Home Automation + Grinder

[AlbyAlby]

So over the weekend, I explore the idea of incorporating my grinder into my home automation system. I use a pretty nice technology called insteon and can be found on smarthome.com along with a powerful software called PowerHome.

In the software, you can program your outlets to turn on for 6 seconds, then off, ect via a remote control. Perfect for grinding set amount for single or double shots.

So in order to get this to work, I'll need
http://www.smarthome.com/2473swh.html
and
http://www.smarthome.com/2486pwh.html

What do you guys think? Overkill? :P I just love technology :)

[Niko]

Yes, it's overkill....
but so is the automatic watering system I got from Smarthome!
I'm so lazy that all my indoor and outdoor plants are self watered.
Now if I get the lawnmower that mows the grass itself - I'd be set

[JohnB]

Yes, it's overkill....
but so is the automatic watering system I got from Smarthome!
I'm so lazy that all my indoor and outdoor plants are self watered.
Now if I get the lawnmower that mows the grass itself - I'd be set

Niko - Here's your automatic lawn mower: http://www.gadgetsgalorestore.com/googl ... php?id=362

I'm not a big techno freak so buying a John Deere garden tractor/mower with a cup holder & cruise control is as close as I will get.

[AlbyAlby]

Hey Niko, what are you using to water your indoor plants?

[JohnB]

So over the weekend, I explore the idea of incorporating my grinder into my home automation system. I use a pretty nice technology called insteon and can be found on smarthome.com along with a powerful software called PowerHome.

In the software, you can program your outlets to turn on for 6 seconds, then off, ect via a remote control. Perfect for grinding set amount for single or double shots.

So in order to get this to work, I'll need
http://www.smarthome.com/2473swh.html
and
http://www.smarthome.com/2486pwh.html

What do you guys think? Overkill? :P I just love technology :)

I guess I'd have to wonder what the difference is between pushing the button on the grinder & pushing it on the remote? I like to buzz the machine a couple times while I'm cleaning out the chute so I'll stick with caveman tech.

[AlbyAlby]

I guess I'd have to wonder what the difference is between pushing the button on the grinder & pushing it on the remote? I like to buzz the machine a couple times while I'm cleaning out the chute so I'll stick with caveman tech.

The difference lie where you dont' have to push the button on and off anymore. So the remote you can program it to grind for X seconds, program another button to grind for X seconds. So in theory, I can program 1 button to dose for 5 seconds for a single shot, a second button to dose for 10 seconds for a double shot and not worry about having to press the "off" button on the grinder. Technology makes lazy human beings

Edit: I guess I forget to mention that I have a Cimbali Max Hybrid and it does not have a build in timer.

[JohnB]

That does sound amazingly lazy but if you are into the tech stuff I suppose its fun. Personally I've got enough remotes to program & remember already so I'll pass.

[Niko]

Hey Niko, what are you using to water your indoor plants?

I'm using a few of those pump-driven units that hold 7 liters of water. They say it waters up to 14 plants for 14 days but I use my units to water just one plant at a time for about 5 weeks
Of course we're talking very large plants (XL Ficus trees).
And yes, I love gadgets and I'm lazy too.

[Niko]

Niko - Here's your automatic lawn mower: http://www.gadgetsgalorestore.com/googl ... php?id=362

I'm not a big techno freak so buying a John Deere garden tractor/mower with a cup holder & cruise control is as close as I will get.

That's the same price as a dual boiler espresso machine!
I think I'll stick with my Husqvarna string trimmer and mow by hand for now....

[JohnB]

That's the same price as a dual boiler espresso machine!
I think I'll stick with my Husqvarna string trimmer and mow by hand for now....

Still cheaper then the John Deere but I don't regret buying it. With a 48" mowing deck what used to take hours is done in 1/3 the time. Nothing worse then wasting valuable kayaking/bicycling/motorcycling weather cutting grass.

I seem to recall that most Californians had colored stones instead of grass for a lawn???

[Niko]

Nope, just real live grass in my front and backyards

I love tech and gadgets but I'm very manual labor when it comes to my yards, I even sweep with a broom

[JohnB]

Nope, just real live grass in my front and backyards

I love tech and gadgets but I'm very manual labor when it comes to my yards, I even sweep with a broom

You might feel differently if you had 1.5 acres to maintain. I do enjoy manual labor but a little power assist comes in handy when you want to speed up the process.

[coffeeowl]

Hey Niko, what are you using to water your indoor plants?

I'm using a few of those pump-driven units that hold 7 liters of water. They say it waters up to 14 plants for 14 days but I use my units to water just one plant at a time for about 5 weeks
Of course we're talking very large plants (XL Ficus trees).
And yes, I love gadgets and I'm lazy too.

Lovely pic! finally something natural in this forum of steel block addicts.
Any chance for a link (european... ) where it can be bought? in case of holidays, you know... I'd like to still have some plants when I come back.

[AlbyAlby]

Lovely pic! finally something natural in this forum of steel block addicts.
Any chance for a link (european... ) where it can be bought? in case of holidays, you know... I'd like to still have some plants when I come back.

Not sure if they ship to Europe but here is a link
http://www.smarthome.com/31102.html

and here is a different one:

http://www.smarthome.com/3109.html[/quote]

[coffeeowl]

Thanks!