[Build] Lighting revamp

[Ben Kochie]

I found these power meter devices:
http://www.etherbee.com/products/ECM1240

They seem much more flexible and expandable for Noisebridge.  Plus they 
have a setup that will work with our big 3-phase panel.  I'm going to put 
together an ordering list and update the list if anyone wants to chip in 
on getting the parts.

Plus I have a coworker who wrote some open source scripts to plug the data 
into RRD files (cacti)

I was thinking the serial model would be easier to deal with at NB than 
XBee

-ben

  "UNIX is user-friendly, it's just picky about its friends."

On Mon, 12 Sep 2011, Ben Kochie wrote:

> Yea, thanks for the input.  I've fixed a bunch of the fixtures simply by
> replacing bulbs.  I've found a couple with dead/half-dead balasts.  The
> main parts of the space are much more evenly lit.
>
> Right now I think you're right, we should fix up the shop/classroom lights
> with local switches.  I'm pretty much available most days/evenings to work
> on things for the next few weeks.
>
> I've now counted 44 working 8' bulbs.  Most of them are 60W with a couple
> 75W bulbs.  I don't know if mixing 75/60 is bad for the balasts we have.
>
> Next up I'm going to try and get TED-5000 units hooked up to measure what
> we're using where.
>
> -ben
>
>  "UNIX is user-friendly, it's just picky about its friends."
>
> On Mon, 12 Sep 2011, jim wrote:
>
>>
>>    My schedule for this week is kind of jammed,
>> but will probably free up toward the end of the
>> week. I can probably plan some time during the
>> week following to help out (including finishing
>> the work in the Turing classroom).
>> jim
>> 415 823 4590 my cellphone, call anytime
>>
>>
>> On Mon, 2011-09-12 at 15:38 -0700, Ben Kochie wrote:
>>> Here are some of my research results so far.
>>>
>>> First, I got a contact for someone at Department of Enviornment that can
>>> help us.  Because we have T12 bulbs and shit balasts/fixtures we're a
>>> prime candidate for PG&E rebates.  From the sound of it, it's possible to
>>> get a large chunk of the lighting repair work paid for by PG&E.
>>>
>>> One major thing we would need to do here is get a review of the existing
>>> fixture situation "AS IS" in order to get the rebates approved.
>>>
>>> Please talk to me in person if you have any questions.  I'll be sure to
>>> have a bunch of info ready for the Tuesday meeting.
>>>
>>> Second, LED lighting is feasable.
>>>
>>> Third, there are possibly rebates that would cover some of the cost for a
>>> commercial control system (occupancy sensors/daytime control)
>>>
>>> -ben
>>>
>>>   "UNIX is user-friendly, it's just picky about its friends."
>>>
>>> On Mon, 12 Sep 2011, Ben Kochie wrote:
>>>
>>>> I have a ton of spare time right now and want to get to work on fixing the
>>>> lighting at the space.  My count last night was we have 15 functional
>>>> fixtures in use but need about 20-25 to properly light the space.
>>>>
>>>> Major areas that need more light: (They basically have no targeted bulbs)
>>>>   * FabLab
>>>>   * Classrooms
>>>>   * Kitchen
>>>>   * Hack shelves
>>>>
>>>> My todo looks like this:
>>>>
>>>> Get estimate on power used by the existing lighting
>>>>   * I have a TED 5000 which can be installed in the panel
>>>>   * This will give us up-to-the-min readings of use
>>>>   * I'll try and get a couple more so we can have one per-panel
>>>>
>>>> Figure out the cost of upgrading all balasts to handle T8 bulbs
>>>>   * We have 96" T12 bulbs right now
>>>>   * T8 bulbs use about 20% less power for the same light output.
>>>>   * Replacing the balasts may also save power
>>>>   * Estimate of about $50 per fixture to do this upgrade.
>>>>
>>>> Figure out the cost of upgrading all celing lighting to LED.
>>>>   * We would possibly need a stronger cost/benefit estimate for this.
>>>>   * Would give us some major cool factor.
>>>>   * We could go dimmable to better control the light levels.
>>>>   * Spots could be used for better lighting of work areas.
>>>>
>>>> Get a bank of light switches setup so we can have more targeted light use.
>>>>
>>>> Research controls
>>>>   * Easy/hackable X10 switches
>>>>   * Commercial controls add nice things like occupancy/daytime sensors
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -ben
>>>>
>>>>  "UNIX is user-friendly, it's just picky about its friends."
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>
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>>
>>
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