Afriel LLC - Discount Electronics, Home Automation, Discount Garmin

The most common home automation projects begin with wanting to control a light from across the room. There are so many ways to do this that we thought it might do us all some good to write out the most popular choices according to our customers.

RemoteLinc sends RF signal to Access Points which send signals over your existing power wires to the LampLinc Dimmers. This system is expandable for control of up to 6 unique devices or scenes.

NOTE: While at least 1 Access Point is required when using an RF transmitter, at least 2 are recommended to ensure a reliable INSTEON network.

Use your universal remote control to turn lights on or off or to dim them when it's time to watch a movie. You can even setup scenes that control your lighting to preset levels just like they do in the movie theaters.

Set the IRLinc's sensor eye somewhere in view of your remote (on a shelf next to your TV for example) and plug it into an available outlet. Set up your universal remote with the pre-programmed code (or use the included remote to teach the codes to your learning remote). Next, replace your existing wall switches with INSTEON remote control dimmers or for plug-in lamps, use INSTEON remote control plug-in modules. Follow the steps to program each switch or plug-in module to respond to your remote commands and you're set.

Connect SmartLinc to your router and turn any iPhone or other web-enabled device into a home controller. Use it to control your lighting such as plug-in lamps & overhead lights.

Access your home from anywhere you have internet access. Use any of the kits shown above OR make your own.

While there are plenty of products that offer to extend your IR remote signals from one room to another, using INSTEON allows you to easily combine lighting control with IR control. Now you can not only turn your favorite station on from another room but also dim the lights down - all from a single remote.

Use a remote to set a romantic mood by turning on your stereo, setting the radio station and dimming down the lights.

RemoteLinc sends a wireless RF signal to Access Points which send signals over your existing electrical wires to A/V equipment and lights.

Replace an existing wall switch with a KeypadLinc and be able to turn the lights off in addition to the TV or other A/V gear. This works well for the master bedroom. When leaving your room, turn off the bedside lamp, ceiling light and TV or stereo all at the press of a button.

KeypadLinc transmits commands to other INSTEON devices and to your A/V devices via IRLinc Transmitter.

Use a web-enabled portable device such as an iPhone or iPod touch to control your TV, Stereo and even lights and drapes.

By connecting a SmartLinc to your home's internet router you can access your lights and IR controllable equipment via a webserver that is stored within SmartLinc. You can even create schedules that will automatically turn lights on at sundown or open your drapes in the morning. Because SmartLinc is a web-based controller it also allows you to control your home from anywhere in the world. Either way you use it, SmartLinc gives you some awesome control possibilities.

Why go through the hassle of getting out of bed when you can pick up a remote and adjust the thermostat? Here's a few ways to adjust the thermostat from a remote.

Replace your thermostat with an INSTEON remote control thermostat and use a handheld remote to recall your favorite temperature presets at the touch of a button, from anywhere in the house.

Use a KeypadLinc near the entry way to turn your thermostat off as you leave or on when you come home.

One of the largest energy hogs in your home is the A/C system. The idea behind this solution is to make create a simple "Home" and "Away" button on a wall keypad that would be near the front entryway. Because the KeypadLinc has a built-in switch it can replace an existing wall switch (not sacrificing control over what the old switch used to control) and has buttons that can be programmed to control preset temperatures on the INSTEON remote control thermostat. Expand your energy savings by adding INSTEON remote control switches and plug-in lamp and appliance controllers throughout your home so that as you leave, one press of a button can set back your thermostat and turn off lights.

Using your web-enabled phone or PC, access your home and set the thermostat to your favorite temperature setting. This way your house will be at the perfect temperature when you arrive.

iPhone or any web-enabled device communicates to the SmartLinc which sends signals over your homes existing power wires and then to the Thermostat via an Access Point. Easily expand the system to control lighting with plug-in lamp dimmers, wall switches and more.

Choose between two equally simple motion-activated devices: TriggerLinc which mounts to any door or window or Motion Sensor which mounts on a wall. Either one can be set to turn on a light when activated and turn it off when the door or window closes or motion has stopped being sensed.

