Difference between revisions of "User:Purps"

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=Introduction=
 
=Introduction=
−
Hello all. My name is Matt and I live in England. Have been playing with LMCE for a number of years now. I would class myself as a user due to my complete lack of any development skills, so am always keen to help in any way I can. By profession I am a Mechanical Design Engineer in the space industry. In my spare time I enjoy metalwork, woodwork and various other little electronics/DIY projects. Any remaining free time is spent with my extremely patient and long-suffering girlfriend with whom I live.
+
Hello all. My name is Matt and I live in England. Have been playing with LMCE for a number of years now. I would class myself as a user, but am always keen to help any way I can. By profession I am a mechanical design engineer in the space industry. In my spare time I enjoy metalwork, woodwork and various other little electronics/DIY projects. Any remaining free time is spent with my extremely patient and long-suffering girlfriend with whom I live. We have now bought our first house together, so now the LMCE-related carnage can ''really'' begin.
 +
 
 +
I have started a blog for all my major projects, which of course includes LMCE http://projectsofmatt.wordpress.com/
 +
 
 +
The intention is to keep progress reports and general ramblings to the blog. This wiki page will serve as a snapshot of my setup.
 +
 
  
 
=Software=
 
=Software=
−
My current installation is based on the beta 23388 snapshot http://linuxmce.iptp.org/snapshots/
+
My current installation is based on the 1004 RC. It is fantastic. Don't bother with 810 any more.
  
−
The following is a list of things I had to do that deviate from a "normal" install http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Installing_0810
+
I would highly recommend the use of [http://clonezilla.org/ Clonezilla] for backing up LMCE at appropriate intervals i.e. whenever you get something working! Clonezilla saves a partition of your choice as a compressed file which can in turn be saved to any connected hard drive. Then, you can attempt to get the next thing working without fear of ruining your life/relationship. If the worst happens, just pop the Clonezilla live CD back in and restore the relevant image back. To use, I found Clonezilla to be very intuitive; my only other advice would be to name your backups with as much detailed information as possible. You won't always necessarily want to restore the last image you made, as you may find a problem that goes back further.
  
−
*Edited the /etc/apt/sources.list as per http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?topic=10901.0
 
  
 
=Network=
 
=Network=
 
It is highly advisable that you adopt the recommended [[Network Settings|network setup]] and use 2 NICs in your core. This means that a) things are a lot more likely to work straight out of the box and b) when things DO go wrong, you are far more likely to receive support. In my experience it is definitely worth it.
 
It is highly advisable that you adopt the recommended [[Network Settings|network setup]] and use 2 NICs in your core. This means that a) things are a lot more likely to work straight out of the box and b) when things DO go wrong, you are far more likely to receive support. In my experience it is definitely worth it.
 +
 +
Yes, we need a diagram here, a picture is worth a thousand words and all that....
  
 
My external network looks a little bit like this...
 
My external network looks a little bit like this...
  
−
'''Wall -> Cable Modem -> NIC 1 (eth0) on Core'''
+
'''Virgin Media Cable Modem -> NIC 1 (eth0) on Core'''
  
 
And my internal network...
 
And my internal network...
Line 26: Line 32:
 
'''NIC 2 (eth1) on Core -> Netgear 8-port Gigabit switch'''
 
'''NIC 2 (eth1) on Core -> Netgear 8-port Gigabit switch'''
  
−
Connected to this switch there are another two Netgear Gigabit switches (switches can be daisy-chained to give you more ports), and connected to these you'll find...
+
Connected to this switch you'll find...
  
 
*All of the MDs
 
*All of the MDs
−
*"Normal" computers requiring internet access
+
*"Normal" computers requiring Internet access
−
*Netgear wireless router
+
 
*IP Cameras
 
*IP Cameras
−
*DECT phone (via [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_telephone_adapter/ ATA])
+
*IP Phone
 +
*Wireless Access Point (WAP)
 +
 
