Welcome again to Integratorpro's newsletter #3. : I'd like to shift direction this time and briefly introduce you to JDS Stargate
Just to be absolutely clear, I do not sell Stargate, at least not presently.
The reason I point this out is that I want you to understand my motivations. It's simply a device that I get excited about ....
Anyway, to the bottom line first of all (how about that for being upfront?). Stargate costs just shy of $1,000. If that seems a little steep for you, there are some less expensive variations that JDS makes.
Also available are JDS TimeCommander Plus
Out of the box, the TimeCommander will only control X10, but can be upgraded to the functionality of TimeCommander Plus. You can do quite a bit with this, but again - if you can afford the full Stargate, I'd recommend you go for it.
Let me share some examples of what I've done with this:
- Haven't forgotten to take the trash out in years.
- Broke my son's bad habit of wearing dirty shoes in the house - without saying a word.
I actually got a smile!
- Not that it's necessary at my house (presently), but I can password-protect outgoing
calls to 900 numbers, directory assistance, long-distance, or any other specific
phone number.
- I can have announced over stereo speakers who's calling me when the phone rings (with
Caller I.D.).
- If I wish, I can receiver phone calls from home notifying me of just about anything that
occurs: someone arrived home, water in the basement, messages in voicemail - just
about anything!
- It always looks like someone's home at my house. I have random lighting routines
that run when the security system is engaged & nobody is home. If I wish, I can
program the stereo or TV to play at certain intervals.
- So much more ....
JDS uses windows-based "point-and-click" software on your PC, which you use to
write the "event schedule" for Stargate. Once you're done, you simply click to
download to Stargate and it then runs as a standalone device. It doesn't need your
computer from that point on, though you can execute commands from there if you wish.
Now for the good part: With permission of Jeff Stein at JDS Technologies, I've
posted their Stargate demo at my web site that you can download. Just go to www.integratorpro.com/stargate/sgdemo.zip.
When you're prompted for username, enter "stargate" (no quotes). Your password
is simply "sgdemo."
If you have any problems with this, e-mail me,
and I'll send it to you.
IF YOU NEED helpful advice on how to automate your home from start to finish,
check out www.integratorpro.com
for my helpful e-book, "Integrating the Smart Home and its
Owner." It's packed with step-by-step instructions and specific product
recommendations.
Over the years I've found these to be some of the most cost-effective quality alternatives
to the high priced systems sold through custom installation companies.
P.S. - I'm assembling a video which walks through an actual home automation
installation, from construction and pre-wire to completion. Naturally this will take some
time as the home is currently being built, but it should be ready for release in early to
mid-summer. I think I'll call it "Integrating the Smart Home and
ME, the Owner"
... (hey, it's my house).
I'll be sure to keep you posted.
If you have any suggestions or comments, please enter them below.
...or send an e-mail to comments@integratorpro.com with your thoughts.
Thanks again,
Andy Jackson,
Integratorpro.com
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