Hagg Leys Farm

Author: stephen (Page 7 of 61)

Loxone Kit: Part 2

November 10, 2014 /

This blog entry covers the Loxone kit that has been installed in the newer part of the property.  You will find a separate blog entry here for the Loxone kit in the older part of the house.

The main distribution board for the property is on the left.  The electricity meter is just on the other side of this wall.  The three distribution boxes house the Loxone kit.  These are the same Hagar units that we used in the other part of the house.

The top distribution board has a Loxone Relay extension in it.  This has no switch inputs, but has a number of switched outputs.  This is required as there are so many lighting circuits in this part of the house (the kitchen alone has 7 lighting circuits).  The next module is an 8V 1A Friedland door bell transformer which is used to operate the door latch release on the back door.  This is activated using a key fob, fob reader and One Wire Loxone extender.  Although the Loxone Extension units can output 10V, there is not enough current to operate a door latch.  Lastly, in this top distribution board, there are a number of breakers that would not fit into the main distribution board.

The middle distribution board houses the TDK 24v power supply for the Loxone kit, a single Loxone Extension and a Loxone Dimmer.  The dimmer will centrally dim up to 4 separate lighting circuits.

The bottom distribution board houses another 2 Loxone Extensions as well as a DMX controller and a One Wire Extension.

At the very top of the unit, is the receiver for the Owl Intuition smart meter.  This connects wirelessly to the transmitter on the other side of the wall (connected to the electric meter) and is this connect to the Internet via out network.  This posts up data on our electricity usage every 15-20 seconds.  You will find more about this here or on the Owl Intuition website.

This shows the layout of the Loxone kit in the newer part of the property. It houses 3 Loxone extensions, a ,dimmer unit, a DMX extension and One Wire extension. There is also the receiver for the Owl Intuition smart monitor (the transmitter for this is on the external side of this wall attached to our electricity meter).

This shows the layout of the Loxone kit in the newer part of the property. It houses 3 Loxone extensions, a ,dimmer unit, a DMX extension and One Wire extension. There is also the receiver for the Owl Intuition smart monitor (the transmitter for this is on the external side of this wall attached to our electricity meter).

Porch

November 9, 2014 /

Ever since we moved in, there has been a pallet for a step underneath the canopy by the front door.  Fingers crossed, we will get this flagged next week – particularly if the weather is bad as this spot is somewhat sheltered from the elements.  It was getting to a point where we had got used to the pallet!  Time for a change.  The old tarmac has now been taken up ready for the flagstones to be laid.

Now we have the flagstones laid in the lower part of the sunken garden, we have started to realise how nice it looks! We thought it was about time that we sorted out the porch at the front of the property. The flagstones will be laid some time next week, but the area has already been prepped. Since this area is out of the worst of the weather, Paddy and Jonny may keep this piece of work in case the weather turns really bad next week!

Now we have the flagstones laid in the lower part of the sunken garden, we have started to realise how nice it looks! We thought it was about time that we sorted out the porch at the front of the property. The flagstones will be laid some time next week, but the area has already been prepped. Since this area is out of the worst of the weather, Paddy and Jonny may keep this piece of work in case the weather turns really bad next week!

Flagging the lower terrace

November 8, 2014 /

The majority of the flagstones have been laid in the lower terrace.  They still need to be pointed  as well as the holes drilled for the lights and the ashlar steps installed.  Things are being held up a little bit by the weather as well as the availability of the stone steps (the local quarry is very busy!).

The flagstones gently slop away from the house and any rainwater is connected by a drain that runs along the back of this area (you can just see the slot (protected by a yellow strip) to camera right). There are a couple of flagstones that are propped up against the wall. These need to be drilled to take the uplighters that will be installed later.

The flagstones gently slop away from the house and any rainwater is connected by a drain that runs along the back of this area (you can just see the slot (protected by a yellow strip) to camera right). There are a couple of flagstones that are propped up against the wall. These need to be drilled to take the uplighters that will be installed later.

