Global Caché, known for its highly successful GC-100 Network Adapters, has released the new iTach Family of Products designed to connect any control system, including the iPhone and iPod touch, to common household devices so they can be easily accessed and controlled. Employing the iTach and remote control software available through iTunes, the Apple iPhone/iPod touch is transformed into a universal remote control in a matter of minutes. Now an iPhone/iPod touch or any WiFi-based controller can access the TV, DVD, cable box and almost any other electrical device from any room in the house without wiring.

“With 30 million U.S. households using WiFi for home networking, a significant opportunity exists to bring a wireless non-line-of-sight control element into play for consumers’ growing collections of consumer electronics,” said Kurt Scherf, Vice President and principal analyst with Parks Associates. “The iTach products will bring a new level of convenience to consumers seeking to simplify control of their digital lifestyles products.”

iTach Highlights:

• Ultra compact device (fits in the palm of your hand) for convenient and unobtrusive connectivity
• WiFi can be used from anywhere and does not require line-of-sight access or wiring
• Ethernet wired iTach offers Power over Ethernet (PoE) option — no power supply required
• Infrared (IR), Serial (RS232), and Relay (contact closure) models available for installation flexibility
• Supports multiple simultaneous connections, up to 8 iPhone/iPod devices can simultaneously control one iTach
• Highly reliable full-spectrum IR learning built in for easy installation and flexibility
• On board web server for fast and easy setup and configuration
• Flash upgradeable to accommodate future upgrades in the field
• Backwards compatibility with the Global Caché GC-100 Network Adapter
• More info …

Available in WiFi, Wired TCP/IP, and Wired TCP/IP with PoE option. Home Controls has the WiFi version in stock now, ready to ship out! We are expecting to receive the other versions in just a few weeks, and you can pre-order those today.

Using the latest in photovoltaic technology, the Solar e Power is designed to directly charge electronic devices and rechargeable AA and AAA batteries. This is ideal for recharging Ni-MH, Ni-cad, and Li-Ion batteries used in cellular phones, PDAs, cameras, and other handheld devices using AA or AAA batteries. The Solar e Power is also capable of using alkaline batteries to directly charge electronic devices.

The Solar e Power has such features as a built-in “blocking diode”, which prevents the reverse flow of electricity from the batteries to the solar panels when the solar panels are not supplying electricity. By utilizing photovoltaic cells as solar panels, the charger has the latest technology in sunlight energy conversion.

• Check it out here…

Warning: Before attempting to start vehicle, this unit must be removed from the vehicle’s 12V socket.

Normally priced about $20, Home Controls has been offering a huge savings on the PLM01 X10 Lamp Module. We started the sale a few weeks ago with several hundred of these very popular modules. And wow, have they been popular because we’re down just a few dozen. Now is the time to get yours before supplies are gone!

The X10 Lamp Module is the simplest and most effective way to control your household incandescent lights. Lighting control is simply a plug-in away. The X10 Lamp Module plugs into any standard 120V household outlet and gives you the ability to remotely control any incandescent light you plug into the Module (up to 300 watts). The Lamp Module is actually a Receiver that Responds to X10 Signals generated by X10 Controllers elsewhere on the electrical power lines. Simply dial in any House Code and Unit Code you choose for each Module and away you go! Don’t worry about losing manual control of the lamp… it will function normally even with the Module in place. The Lamp Module is the foundation of your home lighting system. The PLM01 features Automatic Gain Control (AGC).

• Save here. Sale valid while supplies last!

If you are looking for a great gift, then you need to check out the Comfy Cruise Travel Blanket. It features a large 42 x 58 inch size and an extra long 7 ft. cord so it can be used in the back seat as well as in the front. It can be used in cars, convertibles, trucks, boats, RVs, and SUVs.

• Warms you up in seconds.
• Large 42″ x 58″ size covers 2 people.
• Great for keeping kids warm, especially when they are in car seats and cannot wear bulky snow suits. Great for your spouse, who wants the temperature warmer than you. Great for senior citizens and others who suffer from poor circulation.
• Extra long 7 ft. cord reaches back seats.
• Luxurious 100% polyester fleece.
• Simply plug into 12V cigarette lighter socket. Comfy Cruise can also be used as a regular blanket when not plugged in.
• Automatic temperature control.
• Timer automatically turns off heat after 30 or 45 minutes for safety.
• Energy-saving 4 amp power usage.
• Easy to clean.
• Navy blue color.
• More info …

These are very popular and selling fast. But don’t worry — we have plenty in stock and ready to ship out!

I assisted a customer earlier this week who wanted to control some driveway path lights. He described the driveway as being over 300 feet in length, tree-lined, with a small hill and curves that prevented any line-of-sight from the home to the start of the driveway.  I think in my neighborhood, that kind of a driveway is called a road. Or maybe a lane.  Anyway, the customer wanted the lights to come on at night when either vehicles or people were detected.  I whipped up some parts and made a drawing of what he needed to meet his application. Check it out.

I used a combination of MURS wireless motion sensors and UPB lighting control from Dakota Alert and Simply Automated, respectively.  The MURS wireless hardware was selected due to its greater transmit power over standard wireless, and UPB for it’s powerline simplicity.  Enter  ”MURS” in our search window to find two more articles on MURS.  The parts list consists of:

DAMAT, MURS PIR Transmitter

DAM538BSKIT, MURS Transmitter and Receiver

SAZPCIW, UPB Phase Coupler

SAUMI32W, I/O Module

SAUCS01, Scheduler/Timer and Interface Module

SAUS1140W, Transceiver Switch

Feel free to use the system described here as a template for various detection and lighting schemes you may encounter in the future.

