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	<title>Smart Home Automation Systems with x10 controllers</title>
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		<title>Will Smarthome Gadgets change the way we live?</title>
		<link>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/will-smarthome-gadgets-change-the-way-we-live/</link>
		<comments>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/will-smarthome-gadgets-change-the-way-we-live/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 May 2012 04:11:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Shack Home Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smart Home Product Descriptions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smarthomeshack.com/?p=366</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Smart Homes Automation Suggestions Google is the basic requirement in every purchase in this internet world. You will also find many suggestions and views on internet. You also can contact your peer group who can check for the usability of the product. The basic concept of Smart Homes is given here. Here are we telling [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.homeautomationforum.com/projects/x10wallmod/wallmod.html">Smart Homes Automation Suggestions</a></p>
<p>Google is the basic requirement in every purchase in this internet world. You will also find many suggestions and views on internet. You also can contact your peer group who can check for the usability of the product.</p>
<p>The basic concept of Smart Homes is given here. Here are we telling the basic concept behind Smart Homes. Everyone knows about this revolutionary Smart Home product.</p>
<p>Smart homes are among the hottest things in the market. Earlier the concept of the <a href="http://mobiletech-info.com/">Smart Homes Automation</a> is famous among the higher societies. Now a day it is becoming popular among middle class family. Major issue considered these days is security only.</p>
<p>Everyone wishes their beautiful home to be a smart home. Buying a new home is never enough even if it is a simple one or a luxurious one. As making your home is a completion of your dream. Its security is the primary point too.</p>
<p>Many people have wrong knowledge on these smart homes. So they start running for cheapest smart home. But, in actual, it is better to implement a costly home automation than a cheap home automation. A smart home will control your home’s climate too.</p>
<p>Everyone wants to live tension free in a secure way. Inflation has caused people to increase security of things they possess, as things are made with lot of effort and also by saving money. The smallest thing at your home is equally secure if you have a x10 home automation system installed. Thus this tension free life will reduce the risk of heart attack too. </p>
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		<title>x10 Automation Smart Homes is the today’s need.</title>
		<link>http://smarthomeshack.com/uncategorized/x10-automation-smart-homes-is-the-today%e2%80%99s-need/</link>
		<comments>http://smarthomeshack.com/uncategorized/x10-automation-smart-homes-is-the-today%e2%80%99s-need/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:22:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cell phone booster]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart home automation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smarthomeshack.com/?p=363</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Security is becoming the major issue these days. This is not like the olden days when everyone has enough work to do that they will easily able to fulfill the need of their bread. Now, with the increase of unemployment and hence the inflation increase the probability of stealing your things. It’s better to be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Security is becoming the major issue these days. This is not like the olden days when everyone has enough work to do that they will easily able to fulfill the need of their bread. Now, with the increase of unemployment and hence the inflation increase the probability of stealing your things. It’s better to be secure rather than weep later.<br />
If you want to have a Smart Home than you must use smart Homes Automation. It is advisable when you are planning for your dream home you should plan for the security tools for your house. If you spending enough money for planning your home, you went to architecture and also take care of every small need of your home. Why not you should think about the security of your home? What if you own costly furniture and also some costly paintings which increase the beauty of your home? But you did not take care of the security aspect of your home. When you are not at your home. What you are doing? You are just giving invitation to the burglar to come and stole things as we are providing any security so that you easily stole are things. Do you want that? If no then you should spend some money on the security aspect of your home.<br />
How with the Smart Homes Automation you are able to build Smart Home full of x10 Automation Smart home? How the automatic securities help you in preventing your home from theft? These days many automatic security instruments are coming which is little bit costly but keep you tension free when you are out. By implementing security instruments at your home not only protect your home but also you are able enjoy holidays carefree. Security instruments like web cam implemented at corner of the room which record every activity of the room .Suppose you are out and by somehow burglar enter your home than his every activity s recorded there and also you can see him while you are on holidays either on your mobile or laptop and you can call your area police to catch him.<br />
There are some devices like touch which only open the door when either your eye matches that which is already stored in the device otherwise it will start alarm or send message to the police that something doubtful is going there. Many more devices with the new features are in the range of advent you will find many secure instruments in the future. So, spending money on the security purpose is wise decision.<br />
There are also some devices which seem that you are in the home but in realty you are not. It basically fool the intruder that somebody is still inside and also make less probability of stealing your things. </p>
<p>Installation of <a href="http://cellphoneboosterstore.com/">cell phone booster</a> is also important for smart homes. </p>
<p>Security doesn’t mean spending money some useless things which mostly people think .Many people think these instruments are not proper or they are not working properly. If you went to the market and buy the security instrument at a very cheap rate do you think you will get the quality? You spend a little money and want they will give you security. You have to buy some branded which are having guarantee with that. </p>
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		<item>
		<title>Smart Homes Automation Suggestions</title>
