phd@SPEECH1.CS.CMU.EDU (Paul Dietz) (02/02/88)
I am busily in the process of trying to 'homemate' my auto. I am trying to use the Y-10 units that send control signals via the cigarette ligthers to various appliances in my car. The first problem I ran into was a lack of receptacles in my VW Bug. I installed three in the glove comparment, 12 in the back seat, and 8 in the front trunk. Since I have more than 15 cigarette lighters, I must use two different 'car codes'. The next problem I ran into was the lack of useful auto appliances. For instance, I found that controlling a Mr. Coffee under the front hood just wasn't terribly convenient. Besides, it made a mess every time I took a corner. Next I tried tying the units into the engine and steering. I programmed the car to come pick me up at work the next day, but this too was a miserable failure. Not only did my car fail to show, but my neighboor seemed quite peeved when he found my Bug in his kitchen. I did, however, find a use for my system: it is now controlling the mercury filled speaker cables I use in the ignition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Paul H. Dietz phd@speech1.cs.cmu.edu Disclaimer: If you believe a word of this, your mind is probably even more warpped than my own. And I skinny dip in puddles... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- P.S. Just how old does one have to be to be "an old fart"? How will I know when it happens to me?