Tag Archives: X-10

Sci-Tech

Brampton’s Skylink offers home app for mobile- allows phones to control home devices

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Ahhh Jane Jetson- you really know how to take advantage of technology.
Ahhh Jane Jetson- you really know how to take advantage of technology.

 

We know they let you watch TV on the go, surf online, send emails and, oh yeah, make phone calls. But an innovative new tool now also gives you the power to use your mobile device to switch on any light in your home, open your garage door or turn on any other piece of electronic equipment, no matter where you’re located.

Ontario Technology firm: The Skylink Group – which previously introduced Skylink HomeControl, an affordable and easy-to-use system to wirelessly control your entire house – recently launched a mobile application, Skylink HomeControl App, that effectively turns your smartphone, tablet or PC into a remote control.

The handy app allows users to control just about anything in their home with the touch of a couple buttons on a virtual keypad, which can be customized to the specific devices they want to be able to access remotely.

 

 

 

You might be surprised to learn that home automation has been around for a long time and since the earliest days of electricity in the home, inventors and entrepreneurs have scrambled to find a useful and profitable way of harvesting radio waves and electricity. Tesla was one such visionary and among his many accomplishments is perhaps the first use of control by remote- considered at the time, an important form of automation. In 1898 he constructed and demonstrated this remote control model boat in New York. image: kerryr.net
You might be surprised to learn that home automation has been around for a long time and since the earliest days of electricity in the home, inventors and entrepreneurs have scrambled to find a useful and profitable way of harvesting radio waves and electricity.
Tesla was one such visionary and among his many accomplishments is perhaps the first use of control by remote- considered at the time, an important form of automation. In 1898 he constructed and demonstrated this remote control model boat in New York. image: kerryr.net

 

 

 

“Anyone who already understands how to use a mobile device or a computer tablet will be able to use this app easily. That’s the key to getting the
greatest benefit from new technologies – making them easy to understand and user friendly,” says Philip Tsui, CEO and the Chairman of Skylink Group.

The Skylink HomeControl System is designed for do-it-yourselfers and uses control modules which can be wired out of sight and wireless receivers plugged into wall outlets or lamp sockets, even wall switches and dimmers which replace your existing wall switches. For professionals, the Skylinkhome Wireless Control System has modules with three wires that can be installed almost anywhere.

The Wireless Control System can be used to control anything electronic, including:

.         Lamps

.         Coffee makers

.         Fans

.         Stereos

.         Fire places

.         Ceiling fans

.         Indoor and outdoor lighting

.         Garage doors

.         Security systems

.         Countless other electronic devices and appliances

Often cited as the "McDonald's of Home Automation" X-10 modules were considered a major breakthrough when they entered the consumer market in the 1970's. A central control unit (here seen in lovely 70's woodgrain) controlled separate modules that were plugged directly into a home power outlet. An appliance requiring automation such as a lamp, was plugged into the module and controlled via wired or wireless control from the X-10 'brain'. CP
Often cited as the “McDonald’s of Home Automation” X-10 modules were considered a major breakthrough when they entered the consumer market in the 1970’s. A central control unit (here seen in lovely 70’s woodgrain) controlled separate modules that were plugged directly into a home power outlet. An appliance requiring automation such as a lamp, was plugged into the module and controlled via wired or wireless control from the X-10 ‘brain’. CP

 

For those who may not have a smartphone or computer tablet, Skylink also has a remote control – the credit card-sized SkylinkPad – which can be used to wirelessly control devices in your house.

 

In addition to convenience, the Skylink HomeControl System helps users realize significant energy savings. With the touch of a button, you can shut off all of your lights or set up motion sensors to work with the system. The wireless system also uses timers to ensure that lights and electronic equipment can be shut off when they’re not needed. Dimmers also reduce energy usage, contributing to a greener environment and lower electricity bills.

 

About Skylink Group:

The Skylink Group understands the needs and concerns of the homeowner in providing a safe and comfortable environment for their family whether they are at home or away. Established in 1990, Skylink Group operates out of Brampton, Ontario. On
Twitter at @skylinkhome.

Supplemental– The Genius of Nikola Tesla http://www.teslasociety.com/radio.htm

The History of Home Automation http://www.eddriscoll.com/timeline.html