Subject: From: Date:

Re: [ECS] Getting Started Scott Danks Tue, 16 Jan 2001 15:57:26 -0600

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 Tue, 16 Jan 2001 15:57:26 -0600
I'm not a Linux person, but have been retrofitting for some time now.  So I will offer
a couple of things.  If I had a chance to build, I think I would put in EMT (electrical
metal conduit) to all the rooms so I could pull fiber, or cat5 or whatever, later. 
You know if you need phone and network and audio cables (low power) it is best to just
pull cat5 for all of it.  Also, I read somewhere that you should pull extra wires (if
you cant run more easily) because of future upgrades.....well, I did, and I still used
up all the extras I pulled at the front door.  What with the security system, and door
access and stuff.  Also, I have heard that pictures of the walls and siring closets
at different stages during construction is good, because you will want to go back later
and say, "If I drill here, what could I possible hit with the drill bit ?".  Plan a
central area for your computer room.  I use the closet under the staircase as my wiring
closet.

>>> "Tilly, Lawrence" <Lawrence.Tilly@LibertyMutual.com> 01/16 2:17 PM >>>
Good afternoon, all

Let me first give a quick introduction.  My name is Larry and my wife and I
are building our first home late this spring or early summer.  We were
already planning a small home network and a basic 3 zone audio system.
After a few weeks of reading, browsing and asking around on the net I would
like to take the plunge into HA as well.  I have looked at many of the
"boxed" systems out now, as well as much of the software available, and have
decided that ECS is the closest match to my desires.  One of the primary
(almost THE primary) selling points for me is the existence of a Linux
version, which is what I will be using.  I have been reading the last few
months of archives from the list and feel the need to de-lurk and ask for
some guidance.

As I indicated, I'm relatively new to the nuts and bolts of HA, although
I've been a fan of the concepts for many years.  We are finalizing our blue
print over the next month, and I really need to get some help.  :-(
Although we will not be implementing all possible features right away, I am
trying to put as many things in place for the future as possible (for
example, we are pre-wiring some areas for future upgrade and additional A/V
equipment).  In the immediate plan, I would like the system to handle some
security monitoring, lighting control (we will be using mostly recessed
lights in the house) and A/V duties.  I'm a competent C/C++ programmer and
Linux/Unix scripter, and am currently learning Java.  I'm comfortable
working with electronics and am doing most of the home's wiring myself (just
having the electrician make the final connections for permit purposes).  I
don't want to chew up bandwidth on this list with too many questions at
once, but if there are a couple people out there (preferably familiar w/ the
Linux version) who wouldn't mind fielding some questions about the ECS
product and hardware requirements, I would REALLY appreciate it.  Thanx in
advance!

Lawrence Tilly
Middleware Support
Liberty Mutual Insurance Group I/S
* Lawrence.Tilly@LibertyMutual.com 

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