Category: Home Automation

  • Programming the INSTEON PowerLinc Modem 2412S

    I’ve been writing some code to drive the INSTEON PowerLinc Modem.  It’s not the newest generation of INSTEON interfaces, but it’s the one I have in my system. It’s been kind of a miserable experience.  This thing could serve as a textbook example of how not to design a serial protocol.

  • More LED bulbs

    Today I tried out two new LED lights.  The first was a Philips AmbientLED in the MR16 form-factor, to work in my low-voltage tracklights.  The second was a Cree EcoSmart CR6 pot-light.

  • Low-power light-bulbs

    I’ve been experimenting with different low-power light options around the house.  CFLs, dimmable CFLs, and most recently some Philips LED bulbs. Since so many of my switches have been replaced with X-10 or Insteon dimmer switches, I need bulbs that can support dimming, or at least not be damaged by it.  The dream bulb would…

  • KeypadLinc button label template

    For the KeypadLinc with clear buttons, SmartHome provides an MS Word template for creating your labels.  I found it lacking in many ways.  So, I made my own.