Would you like to turn on a light every time a closet door is opened and then have the light turn off when the door is closed? Maybe you just need a light turned on without having to feel around for the switch in the dark. Either way, we have a solution for you. In the above illustration we show a door/window sensor (TriggerLinc) and a motion sensor. Both can turn on a light when activated. The

TriggerLinc turns the light off when the door or window is closed and the motion sensor turns it off after a period of time of no motion. Both communicate wirelessly to an AccessPoint which plugs into a standard outlet and communicates over the homes electrical wiring to either a plug-in module or wall switch.

Because most people unknowingly leave lights on as they leave the house, we recommend installing the controller next to your front door. And since most homes have a switch located there anyway and our keypad can replace an existing light switch, it works out easiest.

1- KeypadLinc (available in dimmer or relay),1 Dimmer or Relay wall switch for each light you want to control,1- Lamp module for each lamp you want to control

Replace the switches you want to control with dimmers or relay switches. Plug each lamp into a lamp module. Replace the front door switch with the KeypadLinc. Choose a button on the KeypadLinc that you want to use as your whole house light controller. Press and hold the selected button on the KeypadLinc for 10 seconds and release, the button should start blinking, then tap the set button again (this puts the button into multi-link mode and it will stay in this mode for approximately 4 minutes). Go to the first switch and hold the set button for approximately three seconds, repeating this for each switch in the house. Next go to the first lamp module and tap the set button, repeat this for each additional lamp module. When you're finished linking all your switches and lamp modules, return to the KeypadLinc and press the blinking button (this exits the KeypadLinc from programming mode). Now each time you press the button all lights controlled by INSTEON dimmers and plug-in modules will be controlled by that single button.

You can also program the KeypadLinc button to only send off commands when pressed. To do this press and hold the button on the KeypadLinc for 10 seconds. Release and the button should be blinking. Press and hold the button again for 5 seconds. When you release, the button's LED should flutter and return to blinking. Press and hold again for 5 seconds and it will exit out of programming mode. Now whenever you press the button it will only send off command to all devices linked to the button. For rooms that have 2 or more lamps, save money by plugging the lamps into a power strip or splitter then plugging the splitter into the lamp module. Just be sure the combined wattage of all lamps is under the maximum rating of the lamp module.

View a camera at your front door and control your porch light from your iPhone.

1- SmartLinc, 1- IP camera( any IP Camera), 1- Dimmer (for incandescent lighting) or Relay (for CFL or non-dimmable lighting).

Replace the porch light switch with the ICON switch (dimmer or relay). Plug the SmartLinc directly into an outlet near your router (avoid plugging SmartLinc into surge-protected power strips or outlets as this may impede signals). Connect the SmartLinc into an available port on your router with the included network cable. With your iPhone, connect to SmartLinc following the instructions in the manual. Now using your iPhone create a "front door" room within SmartLinc and link your porch light. Install and setup your IP camera following the camera instructions. Once you have confirmed your camera is viewable online, go to the front door room in SmartLinc and now you can view and control the camera and light from a single page on your iPhone or web-enabled device.

Know when your kids turn their bedroom lights on or off from a keypad in your bedroom.

Replace the master bedroom switch with the KeypadLinc - the large buttons will control the local load and you'll have four buttons available for controlling remote lighting. Replace your child’s wall switch with the dimmer or relay switch. Select a button on the KeypadLinc that you want to use as your indicator/controller for the kids room light and press and hold for 10 seconds. The keypad button will start blinking - you are now in programming mode. Go to the kids room and using a fingernail or small screwdriver and press and hold the set button for 5 seconds the light should flash indicate successfull linking. Now when your child’s room light is turned on, the corresponding button on the keypad will be illuminated. If you want to turn it off just press the button.

Before installing INSTEON wall switches and keypads be sure to check that you have neutral wires available behind your existing switches. These are commonly a group of white wires that are capped off in the back of the junction box. Have your bathroom fan turn off automatically after a period of time. With some loud bathroom fans, knowing that one is on can be easy but if you have the newer, more quiet bathroom fans, you'll have a difficult time remembering to turn it off. For the solution in this project, we recommend the SwitchLinc Countdown Timer which has the look of a traditional decora-style paddle but will always turn itself off after a period of time.