		<link>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/smart-home-ideas/smart-homes-automation-suggestions/</link>
		<comments>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/smart-home-ideas/smart-homes-automation-suggestions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:35:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Smart Home Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart home automation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart homes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smarthomeshack.com/?p=361</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On this internet world nobody will go to buy things without doing Google. Also, you will find number views and suggestions on the internet. Also, you contact you’re your peer group also to check out the usability of the product. Here we are shedding the light on the concept of the Smart Homes. What are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On this internet world nobody will go to buy things without doing Google. Also, you will find number views and suggestions on the internet. Also, you contact you’re your peer group also to check out the usability of the product.<br />
Here we are shedding the light on the concept of the Smart Homes. What are they and how you are able to make your home as Smart Homes? The Smart Homes Automation is becoming the hottest topic of this era. As everyone want beautiful but it should implement the concept of Smart Homes Automation. As these only buying a home is not enough whether it is luxurious or it’s a simple home. As making your home is a completion of your dream. So, to take care of its security is also must.<br />
The x10 Automation Smart homes are the electronic devices which come in different ranges and also make your home fully secure and keep away all your tensions from the mind. Suppose you are using Wi-Fi and you are not providing any secure password then anybody can use this. Many intruders are sitting outside to catch the Wi-Fi connection. The same way if you will not provide any security to your home by using x10 Automation Smart Homes then how you are able to stop the burglars to steal your things which you have made with such a hard work and  by spending  a good amount of money. Another very important way to make your home a smart home is to install a <a href="http://cellphoneboosterstore.com/">cell phone booster</a> at home because that will make your home free of low signal problem.</p>
<p>The x10 Automation Smart Homes Security is the security which do not make you feel that you are not at home. While sitting in other place you is able visualize all the activities going on at your place. You able to see all the activities at your laptop and also you have all the controls of the security if you want to lock the doors and also you want to switch on the security alarm of the home when you are not seeing so that if any doubtful thing is happen at your home it will not only protect your home but also give alarm to your mobile and also the alarm message is send to the police also.<br />
The Smart Homes concept is increasing like a jungle fire. Earlier the concept of the Smart Homes Automation is famous among the higher societies. Now a day it is becoming popular among middle class family. As security is becoming the major issue these days. Everyone want secure and tension free life. As with the increasing in the inflation when everything is going costly and costly then it is become the needs to secure whatever thing you have at your home. As things are made with lot of effort and also by saving money .By using x10 Automation Smart Homes you are able to secure even the small thing of your home. By this there will be less chances of heart attack as your things are secured and you are living lavishly and tension free life. Hence, it also helpful in healthy living.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Smart Code Wireless Deadbolt</title>
		<link>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/smart-code-wireless-deadbolt/</link>
		<comments>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/smart-code-wireless-deadbolt/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2011 02:20:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roos</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Shack Home Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smart Home Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remote control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart code wireless deadbolt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart home automation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[X10]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Z-Wave]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smarthomeshack.com/?p=342</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It doesn’t happen to often, but when it happens it’s the most annoying thing ever; locking yourself out of your own house. Your mind starts racing. Where are the people who also own a key of your place? Your looks become one of a burglar. Didn’t I leave the backdoor unlocked? Isn’t there a window [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">It doesn’t happen to often, but when it happens it’s the most annoying thing ever; locking yourself out of your own house. Your mind starts racing. Where are the people who also own a key of your place? Your looks become one of a burglar. Didn’t I leave the backdoor unlocked? Isn’t there a window open somewhere? What will be the smallest damage to my house when I brake into it?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Of course you could have hidden a key somewhere in your garden. But is that something you really want? Maybe today, it is something you want. But you would be worried for the rest of your life, worried if not somebody saw you picking up that key or hiding it away.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">There is a simple solution however to your problem, a Smart Code Deadbolt.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Smart Code Deadbolt can be as simple as a deadbolt which can be unlocked by a key as well as with a code. The bolt is a true locking dead bolt due to its motor driven bolt inside. The activation code is set by a 4 to 8 digits string of numbers. Locking is done by pushing one simple button and the code is not needed for this action. Nothing new so far, this technology has been on the market for a while and is used all around.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The true Home Automation System connection comes with the Smart Code Wireless Z-Wave Deadbolt. The bolt is able to talk wireless to your installed Home Automation System. This is home automation taken to the level it should be taken to. Imagen while unlocking your house with a simple code, the lights turn on, the alarm system disarms, the thermostat goes to high and the entertainment system turns on. Coming home has turned into a real coming home feel.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The system even takes it a step further. What about locking your house from your smart phone. Or receiving a message on your smart phone telling the children just came home. Or what in case of an emergency to be able to unlock all the doors of your house (remote if you need to) with only one command. Features which will make your life easier and saver.</p>
