-------------------------------------
 Video Alternatives for Computerized
       Home Control Systems

 From: The Circuit Cellar BBS
       203/871-1988

 June 1988
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Msg#: 4141 *GENERAL*
06/22/88 00:31:19
From: TAEGAN GODDARD
To: ALL
Subj: HOME CONTROL
I am experimenting with home control using an IBM PC motherboard and the X-10 
Powerhouse to control lights and appliances.  I am writing my control program 
in QuickBASIC 4.0.  My question to anyone:  What is the best type of video card
to use if I want to send the video signal throughout the house to various 
monitors and TVs?   Another question:  Where is the best place to order 
thermistors (150k) that measure temperatures in the normal household temp 
range? Thanks much for any help you can give.    ...Taegan


Msg#: 4150 *GENERAL*
06/22/88 08:34:27
From: DAVID HESSLER
To: TAEGAN GODDARD (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 4141 (HOME CONTROL)
Taegan, I would use an old CGA color card with composite output (from the RCA 
jack) cause it is easiest to boost arround many cables (Radio Shack quad 
amplifier box) and to convert with a little board (back of byte) from the video
games to RF for TV reception where you want to use a tv and some monitors too. 
I think you can put some channel 4 rf on top of the composite video signal and 
get both  on the cable. The amplifiers may not handle the low frequency video 
unless you add a larger capacitor on the internal coupling to go below channel 
2, I haven't tried it.  there are also dc optical volume controls for remote 
use in the surplus market that you can run with a bsr dimmer to a small 115v 
lamp thru fiber optic cable to the photocell to adjust volume, though you may 
need to rectify and filter the bulb power to reduce ripple at 120 hz.


Msg#: 4189 *GENERAL*
06/22/88 22:37:48
From: TAEGAN GODDARD
To: DAVID HESSLER
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 4150 (HOME CONTROL)
Thanks for the info David...  Thinking it over, I would be limited to 40 
columns of text resolution on a TV monitor with a CGA card (unless I'm 
mistaken). Color for the displays doesn't matter to me, but 80 columns would be
nice.  Am I wrong on this? I'd really like to switch video inputs to the TV 
when I want to check the status of the control system. Unless I get a high 
resolution TV/monitor I wont be able to see 80 columns.  Does this thinking 
aloud make any sense to you..?