5 comments about Smart Home Hacks: Tips & Tools for Automating Your House (Hacks).

1. SMART HOME HACKS: Tips & Tools for Automating Your House
   Gordon Meyer
   O'Reilly Media Inc.
   ISBN: 0-596-00722-1
   
   For years we have heard of how computers can provide benefits around the house. Television news programs show research labs using computers in conjunction with special equipment for recording or controlling test. I have often wondered, "How is this accomplished?"
   
   Smart Home Hacks introduces you to previously hidden benefits our computers can provide. With software available for Macintosh and other operating systems we learn to control many items in and around our home from our computer's CPU.
   
   How is this done... using the existing 120 VAC wiring in our walls to transmit and receive signals via X10 transmitter and receivers around your house. Whether controlling 12 volt landscaping lights, the timing cycles for your pool pump, or simply turning lights and sound on and off for security reasons, from the ground up Gordon Meyer's Smart Home Hacks explains the process.
   
   Your computer can send messages to your cell phone, pager, or e-mail account. Driveway lights can be set to come on and remain on for a given period of time, and sprinkler systems can be controlled by your home computer. Meyer takes readers from the basics of X10 codes to starting your hot tub and having it ready when you get home.
   
   For those wanting a computer to work for them this book even shows you how to monitor and plot heating oil fuel consumption. With broadband Internet service you can monitor Fido's actions when you are away from the house by adding video camera(s) and a link to the Internet.
   
   To add cost effectiveness to a home, SMART HOME HACKS: Tips & Tools for Automating Your House is a great addition to a home library. Additionally, it should be considered as an ideal gift.



2. "Smart Home Hacks" provides a basic introduction to X10-based home automation, a technology that's been around since the 1970s. For the most part, the book just scratches the surface of the subject and often goes off on unrelated tangents, such as an example of how to build a robot lawnmower. What's missing is a more comprehensive overview of X10-compatible modules and the different ways they might be used to solve home automation problems. For example, irrigation is a very practical application that's ideal for a computer, and there are X10-based models, such as the Rain8 made by WGL designs. But the author chooses to ignore irrigation because of a perceived flooding hazard, even though the Rain8 has an internal limiter that shuts off the water even if no X10 "off" signal is received. Many pages are devoted to computer automation systems sending text-base messages, but no mention is made of voice-based solutions which are much more practical and cost-effective. The newer software applications that are available are impressive but it's amazing how primitive the available hardware is. The book fails to mention one of the biggest obstacles to X10 deployment: the need for a "neutral" (white) wire in household wiring. Since most light switches are wired with a simple 2-wire loop-back for economic reasons, it would require expensive re-wiring to use X10 switches. And, unless I missed it, it fails to discuss the problem of X10 signals not being passed to the "other side" of typical 2-phase house wiring. Only a passing mention is made to the new INSTEON technology that improves upon the old X10 protocol. So, although the book appears to be "current" it reads like it was written five years ago. "Smart Home Hacks" works best as sort of an idea cookbook. You'll find yourself bouncing around from one "recipe" to another but often finding most cool ideas can't be cooked up because of various obstacles (cost, permits, electronic expertise, obscure hardware, and so on).



3. This book presents a great variety of ideas for using the X10 protocol. I'm sure every reader will find several ideas or projects interesting enough to try.
   
   Although I've been using X10 products for over five years, I have found this book to be a very useful reference. What I like about it is that it starts off with the very basics and move through to the esoteric ... something for everyone.
   
   I recommend this book to the beginner or to the experienced. I'm glad I bought it: I refer to it all the time.



4. I am very into the X-10 gadgets and have been for several years. This book was intended for the average homeowner interested in inexpensive home security. The only thing it lacks is diagrams and layouts for the systems it covered.



5. I'm a SW developer and I just got this book because I was curious about Home Automation, I had no idea about it and this book really cleared my mind easy reading and amazingly easy to implement If you're a beginner I totally recommend it!

1 comments about Electronic Troubleshooting.

1. My grandson had listed this book on Amazon for his Wish List and was thrilled to receive it.

2 comments about Traditional American Farming Techniques (Traditional).

1. Comprehensive work detailing many aspects of farming in the early 20th century. Reading it you find many of the same methods and techniques suggested in todays "sustainable agriculture" writings. For either a historical perspective or a practioner's this book is worth the money.



