Home Automation DIY

The Home Automation Superstore, Smarthome.com is running an Exclusive 4th of July Sale.

SmartLinc controller

Many INSTEON products are discounted 10% and more.

Here’s just a few examples… You can get a SmartLinc, an iPhone-ready INSTEON Central Controller for only $116. Or save $5 on a fully redesigned Dual-Band Lamp Dimmer, on sale for $44.99. And a pair of Access Points to expand the range of your RF-only devices is on sale for $62.99 – a savings of $7.

It’s a great opportunity to expand your INSTEON home automation system.

Hurry, though, the Sale ends on 6th of July!

INSTEON USB Controller

Smarthome’s product portfolio is so extensive that it’s easy to overlook a nice new product when it comes around. Therefore I would like to share with you this simple but nevertheless interesting new product I’ve recently discovered. It’s called USB2 Insteon USB Controller by Minotaur Engineering (who are these guys anyway?)

You wonder what this new device could do for you? Let’s see what the user’s manual has to say…

The INSTEON USB Controller provides a way to automatically send Insteon “On” and “Off” signals to other enabled devices whenever a computer is turned on or hard re-booted. It contains the required electrical interfaces to a standard Insteon I/O Linc device (purchased separately) and draws its required power from the computer’s USB connection.

Once installed and linked, the USB connector can be left plugged in to the PC. The controlled devices will be turned on only when the computer is turned on, and shut off when the computer is turned off. In the event you wish opposite sensing, press the I/O Linc Set button until it beeps before inserting the USB connector in to the powered computer. This will trigger the “ON” command whenever the computer is turned OFF.

These days USB ports are ubiquitous, so I think the use of this product might be extended far beyond computers, to any other USB-enabled devices, like TVs, DVRs, network storage devices, even the photo frames.

Here’s a couple of sample usage scenarios…

1) You really wouldn’t want to miss recording that new episode of your favorite series, would you? Now, with INSTEON USB Controller you can trigger an email or SMS alert whenever your HTPC or DVR shuts off after the brownout or by the virtue of the curious fingers of your three-year-old kid.

2) This USB interface could be used as a security device like those you see on the shelves of Best Buy stores. Whenever computer gets powered off or USB cable gets unplugged you could trigger an audible alert or make some lamp flash. This could be used for servers (or any PC that should be always ON).

Any other ideas? Share in the comments below.

Normally priced at $56.00 this item is currently on pre-sale for $43.47.

To make it easier to find in Smarthome’s store, look for Item# 71939.

P.S. An X10 version of INSTEON USB Controller is also available (Item# 71930).

TouchLinc #1270

Remember that touchscreen from a decade ago, called TouchLinc? It was one of the few affordable X10 touchscreen controllers at the time. It had black and white screen and three hardwired connections: power, PC Serial port (for programming) and 4-conductor telephone cable to your powerline interface.

Guess what? Smarthome is releasing an updated wireless version pretty soon (expected in stock 5/18/2010). Yes, of course it will support INSTEON, and to accomplish that you will have to have a SmartLinc (aka 2412N) controller in your set-up.

So, what’s new? (continue reading this article and leave comments here…)

Smarthome^™ Introduces New ApplianceLinc^™ INSTEON^® Outdoor Plug-In On/Off Appliance Module

Irvine, CA – November 23, 2009 – Smarthome announces the release of the new ApplianceLinc INSTEON Outdoor Plug-In On/Off Appliance Module. The new INSTEON product not only allows for remote On/Off control of lights and appliances, it has also been tested and rated for outdoor use, offering protection against precipitation and extreme temperatures.

“This product is expected to arrive just in time for the holidays,” commented Laurie Maroni, Vice President of Marketing at Smarthome. “INSTEON users can now remotely control outdoor holiday lights, landscape lighting, fountain pumps and other high-wattage plug-in devices with their INSTEON controllers.” (continue reading this article and leave comments here…)

If you (like myself) were impatiently waiting to get your hands on one of the ISY99i home automation controllers now might be a good time to get one as they are on sale at both Smarthome.com and Amazon.com.

What is ISY99i?

ISY99i kit w/PLM

“The ISY-99i series is the most affordable and flexible
standalone home automation solution for any INSTEON/X10 installation.  Whether you are a DIYer, an electrician, or a home automation integrator you will enjoy the ease with which the once tedious task of programming INSTEON devices is accomplished.”

ISY99i eliminates the need to run a dedicated PC (or MAC) computer to contol events and run automation programs. It is compatible with a wide range of INSTEON and X10 devices, including: (continue reading this article and leave comments here…)