Home Automation

The ICON line from Smarthome utilizes INSTEON which is a next generation home automation networking technology and is value-oriented having similar features as regular INSTEON products without the added cost. For the price of a standard dimmer (check Home Depot or Lowes, dimmers now run $20!), you can add an INSTEON controlled dimmer.

If you need to install dimmers in your house, you might as well automate too!

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ICON Dimmer SwitchRead More »

This isn’t your alien’s probe! The TV ProbeLinc detects if your TV is on or off and reports back to its base unit (X10 to IR Linc, PC to IR Linc, or I/O Linc) as to the status of your TV regardless of how the TV is turned off. Not only will this probe detect if the TV is on or off but the probe also detects the high-frequency RF emissions of electric motors and radio transmitters. This is a fun gizmo for the home automation geek looking for a project.

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TV ProbeLincRead More »

Start your next generation home automation network off with this starter kit from Smarthome using INSTEON technology. You can test out how the powerline and RF true mesh network works in your house as everything you need to setup the network is included in this kit including a stylish Dimmer Switch making any light controllable using the INSTEON network.

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Dimmer Switch INSTEON Starter KitRead More »

I needed this gizmo a couple of months ago when I tried to waterproof a regular X10 lamp module that ended up melting! The Outdoor Lamp Module allows you to remotely use an X10 or Freewire controller to control your exterior lights. This is perfect for controlling your Christmas/Halloween lights and other exterior lights such as landscaping lights and deck lights.

One reason my lamp module melted was that I used one to light my entire front and back yard with one module. The typical lamp module supports up to 300w where the B&D Outdoor Lamp Module supports up to 550w and includes a ground plug (that the interior lamp module does not have).

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Black & Decker 500-Watt Outdoor Lamp ModuleRead More »

Imagine being able to activate any device in response to temperature changes. Your smart home just needs the TempLinc along with a ControLinc Maxi to do just that.

To get your geek mind flowing with ideas… here are a couple of ideas of projects you could perform with this gizmo. Some of the more typical projects include turning on a ceiling fan when the heat from the sun heats up a room or turn on heat or signaling you when the temperature in your basement reaches a low temperature. Better yet, you could log temperature data and create a graphical representation of that data on the web. Also, you could use the device to check on your AV cabinet making sure critical temperature doesn’t damage your AV equipment.

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TempLinc X10 / X-10 Remote Temperature SensorRead More »

Today’s gizmo is a practical one but has some cool features. The Smarthome engineers have created a starter security system for under $300 with some great features and expandability.

First off, you can install this system yourself quite easily without having to install wires and cables. You just need to plug in the main unit, mount the wireless sensors in the zones you need to protect and then program the system.

Ok, now the cool features… if an alarm is activated, you can get a pre-recorded phone call; you can activate and disarm via a keyfob or a phone call; and finally you can connect the system to the Internet for remote access and control of system and connected cameras. These cool features usually are in higher end systems! I am a sucker for home automation and security systems though…

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Smarthome Web-Enabled SecureLinc SystemRead More »