As long as you are pulling CAT6, I would include some really low tech wires
like cheap 4 wire phone cable or the like for use with remote thermostats,
PIC serial or other stuff that doesn't have a network connection included.

Also, lots of insulation to keep down the heating/cooling bills and now that
you are a homeowner, unless it is in the frozen north, you should find that
P.V. Panels are effectively free:

http://www.massmind.org/techref/other/solar/panels.htm

http://www.massmind.org/techref/other/solar/case1.htm

I think the above are all solid, proven suggestions... And now for something
different:


On a south sunward wall, between windows, install a vent chimney in the wall
or on the outside of the wall with ducting in the wall.
http://www.massmind.org/techref/other/spac.htm#Vent

And on the north facing wall, perhaps a cooling tower.
http://www.massmind.org/techref/other/cooltower.htm

And put in a woodstove for heat.
http://www.massmind.org/techref/other/woodstoves.htm

---
James.
 
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu 
> [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of Marcel Birthelmer
> Sent: 2007 Mar 23, Fri 13:23
> To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
> Subject: [EE] Nerd-friendly remodeling tasks
> 
> Hi all,
> since I know there are a number of kindred spirits on this 
> list, some of whom have built their own homes from the ground 
> up, I'd like to get some ideas for my own humble abode.
> The situation is that I just bought a duplex (signed all the papers
> yesterday) that I will be sharing with my sister (one unit 
> for each of us, and we each get a 1-car garage). The building 
> is probably a 50s issue. The power outlets have no grounding. 
> There seems to be some TV cable that was pulled through the 
> floor, and maybe some phone cabling somewhere. In general, 
> the units are in pretty bad shape, and there will be a lot of 
> work to do no matter what, so while I'm at it, I'd also like 
> to geek it up a notch.
> So far my ideas revolve around laying Cat6 everywhere along 
> with properly grounded power. There will be some closet space 
> dedicated to a switch, and I'll have a storage server of some 
> sort in the garage.
> Other than that, what are some other fun things people have 
> done/thought about?
> The only real concern (aside from cost) is that I should be 
> able to perform the modifications myself. In particular, that 
> probably rules out laying fiber, since from what I've read, 
> it's very difficult to terminate properly.
> I'd appreciate some suggestions, and also any worthwhile 
> advice that someone who may have faced a similar situation might have!
> - Marcel
> --
> http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change 
> your membership options at 
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
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