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  • Do-It-Yourself Smart Home Products
  • From "Your Home Make It Safe"
    episode YHM-105
    advertisement

    Click here to view a larger image.

    This bullet camera is positioned to give the greatest visibility. It points toward the front entrance door, giving the homeowner the ability to see a visitor on a closed-circuit monitor before opening the door.

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Well-camouflaged wiring makes closed-circuit cameras virtually unnoticeable, and is less unsightly.

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Smart blinds are powered by a motor, remote control sensor and a photoelectric sensor.

    Tom Corvin covers some of the smart home products that can be added to a home -- without a full home automation system.

    Installing a Closed-Circuit Bullet Camera

    1. Determine a camera location that will give you the best possible view.

    2. Next, mark location of the bracet, and drill pilot holes with a small bit.

    3. Secure the wiring to the house using cable clips. For the most inconspicuous appearance, try to hide the wiring along exterior features or decorative trim.

    4. Run the wiring through the basement or attic, securing wiring to joists with clips to keep it out of the way.

    5. Run the wiring from the basement or ceiling to the monitor in home.

    6. Connect as directed by the system manufacturer.

    Automated Window Blinds

    • Smart blinds open when it's daylight, and close at times of darkness. A motor drives the blinds.

    • A remote sensor (which allows the blinds to be closed as desired) is attached to the blinds toward the home's interior. A photoelectric cell is attached near the window to sense the amount of light outside.

    • The sensors, blinds and remote control cost about $300.


    RESOURCES :
    The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security
    Model: 0028639510
    Author: Tom Davidson, Lorna Gentry, Steve McVey
    Macmillan / Alpha Books
    Website: www.macmillan.com

    Home Safety and Security
    Model: 0783538995
    Time Life Books
    Website: www.timelife.com

    All Thumbs Guide to Home Security
    Model: 0830641661
    Author: Robert W. Wood
    McGraw-Hill Companies
    Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com

    The Complete Book of Electronic Security
    Model: 0071380183
    Author: Bill Phillips

    This Wired Home: The Microsoft Guide to Home Networking
    Model: 0735611580
    Author: Alan Neibauer

    Mastering Home Networking
    Model: 0782126308
    Author: Mark Heinricks

    Home Networking Survival Guide
    Model: 0072193115
    Author: David Strom

    Home Automation magazine
    The How-to Guide to Home Technology
    Home Automation
    Website: www.homeautomationmag.com

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