<p><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/11211-deadbolt.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-343" title="11211 deadbolt" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/11211-deadbolt.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Installing the system is a matter of minutes. The Smart Code Deadbolt runs on 2 AA batteries and no extra wires are needed to install the bolt. Simply remove the current bolt and mount the Smart Code Deadbolt in the door and the job is done. Remember the Z-Wave products are fully incorporated with the X10 Home Automation System. Which runs over existing electrical wires in your house. All in all, no extra wires are needed.</p>
<p><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/11212-deadbolt.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-344" title="11212 deadbolt" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/11212-deadbolt-254x300.jpg" alt="" width="254" height="300" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The bolt comes in brass, nickel, bronze, or just a simple black colour.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Next time when locking yourself out of your own house, a simple code lets you get back in.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Video Door System</title>
		<link>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/video-door-system/</link>
		<comments>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/video-door-system/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 02:09:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roos</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Shack Home Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smart Home Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remote control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart home automation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video Door System]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smarthomeshack.com/?p=335</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Home alone and the doorbell rings unexpectedly. What to do, open the door or ignore your visitor? It might be a friend who drops by, it might be that person you wish you hadn’t opened the door for. A little peek through the curtains might give you a view of your visitor.  That is when [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">Home alone and the doorbell rings unexpectedly. What to do, open the door or ignore your visitor? It might be a friend who drops by, it might be that person you wish you hadn’t opened the door for. A little peek through the curtains might give you a view of your visitor.  That is when you are lucky to have a window looking out over your front door. The Video Door System provides you that opportunity to have the safety of your home and still allows you to talk and even see the person who is ringing your doorbell.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With a simple push on your doorbell, your visitor will activate the Video Door System and indoors you will be notified of your visitor by a ringing bell and at the same time the monitor on your indoor console will turn on. By simply picking up the handset you can talk to your visitor and decide to open the door or not.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The system exists out of a video camera which will be mounted outside at your door and an indoor console with a handset and a monitor.</p>
<p><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/11201-system.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-336" title="11201 system" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/11201-system-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">When buying a Video Door System consider the following options:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Remote Door Unlock System<br />
</strong>Upon deciding to open the door, wouldn’t it be convenient to do it at the indoor console? An unlock button on your indoor console will give you that option. In this way the console can be located in any spot in your house. Right there in the living room or maybe the kitchen is a better spot.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Night light<br />
</strong>When light is fading and it is getting dark, the video camera will not anymore pick up the image of your visitor. An automatic turned on night light will give you the light you need to identify your visitor. There are several possible scenarios for the light to turn on. The light can automatically turn on when it is getting dark or it can be connected to a motion detector so it will only turn on when a visitor enters your property. It can also be setup that is will be activated by pressing the doorbell. This might surprise some visitors though.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Knocking visitors<br />
</strong>Not every visitor will always use the doorbell. For whatever reason, there will be always that visitor at your door which prefers to give an old fashion knock on your door. In this case the Video Door System will not turn on. A good feature to look for on your system is a “turn on system” button on the indoor console. In this way you can active the Video Door System from the inside console.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Extra handheld indoor console<br />
</strong>Not wanting to walk to the indoor console when the doorbell is ringing, an extra handheld indoor console might be the solution for you. This little device can go with you, wherever you are in your house.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/11202-Wireless-Video-Door-Phone.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-337" title="11202 Wireless-Video-Door-Phone" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/11202-Wireless-Video-Door-Phone-300x175.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="175" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">For convenience and personal safety a Video Door System might be the Home Automation System you are looking for.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Wireless Television</title>
		<link>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/wireless-television/</link>
