More Newbie questions....

["Steven Dickson" <sdickson@xxxxxxx>]

Title: More Newbie questions....

Hi guys,

I've been lurking for a while - originally subscribed to the group last year when planning a self build project that has since fallen through numerous times.  I've bitten the bullet and am now moving house to another house that need refurbished, probably at the end of the month.

I've decided to rewire and replumb the house together with all the usual kitchen , bathroom and window stuff.

I'm putting together my wiring plans, and intend to buy comfort and build the system from there from the HA front, and install as many cat5 and video dist cables as possible during the course of things.

I've got approval from the other half for most of it - she's and electronics technician so can appreciate 'some' of the concepts and advantages.  I've got a couple of questions...

Firstly aimed at some of the locals - Mark etc. where's the best place to buy the conventional hardware - wire, sockets etc?  Are you planning any get togethers - I'd appreciate a hands on chat to convince me to take a deeper plunge, and some practical tips and advice / encouragement, face to face.

I intend as mentioned to start with 'Comfort' and build the system from there.. perhaps going to home vision, I need some advice to make the system hardwired and designed to make this 'upgrade?' as painless as possible, or will I ever need to go down this route?

I've got a reasonable handle on electronics, have installed plumbing / ch systems, alarm systems and done some rewiring in the past, and am game to tackle anything DIY within reason.  I understand the principles of PC hardware and network fundamentals - I've ever dabbled in network admin a bit and repaired and built many a PC.  My downside is programming - haven't got a clue beyond some VB I did a number of years ago.  I need some friendly advice.

I want to have as much X10 automation of lights, and a few appliances, and us comfort as a fully fledged security system, with the web interface etc. and use a few cameras to see who's at the front door.  I'm also interested in the use of comfort to interface with the heating control system - I believe there's some work going on the development of this at the moment?

Any help and or advice appreciated.

Sorry for the long winded mail.

Thanks.

Best Rgds,

Steve Dickson
Industrial Engineering Department
Nortel Networks - Monkstown, Northern Ireland.
Email: sdickson@xxxxxxx