Replace your existing bathroom fan switch with the SwitchLinc Countdown Timer switch. When the SwitchLinc is turned on, it will countdown and turn off in 15 minutes. Want more time? Just double-tap the switch and it adds an hour. Each subsequent tap adds another hour up to a total of 24 hours.

If you'd like to have more than one countdown preset, we recommend the KeypadLinc Countdown Timer which features seven pre-set timers:

With some loud bathroom fans, knowing that one is on can be easy but if you have the newer, more quiet bathroom fans, you'll have a difficult time remembering to turn it off. For the solution in this project, we recommend the SwitchLinc Countdown Timer which has the look of a traditional decora-style paddle but will always turn itself off after a period of time.

If you'd like to have more than one countdown preset, we recommend the KeypadLinc Countdown Timer which features seven pre-set timers:

Plug the PLM into an outlet next to your router our network jack. Install a cat 5 from the PLM into the ISY-99i Port "A" jack. Install a second cat 5 cable from the ISY-99i “network” jack to a open port on your router. Install the Triggerlinc in the location you want to monitor (example: if a door, then attach the TriggerLinc magnet to the door and the TrigglerLinc itself to the door frame). Plug in the Access Point into an AC outlet (this is a wireless RF receiver for the TriggerLinc). Log into the ISY-99i by going to you Network Neighborhood on your computer and clicking on "My Lighting". When the program starts, click on Administrative Console then go to Link Management and click on Start Linking. Go to the Triggerlinc and press the set button. The Device should now show up in the ISY-99i as the device ID labeled on the Triggerlinc. At this point you may want to rename it to some other name. With in the ISY-99 menu there is a Configuration tab that will take you to a screen to enter your email address or cell phone information. Once that is done you will need to write a simple rule in the ISY-99i program menu that will look something like this: If -Status of Triggerlinc is On Then - Notify (Notify is the name that the ISY-99i gives to its email and text message function).

Be sure to name the Triggerlinc something descriptive like "Front Door Open" or "Living Room Window Open". This way when the ISY sends you an email it will read like this: “Living Room Window has changed state” If you do not give it a specific name the message you will receive will say “Triggerlinc has changed state”.

Add the ability to have your security system automatically turn lights off when you arm your security system. This reduces energy costs and keeps you from having to walk around the house making sure lights have been turned off before you leave the house. This project assumes you currently own a security panel that provides a relay output from the main board. We recommend that you be familiar with your security system or have a professional complete this project.

Install your Access Points on opposite phases in the house. (explained in the setup guide for Access Point). Install the wall switch or lamp module to control your desired light. For the new wall switch you will install it in place of your existing switch. For a lamp module you will plug your lamp into the bottom outlet and plug the lamp module into a wall outlet. Now plug the I/O Linc next to your alarm panel. Typically most alarm panels will have at least a set of contacts that are part of the system that will allow you to trigger an external device. This part of the process may require someone who is very familiar with the system. There may be an option to pick either a normally open or a normally closed set of contacts. These are usually shown as N/O or N/C on the security panel circuit board. The most practical would be to pick the N/C set of contacts and run wires from there to the N/C set of contacts on the I/O Linc. Now press the set button in on the I/O Linc for 5 seconds and the led should be flashing, now go to the switch or lamp module and hold the set button in for 5 seconds. This will link each light to the I/O Linc. You should now be able to test that the links work by by tapping the set button on the I/O Linc once to turn on the light and again to turn it off. If this doesn't work then follow the instructions that came with the I/O Linc on how to link it to another device. The alarm system will need to be programmed to tell the contacts to open when the system is armed and close when the system is disarmed. This may happen without any programming needed but you will need to verify operation first. Once all of this is done the alarm should turn on your lights when you disarm the system and turn them off when it is armed.

Using a continuity meter to check the contacts on the alarm system ahead of time will verity if you need any additional programming. Connecting the meter to the normally closed contacts when the system is disarmed will show continuity but then the system is armed it will not show continuity. If this set of contacts does not change state you may need some outside help from an alarm company familiar with the system. Sometimes an add on component can be purchases by your alarm provider to provide these contacts. By following the instructions with these devices you can have the device come on a dim level or have the I/O Linc send only off

This project can take up to two hours if the alarm contacts are present and no programming needs to be done by an outside contractor.

