Build Your Own Smart Home (Build Your Own) (Paperback)

by Anthony Velte (Author) "Prior to 1797, the washing machine was little more than a rock against which laundry was beaten..." (more)
Key Phrases: garage door sensor, water repeller, wireless phone jack, Internet Refrigerator, Event Properties, Back Door (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Wow! If you've got the time and inclination, there isn't anything that cannot be automated in your home. This one-stop resource shows you step-by-step how to plan and install smart home systems using clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations. Discover projects for automating entertainment systems, home security systems, utilities and more.

From the Back Cover
From piping audio and video through the home to automatically watering the lawn, if you've got the inclination, there isn't anything that cannot be automated in your home. This complete, one-stop resource shows you how to plan and install Smart Home systems using clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations. Discover projects for automating entertainment systems, home security systems, utilities, and more. Plus, get plenty of cost-saving tips and advice on outsourcing. Build Your Own Smart Home is the definitive, project-based guide to the skills, tools, and accessories you'll need to install and program professional-level Smart Home features in no time.

• Discover Smart Home advantages and assess needs, designs, and costs
• Integrate and automate your home entertainment components
• Set up lights with motion detectors, dimmers, and delays
• Put together a phone system with smart components, design, wiring, and configuration
• Automate kitchen and bathroom appliances
• Enable a smart garage, outdoor lighting, and a watering system
• Design, wire, and construct a smart security system
• Run your entire household like clockwork around the schedule of family members
• Tie everything together and Web-enable your home for remote monitoring and control

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 1 edition (September 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072230134
• ISBN-13: 978-0072230130
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #729,000 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of cool ideas, December 7, 2003

By	ueberhund "ueberhund" (Salt Lake City, UT United States) - See all my reviews

This is a fascinating book which gave me a lot of ideas for home improvement now and for my next home. Building a smart home is actually a pretty easy process, especially with a lot of the equipment which is currently available. The whole point of having a smart home is being able to control every aspect of your house regardless of where you are-be it in the next room or across the world.

Several sections are dedicated to designing, installing, and programming a home security system. This not only includes installing motion detectors, but also configuring your heating and cooling system to be remotely programmed, as well as your lights. Additional chapters cover projects for your garage and outside, kitchen and bathroom (how about a stove that shuts itself automatically when you forget or a toilet that is smart enough not to overflow), and even audio/visual systems and distribution mechanisms.

While smart homes may not be for everyone, there are a lot of cool ideas in this book. If you know (or are) someone who is interested in the idea of a smart home, you should definitely pick up a copy of this book. You'll find a lot of cool ideas as well as good advice for making your first smart home enhancements.

1 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Missing Info, February 8, 2007

By	Guido Rodriguez "Low Voltage Contractor" (Bay Area) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is missing info about the control and equipment. How to cable the home is one thing, to make it all work is another, it's better to spend money on a contractor.