The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

If you are using a solar panel to charge your batteries, this charge controller will be sure to protect it. The charge controller will protect your battery from overcharging, high voltage surges, short circuit, low voltage, discharging, and reverse current. Use the charge controller with both 12 Volt and 24 Volt solar panel systems. Designed for permanent installation, this charge controller is simple to install and use. A digital LED screen shows the charging current, load current, and battery voltage in 5-second intervals. The charge controller also features adjustable voltage settings and Pulse Width Modulation technology to provide higher charging efficiency and maintain a higher battery reserve.

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Join the Green movement by lowering dependence on paper with the Boogie Board 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet from Improv Electronics. Using just one of these tablets can save as much as 50,000 pieces of paper because it cuts out the need for sticky notes, memo pads, scrap paper, etc. Think about all the grocery lists thrown in the trash after being used and the to-do lists with a few chores on them that are crumpled up and thrown out afterwards. With this LCD Writing Tablet write out a grocery list and afterwards simply erase it from the board with the push of a button so it can be used for another paper-saving task. Weighing in at an ultra-light 4 ounces and a thickness of only a 1/8 inch make the Tablet ideal for use on the go too. Bring it with you to school or the office for note taking as an alternative to using scratch paper throughout the day. An included pen-like stylus makes writing or drawing as easy as it would be on a piece of paper. Can’t find the stylus or don’t feel like using one? No problem. The Boogie Board Writing Tablet can be even be drawn or written on with a finger. Read more

With Valentine’s Day less then a week away, make sure you’re home is ready for this special occasion.  Nothing makes Valentine’s more special then the small touches of mood lighting. So set the mood for Valentine’s Day or any other special event with INSTEON-compatible lighting control. Using your home’s existing wiring, these products connect in seconds for whole-house mood lighting at the press of a button. The good thing about these ideas is that the products can be used after Valentine’s is over. With multiple uses for the products you can save money and have the latest in lighting for your home.

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Want to do something special for your loved one this Valentine’s Day? How about creating a sophisticated, romantic and ambient dinner for two using INSTEON technology! Guys, it’s time to get creative. This simple D-I-Y will have your home into an elegant environment for the perfect Valentine’s Day.  Learn more here

The average household water heater holds about 50 gallons of water and with a flow rate of about 20 gallons per hour, an 8-hour leak can spill over 200 gallons of water into your home. Chances are your water heater is located somewhere out of sight, so a spill can go unnoticed for a considerable amount of time. This can mean thousands of dollars in water damage and cleanup costs. Factor in the sub-freezing temperatures in winter and you have an even bigger disaster. Learn more here