Set your pool pump to run only at specific hours for reduced electricity consumption

Pool pumps today often run much longer than necessary. Circulating your pool’s water keeps the chemicals mixed and removes debris. Although, as long as the water circulates while chemicals are being added, they should remain mixed. Running the pump continuously for, about 4 hours leaves the other 20 hours the day for the pool to collect debris. Several short cycles have proven to keep the pool cleaner all day long. Problem with that is most pools only have two timers. This leaves you with only two options, having the pump On for a long period of time or Off for a long period of time. This solution creates an energy saving way to create multiple timers during a day to reduce electricity bills and still leave your pool sparkling.

Install the Access Points according to the instructions provided. Install the INSTEON 220V Control in place of your existing time clock or On/Off switch. Follow the instructions with the TimerLinc to set up your On/Off times for your pool pump. Now make sure the TimerLinc is plugged into the wall in the location where it will stay. Press the Set button in on the side of the Timerlinc for 5 seconds and release. Now go to the switch on the 220V control unit and press the Set button in for 5 seconds or hold the switch paddle in the On position for 10 seconds. Test the ability of TimerLinc to control the 220V Remote Control Switch by pressing the On/Off button on the front of the TimerLinc. Your timer will now be set to turn On/Off your Pool pump at the desired times.

You may want to have an electrician wire in the 220V control unit if you are at all hesitant of the proper installation. Have the pump run more during the peek sun hours. In parts of the country where power consumption is billed in real time metering, it may be more expensive to run the pump in the middle of the day. In this case, consult your pool maintenance person with the best On/Off times for your area.

Everyone with a garage has, at one point, left the garage door open unintentionally. Whether it's left open for an hour or over night, the point is all your tools, bicycles and other stuff is open for anyone to see. With our solution below, you can quickly and easily monitor and control your garage door from inside your home.

DESCRIPTION
Replace an existing wall switch with the KeypadLinc, set up your I/O Linc Garage Door Control & Status Kit and wirelessly link one button on the KeypadLinc to the I/O Linc. Now when the garage door opens, the LED on that button will light up. Press the button to close the garage. It's that simple. Easily expand the other unused buttons on the KeypadLinc to control the garage lights or any other light in the house. Just add additional INSTEON-compatible wall switches or plug-in modules to the lights you want to control.

Important: You should only remotely close a garage door when you can be sure it is safe, either by watching it directly or through a camera. Use of safety beam devices can further increase the safety of remote garage door control and are usually required by law.

Devices Needed:

I/O Linc - INSTEON Garage Door Control & Status Kit | KeypadLinc

3. Using a small screwdriver set the House & Unit code dials to create a unique “address” (up to 256 available) for the module.

4. Plug transmitters such as the mini controller into any other 110V wall receptacle.

5. Set the House Code and the transmitter to match the module. You are Done! You now have remote control over the lamps and appliances. If your lamps are currently being controlled by a wall switch. Simply replace that wall switch with the appropriate X10 compatible wall switch. Note: All X10 compatible products work together.Put together any combination of X10 modules, switches, controllers, and timers anywhere in your home. Add additional units any time you want.

Most of the time, X10 products work without any problems. However, because X10 products talk over your home's electrical wires they may have difficulties in two situations. The first is when there is an appliance running that generates "noise" onto the powerline. Appliances that may cause problems are motors (e.g. dryer, treadmill, vacuum cleaner, etc.) and advanced electronics (e.g. switching power supplies on some laptops, some big screen TV's, etc.). The good news is that all you need to do is plug the appliance into a noise filter such as FilterLinc.The second "issue" with X10 is when your X10 transmitter is on one "side" (phase) of your home's electrical wiring and the receiver is on the other "side". Many times the signal either bridges the two phases at the transformer at the street or via some 220V appliance in the home. When this doesn't happen, a simple plug-in phase coupler called SignaLinc will solve this challenge.

