Official Smarthome Blog
Venstar Thermostat – INSTEON Remote Control Thermostat 1-Day Programmable 2491T1 Review
Joe — Edmonton Date: 6/13/2010
Review: I got this thermostat about 2 weeks ago. Since then I have had no trouble with it’s regular use or it’s advanced programming features. Insteon programming for this device is simple and well laid out following the serial command list. A little more documentation for the programming newbie would be cool example VB,C++,HTML but hopefully some users make that happen. Allowing customers to purchase the SDK without the hardware would also probably make for a solid solution to the documentation problem.
GERI — CALGARY, AB Date: 6/6/2010
Review: Great device that brings your thermostat right to your finger tips, regardless of where you are.
dkh1020 — Katy, Texas Date: 5/18/2010
Review: Excellent thermostat! Went with the one day unit as I had no need for the extra programming capability. I have a 5 wire system and it installed in minutes with absolutely no hitches. Works exactly as described and connected to my ISY99 controller perfectly. I synced my I-phone to my ISY99 controller and had thermostat control at my fingertips. Now I can adjust and monitor the temperature in my house from anywere. Going to replace two additional thermostats in my home with this unit shortly. Great product!
HAYS — SHERWOOD, AR Date: 3/7/2010
Review: Works wonderfully. Please remember you need a device that sends RF signals to use this product.
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Fully-Automatic, Programmable Lawn Mower with Charging Station
Don’t worry about getting up early on Saturday morning to mow the lawn ever again. Robomow® RM400 is an automatic lawnmower that cuts the grass all by itself. Simply install a perimeter wire around the edge of the lawn and other areas you don’t want Robomow to enter. Then, program the time you’d like Robomow to operate.
When it’s time to mow the lawn, Robomow will depart from the Base Station to cut your grass. Once mowing is complete, Robomow will return to the Base Station to charge until its next scheduled operation. Because Robomow works on the schedule you set for it, your lawn will even be maintained when you are away from home for long periods of time. Robomow is also equipped with a rain sensor to prevent mowing, so you won’t have to worry about forgetting to turn off the unit in inclement weather.
The Robomow RM400 is recommended for lawns of up to 3,200-4,300 feet squared (depending on grass type and condition).
In-LineLinc Dimmer – INSTEON Remote Control In-Line Dimmer 2475D Review
ROBERT — ARLINGTON, MA Date: 3/1/2010
Review: This fit nicely in the 4″ box behind a sconce and solved a problem I was having getting power to another switch. I’ll be installing a few of these now that I have the technique.
JOHN — PITTSBURGH, PA Date: 4/1/2010
Review: New slightly smaller size fits inside junction boxes.
CLAUDE — VARENNES, QC Date: 1/19/2010
Review: First experience with your product, easy to install, easy to configure and do more than I expected
RONALD — MIDLAND, MI Date: 1/4/2010
Review: I wanted to control new task lighting in the ceiling by X-10 without “switch sprawl”. I would have had to change a three switch box into a four. Pulling cable, carpentry and drywall work – all avoided! This dimmer took all of 15 minutes to install in the attic (where ugly is OK) with a new switch box and it worked perfectly the first try.
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Buy the In-LineLinc Dimmer – INSTEON Remote Control In-Line Dimmer 2475D at Smarthome.com
Compatible with Numerous Z-Wave-Enabled Software or Web-Enabled Interfaces
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.
With the Z-Wave USB Stick, you’ll be able to sends commands to other Z-Wave devices from your PC or other web-enabled devices. 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.
Access Point – INSTEON Wireless Phase Coupler (2-Pack) 2443P Reviews
G. — AUBURN, AL Date: 7/16/2010
Review: works great and was easy to setup.
BRUCE — BRANFORD, CT Date: 7/2/2010
Review: Easy to set up and they do what they are supposed to do. An easy way to add wireless control access to you Insteon modules.
YOLANDA — SAN DIEGO, CA Date: 6/4/2010
Review: The product work perfect and link both phases of the power in the house
JOHN — N. VERSAILLES, PA Date: 5/22/2010
Review: they cured the “hole” in my home automation. all devices insteon and x10 work consistantly perfect. thanks to insteon help line. well worth the price.
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Buy the Access Point – INSTEON Wireless Phase Coupler (2-Pack) 2443P at Smarthome.com
Monitors and Analyzes Your Fuel Usage and Mileage to Show How to Reduce the Cost of Driving
Afraid you are wasting gas and money? Use the LMED-001 EconoDriver to monitor and measure how much you are spending and fuel and how much money you are actually wasting. Use EconoDriver to analyze your gas usage and mileage to decide what you can do use waste less gas and money. Enter the price of fuel, and EconoDriver will do the rest!