The flagstones have now been laid in the lower terrace in the sunken garden. The holes for the uplighters will be drilled next week and we should then be able to get all the flags laid in this area. We are going to use a special epoxy compound for the pointing, but this will be done when all of the flags have been laid.

The flagstones have now been laid in the lower terrace in the sunken garden. The holes for the uplighters will be drilled next week and we should then be able to get all the flags laid in this area. We are going to use a special epoxy compound for the pointing, but this will be done when all of the flags have been laid.

Lower terrace

 

Loxone kit: Part 1

November 3, 2014 /

A couple of people have asked what the Loxone installation actually looks like and I realised that I hadn’t posted any photos since the installation had been completed.

The Loxone kit operates as two “stars” that are linked together.  One of the stars is in the older part of the building and one of the stars is in the new extension.  The main electricity feed comes into the new part of the building, but this then feeds a distribution board in the older part of the building.  While it sounds complex, it is actually straightforward.

To make things a little easier to understand, I will go through the set up of each of the node separately.  Let’s start with the node in the older part of the property. You will find Part 2 of this subject here that covers the newer part of the house.

The Loxone kit is house in two Hagar cabinets.  While they are a little expensive, they fitted in the space that I had and will comply with building and electrical regulations.  The top unit houses a TDK 24v supply, the Loxone miniserver and an extension.  The bottom unit houses another extension, a dimmer unit and an RS-232 module (to connect to the burglar alarm).

The TDK power supply is feed by a switched fuse spur and the power to the Loxone kit is fed by two further switched fuse spurs.  This means that all the Loxone kit can be power up, but the 240v power supplied to the mini-server, extension units and dimmer can be switched off separately.

We are using Cat5 cabling for all of the light switches.  All of the cables from the light switches terminate in a Cat5 patch panel.  It is then a simple case of making up a “fly lead” to go from the patch panel and connect it to the relevant Loxone unit.  The cable at the light switch is terminated using a standard RJ-45 plug.  This means that it is a straight connection from the plug at the light switch through to the patch panel.  This makes it very easy to test and also means that we can easily change the switches at a later date by just making up a new fly lead to connect to the Loxone kit.

All of the network connections are terminated in one of two patch panels.  There is one on top and one below the Netgear switch.  The TP link router connects to the switch and then patch leads are used to connect the relevant network ports to the Netgear switch.  We are using Schneider switches through the property and the stainless steel covers are a push fit.  If you lift the plate off, there is a label on the inside that indicates which port in the patch panel it connects to.

There is a telephone panel underneath.  This takes the incoming telephone line and splits it into 4 outgoing RJ-45 connections.  It is a simple task to connect a network port in one of the rooms to a spare telephone port. You need an adapter at the telephone end to convert the Rj-45 socket into something you can plug a UK telephone into.  This makes it very easy to more the telephone points around.

This shows the 3 distribution boards that house the Loxone kit and the RCDs for the older part of the house. The datacomm cabinet at the bottom houses the patch panels, network switch and telephone distribution panel.

This shows the 3 distribution boards that house the Loxone kit and the RCDs for the older part of the house. The datacomm cabinet at the bottom houses the patch panels, network switch and telephone distribution panel.

With the covers removed, you can see how the Loxone it is wired up. All of the low voltage connections have crimped ferrules attached; this makes it much easier to get good, reliable connections. This is the lower of the two distribution boards that holds Loxone kit for this part of the house.

With the covers removed, you can see how the Loxone it is wired up. All of the low voltage connections have crimped ferrules attached; this makes it much easier to get good, reliable connections. This is the lower of the two distribution boards that holds Loxone kit for this part of the house.

RIP: Weather station

November 3, 2014 /

We had some particularly strong wind over the weekend and our weather station got blown down.  Unfortunately, it smashed on the ground and I suspect that the plastic is too brittle to glue back together.  We will replace it in the next week or so.  Ho hum!

Unfortunately, a big gust of wind blown this off the shed at the weekend. Although we have all the bits, I suspect the best option is to buy a new one. The weatherstation will be out of action for the next few days.

