The Official Smarthome Blog - All Things Home Automation

The IdentityPal is a personal information storage device. Think of it as a waterproof, shockproof, ‘digital dogtag’. If the IdentityPal carrier is ever to become lost, injured, or is unable to speak for themselves, the IdentityPal will serve as a means to identify them and provide relevant contact information immediately.

• Use for children, the elderly, pets
• Store emergency medical info, pictures, insurance info, living will
• Easy to use secure interface and pre-defined templates
• Just plug it into any USB port on any PC
• 256 MB Storage Capacity and 128-bit AES Encryption
• Price: $49.99

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If you use the Water Heater Auto-Shutoff Valve to turn off the water supply immediately upon a leak, you can enjoy additional ease of placement with the system’s sensor by connecting it to this extension cable. This 9-foot cable will come in handy if your water heater isn’t right next to an electrical outlet.

• Cable connects to water leak sensor if water heater isn’t located near an electrical outlet
• 9-foot cable
• Price: $9.99

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Still no comments… I’ll get one :).  Let me know what you want to know, and as long as they let me post I will answer them as quickly as I can.

Today I am going to talk about linking a LampLinc module with a On-level and Ramp Rate different than what is factory default to an INSTEON controller (for simplicity I am going to use the SwitchLinc dimmer in my example)First thing you are going to do, after installing the SwitchLinc and the LampLinc, is to put the SwitchLinc in linking mode by pressing the paddle in the on position for 10 seconds.  The LEDs on the left should start to blink.  Now got to the LampLinc and press the Set Button for about 3 seconds, the lamp should flash, and the SwitchLinc will stop blinking.

 The SwitchLinc will now turn the lamp on and off quickly and to full bright.  What we did when we did this link was basically take a picture of the lamps setting at the time of the linking.  The advantage we have now is that we have control of the LampLinc. 

So what I recommend is that next we adjust the ramp rate of the LampLinc.  From the SwitchLinc, brighten or dim the light so that you can have the basic ramp rate you want.  Remember the brighter the light the faster the ramp rate, the dimmer the light the slower.  Basically watch the LEDs on the SwitchLinc, when they are at the top its .1 second, when it’s on the bottom level (not off) its 9 sec. Once you have set the level that you think is going to work for you, tap the set button on the LampLinc twice in quick succession.  The Lamp should flash just once, if it flashes twice there was too much time between presses, and try it again.

Now set the on level of the lamp.  This one is easy as it is a “What You See Is What You Get” function.  Go to the SwitchLinc and adjust the light up or down to what will meet your needs.  Once you have done that go to the LampLinc and press the set button just once.  The Lamp should flash.

Now I know what you are thinking and experiencing “the switch is still turning it on Full Blast at warp speed” (OK maybe not that geeky, but I understand) that’s because the “picture” stored on the SwitchLinc hasn’t changed.  We need to take a new picture with the new settings.  Put the SwitchLinc in linking mode by pressing the paddle in the on position for 10 seconds.  The LEDs on the left should start to blink.  Now got to the LampLinc and press the Set Button for about 3 seconds, the lamp should flash, and the SwitchLinc will stop blinking.  Now it is working the way you want.

Want to do it faster?  Of course you so, by pressing the set button on the bottom of the SwitchLinc you can enter Linking mode in 3 seconds instead of the 10 needed with the paddle press.

Want to do it better?  Use a RemoteLinc or ControLinc to set the on level and ramp rate so you don’t have to get up and down from where the lamp is plugged in?

Want to do it smarter?  Use HouseLinc on your computer and then it can be set up while listening to iTunes

and that’s the way I see it

The ISY-99i is an 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 programming and discovering of INSTEON devices is accomplished. The ISY-99i supports up to 256 devices and scenes and a maximum of 300 programs. The ISY controller is able to configure and program INSTEON devices using INSTEON native protocols and specifications allow it to directly write to INSTEON devices internally instead of just in the controller, creating a more robust network. You can set up timer events and custom event triggers, as well as monitor and control all the INSTEON-compatible devices in your home from any web-browser anywhere in the world! Now you can check if the lights in your house were left on and remotely control from your computer at the office.

• Configure and Program INSTEON and X10 Devices
• Remotely Accessible from any Standard Web Browser
• Timer and Macro Functions are Stored in Internal Memory
• Does Not Require a PC to Operate
• Supports 256 Device and Scene Control and 300 Programs
• Price: $299.00

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This massaging memory foam back cushion provides massaging comfort and support. It’s specifically designed to support the “S” curve of your spine and has a quiet, built-in massager that soothes aching, tired muscles. Constructed of form-fitting memory foam, with a high/low button to control vibration level. Great for home, work and travel.

• Memory foam adjusts to cradle your back
• Built in Massager soothes tired muscles
• 2 adjustable straps for secure fit
• Great for travel
• Use at work for long periods of sitting
• Price: $39.99

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Did ya know???

The INSTEON RemoteLinc will repeat the RF in your home when awake?  So if you are having issues with two Access Point modules not “talking”  to each other, take your RemoteLinc to the mid point and press a button on it.  If the Access Point Modules start to talk to each other, you know to get another Access Point and put it in the middle.

The INSTEON Thermostat Adapter will also repeat the INSTEON RF signal… I believe my house is becoming smarter by the minute

and thats how I see it.

Plug in your MP3, iPod, or Zune, lie back in utter comfort, and lose yourself in relaxation at home, at work, or while traveling. Made with memory foam to conform to your individual needs. Speakers sound just right to your ears, but quiet to everyone around you.

• Speakers Built In
• Works with iPod, MP3, or Zune
• Luxuriously soft memory foam
• Price: $39.99

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Carry your CDs or DVDs with you wherever you go without damage and without a towering stack of jewel cases falling all over. Keep track of all your favorites with the mini version of the CD/DVD Storage Book.

• Small size is super-portable
• Organize all of your favorite music and movies into one, central location
• Keep track of which selections you own with the handy cover index
• Price: Normally $9.99

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Sit back, relax and unwind with the flex tube memory foam massager. Relieves aching muscles and provides neck support. Designed to bend and flex to fit any body shape or area. Longer than the usual neck pillow for use on shoulders, arms, or legs.

• Massages away aches and pains
• Bends to fit any part of your body
• Super soft memory foam custom fits to your needs
• Price: $24.99

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Would you like to have the newest, most convenient, and most reliable carbon monoxide and smoke detector on the market? Then the ONELink Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector with Voice from First Alert, is the perfect product for you. The unit comes equipped with an actual voice that speaks the type and location of danger in your home. This will help you make the best decision possible in an emergency situation.

The ONELink feature enables you to install up to 16 carbon monoxide and/or smoke detectors inside your home. Once installed, ONELink enabled alarms will immediately begin communicating with each other. If one alarm is triggered, they will all sound the alarm. The unit is powered by two (2) AA batteries which are included with your purchase.

• Wireless interconnectivity which means, when one sounds they all sound
• Announces location of smoke or carbon monoxide detection
• Loud 85 decibel alarm
• Photoelectric technology
• Pull-out battery drawer allows easy battery replacement
• Price: $99.99

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