 +
''Note: If you have a spare wireless router laying around, it can be used as a WAP (this is what I have done using the much loved Netgear WGR614). Just connect it up to a switch (your internal network) via one of the LAN ports (these are the ports that you would normally plug your computers into, NOT the port that you would usually plug your Internet cable into). In the router's admin page, make sure DHCP is DISABLED, and then set it up in the normal way. Your SSID should NOT be your name or give any clues as to where you live, use the strongest encryption you can (I use WPA2) and it makes a lot of sense to set up an access list (MAC filter). This allows you to specify exactly which MAC addresses are allowed to connect, making your WAP very secure. Finally, and this is important if you wish to access the router's admin page again (perhaps you'll want to add a friend's MAC address for example), you must assign a new LAN TCP/IP. This wants to be in the 192.168.80.X format, and should not be an address that is already in use. I used 192.168.80.254.''
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=Storage=
 +
The two internal hard disks in the Core are each dedicated to their respective jobs (OS and cameras). For the storage of all media, and to serve as a backup drive for our other computers, a D-Link DNS-323 NAS drive is being utilised. It has x2 HDD bays, only one of which is currently occupied with a 2TB disk, and I will add another in the near future.
 +
 
 +
This NAS is plug'n'play with LMCE. If you want to password protect the NAS volume, achieved via the NAS admin page, you must fill out the appropriate boxes in web admin also.
  
−
Quick note on the wireless router; this acts as a Wireless Access Point, nothing more (remember your core acts as the router/firewall). Just connect it up via the port you would usually plug your internet cable into. In the router's admin page, make sure DHCP is enabled, and then set it up in the normal way. Your SSID should NOT be your name or give any clues as to where you live, use the strongest encryption you can (I use WPA2) and it makes a lot of sense to set up an access list (MAC filter). This allows you to specify exactly which MAC addresses are allowed to connect, making your Wireless Access Point very secure.
 
  
 
=Core/MDs=
 
=Core/MDs=
 
This section talks about the main bits of hardware in my home that make up the principal elements of any LMCE system.
 
This section talks about the main bits of hardware in my home that make up the principal elements of any LMCE system.
  
−
==Core (Cupboard)==
+
 
−
Mention UPS here as well and other devices
+
==Core (PA)==
 +
Main hardware includes...
 +
 
 +
*'''Case''' - Nasty old beige ATX case, lives in cupboard under stairs, out of sight.
 +
*'''Motherboard''' - [[MSI 870-C45]] AMD 770 ATX Socket AM3 Realtek GbLAN controller
 +
*'''Processor''' - AMD quad core processor
 +
*'''Memory''' - 3GB
 +
*'''Power Supply''' - Corsair 400W
 +
*'''Graphics card''' - ATI Radeon X300SE 128MB PCIe
 +
*'''Hard disks''' - 80GB for OS, 500GB for cameras.
 +
*'''NIC''' - Realtek RTL-8139/8139C/8139C+ (non-gigabit, used for external network)
 +
*'''DVD Drive''' - Only used when I reinstall.
 +
*'''Z-Wave controller''' - [[Seluxit viaSENS Home Controller]], this is the recommended interface.
 +
*'''Z-Wave inclusion remote''' - [[Aeon Labs Minimote]]
 +
*'''UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)''' - APC Smart-UPS 1400. Powers the Core, modem, switch, cameras (cameras use PoE, so plugs are all in the same place).
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Following installation, I carried out the following on my Core to make it work/get it the way I wanted it...
 +
 
 +
*Swapped Network Interfaces in web admin -> Advanced -> Network -> Network settings, to put eth0 on the external network.
 +
*Changed password to something more secure in web admin -> Wizard -> Basic info -> Users.
 +
*Made use of the [[Folder_lock|folder lock]] feature in order to stop my desktop backup from appearing in the orbiters.
 +
 
  
 
==MD (Living Room)==
 
==MD (Living Room)==
 +
Main hardware includes...
 +
 +
*'''Case''' - Jetway JC200. Smallest mini-ITX case I could find with space for slim DVD drive.
 +
*'''Motherboard''' -
 +
*'''Memory''' - 2GB (512MB dedicate to GPU)
 +
*'''Power Supply''' - 100 W fanless picoPSU (included with case)
 +
*'''DVD Drive''' - Samsung SN-T083C slot-loading drive.
 +
*'''Mouse/keyboard''' - Fly Air Gyro Sensing Mouse and Wireless Keyboard
 +
*'''Display''' - LG 42LH400 42" Full HD LCD TV (controlled via RS232).
 +
*'''Speakers''' - B&W speakers driven by tube amp.
 +
 +
 +
Also carried out the following...
 +
 +
*After the initial installation, switch off MD. In web admin under "Media Directors", select "auto" for "Hardware Acceleration" and "vdpau" for "Deinterlace settings". Then click "Update". Switch MD back on.
 +
*Changed from "H" to "S" in the "PowerOff mode". This suspends the MD when switched off, rather than power it down completely.
 +
*Installed libdvdcss2 and w32codecs to allow DVDs and DivXs to be played (sudo apt-get install libdvdcss2 w32codecs).
 +
  