Unfortunately, a big gust of wind blown this off the shed at the weekend. Although we have all the bits, I suspect the best option is to buy a new one. The weatherstation will be out of action for the next few days.

Progress in the sunken garden

November 2, 2014 /

We made some good progress in the sunken garden last week.  Or rather Paddy and Jonny made some good progress.  It did rain on a couple of the days, but not until late in the afternoon so it didn’t hamper progress too much last week.

This weekend was down to us to get as much work done on the reclaimed wall that separate the lower and upper terraces.  By the end of the weekend, we had all but finished this section of wall.  We ran out of stone (but there is a lot in the back field), but there is probably only a couple of hours of work left here.  All in all, it was a good couple of days of walling.  And in some nice weather too!

There is probably still a couple of days work for Paddy and Jonny to do to finish off the flags in the lower terrace. In the meantime, we have continued to work on the reclaimed wall that separates the two. This is built in a similar way to other walls in the garden.

There is probably still a couple of days work for Paddy and Jonny to do to finish off the flags in the lower terrace. In the meantime, we have continued to work on the reclaimed wall that separates the two. This is built in a similar way to other walls in the garden.

With more of the wall complete, we are now ready to turn the corners on each of the ends. There will be two sets of stone steps here.

With more of the wall complete, we are now ready to turn the corners on each of the ends. There will be two sets of stone steps here.

The wall is now the same height as the other walls that we built in the garden. We have turned the corner and a set of stone steps will sit on the concrete blockwork. We will need to wait for another 2-3 weeks for the stonework to arrive.

The wall is now the same height as the other walls that we built in the garden. We have turned the corner and a set of stone steps will sit on the concrete blockwork. We will need to wait for another 2-3 weeks for the stonework to arrive.

The view from the other end of this section of wall. We have run out of stone (we have lots in the back field, we just need to find it) to finish the rear part of this wall. It will have to wait until next weekend.

The view from the other end of this section of wall. We have run out of stone (we have lots in the back field, we just need to find it) to finish the rear part of this wall. It will have to wait until next weekend.

Progress in the sunken garden

October 25, 2014 /

The weather has hampered our efforts this week, but even so we are making progress.  After 2 days of laying flagstones, Paddy and Jonny reckon that that have laid about 20 sq yards (this is out of a total of about 160 sq  yards, so there is still a way to go!).  We reckon that it will take most of the coming week (weather permitting) to get all of the flagstones laid just on the lower terrace.  However, you can see from the flags that have been laid so far that it is going to look amazing when it is finished.

Jo and I have started on the wall that is between the two sets of steps that divides the upper and lower terraces.  This wall needs to be brought up to about 300mm to allow Paddy and Jonny to lay the flags up to it.  The rest of the wall can be finished off at a later date, but the bottom few courses need to be in place for them early next week.  I am glad to say that by the end of the day we had succeeded in building up the wall for them.  It is deceptive, but there is a pickup full of reclaimed stone just in the short little wall (it might be short, but it is quite long!).

The blue pipes allow any water that builds up behind the retaining wall to escape.  This blue pipes will be cut short and plastic weep holes built into the wall at the front to allow the water to escape should it build up.

End of day 2 laying flagstones and we reckon that about 20 sq yards has been laid. A rough calculation would seem to indicate that it will take most of the coming week to get all of the flagstones laid on the lower part of the sunken garden.

End of day 2 laying flagstones and we reckon that about 20 sq yards has been laid. A rough calculation would seem to indicate that it will take most of the coming week to get all of the flagstones laid on the lower part of the sunken garden.

Two days in and Paddy and Jonny have laid about 20 sq yards of flagstones. By the end of the coming week, the lower terrace should be finished (in terms of laying the flagstones).

Two days in and Paddy and Jonny have laid about 20 sq yards of flagstones. By the end of the coming week, the lower terrace should be finished (in terms of laying the flagstones).

This is before we started building the wall at the front of the retaining wall. The blue pipes allow any water that builds up to drain through the front wall. The wiring has been installed for the two lights that will be at the front and the drain has been installed to allow the water to run off the flagstones once they are laid.