2. This is the most extensive collection of agricultural knowledge over the past 100 years! Although much of the information seems quite dated, it is relevant seeing that many farming procedures today do not differ in techniques of the past. A good reference read as well for all of the "hobby farmers" and "professional farmers" alike

1 comments about Electrician's Exam Preparation Guide.

1. Easy to read and understand. A must have study guide for anyone taking the state electrical contractor exam. Covers everything you'll need to know to pass.

5 comments about Wiring: Complete Projects for the Home.

1. This book was a real easy to read and well diagram book. I was very please. It also had the 3-way switch wiring that I needed. I would recomend this book to anyone. You want be disappointed.



2. I haven't really required this book for any real-world projects yet, however I am very impressed with the coverage. The great detailed colored illustrations, as well as the large 8 1/2" X 11" pages ensure that it will be a very useful reference for the future. I was an electrical engineer by trade (now retired), but this book is extremely well-written for the layman, as well.



3. Though I feel this book was written for the newbie and the weekend warrior do-it-yourselfer, it has some pretty advanced stuff in it too. But if you think about it, most electrical projects are the same, just with different uses and boxes.
   
   Along with installations, the book covers tests, troubleshooting and upgrades of outlets, fishing cables and wires, drywall cutting, plugs and wires (and much more.) There is way too much stuff in this book to list here, so the highlights are:
   
   GFCI outlets (where to install and why)
   Tools, wires, fittings (when, how and where to use them)
   Standby generators
   Outdoor installations
   Telephone wiring and hook-up
   
   Something it doesn't cover: solar power. It would be nice to cover this growing issue.
   
   You should have no trouble finding your particular problem / project in this book. The step-by-step instructions (with many many pictures and diagrams) make it so easy. I highly recommend this book.
   
   I also highly recommend purchasing a Fluke T5 Electrical Tester along with this book. It is absolutely imperative that you have a *dependable* tester when you are working with electricity. The T5 is one of the easiest to use, just turn it on and the voltage, amps and ohms are given automatically.



4. I completed remodeling my basement to add a bath, office, large family room and even re-located the 20A laundry circuit. This book helped me so much, I can't understate it. Passed my city inspection 1st try. Added 6 or 7 new circuits overall for the house.
   
   Anyone with a screwdriver can change outlets or replace switches, but for more complex tasks, I wanted a reference book.
   
   *Plain, easy to read wiring diagrams for 3-way switches and lights. - which can be tricky to get right.
   *Tips on keeping up to code (such as Arc-Fault breakers in sleeping rooms!)
   *Clearly explained how to install a 240V line for my bathroom heater.
   *How to wire my fire alarms all together for all three levels.
   
   I'm so happy with my addition, and this book was the go-to source. I couldn't believe I was changing Breakers myself! (along with the Creative Homeowner plumbing book-also highly recommend)



5. I am in the process of finishing my basement and decided I would tackle the electrical work myself. I pulled a permit, and I needed to gather information on how to complete the project correctly. This book was very helpful. I completed the wiring and passed inspection. While it was not the only source of information I used, it was probably the most useful: The information was complete, the book was easy to read and understand, and it contained essential information. The diagrams were particularly helpful. I had very little electrical experience. By reading this book I was able to pick up enough information and terminology to have useful conversations with the building inspectors, and also learn how to wire basic residential circuits correctly (outlets, lighting, 3 way and 4 way switches, etc...). This book was much better than the book I bought from Home Depot, and as good as the "by pros, for pros" book a friend let me borrow.

1 comments about The American Farm Book: A Practical Treatise on Every Staple Product of the United States, with the Best Methods of Planting, Cultivating, and Preparation for Market.

1. I pastor a church in a rural area, so I felt that it was in my best interests to learn a little bit about the chosen profession of some of my parishioners.
   
   I was surprised by how interesting this book was and how practical and wise the counsel is 160 years after it was first written. The author begins with a discussion of the different kinds of soils in North America (rocky, clay, alluvial, light, dark, etc). He talks about how spreading manure or lime or charcoal or crushed bones on the soil can go a long way toward its resuscitation and/or continued fertility.
   
   In the section on irrigation, the author favors underdraining to get rid of excess water. he notes that creating ditches and resevoirrs are occasionally the best way to go, but he cautions against this in most instances because it will use up precious soil that could be used for planting and growing.
   
