Smart Home Wiring

[rf33]

How is it cheaper to use wireless? Most 100MB network cards are now around $25.00 and if you have only two computers, you do not even need a hub, just a crossover cable. Maybe for three, the cost of wireless would be close, as hubs go for around $80 for a 8 port 10/100 hub. Still I would prefer to have the wired system for the performance of it. IMHO, wireless is best reserved for laptops where the portability factor plays in, not for desktops. Kind of like the cordless mouse... Most of the times I use the mouse, I am right there in front of the computer, not needing to use the mouse from across the room, I see little benefit for the added cost / complexity of a cordless setup.

 

[mbsil]

Re: Wireless gear...

On many wireless systems speed is a function of distance from the base unit. The convenience you think you're getting may cost you dramatically in SPEED.

 

[JDIceman]

Rob, the type of metel plaster rings would be the type you would install on a metel 4" sq. box. I have also taken the plastic single gang nail on and cut the back off, the reason for this is, terminations on these cables extend out from the back of the face plate enough that it puts to much tension on the jack and you also must remember that it is recommended that 12" to 18" of slack should be left on each cable,to correct any wiring mistakes or to upgrade any terminations in the future, so with this slack and the jacks and/or connectors you can see why the box can be to small. If you are thinking not using a box is shoddy, it is not it is a common practice. I have had to use boxes on projects that have spec"s requiring them, it can be done. If you decide to use them use 4"sq. x 2-1/8" deep with the proper plaster ring. Good Luck, Chuck

 

[looch]

As well as Leviton, check out these links:

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.nordx.com/public/htmen/15_0.htm>Nordx CDT</A>

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.onqtech.com/>ONQ Tech</A>

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.homecabling.com/hcnew/default.asp>Siemon Home</A>

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.unicomlink.com/solutions.html#residential>Unicom</A>

Hope this helps.

Paul

 

[JATO_RaT]

Rob, if keeping up to date is really important, you might consider doing a portion or all of your media wiring with ENT. ENT is electrical non metallic tubing, it is typically blue and is corrugated. It is a snap to use, wires pull through it very easily. Use at least 3/4" pipe or larger. You can buy it in 10' lengths or 100' rolls.
The reason for using a conduit method is that its just a short matter of time before Cat6 and Cat7 twisted wire is made available. Without knowing where we are headed for sure, (Al Gore isn't giving us any news about whats going on) knowing that you have a pathway to pull new wire is going to be a bonus. When I do my home, I will use ENT for all the media wiring. Wireless may well be the future (ie Bluetooth), but if its not, you will be prepared. Rat....

 

[MossRoad]

Smurf Tube!

 

[RobS]

Excellent, thanks Paul. I picked up my Cat5E, RG6QS and 12-2 speaker cable yesterday at Home Depot. Hope to be pulling wires this weekend and now that we're under roof I don't have to say "weather permitting". Other than if the weather is nice I'd sure like to get some tractor time in /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[rf33]

Bummer isn't it? Some of these indoor home projects really can cut into the seat time./w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif

 

[JATO_RaT]

Yes, SmurfTube indeed, I just didn't know if he knew that I knew that he knew if what I knew was what he knew and if he knew what I knew when we knew about using new smurf in a new house knowing what we now know, you know, Rat...

 

[MossRoad]

Yep.