There has been a lot of discussion over Cat5e and Cat6, and since most of our systems run on Cat5e/Cat6, it’s important to know which to use.
What’s the difference between Cat5e and Cat6?
The main difference between the two wires is bandwidth. Cat5e supports a bandwidth of 100MHz, and Cat6 runs at 200 MHz. While both systems support Gigabit networking, Cat6 is able to handle it in an easier way.
It’s easiest to think of bandwidth in terms of cars on a highway. Both a Ford Escort and a Corvette can ride along at 70 mph, but the Corvette does it much easier than the Escort.
Why wouldn’t I use Cat6 in my home?
There are 2 main reasons that we like to use Cat5e for most of our equipment. First, Cat6 is about twice the price of Cat5e. Second, the connectors for Cat6 are much more difficult to install then the connectors for Cat5e.
Additionally, we use Cat5e for many devices that have extremely low bandwidth requirements such as touch screens and thermostats. For devices like this, Cat5e is more than enough. In fact, we only recommend using Cat6 for data and video networks.
Final Thoughts
We prefer to use Cat5e due to its low price, ease of use, and that it is the standard. Most equipment is being designed to run on Cat5e. That being said, it does make sense to run some Cat6 especially for your data network in large homes that will have extensive data requirements. The average home automation system we do requires about 6,000 feet of wire. Upgrading 1,000 feet of that to Cat6 will cost you about $100, but it is a smart upgrade.
Can I install my home automation system?
You sure can. Your home control system is only as good as the plans you need to install it; and ours are the best in the business. Every device, wire, and connection is documented on our custom, easy-to-read plans. And if you do have a question call or email our support team for answers.
Can the system be controlled outside of the home?
Yes. All HAI systems can be accessed and controlled over the internet or on your smart phone, iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. You can check and adjust lights, temperature, security, audio, and more from your phone and computer.
Can the system be easily changed later if my needs change?
Absolutely! You can expand and customize your home automation system now or at any time in the future. Mile High Automation offers free programming for life, so if you change your mind your system can change with you. 90% of home automation is programming. Your system is configured before delivery, but your needs will change over time. All updates and changes are made at no additional cost, for life!
Visit milehighautomation.com or call us at 800.610.5280 to learn about home automation systems and find out how you can customize your home to fit your needs.
Mile High Automation specializes in DIY home automation installations.
Installing your home automation system is no small task, that’s why Mile High Automation creates an installation binder specifically designed for your unique system. Your installation binder will take you step by step through the process, breaking down wiring, placement of each device, and installation procedure.
Your binder will instruct you on how to terminate Cat5e wires, where to connect every zone and output on your Omni Pro II, on how to install your Nuvo Grand Concerto, Omnistat thermostats, OnQ intercoms, and every other device in your system.
Omni Pro II Connections page
Nuvo Grand Concerto installation page
Omnistat RC 2000 instatllation page
The Mile High Automation installation Binder eliminates the need to read the often complicated and confusing instructions that come with each device. The binder will tell you exactly what you need to do and how you need to do it.
And if you run into any problems our support team is readily available to answer any questions at support@milehighautomation.com or 800.610.5280.
It is our goal at Mile High Automation to make the Do-It-Yourself installation process as easy and problem free as possible. This is why we dedicate so much time creating guides that are simple to understand and easy follow.
Once you have finalized your home automation system with your Project Manager he will send your plans to our engineering department where they will create Wiring Guides for your system.
Wiring Guide
Running wires guidelines
Audio wiring rough-in guide
The Wiring Guide is essential to the DIY installer; this is the guide that will tell you how and where to run wires from your automation panel or A/V Rack to each device. The Wiring Guide takes you step by step using your floor plans to map out each device in your system and explain how to wire for that device.
This eliminates the need to read through tedious instructions for each device and eliminates any questions on whether you wired your system correctly.
The Wiring Guides were created to ensure your home is wired right the first time. But if you do run into any problems just give our support team a call or email them at support@milehighautomation.com.
Building a home can be overwhelming, so much to think about and plan for, don’t let installing your home automation system become another mountain to climb. Mile High Automation’s innovative Online Collaboration puts you in the driver’s seat. Until recently if you wanted a home automation system you had to make calls and emails, wait for the installer to come to your home to review the floor plans and tediously go room by room discussing what you want. And how do you really know what you want?
Mile High Automation has eliminated this inefficient process by offering full home automation systems: multi-room audio, multi-room video, climate control, lighting control, and security, all on your schedule.
Online Collaboration design pages
During an online collaboration, your MHA Project Manager will create a system layout right in front of your eyes. The Online Collaboration allows you to remote in to your Project Manager’s computer so you can watch as he creates a home automation system with your floor plans. This allows you to get a house-wide picture so you will know what to expect from your custom built system.
