Blog

Secrets Of Voice Controlled Lighting

The Challenge with Big Lighting Systems Having recently completed a major project for a client (installing a lighting automation system with a large number of dimmers and switches), I was confronted with figuring out an optimal configuration for voice control options....

“We Had To Destroy It To Save It”

Back The Truck Up Before specializing in smart homes and home automation systems, I started my business providing technology consulting to individuals and medium sized companies.  You can see the details at rsdevelopmentgroup.com, my corporate parent. My early...

A Tale Of Two Pipes

Like Fixing A Hole In The Roof Recently, I had the fun chore of finding and fixing two broken irrigation pipes for our sprinkler system. It seems every year, without fail, there is always a broken sprinkler head to adjust or replace, but this time, two different zones...

Putting The “Why” Into DIY Home Automation

What Is Professional Home Automation? This simple question generates and lot of different and unexpected answers. When I ask many people what they think distinguishes a Pro from a consumer DIY project, I get may different answers but the only thing everyone agrees on...

Out With The Old; In With The New

Spring has Sprung! Now that we have swung full speed into Spring, it’s time to plan for re-planting the smart home garden of controllers, devices, and appliances. Every Spring I take an inventory of where things stand, what needs to be fixed or changed, and what I...

Are You Documenting Your Smart Home Projects?

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword The biggest secret to a successful smart home project is not in the design or the building, but in the documentation.  Without exaggeration, I must admit it has taken me many years to learn this simple lesson. Recently, I...