The FilterLinc 10-Amp Plug-In Noise Filter ( http://www.afriel.com/catalog/smarthome-filterlinc-10amp-noise-filter-162610-p-260.html) blocks interference from many household appliances and fixtures, preventing it from polluting the power line. The 10-amp plug-in noise filter also prevents X10 signal absorption that occurs when equipment misreads the signals as noise. A feed-through outlet is a new feature built into the 10-amp plug-in noise filter, preventing you from having to unplug the filter anytime you're looking for an available plug. For added convenience, the 10-amp plug-in noise filter is fully compatible with FM intercoms and Home PNA devices.

One of the most common (and easily correctable) problems that may adversely affect X10 signals is electrical "noise," or interference. The more interference there is on the power line, the more difficult it is for X10 receivers to detect signals from X10 controllers. It's like trying to have a conversation in a room when the music is playing too loud. But the FilterLinc 10-Amp Plug-In Noise Filter blocks that interference, preventing it from polluting the power line. Common sources of interference include refrigerators, freezers, plug-in fluorescent fixtures, aquarium filters, fountains, low-voltage lighting, fans, or anything with a motor.

Another common, yet easily correctable, problem affecting X10 signals is signal attenuation, or absorption. Because some devices are built with power supplies that kill noise on the AC line—and they often mistake X10 signals for noise—these devices may absorb X10 signals before their arrival at the receiving module. But the 10-amp plug-In noise filter eliminates those obstacles by blocking X10 signals from getting to them in the first place. The most common sources of signal attenuation include computers and audio/video equipment, particularly big-screen TVs.

The 10-amp plug-in noise filter also offers several new features that have never been available on plug-in noise filters, like a feed-through outlet that prevents you from having to unplug the filter anytime you're looking for an available plug. Plus, the plug-in noise filter's high 49.4dB attenuation at 120kHz provides maximum protection at the X10 120kHz frequency. The 10-amp plug-in noise filter is fully compatible with FM intercoms and Home PNA devices. The noise filter is also safety tested and approved to ensure the highest degree of protection.

Tip: A quick way to test if an electrical device is adding interference on the power line or absorbing X10 signals is to unplug the device and re-transmit the signal. If the X10 device begins working after the appliance is unplugged, then the FilterLinc 10-Amp Plug-In Noise Filter will work for you.

The SignaLinc Plug-In Phase Coupler ( http://www.afriel.com/catalog/signalinc-plugin-phase-coupler-4816b2-p-989.html) bridges X10 powerline signals Plugs right into a 220V outlet — no electrician required Built-in receptacle — you won't tie up the outlet Stays hidden behind your dryer Essential Info Having trouble getting X10 receivers in one area of your home to operate from X10 transmitters in another area of your home? Solve the problem in seconds with the SignaLinc™, the world's first Plug-In Phase Coupler! Because most homes have 2-phase 220V power that splits into two separate 110V legs, sometimes X10 signals have a hard time making the transition from one leg to the other. But plug a SignaLinc™ into one of your home's 220V receptacles (like the one powering your electric dryer) and it will pass X10 signals between the two power lines in your home.Unlike previous solutions, which could involve hiring an electrician to hardwire a signal bridge or jury-rigging a capacitor inside the breaker box, the SignaLinc™ can be installed just by plugging it in! Plus, with its built-in receptacle, you'll be able to do this without blocking other appliances from plugging into it.Note: The SignaLinc™ is a passive coupler and does not amplify the signal. This means the signal coupled onto the receiving phase will be no stronger than the original signal on the transmitting phase. How well the SignaLinc™ works in your home is dependent on many factors, including signal strength for the transmission phase. For homes larger than 3,000 sq. ft., we recommend installing an amplified coupler repeater, such as the 4826a.

All SignaLinc products are safety approved. The assembly line for Smarthome Design Products is ISO9001 certified. In order to meet the ISO 9001 standards, the entire factory underwent rigorous inspections of procedures and policies before being thoroughly audited. The certification received was based on its dedication to high quality management systems and strict adherence of quality systems and guidelines.The SignaLinc for 3-wire dryers remain easily hidden behind the dryer (measures 3.13" wide, 4.31" high, 2.92" deep [4.34" deep with AC prongs]).