Residential automation, whole-house entertainment, and networking is a must for the 21st century home. But the fast changing technology can be confusing and the options seem endless. You need a professional installing dealer you can trust to guide you through the process of creating a home with the latest technology for convenience, security and energy efficiency.

ConnectHome is the answer.

ConnectHome is the nation’s premier installing dealer network for the professional sales and installation of residential networking, control and entertainment systems. Take the risk out of choosing a dealer, and make your life easier. Peace of mind is priceless!

Visit the NEW ConnectHome website! ConnectHome is very proud to announce the launch of our completely redesigned website. The website is brand new from the ground up with all new content and the latest web features:

• Project idea videos
• Room-by-room automation opportunities
• Energy savings tips
• Business solutions
• ConnectHome dealer directories
• And so much more!

Visit www.ConnectHome.com Today!

To become a ConnectHome dealer, contact Brian Callan, National Sales Manager, at 800-422-4024 x133 or email.

Home Controls is known for its wide array of products that can provide one’s home with comfort, convenience, and security.  Well, Home Controls also carries products that are not home-related, but still offer great value, such as this simple but totally functional illuminated safety vest.  At first, I thought the vest didn’t fit in with the typical Home Controls product line, but after a bit more pondering, it does fit right in because it’s one of those items that once you get used to it, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it! I’m talking about peace of mind here.

The Maxsa Innovations Reflective Safety Vest with LEDs screams of safety right out of the package.  The one-size-fits-all, highly visible orange-yellow mesh fabric is striped with sewn-in reflective bands.   In the center of the vertical bands are a total of 16 red  LEDs, eight on the front and back,  which can flash or stay on continuously.  You can be seen from up to half a mile away! A small battery pack that holds two AA batteries is attached to an inner pocket of the vest.  The battery pack has a gasket around it and is sufficiently protected from rain water and general splashing, but I wouldn’t recommend submerging it under water for any period of time.  The vest is fastened closed with a generous strap of hook-and-loop closure.

The vest is perfect for joggers and walkers, bikers, both pedal powered and motorized, traffic directors, construction workers, and for anyone who needs to be seen, especially in the dark.  I walk my dog a lot at night and wearing the vest assures me that drivers on the street will see me gleaming like a beacon, on the sidewalk, of course. As for making my dog visible,  I’m in the process right now of modifying a vest so that it fits her German Shepherd body just right!

If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer, this vest is it.  Give the vest to family members and friends who have a car and have them keep it in their trunk as part of their safety kit.  Don’t forget to include the batteries!  Anyone who has ever had a roadside emergency,  like changing a flat tire on a busy freeway at night, will greatly appreciate the added safety you have provided them with the Maxsa Innovations Reflective Safety Vest.

This is a great product for all types of travelers, whether you are on a day trip or a cross country excursion! The Wagan Power Dome NX (WT2485) all-in-one emergency and outdoor companion can be used to jump start your car engine, pump your tires, or inflate sporting equipment. This power supply also has a radio, AC and DC power source, USB port, audio input socket, LED light, and a storage compartment. (Note: Recommended to fully charge battery for 40-48 hours before initial use After the initial charge, charge the unit for 38 hours and/or every 2 to 3 months.)

• Functions: Portable & Rechargeable Power; 400Amp Cranking Power Jump-Starter; Heavy duty cables & clamps; 260 PSI air compressor; Tire pressure gauge; 2 AC outlets; 1 DC outlet; AM/FM radio; 1 USB port; LED lights; Storage Compartment
• Built-in Battery: High grade Sealed Lead Acid (Maintenance Free) 14 amp-hr
• Output: 12V DC
• Input Charging Source: DC or AC w/included cables
• Fuse Type: Information not yet available
• Charging Time: AC 38 hours; DC 12 hours
• Light source: LED work light
• Safety Features: Overload Protection, Short Circuit Protection
• Accessories included: AC adapter; DC cigarette adapter; air compressor accessories
• More info …

Home Controls is offering a special price for the On-Q 1×8 Passive Video Module, DSS – now selling for half the price!

The On-Q Structured Wiring System provides a central hub for the distribution of video signals throughout the home. The video interface is a half-width module that fits easily into any of the three enclosures. The Passive Video Modules have clearly identified connectors for ease of installation. The modules are available in 4, 6 or 8 television outlet configurations.

The On-Q Passive Video Modules can either be used stand-alone to distribute video signals throughout the home, or in conjunction with the On-Q Enhanced Video Modules to add additional video outlets. All On-Q video modules feature state-of-the-art two way transmission capability, allowing for addressable set top boxes and future Internet services. More info …

* Savings is based on retail pricing. Savings for Home Controls dealers varies. Sale expires Dec. 30, 2009!

Save a whopping $60 on the On-Q/Legrand Video Engine Module!* This device provides video signal amplification for incoming cable TV, antenna, and auxiliary video signals. It is 3″H x 6.5″W.

On-Q/Legrand Enhanced Video Modules provide clear, sharp video signals for up to 16 outlets, allowing family members to simultaneously watch different shows using the same CATV or antenna signal. The modules include a built-in, two-way amplifier with reverse path amplification that is engineered to have zero signal strength loss when distributing to multiple outlets. More info …

* Savings is based on retail pricing. Savings for Home Controls dealers varies. Sale expires Dec. 30, 2009!