My home came with nothing for low voltage cabling. Came with an empty SMC that the HOA internet people put in and the electricians put in two cable jacks and two CAT5e cables for phones.
Both CAT5e cables I can use and have already used one for a WiFi access point in the kitchen. The other phone line is buried under the drywall in the master bedroom. I could use the RG6 coax and some MOcA adapters but that is kinda expensive.
I already ran a CAT6 through the conduit that the fiber line runs through and was able to bring it into the Garage. I also have a CAT6 from the second floor attic to the Garage as well so I can have another WiFi access point upstairs. I even got three CAT6 lines ran for my cameras for the front and sides.
What I need to do is run three more CAT6 lines on the first floor for the Living room TV, Living room camera and Lanai Camera.
Since I already retro fitted a 7.1 surround sound system with 8inch ceiling speakers I can get two of the lines from the rear right speaker for the cameras and a line from the center speaker. I would have to run the lines to the front left speaker then use a bunch of glow rods to run it across the kitchen, dining room and into the mini shop that has the SMC. However there is no way to do this unless I cut into the ceiling.
I bought one of those PVC access doors used for electrical and plumbing. I splurged for the 12×12 door since I know the rafters are about 16 to 18 inches apart.
It didn’t come with a cut template so I used the cardboard box that it came in as the template.
I then spent 20 minutes scanning the ceiling of any rafters with a stud finder and tapping. I found the sweet spot and made a hole.
I was right in between the rafters with a few inches to spare and in between to A/C ducts.
I poked my head in and I have one hell of a task on me for this. I can’t go diagonally due to OSB in between the first and second floor but it’s open between the A/C ducts. I’ve dealt with worse so I got this. I might have to get one of my step sons to give me a hand.
This is how it will work when it’s done.
When I’m done I’ll us some construction adhesive to fasten the trim ring to it onto the ceiling.