This is before we started building the wall at the front of the retaining wall. The blue pipes allow any water that builds up to drain through the front wall. The wiring has been installed for the two lights that will be at the front and the drain has been installed to allow the water to run off the flagstones once they are laid.

We need to get this part of the reclaimed wall built so that the flagstones can be laid throughout the lower terrace of the sunken garden. This took about half a day to get to this level and this is high enough to allow Paddy and Jonny to finishing flagging this area. We will be able to finish off this wall after the flags have been laid. The blue pipes will be cut shorter and will feed into plastic weep holes built into this wall.

We need to get this part of the reclaimed wall built so that the flagstones can be laid throughout the lower terrace of the sunken garden. This took about half a day to get to this level and this is high enough to allow Paddy and Jonny to finishing flagging this area. We will be able to finish off this wall after the flags have been laid. The blue pipes will be cut shorter and will feed into plastic weep holes built into this wall.

There are two sets of stone steps to be installed at each end of this lower wall. We have formed the steps in blockwork and the large pieces of ashlar will be bedded onto the concrete blockwork. Unfortunately, the stone is not due to arrive for another 4 or 5 weeks. In the meantime, we are going to have to get on with the rest of the work.

There are two sets of stone steps to be installed at each end of this lower wall. We have formed the steps in blockwork and the large pieces of ashlar will be bedded onto the concrete blockwork. Unfortunately, the stone is not due to arrive for another 4 or 5 weeks. In the meantime, we are going to have to get on with the rest of the work.

The wall between the two sets of stone steps is being built in the same way as the other walls in the sunken garden. The stone has been reclaimed from other parts of the property - the majority of this stone came from a wall that we knocked down in one of the old cottages. Most of this stone went into the wall in the kitchen, but this stone was left over.

The wall between the two sets of stone steps is being built in the same way as the other walls in the sunken garden. The stone has been reclaimed from other parts of the property – the majority of this stone came from a wall that we knocked down in one of the old cottages. Most of this stone went into the wall in the kitchen, but this stone was left over.

 

First of the flagstones being installed

October 25, 2014 /

While we were away for a couple of days this week, the first of the flagstones has been installed in the sunken garden.  It is going to take quite some time to get all of these laid.  Still, it will look great once it is done.

The first of the flagstones are starting to be laid in the lower terrace of the sunken garden. We are using a random pattern rather than laying the flagstones in courses. The flags are of varying thicknesses and we are coping with this by using a thick bed of sand and cement underneath the flags.

The first of the flagstones are starting to be laid in the lower terrace of the sunken garden. We are using a random pattern rather than laying the flagstones in courses. The flags are of varying thicknesses and we are coping with this by using a thick bed of sand and cement underneath the flags.

The thicker of the flagstones are probably on the weight limit for two men to carry - you certainly don't want to have to move them far. Fortunately, we have managed to move the pallets into the sunken garden using the telehandler.

The thicker of the flagstones are probably on the weight limit for two men to carry – you certainly don’t want to have to move them far. Fortunately, we have managed to move the pallets into the sunken garden using the telehandler.

The flags are of varying quality, but this all adds to the rustic feel of this space. The worst of the flagstones we are putting to one side and will return the reclamation yard for them to be replaced - they are so rough, they are a "trip hazard"!

The flags are of varying quality, but this all adds to the rustic feel of this space. The worst of the flagstones we are putting to one side and will return the reclamation yard for them to be replaced – they are so rough, they are a “trip hazard”!

Sunken garden and the weather

October 21, 2014 /

The bad weather, which has been forecast for a while now, hit us today.  By 2pm, it was too wet to carry on, but Paddy and Jonny did their best.  They switched their attentions to the step by the back door and this has now be laid.  There is no point in trying to point it in this weather, but at least the flagstones are down.  Their is a step to go in underneath the porch and this is being earmarked for another “wet day activity”.  We can’t really do them both at the same time otherwise you wouldn’t be able to get in the house!

