Blog Archives

Amazon Echo: Alexa Skills Kit is awesome for home control

I’ve been playing around with the Amazon Echo (buy it today to save $50!), and its ability to integrate into my Insteon-based home automation system. I’ve been using the Alexa Skills Kit integrated with my custom software IntelliHome, and it’s

Posted by Matt Chiste
July 15

Apple Watch and Insteon

There are lots of ways to control your Insteon home automation system – with an iPad, touch screen, iPhone app, voice control, or even just by your location. With the impending release of the Apple Watch, chalk up another great

Posted by Matt Chiste
April 25

ISY994i not working after updating Chrome?

Google Chrome is arguably a much better web browser than the atrocity known as Internet Explorer (that Microsoft is thankfully euthanizing), but it’s still not without its… challenges. While software that updates itself is nice, I really question Google’s decision

Posted by Matt Chiste
April 22

Automate your toilet

The Insteon TriggerLinc is a great device for sending basic open/close information to your Insteon system. It’s not as discrete as the hidden door sensor, but it gets the job done. And, it doesn’t have to be used for just

Posted by Matt Chiste
April 1

Upgrade your ISY994i firmware to 4.2.18 for more secure connections

The Universal Devices ISY994i has long had the ability to use secure connections for access, and wasn’t even vulnerable to a major, recently discovered security hole. Nonetheless, the good folks at Universal Devices have continued to enhance the security posture

Posted by Matt Chiste
November 26

Insteon OutletLinc Dimmers are only for 2-prong lamps

We’ve talked about the Insteon OutletLinc before, including installing a new Insteon OutletLinc, using one to control stairway lighting, and using one for other indirect lighting. OutletLincs come in a variety of models with different features like SwitchLincs (dimming, dual-band,

Posted by Matt Chiste
November 13

Make your garage more comfortable with a motion-sensing fan

I do a lot of work in the garage, and Virginia summers can be hot, so I found a quick and easy solution: install a wall-mount fan in the back of the garage: I was a little worried that this

Posted by Matt Chiste
September 14
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