Smart Home Blog

Recently I found an interesting wireless lighting control system which doesn’t need a separated controller. Its name is JetStream. It uses reliable mesh network ZigBee to communicate between devices. Here is a few main features of the system:

• Up to 100 scenes
• Up to 50 timed events (requires RS-232 or Ethernet Bridge)
• 512 dimming levels
  • Preset dimming levels for each load
  • Every load is capable of dimming
  • Soft On/Off: 0 - 800 seconds each control
• Simple installation and configuration
• Intuitive PC configuration software accessible (requires USB Bridge)
• Configuration is stored in each device. A backup file is also created on the PC during configuration.

The system includes two 3-button dimmers, three 1-button dimmers, one car remote and has four pre-programmed scenes Welcome, All on, Goodnight and Entertain. All of that is $700. Additionally tabletop 8-button keypads, lamp modules, IR receivers and USB/RS232/Ethernet bridge can be added. Also the JetStream can be easily integrated with JetPak security and HVAC control system.

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Lutron Abella is not just a simple dimmer. Except possibility to set lighting level it offers another good feature. If the on/off button is pressing till the LED flashes and then releasing, the Abella dimmer gives you 30 seconds delay before your lights fade to off. It might be useful if you don’t have emote control but don’t want to go to bed in the dark. The Abella has buttons featuring a sleek, curved design that is comfortable on your fingertips. Built-in LED which moves as you change the light level, makes the lighting control more user friendly. Included power-failure memory will save your preferences even power will be down some time.

Play with flash demo of Abella dimmer from Lutron. You can see it in action.

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The Motionbulb - bulb with a built-in motion detector, can be a good solution for bathroom, toilets or storage space. It turns on automatically when you enter the room and turns off automatically when you leave. The motion sensor can detect you from up to seven and a half meters and it should work for you about 5 years. So, it’s good point to spend just $20 for such perfect bulb.

[via Engadget]

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It’s pretty simple to have media center and lighting control in one box. Just install LinuxMCE… But if you already use MythTV and not going to break everything you may be interested in that thread. There is a simple explanation howto integrate X10 and MythTV using Perl scripts (MythX10 (190)) and flexibility of MythTV. I suspect this or similar approach is used on that video.

[via MythTV News]

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Lighting control is one of the most important aspects of home automation. Its elements (switches, dimmers etc) should be not only good designed inside but they have to look nice and stylish. Dimmers from collection Acenti produced company Leviton can be a good example of that thesis. Highlight of control bar, indication of dimming level, memorization of last level and stylish design will help you feel comfortable in your home.

The Leviton Acenti dimmers is available on Smarthome site at price $39.99 in six colors: Natural, Driftwood, Onyx, Slate, Quartz, and Alabaster.

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