The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

Activate an automated scene in your home that will turn on (or off) INSTEON controlled lights and/or appliances whenever a device with low voltage power is turned on. This kit enhances your INSTEON network by using a Low Voltage Detector Probe to sense when power to a device (from 3V to 24V AC or DC) has been turned on. Once low voltage is sensed, a signal is sent to I/O Linc which in turn will trigger INSTEON controlled devices to turn on or off. This kit can be used in conjunction with relay type devices such as keypad access control systems to engage INSTEON scenes as you enter or exit. When a correct code has been entered on an access control keypad, allowing access through a gate, door, or garage door, the Low Voltage Detector Probe will be triggered when power is applied to the switched relay. You can use this kit in conjunction with a I/O Linc – INSTEON Remote Chime Alert Kit to have a audible signal sent, alerting you that a visitor has arrived – or simply create a lighting scene that will provide safety as you enter your home at night. This versatile kit can be used with almost any device that plugs into the wall with a low voltage power supply (provided it is between 3V and 24V AC or DC). Once the plugged in device is powered, the Low Voltage Detector Probe will sense and trigger an INSTEON scene.

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Use the I/O Linc – INSTEON LED and Light Detector Probe Kit to activate a scene in your home theater that will turn on (or off) INSTEON controlled lights and/or appliances when an LED or other light source has been sensed. This kit enhances your INSTEON network by using a Light Detector Probe to sense when an LED, incandescent or fluorescent light is turned on. The probe can be placed over an LED power indicator on an A/V component or other electronic device. Alternatively the probe can be placed near an incandescent or fluorescent light source. When an LED or alternative light source is detected, an INSTEON signal will be sent to set the ambiance in the room by lowering lighting levels, turning on a ceiling fan and/or activating your HVAC system. You could also use this kit in conjunction with a I/O Linc – INSTEON Remote Chime Alert Kit to monitor the activity of your children at night by receiving a chime notification whenever they are using their TV, A/V components, or when they turn their lights on. This kit can also be use in an area where too much light may be annoying or damaging such as a home theatre room, photo development room, green house or wine cellar so that the appropriate INSTEON responding device could be activated to notify you or prevent damage.

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Activate a scene in your home theater that will turn on (or off) INSTEON controlled lights and/or appliances when you power up a audio/video (A/V) component using I/O Linc – INSTEON Video Detector Probe Kit. This kit enhances your INSTEON network by using an Audio / Video Detector Probe to sense when an A/V component has been turned on. When power is sensed, the kit triggers INSTEON controlled devices to turn on or off. Now when you turn on a piece of your home theater equipment, an INSTEON signal will be sent to set the ambiance in the room by lowering lighting levels, turning on a ceiling fan and/or activating your HVAC system. Alternatively, you could use this kit in conjunction with a I/O Linc – INSTEON Remote Chime Alert Kit to monitor the TV usage of your children by receiving a chime notification whenever they turn their TV on. This versatile device is a great way to automate your home theater and has high impedance that will not affect picture or audio quality.

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The I/O Linc – INSTEON Keypad Control Kit enhances your INSTEON network by giving you the ability to operate INSTEON-controlled devices via a numeric code. By entering a numeric code into the keypad, you can have INSTEON-controlled lights and appliances turn on (or off) via the main relay output on the keypad which communicates through the included I/O Linc. A secondary relay output is also built-in to the keypad that can be activated via a numeric code to perform other tasks such as unlocking a door, activating an alarm, or simply opening your garage. What’s more, you can use both relay simultaneously with the same code and the relays can be adjusted to remain energized from one to 98 seconds. Additionally, the keypad can be used in toggle mode which (could) alternate turning a light or device on and off with each correct code entry. The keypad can be programmed with 56 individual access codes (up to 100 million possible codes) each assigned to an authorized individual user or to a group of users. While the keypad is designed to for indoor use, it can be used in protected areas outdoors where it will not receive direct exposure to the elements. A surface-mount box is included or it can be flush-mounted in a standard single-gang junction box.

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I/O Linc – INSTEON Rain Sensor Kit enhances your INSTEON network by alerting you in the event of excess liquid (rain and/or water) build-up. The rain sensor is designed for indoor or outdoor use in and around your home. The kit is great for monitoring rainfall and/or moisture levels in sensitive areas such as green houses, flower beds or lawns. Using the included mounting bracket and mounting hardware, the rain sensor can be placed anywhere where you would like to detect the accumulation of water. If you are using If you are using I/O Linc – INSTEON Low Voltage / Contact Closure Interface (4-Pack) to electronically control sprinklers via your INSTEON network, this rain sensor kit can trigger the sprinklers to automatically shut-off when it rains- saving water and money. Alternatively, it can be placed near the foundation of your home to help detect detrimental standing water and flooding; as soon as the accumulation of water starts, the rain sensor will trigger I/O Linc to send commands to any INSTEON controlled lights or appliances. Conserve water by having your sprinklers turn off automatically when it rains or stop catastrophic and expensive water damage as soon as it starts with I/O Linc – INSTEON Rain Sensor Kit; an easy-to-use solution for adding convenience and awareness to any INSTEON-controlled home.

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Whether you’re just getting started in home automation or even if you’re getting ready to upgrade, INSTEON products are a reliable and affordable solution. Using both the existing wires (power line) in the home and radio-frequency communication, INSTEON adds remote control and automation to lighting, appliance and home control applications of all types. While INSTEON is designed for the average Do-It-Yourself homeowner, having a little extra help never hurts. INSTEON: Smarthomes for Everyone is a book that will make installation and programming your INSTEON devices a snap. It will guide you through the process of designing, installing and programming a complete and reliable Smarthome system. With step-by-step instructions, you will be able to setup path lighting, scene lighting, security and environment control with the touch of a button. Turn off lights over the Internet, close your garage door from work, shut off every light in your home from your nightstand and lock all the doors. From beginner to expert, this book will guide you through the process with step-by-step instructions and leave you with a complete understanding of your system. Get more out of your home with INSTEON Smarthome technology.

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Increase the versatility of an INSTEON home automation network by adding the I/O Linc – INSTEON Doorbell and Telephone Ring Alert Kit. Never again will you have to miss out on an important phone call or visitor because you didn’t hear the ringer or doorbell. Use this kit to notify you of a visitor or phone call when working (or playing) remotely in the backyard or in the garage. This kit is also great for when you’re listening to music and can’t hear the phone or doorbell. It’s also perfect for those that have a difficult time hearing certain frequencies. The doorbell and ring detector will initiate an INSTEON signal when a guest arrives and presses the doorbell or if you receive a telephone call. Using INSTEON devices such as Dimmers and Switches, Wire-in/Outlet Modules, and/or Plug-in Modules, you can program an individual or group of lights and devices to turn on as an indicator. Up to two doorbells and/or one phone line can be connected to the detector. Adding an additional I/O Linc to this kit will allow for two distinct INSTEON commands to be sent from separate door bells or from a door bell and a telephone.

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