but I…
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Continue reading →: Scosche SolBAT II Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger
Another item I received from my wishlist for Christmas was a Scosche SolBAT II Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger. The device recharges slowly via solar power or can be rapidly recharged via USB. It functions great as a backup battery for USB powered devices. Not long after I received…
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Continue reading →: Awaiting Delivery of a Signalinc Repeater
I’ve been using X10 home automation devices for over a year and overall they’ve worked well. However, I have had issues with signal reliability. Sometimes signals just don’t reach their intended devices. This isn’t entirely unusual with X10 hardware – the protocol itself isn’t very robust. The equipment I own…
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Continue reading →: Uniden BC72XLT Handheld Scanner
My wife bought me a Uniden BC72XLT Handheld Scanner for Christmas. It’s the first handheld scanner I’ve owned. These devices are often referred to as “police scanners” but they can usually receive a wide variety of frequencies used by different agencies. I’d classify it as a good beginner’s radio for…
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Continue reading →: Why do people drive on the shoulder in west Texas?
So others can pass without waiting for a normal passing zone. If you’re driving in that part of the country and someone starts riding the shoulder they are probably trying to signal for you to do the same. Unlike the area where I live, those roads have shoulders that are…
Hello,
I’m Mike
Welcome to my blog, which I have maintained for several years, off and on, to share things that I’ve learned from numerous projects and various problem solving escapades. This is my way of giving something back to the online communities that have helped me learn more about a wide variety of topics.
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