It is estimated that X10 compatible products can be found in over 10 million American homes. This is because it has so many advantages over other types of remote control products and systems:Inexpensive, No new wiring is required -- perfect for retrofit, Simple to install, 100's of compatible products, Control up to 256 lights and appliances, time proven, it has been around for over 30 years. This power line carrier protocol has become the standard for Home Automation lighting and Appliance control. X-10 communicates between transmitters and receivers by sending and receiving signals over existing power line wiring. These signals involve short RF bursts which represent digital information. X-10 transmissions are synchronized to the zero crossing point of the AC power line. The signals are sent only on the same phase they are transmitted on. Anything you want to automate will need to have a X10 module installed. The module will need to be programmed with your specifications.

Adding home automation to an existing home can be affordable and simple. Our average home automation product costs less than $40 and most require no new wires! We sell everything from lighting control, surveillance, irrigation, temperature control and more!

Some home owners have planned for sophisticated home automation that call for a high-end home automation system. The various features and functions that high-end systems usually include need a rather feature rich, user friendly interface. Otherwise, controlling the home automation processes would be a very complicated task. Also please note that, a touch screen monitor can have the software control buttons specifically designed for your house, so for the best control of high-end systems you may want to consider getting the more expensive LCD touch screen. There are some types of high-end systems that come with pre- programmed lighting control subsystems. In addition to that, you will get all the important components for a complete home automation system which can be customized according to your needs. You will have to add the other modules at your own expense. It is very much like a Do-It-Yourself toolkit that you can play around with. This type of system may cost a small fortune, but the fact is not all people are fans of DIY projects. People are more interested in plug-and-play systems.Before deciding upon a certain high-end system for your home, you must do your research and study the market in order to choose the solution that will best fit your home automation needs. These systems can cost anywhere from $4,000 to over $200,000. The price usually does not include installation fees, so take a good look at what the retailer or dealer is offering before you agree to anything! When finally choosing to buy a high-end home automation system for your home you need to be sure it will be properly configured and installed, both these areas can sometimes cost more than the system itself.

Have your home call you and/or loved ones if there is an alert situation. You can save money on security monitoring services or even monitor for non-traditional security events like water in the laundry room or basement.

Home automation can be accomplished using various types of connectivity. What's great is that many of today's home automation products need no new wires - so they are perfect to retrofit into an existing home. If you are building new or doing a major remodel, please consider adding networking, audio, video and control wiring while it is easy and relatively inexpensive.

Remote Control Remote control gives you the convenience of controlling lighting, appliances, security systems and consumer electronics from wherever you happen to be at the time, like your couch, car or even in your bed. There are several different "methods" of controlling devices remotely.

We've all gotten used to controlling our TV from the couch; just wait until you are able to dim the lights as well. Imagine adjusting the temperature from your bed or controlling the volume of your whole-house audio system from any room. Or imagine the wall/ceiling heater in your bathroom coming on automatically on chilly mornings 5 minutes before your alarm clock goes off so that it is warm when you enter. Many Smarthome products also save energy -- we'll all agree that's a nice convenience.

We're all used to opening the garage door from the car, but you'll be surprised how much safer you'll feel coming home to a lit home and even turning on more lights from your keyfob remote upon your arrival. With a couple of basic products you can have your whole house light up like Fort Knox when there is motion detected at any corner of your house. Imagine your house sending you an email if there is motion where there shouldn't be any. Or you can have your security system call you if there is an alarm, which might include your typical security alarm or even a low or high temperature or water in the laundry room or basement.

High-tech products for the home are fun to use and share with others. Whether viewing visitors at your front door on your TV or tuning your stereo by using voice recognition, you'll find home automation surprisingly enjoyable. And when it comes to impressing the friends, you'll be happy to show off your newfound applications.

Wow! This is amazing! Control your lamps from across the room or across the house. Have total control of your home lighting. You won't even have to get off the couch to operate your lights!

Use a Palm Pad Remote to turn your lamps on and off and dim them from anywhere in the house. You can even dim lamps that didn’t dim before! It’s great for setting a romantic mood or for bringing that big movie theater experience into your living room. You will impress all your friends!

It is as simple as plugging your lamps into the Lamp Modules and plugging the Lamp Modules into your power outlets or plugging your appliances into the appliance Modules and plugging the appliance Modules into your power outlets! It is a piece of cake!