The easy-to-read key fob display provides real-time feedback about vehicle mileage, cost of travel and the driver’s “green” score. EconoDriver is simple to install and powered by your vehicle, so no tools or wiring is needed. There’s no need to remove EconoDriver every time you exit your car. The unit is designed to withstand various temperature extremes associated with driving.
Turn iPhone Into Universal Remote Control
The NewKinetix NK100 Re Universal IR Remote Control can turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a universal remote control that works in any room of your home. Away from home, the Re and your iPhone or iPod give you the power to mute the loud TV nobody is watching, or change channels in the break room when the office remote is lost. There are no limits to the number of locations that you can use your Re. There is no need for WiFi, so plug your Re into your iPhone or iPod touch and download the Re Universal Remote Control App (free) to personalize control of your AV entertainment everywhere.
SmartLinc – INSTEON Central Controller 2412N Review
DOUG — ORANGE, CA Date: 4/23/2010
Review: You’ve seen it, right? The iPhone commercial that shows a family waiting for their flight at the airport and then they remember that they forgot to lock the door or turn off a light. Well, that commercial advertises a company and service that requires a monthly fee of 13-15 dollars a month. The SmartLinc can do the same but with no monthly fee. Just get this connected to your home router, set your port for accessing outside of your home and add devices to things you want to control lamps: LampLinc, wall switches: SwitchLinc. It uses a web application so you’re not locked into an Apple app. That means you can log into your home and control it while at a computer or mobile phone. Very simple device setup and well worth the price.
DEBRA — CENTERVILLE, MA Date: 6/29/2010
Review: Excellent. Love this item. Very easy to install and use.
CHRISTOPHER — SAN CARLOS, CA Date: 6/11/2010
Review: So far this works great, though you have to be careful about resetting it and losing all your settings, also don’t use DHCP!
SCOTT — SAN JOSE, CA Date: 6/9/2010
Review: I use the product to control my X10 devices from my IPhone through Safari and it works great. The quickstart guide was straightforward and took no time to get it set up. It did take a little extra research time to configure the controller to communicate with the X10 devices, but once I figured out how to code it in, it works great. I recommend it to anyone who would like a way to control their home automation(X10 devices in my case) via your IPhone.
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Buy the SSmartLinc – INSTEON Central Controller 2412N at Smarthome.com
How Many Copies of Your Keys Exist?
It’s a scary thought, but there could be dozens of copies of your keys out in the world! Have you ever left a key for the gardener, the electrician, the plumber or how about the housekeeper? It takes a hardware store about 5 minutes to create a copy of a key. If you’ve left a key for anyone working on your home, you may have exposed your home’s first line of security. You may have known your plumber for 10 years, but how often does your plumber send his apprentice without you knowing it?
Ever leave a spare key in a planter box or under a welcome mat? Newsflash – those are the first places a potential burglar will look! Get a grip on your home’s security and install a keyless lock set. With a keypad locket, you can program specific codes for your plumber or housekeeper and change them regularly, so there’s chance they can enter your home when you don’t want them there! As an added bonus, you’ll never get locked out of the house again, and forget about fumbling for the right key for the door. Just punch in your code and unlock the door.
Smarthome™ Named Preferred Retail Partner of Blue Line PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Gateway
Irvine, CA – Smarthome announced today that it is one of seven preferred retail partners of the Blue Line PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Gateway (BLI 31100). The product is in stock and available through Smarthome.com for $159, or bundled with the PowerCost Monitor™ and Energy Meter (BLI 28000) for $268.
The PowerCost Monitor™ and Energy Meter is a device that, when attached to a home’s electric meter, can read real-time power consumption. When coupled with the new PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Gateway, that information can then be relayed to the Microsoft® Hohm™ online portal where it can be compiled and analyzed. The unit is do-it-yourself friendly and is safe to install without an electrician.
Hohm™ is an online application launched by Microsoft® which enables consumers to analyze their energy usage while providing energy saving recommendations. It gives users the ability to benchmark their personal results with other communities and group members.
“This is certainly an exciting product for us to offer our customers,” said Mike Scharnagl, Director of Marketing at Smarthome. “The WiFi Gateway is the perfect addition for those who already own a PowerCost Monitor. For those who want to start keeping an eye on their energy consumption, it can be purchased as a kit with the PowerCost Monitor. Our core consumers are home automation enthusiasts, and the WiFi Gateway allows them to monitor their energy consumption remotely using Hohm™.”
Smarthome offers a variety of home automation systems that lets users enjoy convenient, energy efficient lighting and appliance control – including its award-winning INSTEON® technology. Using INSTEON®, products can be controlled via switches, keypads and dimmers; handheld remote controls; triggers and motion sensors; touchscreens; and via the Internet or web-enabled devices such as cell phones.
