The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

This X10 Wall Switch can replace any standard wall switch in your home to add remote control of lights, fans, and other appliances to your existing X10 home automation system. The switch responds to on/off commands but can also transmit its own X10 address when operated locally. This is great for status or for simply controlling other devices that are sharing the same address elsewhere in the home.

Slim Design

Similar dimmers are up to 50 percent deeper than X10 Wall Switch. With its slim design, installation is easy, even in small junction boxes.

Easy to Install and Set Up

This switch wires in like a standard wall switch with an additional connection to a neutral wire. To set the X10 address, press & hold the Set button until it beeps and then send the X10 address from any X10-compatible transmitter.

Built with a Quieter Relay

Because X10 Wall Switch is built with a much quieter relay than most remote-control switches, it has a click that is 80 percent quieter than traditional relay switches. This allows you to control lights and other non-dimmable devices without waking up the baby, annoying other family members, or sending your cat fleeing across the room. The click of the internal relay is barely audible.

Generates Less Heat

Unlike other switches, X10 Wall Switch uses a relay to control the load. Other switches use components that absorb about two volts of power and dissipate the heat through the front of the switch. By using a relay, the switch runs cooler and full voltage gets to the load. Read more

If you are looking to automate your home with Z-Wave lighting and appliance control, the Vera2 Automation Controller will give you the power to take advantage of full-featured home automation and make it simple. The Vera2 system is based on a Wi-Fi access point that links with your wireless router. Once connected, the Vera2 interface can be accessed as a web browser from a web-enabled PC, phone or PDA anywhere in the world.

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The TrickleStar 300SW-US-W Z-Wave USB Stick allows control and monitoring of Z-Wave enabled products from a USB port device such as a Gateway, Set Top Box or a PC. The Z-Wave USB Stick can be used with a wide range of PC and Apple Mac Home Control software available on the market. The USB stick includes a USB extender cable to allow the product to be remotely mounted to improve radio frequency (RF) performance.

The TrickleStar USB Stick is a Z-Wave enabled device and is compatible with Z-Wave enabled devices from a range of manufacturers. Each device in a Z-Wave network is designed to act as a repeater. Repeaters can re-transmit the RF signal to ensure that the signal is received by its intended destination by routing the signal around obstacles and radio dead spots.The Z-Wave USB Stick is designed to be used with a range of other Z-Wave compliant devices such as dimmers, drape controllers and motorized screens. The product is simple yet supports a range of Z-Wave network functionality. The product includes a USB extender cable to allow the product to be remotely mounted to improve RF performance.

Z-Wave is an interoperable two way RF mesh networking technology. Each main powered device in a Z-Wave network is designed to act as a repeater. Repeaters can re-transmit the RF signal to ensure that the signal is received by its intended destination by routing the signal around obstacles and radio dead spots. Read more

Recent research shows that indoor air is often 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, which is why you should keep the air in your home as healthy and clean as possible. Your baby might not be getting a good night’s sleep because of the pollutants in the air she breathes. The high-performance Austin Allergy Machine Jr Air Purifier not only removes particulate matter like smoke, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, germs, viruses, and pollen, it will even remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that come from such sources as cleaning solutions, carpets, paints, building materials and formaldehyde. Four stages of filtration ensure you are breathing clean air: First is a “large-particle” pre-filter to trap dust, hair, and pet dander; this filter is designed to be vacuumed rather than replaced. Second is a “medium-particle” pre-filter which traps mold, spores, and pollen. The third line of defense is 30 sq ft of medical-grade true HEPA filtration, which removes micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses. Finally, 6.5 pounds of military-grade activated carbon removes chemicals, gasses, and odors. Most air filters sold in stores do not remove gaseous VOCs, and the electrostatic cleaners emit harmful ozone. The machine has four casters for easy mobility, making it easy to move from room to room so your baby can breathe clean air. Read more

Coleman Cable’s Mini X-Treme Box provides more compact and less costly work-site power distribution than other full size models. Used along with our restoration adapters, these units are ideal for disaster restoration work where the only available power is from range outlets, dryer outlets, or portable generators. They can be used in any situation where a more compact, easier-to-handle unit is desired to safely expand and distribute power on jobsites.

30Amp, 125/250 Volt Generator and dry outlets, and 50-amp 125/250-volt range outlets can now be converted to a GFCI/Breaker protected power distribution unit providing standard usable 125-volt power. the Mini X-Treme box offers a NEMA type-1 Enclosure with 4 NEMA 5-20R 20-Amp, Circuit breaker and GFCI protected outlets on the front, and the same 4 on the back.

It features: OSHA and NEC Compliant, C(ETL)US Listed, and certified to CAN/CSA. Reduces electrical hookup and labor time while on the job. 8 overload-protected outlets use GFCI and circuit-breakers. All Outlets GFCI protected with open neutral and over-voltage protection. Compact size for ease of use and may be used in vertical or horizontal positions.

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