Well as time wore on, and crime has increased, the oppurtunity has arisen to place the network on the forefront. After deciding with my wife that it was time to install some security cameras I got the green light to build away. 

Step 1 was to cut a hole in the closet wall and see what I could see under our stairs. This space was walled off and for most other purposes unusable. But for such a man as I it smacked of home server magic. I’ve run a few configurations and it should work out pretty good.

Step 2 is ordering the equipment. Starting from scratch means buying tools in addition to materials. So far I’ve got 1000′ of CAT6, a 16 port POE switch, my current modem and router, a NAS box, flex bit for drilling, and fish sticks for fishing the network cables. I’ll be terminating all the cable at a 24 port patch panel, which is the last item I need for basic function of the network. All that’s left is to pick a day to drill and pull everything to the central location.

Step 3 will be building out the Security camera grid starting with a PTZ on the front of the house and transitioning to a camera for each kids room the finishing with full coverage outside. I’ve structured everything to work in phases so we can build as time and money permit.

Step 4 will be an HP server to distribute media and handle the NAS function for video.

My first automation purchase was two keypad locks for the front and garage door. That way we didn’t have to worry about being locked out of the house and could ditch our keys. I didn’t find out until later that you need a separate controller to interface the locks with insteon. Go figure right.

I really got serious when I started converting some line voltage thermostats to wireless ones. That required two components and a power source for the new tstat. I eventually got that all worked out and even got the tstat wall mounted in the kitchen/dining room. 

Eventually I got my hands on a light switch to control my porch light that was always left on. That led to more light switches. Now my downstairs light is on and ready for me at 4:45 when I wake up, and switches of not long after I leave. I got a screaming deal on a keypad that went into my master suite and controls all the current switches. Slowly but surely most of the switches will converted over.
The heart of the operation is a Universal Devices ISY99i IR pro. Last generations model but suites me fine. Presently I’m dealing with communication issues with some upstairs switches. After adding an access point and line filter it’s slowly sorting itself out. I’ll be the first to admit I’m no expert, so I’ve been pressing forward and learning as I go. As the title would infer every now and then it’s easiest to just reset everything and start fresh but such is life with technology. 

I’ve been playing with dimmable LED bulbs lately. After hours the lights are set to dim automatically so it’s easier on our eyes. Eventually I’ll be adding sensors to all doors and windows and some leak sensors and key appliances. Like any nerd stuff it all comes down having a great time doing it.

Well it all started eight years ago when I married my wife . . . Oh wait, I guess you don’t need the WHOLE story. Sufficed to say we have a son presently, and a daughter on the way. We turned our crib into a big boy bed for our son, but now it must be a crib again. This is the point most parents go buy a bed, or swindle grandfolks into make the purchase. For whatever insane reason, which escapes at the moment, we decided to be cool parents and do something fancy! 

Children’s beds must be made of gold plated lumber by German craftsman. At least that’s what the price tag would have you believe. After looking at a few options I decided that a treehouse bed was where it was at. This would accomplish two things. It keeps the bed off the floor allowing for more space, and it’s super cool. 

Trying to make a bed from scratch with a pregnant wife and overactive son is fraught with peril, deep concern, and occasionally saw dust in one’s eye. I was able to accomplish several feats for which I shall now discuss. Number one, I fit four ten foot 2×4’s into a 1999 Honda CR-V and was able to close the rear glass hatch. After you recover from your amazement read on. Number two, I succesfully filled an entire corner of my son’s room. Yes, things really are bigger than their drawings. Number three, after all the 2×4’s made it home I got a 4×8 sheet of plywood into the car. I know, I’m a mad genius. Number four, once finished I should be right around the $150 mark. *golf clap*

Now that I’ve wowed and amazed with my cunning plus thrift, here are some pictures.

I made it four feet off the ground so we could fit his train table and work bench. The left side tapers so you can get into the closet. On the right the door runs as high as possible to protect fragile noggins. There is a sloped section for a roof to add some flair.

The young master making an appearance. You won’t see him too often because I can’t afford to pay him royalties for his likeness. Here the window is ruffed in and the front wall is done.

Front roof made from cedar shakes. This was a killer to lay out, and it add nothing structural but man does it look good.

Getting the angle here took some time. Once I got one board set the rest were the same all the way up.

Roof is done. Turned out just how it was in my head, which is always satisfying. The doorway is sided and the interior is carpeted with a nice remnant curtesy of Grandma and Pappie. Well they didn’t buy the bed, but the carpet is soft. 

Items that are left include framing the doorway and adding trim to various portions. Oh, and a ladder so he can get out. Though I’m still not to sure about it. Maybe a gate instead.

UPDATE 05/17/17

Well, I got the bottom trim, the top window trim and the doorway framed in before I ran out of lumber. One last trip to the hardware and I should have what’s needed to put the bed into service. I might just have to sleep in there myself, just to make sure it’s safe and all. Have I mentioned I never had a treehouse bed yet?

UPDATE 05/20/17

To say I am done would not quite fit, but I can say it is ready to sleep in. Trim is up, ladder is constructed and attached. Phase one is complete. Phase two is painting the trim a nice brown color. Phase three will be adding some lighting and covering the underside with something that looks nice.