		<comments>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/wireless-television/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:36:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roos</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gadgets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shack Home Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smart Home Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smart Home Product Descriptions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remote control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smart Home Audio Video System]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart home automation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smarthomeshack.com/?p=329</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your home Audio Video System is beautifully placed in the corner of the living room. Electrical wires, and also the television cable wire are nicely build in the wall. All looks good. Except what about another Audio Video System in the recreation room. Suddenly another Satellite box has to be ordered, another DVR has to be bought, another audio [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">Your home Audio Video System is beautifully placed in the corner of the living room. Electrical wires, and also the television cable wire are nicely build in the wall. All looks good. Except what about another Audio Video System in the recreation room. Suddenly another Satellite box has to be ordered, another DVR has to be bought, another audio system has to be on the list for the next Christmas. And what about the new wiring, cables rerouted through the house. The simple desire of having a relaxed time in the recreation room, suddenly exploded in a cost and time consuming project.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The solution, an Audio Video Sender / Receiver system.  This little apparatus, the Sender, is able to transmit the signal from your cable box, your television, your VCR, your DVR, your DVD player, your TiVo, your satellite TV, basically from any audio video system with an RCA output and send it out. The signal will go through doors, walls, and floors. From the basement to the kids rooms upstairs, the signal will penetrate every single room in your house for a crisp and clear Audio Video experience.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">An Audio Video Receiver will be hooked up to the receiving system, the new system in the recreation room.  The Receiver should be positioned within 100 feet of the Sender, to be able to pick up the signal of the Sender.</p>
<p><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11131-video_sender_room.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-330" title="11131 video_sender_room" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11131-video_sender_room.jpg" alt="" width="230" height="270" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And thats it. Home Entertainment throughout the house, with no extra wiring and for just a low cost. Systems on the market at the moment range from $350 to as low as 50$.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Something to note when looking for the perfect system for your house:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Systems come with and without the possibility to transmit an Audio signal. Shop around for the best available system, suiting your needs.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The audio signal can be transmitted in Mono or Stereo. Only when you are on a low budget, the Mono Audio system would be something to consider. Otherwise, Stereo it is.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Some systems come with a remote control included in the price, and by simply pointing at the Receiver, the Audio Video System in the living room can be controlled. It is just not feasible to walk up every time to the other room to change a channel. Look for the extra components coming with the system.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Some systems can be easily expanded by adding an extra Receiver.  Because why only installing a extra Audio Video System in the recreation room, while there can also be easily an other Television installed in the bedroom.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Most systems are easy plug and play installments. It will only takes 5 minutes to set up your new system. No drilling needed, no new cabling, no contractor hassle, no nothing.</p>
<p><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11132-vk22a_setup.gif"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-331" title="11132 vk22a_setup" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11132-vk22a_setup.gif" alt="" width="297" height="240" /></a></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Wind Farms</title>
		<link>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/wind-farms/</link>
		<comments>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/wind-farms/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 23:21:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roos</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Going Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shack Home Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electricity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[going green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wind farms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wind turbines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smarthomeshack.com/?p=305</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is all about the wind. Wind farms are the most profitable, the most effective with a steady strong wind coming from one direction. But wind strength is variable and unpredictable. And how good the construction spot is chosen, the average operating level is on average only about 30% of its maximum yearly capacity. Off-shore [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">It is all about the wind. Wind farms are the most profitable, the most effective with a steady strong wind coming from one direction. But wind strength is variable and unpredictable. And how good the construction spot is chosen, the average operating level is on average only about 30% of its maximum yearly capacity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11125-windturbine.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-306" title="USA, Washington, man on bicycle on road near wind turbines, rear view" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11125-windturbine-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Off-shore wind farms</strong><br />
In the middle of the ocean would be ideal, wind wise. And so Off-shore wind farms are being built at least 5 miles from shore. But obvious problems are appearing quickly from around the corner with this configuration. The construction costs are high so far out in the ocean, and maintenance costs are also considerable due to the remote location and the salty water will corrode away structures continuously.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11121-windfarm1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-307" title="11121 windfarm1" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11121-windfarm1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The largest off-shore wind farm is <a href="http://www.warwickenergy.com/thanet.htm" target="_blank">Thanet</a>, located 7 miles off the coast of the United Kingdom. The farm covers an area of 13.5 square miles and its 100 turbines have a total installed capacity of 300 MW.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The farm is located in the English Channel. With wind tunneling through between Continental Europe and the British Island, this area is a high wind area year round.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11126-thanet.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-310" title="11126 thanet" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11126-thanet-300x166.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="166" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>On-shore wind farm</strong>s<br />
