The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

The Illuminated Female DC Power Plug Connector is a great way to check the voltage and polarity of DC power supply connections for surveillance cameras, access control and other devices. One end of this 36 inch wire connector has stripped bare wire for a positive and negative hard-wired connection, while the other end has a female 2.1mm DC barrel plug with a built-in LED. The LED light will change color depending on the power being run to the stripped bare wire and out to the female DC barrel plug. If there is no power the LED will not be lit, if DC power is correct the LED will be blue, if DC power is incorrect the LED will be red and if AC power is present the LED will be purple. The LED light has a range of measuring form five to 30 volts AC or DC, an will shine brighter as voltage increases. The LED will remain illuminated so long as it is part of the connection so you can always see at a glance that your devices are receiving proper power.

• Allows you to test power before connecting equipment
• LED color verifies power supply voltage
• LED light remains on permanently if the connector stays in place
• Simplifies installation and troubleshoot power for surveillance cameras and access control devices
• Price: $4.49

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If you have looked at any general purpose sensors or security sensors, you’ll notice that they can’t handle much current. The Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) Form C Heavy-Duty Dry Contact Relay Module is a unit ideal for load switching, dry contact, latching output, reverse polarity, line seizure, and other uses for higher current devices. DPDT essentially means that this contact has two separate poles (or contacts) and can throw (or make) electrical contact with two separate stationary contacts to turn them on or off. You can use it to turn on multiple devices during alarm condition, trigger a 12VDC device (such as a siren) and a 120VAC device (such as a floodlight), trigger an alarm or silent alarm while disconnecting the electromagnetic door locks or to allow the two separate sets of contacts to work together to switch up to 8A of current for heavy-duty work loads A built in red LED light indicates when the relay is energized for quick reference. This product operates via 6/12/24 VDC power, programmable by on-board jumpers.

• Two separate sets of Form-C dry contacts for a variety of general switching purposes
• Red LED power indicator
• Large terminal blocks for easy installation
• Small size, easily fits inside alarm panel enclosures or other hidden areas
• Price: $19.99

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Whether you have an existing surveillance camera system or are planning to add one, the Enforcer In-Line BNC Ground Loop Isolator may be just what you are looking for to eliminate ground loop interference that causes a bad picture. Ground loop interference is typically caused by unbalance power line loads between your surveillance camera and monitor; this often results in a video signal that displays hum bars, RF interference or cross talk. By using this ground loop isolator, you can reduce that interference and ensure that you will have a clear picture when you need it most. The isolator is a passive device (requires no power for operation) with a built-in surge suppressor that installs in-line between your surveillance camera and your monitor. It is equipped with a BNC male input and a BNC female output, BNC and coaxial connectors and adapter are sold separately.

• Reduce RF interference, cross talk, picture tearing, and other picture quality problems
• Gold-plated BNC connector improves reliability and product life
• Passive device, no power is required
• BNC terminals for easy installation
• Price: $45.99

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You use a key to access and protect your two biggest investments, your home and your vehicle; so why not use a key to control other things? The Stainless Steel Turn-To-Open Keylock Switch allows you to connect a device and switch it on or off with the turn of a key. The built-in contact handles up to 1 Amp at 12VDC; ideal for On and Off control of an electromagnetic door locks, gate, garage door, fireplace, valve, actuator, servo, projection screen, blinds, sprinklers, fountain and much more. The switch is a shunt style lock, which means it can be left On or Off (unlike momentary style switches) and the key is removable from either position. When the key is in the ‘On’ position the contact is normally closed, when the key is in the ‘Off’ position the contact is normally open. This switch comes with a heavy-duty stainless steel slimline wall plate for an attractive industrial appearance.

• Keyed switch connects to door locks and other devices for On/Off control via contact closure
• Rugged Slim-line stainless-steel wall plate with a maintained On/Off keylock switch
• Switch can be left On or Off
• Key is removable from the On or Off position
• Price: $36.99

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If you have a home, office or storefront that needs to remain secure by only granting entry to authorized people, the Enforcer Miniature 1-Channel RF Receiver can be part of the solution. The receiver will work with most SECO-LARM transmitters, sold separately, to remotely trigger a relay based device such as electronic/magnetic door strikes, also sold separately. The receiver will also work with most home security systems vehicle alarm system, letting you easily add wireless RF control to almost any relay based device up to 3 Amps. By using a transmitter with this receiver, you can unlock or secure doors, control house lights or garage door remotely and it can even be used to arm or disarm a vehicle alarm and open or close a garage door. It will work with up to 15 different transmitter buttons and also has a CODEBUMP security built -in to prevent criminals from “learning” your codes. This wireless receiver lets you be the decision maker, by letting you add RF remote control to almost any electronic device or system in your home or vehicle.

• Unlock secure doors, control house lights or garage door remotely
• 3 Amp, Form “C” relay contact
• Can learn the codes of up to 15 different transmitter buttons
• Price: $44.99

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