 
==MD (Kitchen)==
 
==MD (Kitchen)==
 +
Main hardware includes...
 +
 +
*'''Case''' - None, lives in cupboard under stairs.
 +
*'''Motherboard''' - [[ASUS AT3N7A-I]]
 +
*'''Memory''' - 2GB (512MB dedicated to GPU)
 +
*'''Power Supply''' - 100 W fanless picoPSU.
 +
*'''Display''' - 22" ViewSonic VX2239WM, 1080p LCD, HDMI, integrated speakers.
 +
 +
 +
Also carried out the following...
 +
 +
*After the initial installation, switch off MD. In web admin under "Media Directors", select "auto" for "Hardware Acceleration" and "vdpau" for "Deinterlace settings". Then click "Update". Switch MD back on.
 +
*Changed from "H" to "S" in the "PowerOff mode". This suspends the MD when switched off, rather than power it down completely.
 +
*Installed libdvdcss2 and w32codecs to allow DVDs and DivXs to be played (sudo apt-get install libdvdcss2 w32codecs).
 +
  
 
==MD (Bedroom)==
 
==MD (Bedroom)==
 +
''Hardware will be installed soon for testing before putting in permanent cable runs''
 +
 +
*'''Motherboard''' - TBD (atom, fanless?)
 +
*'''Display''' - Foehn & Hirsch 42" Full HD LCD TV
 +
  
 
==MD (Bathroom)==
 
==MD (Bathroom)==
 +
''Bathroom will be redone in near future. Intention is to add ceiling speakers only, driven by squeezeslave/amp''
  
−
==MD (Electronics Lab)==
 
  
−
==MD (Wood Workshop)==
+
==MD (Study)==
 +
''Debating whether to install MD - probably not necessary''
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==MD (Metalshop)==
 +
''Indoor workshop will require MD, will probably be a 'normal' desktop''
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==MD (Woodshop)==
 +
Main hardware includes...
 +
 
 +
*'''Case''' -
 +
*'''Motherboard''' - [[ASUS AT3IONT]] (dusty environment - fanless atom board)
 +
*'''Memory''' - 2GB (512MB dedicate to GPU)
 +
*'''Power Supply''' - 100 W fanless picoPSU (included with case)
 +
*'''Display''' -
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Also carried out the following...
 +
 
 +
*After the initial installation, switch off MD. In web admin under "Media Directors", select "auto" for "Hardware Acceleration" and "vdpau" for "Deinterlace settings". Then click "Update". Switch MD back on.
 +
*Changed from "H" to "S" in the "PowerOff mode". This suspends the MD when switched off, rather than power it down completely.
 +
*Installed libdvdcss2 and w32codecs to allow DVDs and DivXs to be played (sudo apt-get install libdvdcss2 w32codecs).
  
−
==MD (Metal Workshop)==
 
  
 
==MD (Garage)==
 
==MD (Garage)==
 +
''Attached garage, will require MD, will probably be a 'normal' desktop''
  
−
=Orbiters=
 
  
 +
=Orbiters=
 
Every MD features an on-screen orbiter. In addition to the on-screen ones...
 