Before the really bad weather hit, we had time to use the wacker plate to pack down the crushed stone in the sunken garden. Now the stone has been packed down, we need to put some more crushed stone to bring the levels back up to where they should be.

Before the really bad weather hit, we had time to use the wacker plate to pack down the crushed stone in the sunken garden. Now the stone has been packed down, we need to put some more crushed stone to bring the levels back up to where they should be.

The upper terrace still has to be levelled, but we are taking the opportunity to get rid of some of the waste stone behind the retaining wall.

The upper terrace still has to be levelled, but we are taking the opportunity to get rid of some of the waste stone behind the retaining wall.

The temporary concrete blocks and flagstone have been removed to make way for some concrete and some new (or rather old) flagstones to be installed.

The temporary concrete blocks and flagstone have been removed to make way for some concrete and some new (or rather old) flagstones to be installed.

These still need to be pointed, but it makes a huge difference to the appearance of this area. The shoe on the bottom of the rainwater pipe also needs a coat of black paint!

These still need to be pointed, but it makes a huge difference to the appearance of this area. The shoe on the bottom of the rainwater pipe also needs a coat of black paint!

This area is starting to look a little more finished. It is amazing how you can get used to things looking half finished!! I have spent the last 2 years doing so!

This area is starting to look a little more finished. It is amazing how you can get used to things looking half finished!! I have spent the last 2 years doing so!

 

Progress on the sunken garden

October 18, 2014 /

It has been very wet here in Yorkshire for the past week and this has impacted on the progress on the work in the garden.  Actually, the progress has been pretty good, but the impact is definitely starting to show on the grass!  Lots of rain, new grass and heavy machinery are not a great combination.  Still, it will grow back!

Paddy and Jonny have really put the hours in this week and it shows.  The two terraces are starting to take shape and next week we should be in a position to start laying the first of the flagstones.  All of the wiring is now in place for the uplighters that will light up the walls around the garden at night.

There are a number of uplighters around the perimeter of both the lower and upper terraces. The wiring has to be put in place before the flagstones are laid. We know the position of the lights so that we can drill the holes after the flagstones have been laid.

There are a number of uplighters around the perimeter of both the lower and upper terraces. The wiring has to be put in place before the flagstones are laid. We know the position of the lights so that we can drill the holes after the flagstones have been laid.

The wires coming out of the short sections of brown drainage pipe are for the lights that are going to be recessed into the flagstones. The lights are positioned 30cms from the walls to shine light up against the stone work.

The wires coming out of the short sections of brown drainage pipe are for the lights that are going to be recessed into the flagstones. The lights are positioned 30cms from the walls to shine light up against the stone work.

The blue pipes allow water that builds up behind the retaining wall to seep through the stonework that will face this retaining wall. The pipes will feed into small plastic weep holes in the finished wall.

The blue pipes allow water that builds up behind the retaining wall to seep through the stonework that will face this retaining wall. The pipes will feed into small plastic weep holes in the finished wall.

This blockwork has been built to support the stone steps that will be installed here. The blockwork to the right will be face with the same stone as you can see on the back wall above.

This blockwork has been built to support the stone steps that will be installed here. The blockwork to the right will be face with the same stone as you can see on the back wall above.

These arrived in the week on 4 lorries. There should be enough flagstones here to cover the 154 sqm in the sunken garden. It is difficult to believe that we are going to need this many flagstones, but we did measure it (at least twice!). As well as the sunken garden, there are also a couple of areas to flag at the front of the property.

These arrived in the week on 4 lorries. There should be enough flagstones here to cover the 154 sqm in the sunken garden. It is difficult to believe that we are going to need this many flagstones, but we did measure it (at least twice!). As well as the sunken garden, there are also a couple of areas to flag at the front of the property.

There is a drainage channel along the back of the sunken garden. The flagstones are laid so that water will run away from the house and into this channel. Only the thing plastic groove will be seen as the rest will be covered by flagstones.

There is a drainage channel along the back of the sunken garden. The flagstones are laid so that water will run away from the house and into this channel. Only the thing plastic groove will be seen as the rest will be covered by flagstones.

 

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