The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

Through the use of Superna ControlWare™ and ConfigNet™ Software, each sold separately, the computing power of a PC or MCE can be used as a complete home automation control center and media serving device. The Superna ControlPort™ takes this a step further by allowing control of infrared, serial or relay devices, utilizing your PC or MCE. The ControlPort becomes part of the Superna home automation network with a simple USB connection. It will allow communication between a broad range of household appliances and systems through Superna and other interfaces devices. Integrate total digital control by creating customized settings and scenes for lighting, HVAC and media systems throughout a home.

• Uses the power of a PC or MCE to be a home automation controller
• Enables a PC or MCE to control almost any infrared, serial or relay devices
• Affordable solution for connecting appliances and systems to a home network
• Power and information transmitted through a USB connection to any PC or MCE
• Price: $200.00

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This Programmable Wall Switch Timer is designed to be a replacement for your standard indoor On/Off wall switch. It has a heavy-duty 1800W load capacity while giving you the ability to manage up to 20 different On/Off programs. Being able to schedule on and off times for lights and appliances can greatly reduce the amount of electricity consumption, by limiting the hours a switch can be used. Programs can be set to daily times, to a specific period, or to everyday of the week. Additionally, the switch has a built-in daylight savings function, random function, and a countdown timer feature. There is an LCD display that shows time in 12 hour or in 24 hours format and makes accurate programming easy to do. The large On/Off switch is actually a clever casing that hides all the programming buttons, and if you need to access them the switch simply flips up. This switch is a great choice for replacing any single pole or 3-way application where you want to add a large load, timers, or energy conservation.

• Manual and programmable On/Off switch handles up to 1800W
• Up to 20 different programs and timers can be set including random and count-down
• LCD display with clock, in 12 hour or 24 hour format
• Built-in backup battery for memory retention in case of power failure
• Price: $31.99

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May Contest Winner:Mike Riccio

Out with the Old and In with the New

Since the beginning of home automation, developers have created products that make controlling lights and appliances convenient. There are many different companies out there, some with products that only control a few different lights, some that are very expensive, some with products that are not very dependable and some that simply have products too difficult to install. At Smarthome, our engineers came out with INSTEON just over three years ago, with the goal of offering products for your entire home that are convenient, affordable, reliable, easy to install and fun to use. Smarthome would like to congratulate the May winner of the Smarthome Home Control Giveaway, Mike Riccio, who has taken advantage of the power that INSTEON home automation products have and incorporated them with several other automation systems.

Mike and his wife have been using X10 products for years, and while happy with what they were originally designed for, like many other people they were unhappy with the reliability of X10 communication. In September of 2007 they purchased a new home in San Carlos, CA and decided to upgrade from the old X10 automation and use new INSTEON products as the backbone for their home automation system. Mike uses Indigo INSTEON Software for Mac to control all of his INSTEON devices from his computer. His INSTEON devices start with a pair of Access Point Phase Couplers for communication across electrical phases and via radio frequency (RF); and a PowerLinc USB Interface which allows for communication between his computer and the INSTEON network. According to Mike, “…altogether, I have 33 SwitchLinc Dimmers, 9 SwitchLinc Relays, 2 KeypadLinc Dimmers, 1 In-LineLinc Dimmer, 3 LampLinc Dimmers, 1 ApplianceLinc On/off Module, and 1 RemoteLinc Remote Control.” In addition to the standard lighting and appliance control, he has created scenes that include stairway lighting, alarm triggered lighting, exterior accent lighting, automatic bathroom fan control and virtual 3-way circuits. He really likes the fact that the switches are more attractive than the standard ones that came with the house and that he can control everything from his computer and via the web.

Outside of lighting Mike has installed an intercom system, whole house HDTV video distribution from a central location, IR control, Universal remote control, and much more. Right now he is “currently researching adding solar panels to our house to power all of this equipment in a more environmentally-friendly (and more cost-effective) manner.” While he has not yet decided what he is going to do with his winnings, certainly some new devices are in mind like the INSTEON Controlled 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, INSTEON IRLinc IR Receiver and the INSTEON 8 Button Keypad Countdown Timer with Dimmer.

Congratulations again to Mike Riccio, a true Smarthome enthusiast!

Enter the Smarthome Home Control Giveaway now to win $500 of INSTEON-compatible products. The next winner could be you!

Installing an irrigation system is a fantastic way to manage the watering of lawns, gardens, plants and trees. However, they usually leave you with a group or multiple groups of unsightly sprinkler valves or valve boxes in your yard. Now you can add some style to your landscape and camouflage those valves or boxes with the Orbit Granite Style Rock Sprinkler Valve Cover Box. This artificial rock has a hollow design that will accommodate your valves while being easy to move around and sturdy enough to withstand wind or being accidentally hit. Built of weather-resistant material, it will withstand years of abuse while retaining a natural look.

• Natural looking fake rock disguises yard eye-sores like sprinkler valves
• Durable and weather-resistant design helps protect against accidents and weather damage
• Easily covers up to four anti-siphon valves and most 20″ rectangular valve boxes
• Price: $57.99

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This ingenious product from Elk allows for automation control of 220V high current devices such as electric water heaters, pool pumps and motorized gates. The relay contactor is pre-wired with a three prong plug-in cord that can be connected to an appliance style automation module. There are pre-wired terminal lugs to easily connect the electricity from the breaker panel and the device you wish to control. Once everything is wired, simply link your appliance module with an automation controller, and now you have remote On/Off control of any 220V device. The relay contactor is enclosed in a solid metal structured wiring box that locks for safety. Additionally, this product outperforms other similar products as it has a rating to handle up to 60 Amps of electricity. This Elk Heavy Duty Relay will work with INSTEON, X10, UPB, ZWave and most other automated hardware.

• Control 220V devices as part of an INSTEON, X10, UPB or ZWave network
• 110VAC plug for connection with an appliance module
• Safe and easy On/Off switching of up to 60 Amps of electrical current
• Pre-wired terminal lugs
• Metal structured wiring box that is lockable
• Price: $124.95

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