Every MD features an on-screen orbiter. In addition to the on-screen ones...
 +
  
 
==Mobile Orbiters==
 
==Mobile Orbiters==
−
*Main mobile orbiter -
+
*'''Mobile phone''' - HTC Desire HD Jellybean (JellyTime) running los93sol's/Thom's [[AndroidTouchOrbiter]]. I also use this device a lot for remote access.
−
*'''Mobile Phone'''
+
*'''Netbook''' - my netbook, uses [[Web Orbiter 2.0]].  
−
Nokia 5800 XpressMusic running [[Web Orbiter 2.0]] in standard Symbian browser. I find it handy to bookmark the orbiter page, and place a shortcut on the main screen for quick and easy access. I also use this device a lot for (secure) outside access over [[HTTPS]].
+
*'''Laptop''' - the lady's laptop, uses [[Web Orbiter 2.0]].
−
*'''Ubuntu laptop'''
+
*'''[[Nokia N800]]''' - running its own orbiter software. Generally used in workshop areas.
−
The lady's Ubuntu laptop which we generally use for surfing, work, etc wherever we happen to be. It is running Web Orbiter 2.0 in Google Chrome. We never use this in fullscreen mode (press F11 in your browser if you wish to do this) as we prefer to just have it on standby in a tab. Therefore the resolution of the Orbiter is set lower than the resolution of the laptop screen.
+
 
−
*'''Nintendo DSi'''
+
 
−
My mate's DSi, running Web Orbiter 2.0 with a resolution of 480x320 in the standard browser. This resolution allows for all text to be read relatively easily, but does mean a lot of scrolling about is required. I wouldn't use it personally. Might be worth playing with other resolutions/skins to make it more usable.
+
==Other Orbiters==
 +
*'''Kitchen orbiter''' - o2 Joggler, freestanding.
 +
*'''Hallway wall''' - TBD
 +
*'''Bedside table''' - TBD
 +
*'''CarPC''' - http://projectsofmatt.wordpress.com/carpc/
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=Home Automation=
 +
This section looks at the remaining hardware in my home, relating specifically to home automation.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Lights==
 +
*'''Duwi dimmer switch''' - in Living Room, 2 wire in my case (more common in Europe).
 +
 
 +
 
 +
''Note: '''AVOID''' [[ACT_Homepro_ZDW232|ACT HomePro ZDW232]] as explained [http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?topic=10783.0 here].''
 +
 
 +
==Security==
 +
Having been the victims of a burglary, I consider this to be a very important area.
 +
 
  
−
==Wall Orbiters==
+
===Cameras===
−
*Nokia N800 in hallway
+
*'''[[Panasonic BL-C10]]''' - x3 covering indoor areas.
−
*Nokia N800 in kitchen
+
*'''Y-Cam Black YCB004''' - x2 covering outdoor areas.
  
−
=Lighting=
 
  
−
*'''Duwi dimmer switch (Living Room)'''
+
''Note: All of my cameras make use of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_over_Ethernet/ Power over Ethernet (PoE)], despite not being models that support it! Nor do I have any switches/hubs that "spit out" PoE at the Core end. Search on eBay for "poe injector kit" and you'll see what I mean. Powering devices in this way is very useful in that you only need to run a single Ethernet cable for both data and power. Brilliant for cameras, especially outdoor ones. Also useful if you want your cameras to be on a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uninterruptible_power_supply UPS], as PoE allows all of the power plugs to be in the same place.''
−
2 wire in my case (more common in Europe), check your current switch/dimmer first '''REMEMBER TO ISOLATE THE LIGHTS AT YOUR FUSE BOX - ALWAYS TEST THE LIVE (BROWN or RED) WIRE WITH A TESTER [http://www.screwfix.com/prods/55464/Hand-Tools/Screwdrivers/VDE-Screwdrivers/CK-Heavy-Duty-Mains-Tester-100-250V-AC#/ LIKE THIS] FIRST!!!''' Bear in mind that you only count the wires connected to the switch itself; if like mine your earth is connected to the backbox, then this doesn't count as a wire. Very pleased with this device, superb build-quality, great tactile response, easy to set up. This is my second dimmer switch, after a very bad experience with the [[ACT_Homepro_ZDW232|ACT HomePro ZDW232]] http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?topic=10783.0. In my opinion you should avoid these dimmers like the plague. They are the cheapest, but it shows. Spend a little bit more and get the Duwi, which is comparable in price (speak to Ivor from http://www.uk-automation.co.uk/, tell him I sent you ;-) ). Anything else I have found has been prohibitively expensive.
+
  
−
=Security=
 
  
−
Very important. Having been the victims of a burglary, this is an area that perhaps you should consider concentrating on first. You just don't think it is going to happen to you... until it does. And it's a horrible feeling.
+
===Sensors===
 +
*'''[[Everspring SM103]]''' - z-wave door/window sensors.
 +
*'''[[Everspring SF812]]''' - z-wave smoke detector.
  