An easier location is the construct the wind farm on land. Here access is no problem, but discontinues winds and winds from different directions are. Each wind turbine needs to have the ability to direct itself towards the wind. Land wind farms are created in high wind areas like passes and gorges.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11122-windfarm-land.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-308" title="11122 windfarm land" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11122-windfarm-land-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Land wind</strong><br />
The largest on-shore wind farm is the <a href="http://www.eoncrna.com/contentProjectsRoscoe.html" target="_blank">Roscoe Wind farm</a> in Texas, USA. The farm covers an area of 155 square miles and its 627 turbines have a total installed capacity of 780 MW.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11124-roscoe.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-309" title="11124 roscoe" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11124-roscoe-300x73.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="73" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Sea wind</strong><br />
Another on-shore wind farm is the <a href="http://www.portlandgeneral.com/community_environment/initiatives/renewable_energy/biglow_canyon/default.aspx" target="_blank">Biglow Canyon Wind Farm</a> near Portland, USA. This farm covers an area of 40 square miles and its 217 turbines have a capacity together of 450 MW.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The farm is located just in front of the Columbia River Gorge, the place where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascades Mountains.  The average wind speed in the Columbia River Gorge, where the steep walls can act as a funnel, is 10 miles per hour. The place is also known as “one of the best kitesurfing and windsurfing mecca of the world”.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-311" title="11127 biglow" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11127-biglow-300x227.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="227" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>The world<br />
</strong>The leading country when it comes to wind energy is Denmark, producing 21% of its stationary electricity via wind power. More than 70 countries have operating wind farms and total worldwide installed capacity is a soaring 194 GW.  Currently humans use about 7 TW from all sources globally, so there is still a way to go. But wind farms are hot, and the USA and China are moving forward fast. The USA with the Alta Wind Energy center, an on-shore wind farm under construction, with an installed capacity of 800 MW. And China with the proposed off-shore Gansu Wind Farm, with an installed capacity of 20 GW. One day the world will be switched over to renewable power with conventional energy only as a back up.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Three simple X10 Light Switches</title>
		<link>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/three-simple-x10-light-switches/</link>
		<comments>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/three-simple-x10-light-switches/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:33:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roos</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Shack Home Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smart Home Product Descriptions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[light bulb]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart home automation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart home lighting system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[X10]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smarthomeshack.com/?p=318</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The simplest way to start Home Automation is to start controlling lights. Here 3 light switches discussed. X10 PLW01 In-Wall Light Switch The switch can carry loads ranging from 60 Watts to 500 Watts. Take care, because this switch can only handle incandescent bulbs. The switch can be controlled directly at the panel by simply [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">The simplest way to start Home Automation is to start controlling lights. Here 3 light switches discussed.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>X10 PLW01 In-Wall Light Switch</strong><br />
The switch can carry loads ranging from 60 Watts to 500 Watts. Take care, because this switch can only handle incandescent bulbs.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11111-ws467.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-319" title="11111 ws467" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11111-ws467.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="275" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The switch can be controlled directly at the panel by simply pushing the button. This will cause the connected light to turn On or Off. The trick sits behind the panel, where 2 dials are located. Here the home code and unit code of the switch is set, to allow the X10 controller access to the dimmer. Be aware, the dimming function can only be controlled via the X10 controller, and not directly at the panel. Below the main button a small button is located for direct total power turn off, for save bulb replacement.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11114-dial.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" title="11114 dial" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11114-dial.jpg" alt="" width="237" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><strong>X10 PLW02 Three Way Master and Slave Switch Set<br />
</strong>This is a so called Three-Way system. A term used for a light that can be controlled by 2 separate switches. These systems are most commonly used to control a hallway light which is connected by stairs to another level. To replace the Three-Way system with a Home Automation Three-Way switch set, a master and a slave switch has to be installed. The master switch is the unit where the home code and unit code can be set. The slave switch doesn’t need a code, as it follows the master code. More than one slave switches can be connected to one system.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11113-w4777.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-321" title="11113 w4777" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11113-w4777-237x300.jpg" alt="" width="237" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Also this switch can carry loads from 40 Watts up to 500 Watts and also here only incandescent bulbs can be connected. Both the master and the slave unit have a single button for turning the connected light On or Off. The dimming function is also here only possible by the X10 controller. The master switch has a second local total power off button, to be able to replace the connected bulb.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11115-masterslave.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" title="11115 masterslave" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11115-masterslave.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>X10 XPD03 Decorated Dimmer Switch</strong><br />
