The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

Why spend tens of thousands of dollars on a lighting control system through other high-end home automation systems, when Artemis can achieve the same lighting control for a fraction of the price? The Artemis V2 INSTEON Controller acts as a centralized, stand-alone, world-class lighting automation controller for INSTEON devices. Additionally, it creates a portal to integrate INSTEON devices with AMX, Crestron or RTI home automation systems. You can still take advantage of the other great features that the aforementioned home automation systems have, while saving a bundle on the lighting control using a combination of Artemis and INSTEON.

Artemis can trigger actions from sunrise or sunset time (based on the built-in astronomical clock), a fixed time of day, INSTEON remotes or sensors, or even IR remotes. Built-in commands make it easy to tackle complex, but common tasks. Installation requires no special tools, just a Windows PC, as the lighting set-up can be done with a web browser (Internet Explorer). Add dimmers, design scenes, set timers, and let Artemis program all the switches for you. When you’re done, Artemis will run on its dedicated hardware without a computer. For basic external control, IR remotes such as Universal Remote Control can learn the IR codes for Artemis. Simply attach an optional IR sensor, and teach the Artemis codes to your remote.

For larger applications, an Artemis V2 256 Device INSTEON Controller is available, sold separately.

For AMX dealers wishing to add Artemis to hardware they provide, the Artemis V2 64 Device INSTEON Controller (Software Only) is available, sold separately.

• Stand-alone controller for up to 64 INSTEON devices or scenes
• Integrates INSTEON with AMX, Crestron, or RTI home automation systems
• Built-in astronomical clock, timers, event sequencing and sunrise/sunset events
• Tracks and reports status of all INSETON devices
• Set-up, programming and management all done through a web-browser
• Price: $2999.99

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With the rising price of utilities, the cost of electricity can really hit you where it hurts. Use this multi-functional device to supply power to multiple devices, protect them against surges, analyze the quality of the electricity coming from your outlet, and find out the total combined amount of energy the connected devices are using so you can calculate the cost. The Kill A Watt Power Strip by P3 International can help to ensure that you are supplying clean, protected power to your equipment while identifying the real energy abusers. The large LCD display measures energy consumption by the kilowatt hour (KWH), just like your local utility company, so you can quickly forecast by the day, week, month, even an entire year, making it easy to calculate costs. This product is ideal for protecting and monitoring your entertainment system, computer system, or any other area of your home where you are running multiple devices through one outlet.

• Protect and analyze the electricity quality and usage of multiple devices at once
• Six standard three-pronged outlets and two wide convenience three-pronged outlets
• Multiple power factor displays
• Large backlit LCD display and an Illuminated power switch
• Soft power-up and advanced surge protection
• Price: $83.99

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