About Smarthome™
Founded in 1992, Smarthome was created based on the realization of a need for automated products that make lives easier, safer and more enjoyable. Today, Smarthome sells more than 6,000 hard-to-find products, including home automation solutions featuring award-winning INSTEON technology. Smarthome sells online through their award-winning website at Smarthome.com, through their direct mail catalog and via their brick and mortar retail store located in Irvine, CA.
About INSTEON®
INSTEON is the best selling Home Area Networking (HAN) technology on the market. It is the only mesh network capable of utilizing two independent means of communication, RF and powerline, thus also making it the most reliable technology. With over 200 products and kits on the market, INSTEON makes it is easy to link together home systems such as lighting, security, HVAC (comfort control), A/V, appliances, and sensors, allowing them to be controlled or monitored from anywhere in the world. INSTEON products can also be used in Smart Grid applications including load shedding, demand response and real-time power reporting.
For more information:
www.smarthome.com
www.bluelineinnovations.com
www.microsoft-hohm.com
www.insteon.net
Contact:
Smarthome
Mike Scharnagl, 949-252-6962
pr@smartlabsinc.com
Be Alerted When Your Shower is Warm and Conserving Hot Water
Do you multi-task while waiting for your shower to warm up? If you’re brushing your teeth in the sink, you can easily tell when the shower is ready. But if you leave the room to make the bed or put on a pot of coffee, you won’t know until you return to the bathroom. And by that time, the hot water could have been running for minutes, wasting water and adding unnecessary dollars to your utility bills.
With the evolve SS-1002PB-US Ladybug Showerhead Adapter you’ll know exactly when your shower is ready, and conserve water until you are able to enter your shower. The Ladybug Showerhead Adapter attaches to virtually any shower arm with industry standard 1/2“ fittings. Equipped with ShowerStart™ technology, the showerhead adapter is designed to lower the water stream to a trickle once the ideal bathing temperature is attained. Once you hear the “drip drip”, you’ll know your shower is ready. Then, resume the normal flow by flipping the switch.
Adding this adapter to your existing showerhead can save up to $75 in utility bills and 2,700 gallons per year (based on family of three, showering daily and saving one minute of hot water per shower).
Also available in
Polished brass Brushed nickel Oil rubbed bronze
Screwless Wallplate Offers a Professional Finish to your Switch Installation
The Lutron Claro 2-Gang Wallplate is the perfect choice for providing a clean, color matched finish to your Lutron Maestro, Maestro Wireless, Diva or Skylark dimmer or switch installation. The wallplate is simple, elegant and easy to install, with no visible screws or hardware. The superior snap-on design allows the front plate to fasten securely and tightly to the adapter plate regardless of your wall condition. The oversized build of the wallplate hides gaps around the installation box and mounts flush to the wall ensuring a clean appearance. Each wallplate is ASTM tested and made from durable polycarbonate with a gloss finish, so they are easy to clean and built to maintain their beauty for many years to come. The Lutron Claro 1-Gang Wallplate adds a sleek, solid feel to your walls and home décor while removing the eyesore associated with standard wallplates.
50W/12VDC Power Supply
The Cyron PS50-SP12D 50W/12VDC Power Supply with Switch is ideal for larger size lighting systems and various other 12VDC applications. Switching mode power supply accepts 100-240VAC 50-60Hz input, 12VDC 30W 2.5A output. USA AC plug, 5mm DC jack center positive. UL class II.
Lighting Expansion
Expand your Media Highlighter PRO system by adding more lights. One pair of 24″ Professional lightbars with 15foot cords to reach farther areas. 45 ultra bright LEDs per lightbar. Compatible with HT1502 system and all Cyron RGB controllers (IR Controller or RF Controller). *Not to be used with “HT” lightbars in the same system.*
This product is also available with 9″ 18 Super Bright LEDs Lightbars, 15″ 18 Super Bright LEDs Lightbars, and 15″ 30 Ultra Bright LEDs Lightbars.
ICON Relay – INSTEON Appliance Module, 3-Pin 2856S3B Review
ROLAND — MANCHESTER, TN Date: 1/4/2010
Review: Works! What more to say.
ROBERT — HARPERS FERRY, WV Date: 3/5/2010
Review: I have this hooked up to a movie poster lightbox (LED) and controlled through an IRLinc and HouseLinc. Works flawlessly, as do all of the other ICON units I have in my system.
LARIS — PARK CITY, KS Date: 1/9/2010
Review: The insteon Appliance module is rapid responding, I am very happy with the three units. I plan on buying modules that will dim lights as soon as I resolve the SmartLinc Central Controller issue.