The switch can carry a load up to 500 Watts and as low as 40 Watts. Connecting the switch to a lower load then 40 Watts, a flickering light might be the result. Take care, because this switch can only handle incandescent bulbs.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11112-wa12.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-320" title="11112 wa12" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11112-wa12-259x300.jpg" alt="" width="259" height="300" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">By setting the home code and unit code, located behind the panel, the Dimmer Switch can be controlled via the X10 controller. But for the quick dimming, the switch can also be controlled directly and that is different from the PLW01 In-Wall Light Switch. A short paddle stroke will turn the connected light On in 3 seconds, in which it fades up from Off to On. Another short paddle stroke fades the light Off in again 3 seconds. By holding the paddle down and releasing it at the desired fading/dimming mode, the light is set to an intermediate light level. The switch has a second button for a total power Off mode, to be able to replace the connected light bulb safely.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><br />
</strong></p>
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		<title>Personal Windmills</title>
		<link>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/personal-windmills/</link>
		<comments>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/personal-windmills/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:17:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roos</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Going Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shack Home Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electricity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[going green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ways to save]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wind mills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wind turbines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smarthomeshack.com/?p=288</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How can you be prepared for a cloudy day? Wind mills or wind turbines are the answer. When already having installed a solar panel system, the investment for a wind powered energy source as a backup system is very low. The wind turbine can in this case be simply be hooked up to the existing [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">How can you be prepared for a cloudy day? Wind mills or wind turbines are the answer. When already having installed a solar panel system, the investment for a wind powered energy source as a backup system is very low. The wind turbine can in this case be simply be hooked up to the existing power inverter and battery pack.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The wind-wheel of the Greek engineer Heron of Alexandria in the 1st century is the first windmill ever recorded. Having advantaged via old fashion windmills, the current commercial windmills are very effective and deliver power for about 10 million households. But what can you do at home, what about personal windmills?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Old windmills</strong><br />
Windmills were back in the days used for pumping water and grinding wheat. Now most of these old windmills are out of commission and converted into living spaces or for recreational purposes. But some are still in use, and some are converted into modern power suppliers. For example the currently rebuild windmill “<a href=" http://www.schiedamsemolens.nl/schiedamsemolens/uk.html" target="_blank">de Kameel</a>” in Schiedam is planned to be connected to the electrical net and will supply 15 Mega Watt of free energy.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11101-Kameel.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-293" title="11101 Kameel" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11101-Kameel-199x300.jpg" alt="" width="199" height="300" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Three Personal windmills<br />
</strong>We all have seen the fields of commercial windmills. But what about personal windmills. It turns out there are many on the market and for a reasonable price.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>The Air-Breeze<br />
</strong>The <a href="http://www.airbreeze.com/" target="_blank">Air-Breeze</a> wind turbine claims to be the most sold small wind generator on the market. For an average wind speed of 12 mph, the system can deliver up to 38 kWh/month.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11104-Wind-turbine3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-292" title="11104 Wind turbine3" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11104-Wind-turbine3-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Air-Breeze system however looks like a view invasive system. Suddenly a large windmill is situated near your house. Luckily there are other smaller systems on the market.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>The Eddy<br />
</strong>Urban Green Energy has several beautiful looking wind turbines on the market. The in step model is the <a href="http://www.urbangreenenergy.com/products/eddy" target="_blank">Eddy</a>. This turbine delivers for an average wind speed of 12 mph an output power of 80 kWh/month. A lot more than the Air-Breeze system.  The system can be installed on a pole but also straight on the roof is an option.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11103-Wind-turbine2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-291" title="11103 Wind turbine2" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11103-Wind-turbine2-296x300.jpg" alt="" width="296" height="300" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>The Eco 1200<br />
</strong>Another interesting system is the <a href="http://www.wholesalesolar.com/pdf.folder/wind%20pdf%20folder/WindterraECO1200Specs.pdf" target="_blank">Eco 1200</a> from WindTerra. The blades of the windmill are fixed vertical, making it an omni-wind directional system. This turbine delivers for an average wind speed of 12 mph an output power of 164 kWh/month.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="11102 Wind turbine1" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11102-Wind-turbine1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Home use<br />
