Q: What is Home Automation?
A: Home automation is defined as a process or system (using different methods or equipment) which provides the ability to enhance one's lifestyle, and make a home more comfortable, safe and efficient. Home automation can link lighting, entertainment, security, telecommunications, heating and air conditioning into one centrally controlled system. Automation allows you to make your house an active partner in managing your busy life. Your automated home is no longer a passive structure. Instead, it becomes a tool in helping you make the most of your time, enhancing your safety and security, even saving you money on your energy bills! How does it work? A central microprocessor (computer) receives signals from controlling devices, then forwards those signals to the appliances and systems in the house you want controlled.The central processor serves as a traffic cop by initiating and/or routing communication signals throughout the house. As the user, you can interface with the system via keypads, touchscreens, panic buttons, TV screens, computers, telephones, handheld remotes or other devices. >> READ MORE

Q: How is a Home Automation system controlled?
A: It can 'intelligently' control your house for you (see question number four below), or you can use regular wall switches, special control panels, remote controls or a computer. For example with one wall switch you could turn lights on or off, close the curtains, turn on your TV and switch it to your favourite channel.

Q: I have an existing home. Can SHI Designs work with me to automate my home?
A: Yes we can, there are many way to complish this task and we begin with structerd wiring that is the best way when the walls are open and the next step is go wireless or "PLC" or X10 technology which uses your existing wiring to do the job and also we have wirless RF that uses air to send signals.

Q: Can I use CAT5 wire for audio, mics,temp sensing, etc. ?
A: would not use CAT5 for speakers - too thin if you turn the volume up. Use 14 gauge or 16 gauge
As for mics, you really should use shielded wire for mics to prevent interference.
You should use 18 gauge wire for thermostats. CAT5 for temp sensors and such? It will work,

Q: What type of coax cable should I use?
A: We recommend RG-6 Quad Shield coax cable, this cable has a excellent shielding.

Q: Can I wire my RS-458 network in a star configuration?
A: RS-485 should always be wired in a daisy chain configuration. This allows for two termination resistors on each end to prevent signal reflections.

Q: My lights turning on and off, or they don't respond at all is there anything I am doing wrong?
A: It's either interference, or your module and transmitter are on different legs of the house wiring, and aren't talking.

Q: I hear a click when the Appliance Module turns on but not when the Lamp Module turns on. What is the difference between the Lamp Module and the Appliance Module?
A: The Appliance Module contains an electro-mechanical relay (hence the click) to control TV’s, stereos, coffee pots etc. The Lamp Module contains a solid state switch called a Triac. This allows the Lamp Module to dim and brighten incandescent lamps (up to 300 watts). You should use the Appliance Module for fluorescent lamps which cannot be dimmed, but note that the Appliance Module does not respond to the All Lights On code.

Q: Can I have more than one Controller in the same house?
A: Yes. You can have as many Controllers as you like. The Modules obey the signals they receive if they match the Housecode and Unit Code they are set to. The Modules don’t know which Controller the signals came from