   There is also a section on the different kinds of grass in the country. There is also a relevant section on how to grow sugar cane, cotton, oats, grain, corn, fruit, roots, and others products.
   
   The author also discusses rotation crops and shade trees and how to build adequate farm buildings.
   
   Some of the material in the book is dated, especially when the author talks about plows and harrows that are no longer used today. But most of what is here seems to be good, sane advice for the farmer. Recommended.

5 comments about Schematic Capture with Cadence PSpice (2nd Edition).

1. Marc Herniter writes good clear PSpice books. I have three of his PSpice books (including this one).
   The book is written in a clear straight forward manner. The program itself is not friendly and easy to use. Possibly, it appears unfriendly because it is complex, powerful and with many good features. The author describes and explains the complex concepts in a clear manner with good examples.
   For users who are familiar with previous versions of PSpice that used Schematic to enter a circuit and start an analysis, the book provides direction on how to switch over and employ Capture.
   The only reason for only 4 stars is that some of the graphics are poor quality. It is not uncommon to find black text on dark grey background which is difficul to read. Color graphics would be nice, but it may be too costly.
   Anyone starting with Capture and PSpice will benefit from this book. It certainly is better than the documents provided by the program originator.



2. The item was sent very quickly. Excellent condition. Kudos to all who were involved.



3. During my undergraduate school, I used this book extensively. It gave me a solid advantage over other students. Other students would still be struggling, after a week of a lab, to do its related simulations, while I used to finish my work on the same day we had the lab. If you want to learn how to use PSpice, this is the book. Its style to teach by example and all the examples are on the CD along with a student version of the PSpice which is good enough for learning purposes.



4. Fair price; quick delivery. Good communication from the vendor. Able to track the entire way



5. Very good book, full of clear explanations. If you do not have previous experience with Schematic Capture softwares, this book makes it easy to learn how to do it.

3 comments about Wiring Your Digital Home For Dummies (For Dummies (Home & Garden)).

1. I have been rewiring my 30 year old home over the last five years replacing all the phone and cable TV wiring and adding a computer network all to a central hub. I have read other For Dummies books on these subjects and they were rather good. These days I look for more information and I thought this new book would provide me with something I had not read of before. I would not buy this book if you have ever done anything on this subject yourself. For some strange reason about half of the book involves wiring for lights and outlets, which I have also done a lot myself, but in my opinion has nothing to do with having a digital home. I am still waiting for one book that tells it all on this subject.



2. I agree with the other reviewer. This book covers too many topics that have nothing to do with a "digital home'. Sure a computer needs power but to have a lot of the book cover the layout of basic home wiring is too much. I wanted more detailed information on how to set up cat 5 or cat 6 connectors, or how to wire compression coax connectors, or how to choose cable, splitters etc, or specific information on how to control a light or outlet from the computer.



3. It should be no surprise to a reader that a book with wiring as the first word in the title and when six of the chapters headings have the verb wiring in them directly and three more chapters by inferrence that the book just might be about wiring. The included CD makes this book a great value!!

3 comments about Electricity, Electronics, and Control Systems for HVAC (4th Edition).

1. from the contain ,there are every information that i needed



2. This book gives the reader the needed information for Hvac. It takes you from the basic to the practical side of hvac. It is a good book to start with.



3. this is a good book for a technician or an engineer trying to get up to speed on the subject. Some typos and misprints are amusing. There are a number of disconnections between the illustrations and the text which occasionally make for difficult reading.

2 comments about How to Design and Install Outdoor Lighting (Ortho Library).

1. This book was marvelous! It gave me some great ideas on how to save time and money. I have always wanted to try and install a unique lighting arrangement at the front and the back of my home, but I was very leery about the expense I would incur and the knowledge to "go ahead and try that, any way". I truly think this book is worth every dollar. You will not be disappointed......

   Rachel of Dallas




2. Great value but seriously dated. Outdoor lighting has gone through a revolution since 1984. The market is now filled to bursting with manufacturer's innovations including the adoption of low voltage halogen lamps (particularly the MR-16) in place of the old automotive-type 12v lamps. Still a good overview of both 120v and 12v systems and the price can't be beat. I've given dozens of copies away to clients over the years. Deserves an update. Ortho, are you listening?