</strong>The power output of these systems is depending on the wind availability in the area. Check the internet for local wind info and start calculating the saving a wind turbine can provide you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11105-Windatlas.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-289" title="11105 Windatlas" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11105-Windatlas-300x226.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="226" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With average North American household consumes 750 to 1000 kWh /month these systems are not enough to deliver enough energy. But when your investment is paid back, all the energy they deliver is renewable and for free. Not a bad deal in the end.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
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		<title>Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage</title>
		<link>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/aquifer-thermal-energy-storage/</link>
		<comments>http://smarthomeshack.com/shack_home_blog/aquifer-thermal-energy-storage/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:33:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roos</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Going Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shack Home Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aquifer thermal energy storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electricity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[going green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[saving energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ways to save]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smarthomeshack.com/?p=278</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In 1974 the International Energy Agency was formed, a forum of 28 advanced economies. Their key areas are: Energy Security, Environmental Protection, Economic Growth, Engagement Worldwide. Within the Environmental Protection area the ECES Implementing Agreement was established in 1978. The full name of the ECES is: Implementing Agreement for a Program of Research and Development [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: left;">In 1974 the <a href="http://www.iea.org" target="_blank">International Energy Agency</a> was formed, a forum of 28 advanced economies. Their key areas are: Energy Security, Environmental Protection, Economic Growth, Engagement Worldwide.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Within the Environmental Protection area the<a href="http://www.iea-eces.org/" target="_blank"> ECES Implementing Agreement</a> was established in 1978. The full name of the ECES is: Implementing Agreement for a Program of Research and Development on Energy Conservation through Energy Storage.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The most frequently used storage technology is the Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage technology. The term Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) reference to the temporary storage of heat or cold in underground layers. These layers can be sand, sandstone, clay, chalk which all consist ground water. In combination with a heat pump and a heat exchanger, buildings but also whole neighborhoods can be heated or cooled.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>The technology</strong><br />
At a depth of 250 to 600 feet two storage wells are created, a warm site and a cold site near each other. A heat pump and an plate heat exchanger are installed and connected to the wells.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>In the winter</strong><br />
In the winter warm water with a temperature between 60F and 70F is pumped to the surface with a heat pump from the warm well. Energy from this water is transferred to the local water circuit, and the 40F to 50F left over cold water is re-injected back into the ground into the cold well. The warm water in the local water circuit can now be used inside buildings for heating or straight as warm tap water.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>In the summer</strong><br />
In the summer cold water is pumped up from the cold well. Via a plate heat exchanger, heat from the house is transferred to the cold water. In this way energy from the house is extracted and the house is cooled. The warm water is re-injected into the warm well and stored for uses again in the winter.</p>
<p><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11091-schematic.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-279" title="11091 schematic" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/11091-schematic-300x190.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="190" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Savings</strong><br />
The initial investment in the system is earned back over a period of 5 years. After that period a saving of about 75% on the electricity bill is not unheard of for people who use their air-conditioning system in the summer. The availability of ATES is dependent of a suitable geologic formation underneath the area of the building.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Example</strong><br />
With hundreds of systems installed, here is one example. The data of a complex existing besides a cruise ship terminal, out of office buildings, a hotel, an art center and apartments.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/11092-oostelijke.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-286" title="11092 oostelijke" src="http://smarthomeshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/11092-oostelijke-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Key data Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage System (project fully operational):</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="570">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Heating capacity   ATES</td>
<td>4 060 kW</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Heat delivered by   storage</td>
<td>2 760 MWh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cooling capacity   ATES</td>
<td>4 060 KW</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cold delivered by   cold storage</td>
<td>2 290 MWh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maximum flow rate   groundwater winter</td>
<td>17 600 ft3/h</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maximum flow rate   groundwater summer</td>
<td>17 600 ft3/h</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pumped quantity   winter</td>
<td>14 000 000 ft3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pumped quantity   summer</td>
<td>11 600.000 ft3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Number of warm wells</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Number of cold wells</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aquifer depth</td>
<td>300 – 600 ft below   sea level</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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