Project Managers can make changes to your system on the fly, giving you the opportunity to brainstorm about what services you want in your home and to choose those locations on your floor plan. They will answer questions as your system is being designed, so you get a clear understanding of your home’s true potential. All you need is a computer with internet access.
Online Collaboration teaching pages
Feedback from clients has been exceptional, all are saying that this type of “meeting” is very efficient and allows them to feel like they have a larger role in the design process, as well as getting a better feel for just how the system will work once it is installed.
Mile High Automation’s goal is to make sure the customer knows what they are getting. An informed customer knows what they want and is in a position to get the most out of their home automation system. Online Collaborations keep the customer involved in the process of automating their home; after all, you’re the one who have to live there.
Give us a call at 800.610.5280 or visit www.milehighautomation.com to schedule an Online Collaboration for your new home.
I just received an email from a client in Atlanta. Our installation team was out this past weekend to install a large system in his amazing home. Here’s what he had to say:
“I wanted to compliment Dan on the great job he and Jeremiah did for me in Atlanta this past weekend. They were organized, professional, hard working, conscientious and highly effective. They also did everything they said they would and managed some difficult issues in taking the wiring over from another vendor. I wish some of the other contractors were half as good!”
Well done guys!
Our newest work van courtesy of the good people at Qantas!
So the Australia training came up and while the trip was a great success, it taught me a great deal about travel. It is not easy to go halfway around the world and back in just 6 days!
Meeting with the builders and electricians that will now be wiring, using and installing our systems was a pleasure. As you can see above, getting the product to the homes was a little tricky! These folks know there business and now they know a good bit more about ours. I believe the trip was a positive for all involved and will lead to a prosperous relationship between our companies.
The homes they build there are quite different from ours in construction and design. Also interesting was the voltage changeover and implementing the lighting control products, they use a 240
volt system which led us to use a Centralite lighting system. These are excellent and worked like a charm. The systems that were installed when I arrived were done perfectly by the electricians and this was very reassuring for the future.
This beauty is perched about 100ft above the water and if you look hard enough, I think you can see the South Pole. The home is getting a amazing system and we are looking forward to the owner seeing our gear in action. We are supplying the home with HDTV distribution, Audio, Security, CCTV, Lighting control and Air conditioning control. Everything will be controlled via touchscreens (in-wall and wi-fi), remote access will be possible from around the world and that matters a lot to a home owner who does ALOT of traveling. As you can see from the view though, they probably don’t want to leave very often.I look forward now to going back “Down Under” when I get the chance, I just hope to be able to do it for more than 3 days!
Having had the pleasure of traveling to our clients homes and complete the installations of the systems, I thought I would share a bit about the systems themselves and how our clients are actually integrating them into their lives. Primarily everyone is utilizing the security portion of the systems to the fullest. These are complete perimeter and interior alarms, some have taken advantage of the 24-hour central station monitoring we are now offering. Lighting controls and HVAC systems are being integrated in all of the installations and combining those with the security system customizing the systems has been pretty intense. I think once a client sees something actually working as it is meant to it allows the imagination to run wild. We were able to make on the fly programming updates and create custom buttons for the system that our clients were able to see and then tweak immediately to suit their needs. It has been a lot of fun working directly with our clients, in their homes, to make things work for them exactly as they wish.
I have gotten to visit some areas I might never have gone as a result too. I got to visit Lincoln’s tomb in Springfield, Il. I was in the hills outside of San Jose in a beautiful area of the country known as Los Gatos. Got to see most of Georgia as I drove from about an hour north of Atlanta from a lakeside home to another house in the western hills of the state. Very different areas each stunning in their own way. Our clients have all been very nice and extraordinarily accommodating. The systems have all been substantial and have had all the different services we offer represented. It has been a pleasure so far, despite a few travel issues, and I look forward to working with many more of you in the coming years.
Mile High Automation unveiled its nationwide installation program several months ago. Since that time it has been a roaring success. In the past month we have completed four installations, with two in Georgia, one in California, and one in Illinois.
Dan Lowitz, our lead installer has headed up the installation program and helped to get it off the ground.
If you are interested in having a system installed please contact us ASAP, as our schedule for 2009 is quickly filling up!
You might have noticed recently some broad, sweeping to changes to the company website. Well done, we have made quite a few around here lately. Most importantly and increasing in popularity is the availability of installations! We are very pleased with the response we have been getting from our existing clientele and prospective customers as well. People, us included, are very happy that we can now come to their homes and get the system up and running.
Changing the company over from a strictly DIY installed/professionally designed and programmed platform to one that includes full-service installations was a decision we discussed at length. In the end it was decided that this was a big step in the right direction and your feedback has been telling us we were right.
Since the unveiling we have been busy with two jobs in Georgia and one starting in California as well as some local interest here in Colorado. This is a big change for us and we are hoping that by providing the highest levels of service to our clients with our full service options, as we are known for from the history of the company, we can continue to grow at an incredible rate. Hoping to see you at your home soon!
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