this post was submitted on 28 Nov 2023
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Home Automation

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Home automation is the residential extension of building automation.

It is automation of the home, housework or household activity.

Home automation may include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, security locks of gates and doors and other systems, to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security.

Warning: Working with electricity can result in injury, property damage, or even death if it is not done properly. Please keep this in mind while assisting others. If you are not sure about what you are doing, hire a licensed professional.

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https://postimg.cc/gallery/yJZ4BRf

House was built in the early 1970s, so I presume this Sears Intercom is from around the same time. I have already removed the interior intercom and replaced it with a wall tablet. I am hoping to replace the exterior speaker with a video doorbell, but I can't figure out how to remove it. It's 5" x 3" and has no visible screws or recessed holes. I haven't been able to find anything similar to this online. Any thoughts?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Just break it. It is garbage anyway.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Hammer ought to do it

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

The problem with just breaking it on an older house is that you find a non-standard mounting box or just something weird underneath it.

Breaking stuff means you have no way to cover the hole when you find out you can't replace it with anything. :)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

If his plan is to get rid of it, he probably has already figured out how he is going to deal with the hole left behind.

What is the advantage of taking the time and effort to remove it in one piece just to toss it in the garbage?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I would bet money that the metal grille is what pops off, and the screws for the rest of the faceplate are underneath.

Source: me after ten years of guessing in my own 1970's home.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Came here to say this, source: house was built in 1974 and had similar systems intact.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

If it was me dealing with it, I'd pry the metal bit off with a flathead. If that didn't work, the plyers and a lot of cursing are coming out. If that fails, crowbar under the outer lip until it explodes into pieces I can get a good grip on to pull everything out bit by bit.

It's on brick. I bet it breaks before the brick does.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

https://postimg.cc/gallery/9cZKcdS

You guys were right. Mesh screen was just held in by side tabs. This allowed me to see the metal back plating. No screws actually hold the plastic cover on though. I just used the metal back plate as leverage to walk the plastic cover forward, pulling out the two corner plastic push-in pins. The screws seen are for holding the metal back plate in. I appreciate the suggestions and help, thank you!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago
[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Keep it, it's kinda cool and period correct

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

The screen likely pops off giving access to screw holes. Failing that do what the other commenter says.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Likely pry off.