−
==Cameras==
 
−
*x3 '''[[Panasonic BL-C10]]'''
 
−
*x2 Foscam xxxxxxxxxxx
 
  
−
All of my cameras make use of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_over_Ethernet/ Power over Ethernet (PoE)], despite not being models that support it! Nor do I have any switches/hubs that "spit out" PoE at the Core end. To see how it is achieved, take a look at "Tool Time" at the end of this page for a Howto video explaining the required steps (inspired by b4rney on the forums, thank you mate!). Powering devices in this way is very useful in that you only need to run a single ethernet cable for both data and power. Brilliant for cameras, especially outdoor ones.
+
===Lighting===
 +
Remember LMCE allows you to set up your lights to turn on and off and specified times - excellent for giving the impression that somebody is in.
  
−
==Sensors==
 
−
*'''Everspring SM103 door/window sensors (Z-Wave)'''
 
−
Currently giving me a lot of ballache, no idea what is wrong with them http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?topic=10971.0
 
  
−
Smoke detector planned
+
==Telephone==
 +
Siemens Gigaset C475 IP on sipgate.co.uk
  
−
=Telephone=
 
−
Vonage, DECT phone, soon to be Sipgate
 
  
−
=Tool Time=
+
==Climate==
 +
Watch this space!
  
−
This is where I plan to place a few Howto videos for various DIY projects that can be carried out around the house, in order to achieve that seamless, perfectly integrated LMCE installation. The aim will be to stay away from technical jargon as much as possible, and use standard/simple tools and components that aren't going to break the bank.
 
  
−
*Howto: Construct a rear mounting MD casing for any TV screen with a VESA mount (with slot loading DVD drive).
+
=Thank you for reading=
−
*Howto: Mount a TV on the wall with MD hidden behind (with a slot loading DVD drive).
+
Please contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance. I might not be so helpful from the software point of view, but any questions regarding hardware, DIY around the house or generally doing things on the cheap, I might be able to help you.
−
*Howto: Make a wall-mounted orbiter (inspired by Techstyle's framing idea). Surface mounted or recessed (flush fitting)?
+
−
*Howto: Install a new back box (e.g. for z-wave light switch) and make good the wall (having destroyed it in the process).
+
−
*Howto: Chase wall channels, embed cables and make good the wall.
+
−
*Howto: Build a single/double bed with integrated "stowable" flat screen TV and MD. LMCE-controlled motor perhaps.
+
−
*Howto: Build a waterproof bathroom MD/orbiter (combined touchscreen device?)
+
−
*Howto: Make your own ceiling/wall speakers using (decent!) multimedia speakers (if, like me, you are not a complete audiophile, this avoids having an external amp to hide away).
+
−
*Howto: Build your own charging cradle/stand for your mobile orbiter (avoid switching it off all the time).
+
−
*Howto: Make your own cat6 patch cables
+
−
*Howto: Make any device Power over Ethernet (PoE)
+

Latest revision as of 00:30, 2 April 2013


Introduction

Hello all. My name is Matt and I live in England. Have been playing with LMCE for a number of years now. I would class myself as a user, but am always keen to help any way I can. By profession I am a mechanical design engineer in the space industry. In my spare time I enjoy metalwork, woodwork and various other little electronics/DIY projects. Any remaining free time is spent with my extremely patient and long-suffering girlfriend with whom I live. We have now bought our first house together, so now the LMCE-related carnage can really begin.

I have started a blog for all my major projects, which of course includes LMCE http://projectsofmatt.wordpress.com/

The intention is to keep progress reports and general ramblings to the blog. This wiki page will serve as a snapshot of my setup.


Software

My current installation is based on the 1004 RC. It is fantastic. Don't bother with 810 any more.

I would highly recommend the use of Clonezilla for backing up LMCE at appropriate intervals i.e. whenever you get something working! Clonezilla saves a partition of your choice as a compressed file which can in turn be saved to any connected hard drive. Then, you can attempt to get the next thing working without fear of ruining your life/relationship. If the worst happens, just pop the Clonezilla live CD back in and restore the relevant image back. To use, I found Clonezilla to be very intuitive; my only other advice would be to name your backups with as much detailed information as possible. You won't always necessarily want to restore the last image you made, as you may find a problem that goes back further.


