Home Automation

An Introduction To Home Automation

June 23, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 1

Tom’s Hardware reader John Knutson just recently published An Introduction To Home Automation. It walks you through the installation of INSTEON-based home automation system, including replacement of basic light switches with SwitchLinks, installation of motion sensors and SmartLinc controller, etc. In conclusion John came to the following verdict: My entire house has become a toy for me to play with and tweak. Great to show off your house to friends, neighbors, and family. Laziness (convenience) is taken to a whole new level. Did I leave the light on in the living room when I’ve already crawled into bed? Hit the off button and […]

How to Get More from Your Home’s Lights

June 23, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 0

Lights are a staple in every home, but that doesn’t mean your switches should be like everyone else’s. With a few simple tweaks, the fixtures can do more simply illuminate your home as a bit of lighting control. They can curb your energy use, evoke ambiance, and protect your home, for example. Here are 10 simple ways to realize your lights’ full potential. Read the rest of the article by Lisa Montgomery on Electronic House magazine’s web site.

Memorial Day Weekend Sale at Smarthome

May 22, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 0

Smarthome – the home automation superstore – has great deals on hundreds of cool gadgets, toys and of course home automation products. And this weekend they have a non advertised sale that will save you 20% off orders $100 or more. Plus, you can get a Free Shipping on orders over $200. To take advantage of this offer click the logo below and enter Promotional Code: EMEM09 at checkout. Don’t delay, the deal ends 5/25 at midnight Pacific Time.

Remote Control Your Home

May 22, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 0

I found that great article written by Talha Ghafoor a while ago and wanted to share it with you, my dear reader. This article is a 101 on home automation for non-initiated of sorts. It touches on topics such as: Why Automate? How It All Works The Hardware Possible Scenarios And while mentioning different technologies available on the market today, the article focuses on X10 as “ the most popular and easy to deploy ‘poison’ of choice“. Please read the article here: Remote Control Your Home

How Smart is Your Home?

April 13, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 0

Take the Smarthome How Smart is Your Home? Quiz for Your Chance to win a 32″ LCD TV from Sylvania. Take the 5 minute “How Smart is Your Home” quiz & everyone can be a winner! The first 500 to enter & complete the quiz get a free environmentally friendly recyclable bag. Everyone who enters & completes the quiz gets a chance to win energy-saving products (new prizes every month) and is entered into the Grand Prize drawing of a 32″ LCD TV.

Smarthome’s Tax Relief Sale

April 13, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 0

For the next two days only you can take 10% off ANY order at Smarthome.com. Hurry, use Promo Code ETAXDAY to redeem this offer. The code expires April 15th, 2009.

DIY Project: Automating porch lights

April 7, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 7

Most of us, homeowners, are accustomed to a routine of turning the outdoor lights on for the night and turning them back off in the morning. Now remember how many times did you forget to turn those lights off in the morning while rushing off to work? Not so green, huh? How could we fix it? Here are two easy DIY solutions for you…

The future of automated living

March 31, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 1

There were quite a few visions of the household of the future if we turn to the Hollywood flicks. Take for example The 5th Element or Minority Report or, well.. The Jetsons. Here’s how Microsoft et al. envision our homes in the not-so-distant future.

The Ultimate List of Home Automation Software for iPhone, Part 2

March 29, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 4

This is Part 2 of The Ultimate List of Home Automation Software for iPhone. UPDATE: This list has moved to a new place, please go there for the most up-to-date information. For your convenience the short link to this post is http://tinyurl.com/iphonehas2 (as in iPhone Home Automation Software, Part 2). Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Unconventional uses of home automation

March 26, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 1

Recently I discovered an unusual application for X10/Insteon-enabled lights. It turns out they could help your little kids eat better and faster. Now, let me explain. We have a two-year-old and I would think all parents know that feeding your kid at this age could be quite a challenging activity. So we have to invent ways to distract (or rather entertain) kids while they eat, be it books, toys or songs. Here’s what happened a few days ago…

/ Automation

Home automation for the masses, DIY-style