Review
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Buy the ICON Relay – INSTEON Appliance Module, 3-Pin 2856S3B at Smarthome.com
Thermostat Adapter – INSTEON and Totaline / Venstar Compatible 2441V Review
MICHAEL — WALNUT CREEK, CA Date: 1/11/2010
Review: Works great! This with an ISY99 is one of the nicest ways to program a thermostat.
JOHN — PITTSBURGH, PA Date: 1/9/2010
Review: This new version gave me all the features I needed when accessing my thermostat with the 2412N Rev2 Smartlinc controller over the internet.
JOSEPH — LEBANON, OH Date: 1/4/2010
Review: The upgraded thermostat adapter has greatly increased its functionality when used with the Universal Devices ISY. Thank you SmartHome for your attention to your customer’s needs.
Marcie — Rockford, Illinois Date: 1/15/2008
Review: I love being able to control my thermostat remotely. With the touch of a button, I can turn our heat down at bedtime to 65 degrees once I”m tucked into bed all warm and toasty.
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Buy the Thermostat Adapter – INSTEON and Totaline / Venstar Compatible 2441V at Smarthome.com
Flexibility In Lighting!
The Cyron SCR3-W-RL Indoor Ribbon Lights makes it possible to add lighting in spaces never before possible. Cyron ribbon lights offer great ease of installation for long linear runs. The indoor grades have 3M tape transfer on the back for easy peel and stick. 12VDC power supply is sold seperately in a 30W and 50W. Cyron Ribbon Lights are the answer for: long linear runs, curved surfaces, small spaces with limited or no ventilation, shelving units, edge lighting glass/acrylic, signage, soft lighting/crown moldings, and where multicolor LEDs are directly visible.
Screwless Wallplate Offers a Professional Finish to your Switch Installation
The Lutron Claro 3-Gang Wallplate is the perfect choice for providing a clean, color matched finish to your Lutron Maestro, Maestro Wireless, Diva or Skylark dimmer or switch installation. The wallplate is simple, elegant and easy to install, with no visible screws or hardware. The superior snap-on design allows the front plate to fasten securely and tightly to the adapter plate regardless of your wall condition. The oversized build of the wallplate hides gaps around the installation box and mounts flush to the wall ensuring a clean appearance. Each wallplate is ASTM tested and made from durable polycarbonate with a gloss finish, so they are easy to clean and built to maintain their beauty for many years to come. The Lutron Claro 1-Gang Wallplate adds a sleek, solid feel to your walls and home décor while removing the eyesore associated with standard wallplates.
ToggleLinc Relay – INSTEON Remote Control On/Off Switch (Non-Dimming), Ivory 2466SI Review
PAUL — WETHERSFIELD, CT Date: 6/18/2010
Review: A design I’ve had in mind for years, glad to see it finally come to market, no training needed for the family whatsoever.
STEPHEN — DAVENPORT, IA Date: 4/1/2010
Review: It works. Easy to install. Great personal help from SMARTHOME. Fast delivery.
JOYCE — YPSILANTI, MI Date: 4/1/2010
Review: Works great and easy to install. I would change one thing in the design of future relays. There is a led light on the switch that lights up when the switch is off and the led goes off when the switch is on. I would reverse this action on future designs.
KEVIN — PINE BUSH, NY Date: 1/8/2010
Review: Great product – Happy to see Toggle switches staying around!
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Enjoy the Convenience of Controlling a Light or Fan from Multiple Locations or Via Remote Control
The Lutron Maestro Wireless RF 6 Amp Multi-location Switch functions much like a standard switch with the added ability to be controlled by other devices as part of Maestro Wireless lighting system. It can be controlled by a Radio Powr Savr Ceiling Wireless Occupancy/Vacancy Sensor to automatically turn on and off when someone enters or leaves a room, or via a portable remote using the Maestro Wireless RF Pico Controller, each sold separately. The switch is designed for On/Off control of lighting (up to 6 Amps) or fans (up to 3 Amps). It is compatible with single pole/multi-location incandescent, halogen, MLV, ELV, non-dim fluorescent ballasts and general purpose fans. This switch and other devices on the Maestro Wireless systems are incredibly easy to install and operate, allowing you to control lighting levels with any combination of up to 10 dimmers, switches, companion dimmer, companion switches, sensors and wireless controls. Local lighting controls such as this are useful in locations where single circuits of lighting or a fan need to be switched. It also easily installs as part of a Two-location and Three or More-location application. Since there is no need for pulling new wire it is perfect for retrofits. Features a clean, flush, stylish appearance. Coordinate using Lutron Claro Wallplates, sold separately.
