The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

A Z-Wave network is made up of Z-Wave enabled products that wirelessly communicate with one another and this kit has everything needed to get started. Included in the purchase are a Schlage LiNK Keypad Entry Lever, a Schlage LiNK Bridge and a Schlage LiNK Light Module, which all communicate using Z-Wave. With the Schlage LiNK Keypad Entry Lever installed on your front door you will benefit from increased home security and convenience.

Schlage LiNK’s Keypad Entry Lever features a 128 bit AES encryption and can have up to 19 personalized 4 digit codes installed on it. Each family member can have their own unique code for access while at the same time assign emergency codes for friends and neighbors or special one-time access codes. Web based access to this system from a Smartphone or computer is also available and provides the ability to confirm a doors status when not at home leaving the peace of mind to know your home is safe. Remote access of this system does require a low, monthly fee which users can activate by contacting Schlage customer service.

Security and convenience go hand and hand with a Schlage LiNK Z-Wave Keypad Entry Lever. By assigning unique, personalized access codes to family members you can keep track of who is home by setting up the system to send an email or text alert upon entry. This is ideal for a situation like ensuring that your child has made it home from school safely. Another convenient feature with Schlage LiNK door locks is the ability to unlock the door remotely. If a neighbor unexpectedly needs access to your home, the door can be unlocked via a phone or computer to grant them access. If connected to other Z-Wave devices then the convenience doesn’t stop at simply being able to have remote access. Z-Wave allows enabled devices to wirelessly communicate with one another and create entrance or mood settings. A Z-Wave enabled thermostat can be set so that upon punching in a personalized access code to the Keypad Entry Lever the thermostat will automatically change to a pre-set desired temperature. This is just one example of the many possibilities a Z-Wave network of products offer. Installation of the Keypad Entry Lever is hassle free as well and in most instances will only require a screwdriver and batteries. Read more

By adding a single lightweight unit to your keychain, you’ll have easy access to your garage, and you’ll even be able to turn on a light before you enter your home! The two-button Keychain Transmitter sends a wireless signal to the Garage Door Receiver (sold separately), which triggers your automatic garage door system to open or close. With the second button, the Keychain Transmitter will turn on a light, fan, or appliance that’s plugged into a Switch Receiver (sold separately).

Programming the Keychain Transmitter is simple; just align the codes to match those on the receiver modules. A battery is pre-installed, so you’re ready to use this handy device as soon as the receivers are plugged in.

The Keychain Transmitter and Garage Door Receiver are also available to be purchased as a set. For a more permanent access transmitter, the Keyless Entry Transmitter (sold separately) is easily mounted on the wall of your garage for PIN access at any time. Read more

If your company is like most larger companies, you’ll agree that making keys for new employees is not only time and money consuming, it’s inconvenient: Changing the locks each time an employee leaves the company just isn’t feasible. The Tag-in-a-Bag is a versatile weather-resistant proximity access control unit, designed to limit access to restricted areas while permitting authorized people to enter. Ideal for commercial and industrial applications, the Tag-in-a-Bag access control solution provides authorized control for up to 250 users with two available security levels: Users can either gain access just using the tag, or a PIN code can be used in conjunction with the tag for additional security.

The Tag-in-a-Bag system’s proximity readers are based on advanced RFID technology: Each user is assigned a unique encoded proximity key. When a valid proximity key or tag is presented to the reader, which is located outside the protected area, the controller relay activates a magnetic lock or an electromagnetic strike (EMS) that releases the door (magnetic lock and EMS sold separately). A single card can be conveniently programmed to open any combination of doors in the system. If a card is lost or stolen, it can easily be deleted from the system, and a new one can be issued.

The control unit connects to the frame of your door with an electro-magnetic strike or magnetic lock and operates by either a 12V DC or AC power supply (sold separately). The control unit includes internal non-volatile memory, unaffected by power failure. The internal memory stores up to 250 tags and four-digit PIN codes. This system comes with 10 tags; additional tags are available but sold separately. Read more

How many times have you been gripped with the sudden realization that you may have forgotten to close your garage door?

It’s a pretty common mistake, but it can be a costly one, since that open expanse can be an enticing lure to thieves. Make sure the largest door to your home is closed securely with the automatic Garage Door Closer, which triggers your garage door opener automatically after a user-specified amount of time if left open.

Mount the sensor on your garage door using the included mounting tape or screws. When the door is closed, the detection rod is retracted; when the door is open, the detection rod is extended and sends a wireless signal to the wall console, which in turn triggers your garage door opener to shut the door. Planning to work in the garage for a while? A single button press locks the receiver so it won’t close when you don’t want it to.

Since it has a built-in antenna, the included wall console can accept commands sent by a keychain remote, sold separately. The wall console’s learning function makes connection easy. Read more

Many of us neglect to include their gates and fencing in our home’s security monitoring system. Luckily the people at Honeywell have created a low cost DIY solution for monitoring your gate, shed, detached garage, or other exterior access point. The Honeywell58160D Outdoor Wireless Magnetic Contact normally priced at $109.95 is on sale right now for only $67.46 at Smarthome.com

When securing a home it can be costly to install wired solutions. Luckily this weather proof device can be quickly attached to any exterior access point without the increased installation cost of wiring. Secure your homes exterior and gain peace of mind that no intruders or harsh winds will be opening your exterior access points.

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