Another inexpensive, but totally useful, what-did-I-do-before-this? gadget. It’s a wireless doorbell chime. Mount the doorbell at the front door, and it transmits to a receiver up to 100 ft away which can be placed anywhere you’d like in the house. Never miss hearing the doorbell again. Read on for still more doorbell gadgets that are variations on this theme, in case you have different doorbell needs.
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This is one of those super practical, yet inexpensive gadgets made possible by a relatively newer technology, as in you couldn’t get LED-based lights back in 1960! The Sylvania DOT-It LED Light sticks to practically any surface and shines its three bright white LEDs instantly when tapped on. Runs off of 3 AAA batteries. Good places to stick it – garages, attics, sheds, tight spots when you would normally use a flashlight. Sylvania DOT-It LED Lights are also available in black, red, purple, orange, and lime green.
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Yesterday we featured a voice-controlled light module, so today we’ve got a variation on the theme. This time, it’s a creative use of other common home gadgets – it’s an IR remote-controlled light switch. Replace your existing wall switch with this IR-controllable switch, and then ‘program’ one of your existing IR remote controls to turn the fixture on and off. Actually, there really isn’t any programming per se; you just point your remote at the switch and hold down the button you want to use. That’s it! Hmm… now if there were only a switch that was both voice- and IR-controlled…
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I like this gadget, because it gives me the feeling that pretty soon I’ll be able to say “Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.” So far, the IntelaVoice lamp module lets you command it using “High”, “Medium”, or “Low” as well as to turn the light on or off. This is a pretty easy install as well – just plug the lamp into the module and the module into a power outlet. If you’re interested, there is also a module that allows you to control small appliances like fans as well.
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INSTEON’s line of products has expanded to include a lawn irrigation system controlling up to eight sprinkler valves. The INSTEON product uses the powerline interface to deliver individual and programmed timer commands to your lawn sprinklers.
The system is INSTEON and X10 ready for PC or standalone automation controller commands and includes a free windows XP utility download allowing for easy PC programming of up to four timed irrigation programs.
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For the ultimate in lazin… umm… home automation, check out the remote-controlled Sliding Patio Door System. This retrofits your existing sliding door and comes with 2 remotes that can be hand held or wall-mounted. When opened, the door pauses before closing again. Of course, it has sensors to detect whether there is an obstruction, and its sensitivity is adjustable. If you’re going to get this, just remember to get the right model depending on whether your sliding door opens from the left or the right. You can even get the optional combo keypad for this system so that you can open your sliding door from the outside, without the need for a key. One more cool accessory – the remote control key fob.
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Remember the Remote Controlled Deadbolt we featured some time ago? Well, here’s another deadbolt, this time it’s one that doesn’t require keys, batteries or electricity. It instead uses a keypad that has an anti-lock-pick feature to prevent its being opened by a thief or locksmith. This keyless entry system is weatherproof and can be easily installed practically anywhere. Over 10,000 key combinations can be programmed and you can change the code anytime you’d like. The Keyless Entry Deadbolt carries a lifetime mechanical warranty. Oh yeah, if you don’t like the color, it is also available in chrome, antique brass, brass, and satin nickel.
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Using the mServer, you can connect your lighting, security, HVAC, and A/V systems and control any device remotely from one location. The home-control system offers local and remote access and control of all home systems through a TV, monitor or touchscreen. The Internet-enabled controller can be accessed and modified from anywhere in the world.
Based on the mControl software which is Windows-based, the mControl service manages and controls zones and devices, manages and executes automation macros, and provides a remote user interface using a built-in web server.
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Yet another gadget that will move your home closer to something straight out of a sci-fi book/show. It’s a voice-controlled thermostat. It only takes a little bit of programming and you’re off and running. It is particularly useful if you have loved ones at home that are visually impaired, disabled, elderly, etc. The buttons are designed with just that in mind, being large with a definite feel to them.
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My wife bought a couple of those cheap “as seen on TV” incandescent tap lights a couple years ago. Well one has completely died and the other two are rarely used because they are bulky and loud to turn on and off. These little Sylvania DOT-it lights will be much brighter because they use LED technology instead of incandescent technology. Also, using 3M technology you can stick them anywhere without having to worry about marring the surface. The DOT-it is even small enough to fit in your pocket.
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