Network

It is highly advisable that you adopt the recommended network setup and use 2 NICs in your core. This means that a) things are a lot more likely to work straight out of the box and b) when things DO go wrong, you are far more likely to receive support. In my experience it is definitely worth it.

Yes, we need a diagram here, a picture is worth a thousand words and all that....

My external network looks a little bit like this...

Virgin Media Cable Modem -> NIC 1 (eth0) on Core

And my internal network...

NIC 2 (eth1) on Core -> Netgear 8-port Gigabit switch

Connected to this switch you'll find...

  • All of the MDs
  • "Normal" computers requiring Internet access
  • IP Cameras
  • IP Phone
  • Wireless Access Point (WAP)

Note: If you have a spare wireless router laying around, it can be used as a WAP (this is what I have done using the much loved Netgear WGR614). Just connect it up to a switch (your internal network) via one of the LAN ports (these are the ports that you would normally plug your computers into, NOT the port that you would usually plug your Internet cable into). In the router's admin page, make sure DHCP is DISABLED, and then set it up in the normal way. Your SSID should NOT be your name or give any clues as to where you live, use the strongest encryption you can (I use WPA2) and it makes a lot of sense to set up an access list (MAC filter). This allows you to specify exactly which MAC addresses are allowed to connect, making your WAP very secure. Finally, and this is important if you wish to access the router's admin page again (perhaps you'll want to add a friend's MAC address for example), you must assign a new LAN TCP/IP. This wants to be in the 192.168.80.X format, and should not be an address that is already in use. I used 192.168.80.254.


Storage

The two internal hard disks in the Core are each dedicated to their respective jobs (OS and cameras). For the storage of all media, and to serve as a backup drive for our other computers, a D-Link DNS-323 NAS drive is being utilised. It has x2 HDD bays, only one of which is currently occupied with a 2TB disk, and I will add another in the near future.

This NAS is plug'n'play with LMCE. If you want to password protect the NAS volume, achieved via the NAS admin page, you must fill out the appropriate boxes in web admin also.


Core/MDs

This section talks about the main bits of hardware in my home that make up the principal elements of any LMCE system.


Core (PA)

Main hardware includes...

  • Case - Nasty old beige ATX case, lives in cupboard under stairs, out of sight.
  • Motherboard - MSI 870-C45 AMD 770 ATX Socket AM3 Realtek GbLAN controller
  • Processor - AMD quad core processor
  • Memory - 3GB
  • Power Supply - Corsair 400W
  • Graphics card - ATI Radeon X300SE 128MB PCIe
  • Hard disks - 80GB for OS, 500GB for cameras.
  • NIC - Realtek RTL-8139/8139C/8139C+ (non-gigabit, used for external network)
  • DVD Drive - Only used when I reinstall.
  • Z-Wave controller - Seluxit viaSENS Home Controller, this is the recommended interface.
  • Z-Wave inclusion remote - Aeon Labs Minimote
  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) - APC Smart-UPS 1400. Powers the Core, modem, switch, cameras (cameras use PoE, so plugs are all in the same place).


Following installation, I carried out the following on my Core to make it work/get it the way I wanted it...

  • Swapped Network Interfaces in web admin -> Advanced -> Network -> Network settings, to put eth0 on the external network.
  • Changed password to something more secure in web admin -> Wizard -> Basic info -> Users.
  • Made use of the folder lock feature in order to stop my desktop backup from appearing in the orbiters.


MD (Living Room)

Main hardware includes...

  • Case - Jetway JC200. Smallest mini-ITX case I could find with space for slim DVD drive.
  • Motherboard -
  • Memory - 2GB (512MB dedicate to GPU)
  • Power Supply - 100 W fanless picoPSU (included with case)
  • DVD Drive - Samsung SN-T083C slot-loading drive.
  • Mouse/keyboard - Fly Air Gyro Sensing Mouse and Wireless Keyboard
  • Display - LG 42LH400 42" Full HD LCD TV (controlled via RS232).
  • Speakers - B&W speakers driven by tube amp.


Also carried out the following...

  • After the initial installation, switch off MD. In web admin under "Media Directors", select "auto" for "Hardware Acceleration" and "vdpau" for "Deinterlace settings". Then click "Update". Switch MD back on.
  • Changed from "H" to "S" in the "PowerOff mode". This suspends the MD when switched off, rather than power it down completely.
  • Installed libdvdcss2 and w32codecs to allow DVDs and DivXs to be played (sudo apt-get install libdvdcss2 w32codecs).


