Congratulations!

I prefer the strategy of providing access to all services rather than 
solving the immediate problems. If you need to open a wall for any reason 
consider an access panel rather than sealing it up. It is best to decide on 
your plumbing strategy in advance of problems. Where do you draw the line 
between self service and seeking outside help?

Instead of sealing every thing up, keep things accessible. Cat 6 is only 
today's spec. Removable panels and reliable connections are a must. 
Maintaining building codes is also a must. It is a matter of long term 
safety. If you have to replace any power wiring be sure to think it through. 
Bigger is usually better but it is more expensive and more difficult to work 
with. Try to stay legal as well. Proper grounding is a safety issue as well 
as an economic issue!

Wireless devices and power line communications do not work as well as hard 
wire. However, wireless devices provide good lightning isolation!


John Ferrell    W8CCW
"Life is easier if you learn to plow
       around the stumps"
http://DixieNC.US

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marcel Birthelmer" <marcelb.lists@gmail.com>
To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." <piclist@mit.edu>
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2007 4:23 PM
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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