MD (Kitchen)

Main hardware includes...

  • Case - None, lives in cupboard under stairs.
  • Motherboard - ASUS AT3N7A-I
  • Memory - 2GB (512MB dedicated to GPU)
  • Power Supply - 100 W fanless picoPSU.
  • Display - 22" ViewSonic VX2239WM, 1080p LCD, HDMI, integrated speakers.


Also carried out the following...

  • After the initial installation, switch off MD. In web admin under "Media Directors", select "auto" for "Hardware Acceleration" and "vdpau" for "Deinterlace settings". Then click "Update". Switch MD back on.
  • Changed from "H" to "S" in the "PowerOff mode". This suspends the MD when switched off, rather than power it down completely.
  • Installed libdvdcss2 and w32codecs to allow DVDs and DivXs to be played (sudo apt-get install libdvdcss2 w32codecs).


MD (Bedroom)

Hardware will be installed soon for testing before putting in permanent cable runs

  • Motherboard - TBD (atom, fanless?)
  • Display - Foehn & Hirsch 42" Full HD LCD TV


MD (Bathroom)

Bathroom will be redone in near future. Intention is to add ceiling speakers only, driven by squeezeslave/amp


MD (Study)

Debating whether to install MD - probably not necessary


MD (Metalshop)

Indoor workshop will require MD, will probably be a 'normal' desktop


MD (Woodshop)

Main hardware includes...

  • Case -
  • Motherboard - ASUS AT3IONT (dusty environment - fanless atom board)
  • Memory - 2GB (512MB dedicate to GPU)
  • Power Supply - 100 W fanless picoPSU (included with case)
  • Display -


Also carried out the following...

  • After the initial installation, switch off MD. In web admin under "Media Directors", select "auto" for "Hardware Acceleration" and "vdpau" for "Deinterlace settings". Then click "Update". Switch MD back on.
  • Changed from "H" to "S" in the "PowerOff mode". This suspends the MD when switched off, rather than power it down completely.
  • Installed libdvdcss2 and w32codecs to allow DVDs and DivXs to be played (sudo apt-get install libdvdcss2 w32codecs).


MD (Garage)

Attached garage, will require MD, will probably be a 'normal' desktop


Orbiters

Every MD features an on-screen orbiter. In addition to the on-screen ones...


Mobile Orbiters

  • Mobile phone - HTC Desire HD Jellybean (JellyTime) running los93sol's/Thom's AndroidTouchOrbiter. I also use this device a lot for remote access.
  • Netbook - my netbook, uses Web Orbiter 2.0.
  • Laptop - the lady's laptop, uses Web Orbiter 2.0.
  • Nokia N800 - running its own orbiter software. Generally used in workshop areas.


Other Orbiters


Home Automation

This section looks at the remaining hardware in my home, relating specifically to home automation.


Lights

  • Duwi dimmer switch - in Living Room, 2 wire in my case (more common in Europe).


Note: AVOID ACT HomePro ZDW232 as explained here.

Security

Having been the victims of a burglary, I consider this to be a very important area.


Cameras

  • Panasonic BL-C10 - x3 covering indoor areas.
  • Y-Cam Black YCB004 - x2 covering outdoor areas.


Note: All of my cameras make use of Power over Ethernet (PoE), despite not being models that support it! Nor do I have any switches/hubs that "spit out" PoE at the Core end. Search on eBay for "poe injector kit" and you'll see what I mean. Powering devices in this way is very useful in that you only need to run a single Ethernet cable for both data and power. Brilliant for cameras, especially outdoor ones. Also useful if you want your cameras to be on a UPS, as PoE allows all of the power plugs to be in the same place.


Sensors


Lighting

Remember LMCE allows you to set up your lights to turn on and off and specified times - excellent for giving the impression that somebody is in.


Telephone

Siemens Gigaset C475 IP on sipgate.co.uk


Climate

Watch this space!


Thank you for reading

Please contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance. I might not be so helpful from the software point of view, but any questions regarding hardware, DIY around the house or generally doing things on the cheap, I might be able to help you.

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