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7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Starting My INSTEON Network Apr 21, 2011
By GrapeGooch
"GrapeGooch"
Let me preface my review by saying that I did a little bit of research on home automation before purchasing these INSTEON products. There are a lot of home automation technologies available on the market. After reading the good and the bad about INSTEON and calling their Gold Line more than once, I chose to make my investment with them (and this is an investment - I heard more than once from my wife that "we already have switches in our house, why do we need these?". It seemed like INSTEON may have had some issues with their products a few years ago, but have improved the reliability and have expanded the line a great deal. There are a lot of forums like CocoonTech where you can get the good, the bad and the ugly about all things home automation. My takeaway was that X10 is certainly cheap, but at times you get what you pay for, and it is unreliable. ZWave is certainly an option, but I chose INSTEON since the technology sounds and seems better (my interpretation).
My base project took me a day to complete. I puchased:
Smarthome 2476D SwitchLinc INSTEON Remote Control Dimmer, White
Smarthome 2486DWH6 KeypadLinc INSTEON 6-Button Scene Control Keypad with Dimmer, White
Smarthome 2473SWH OutletLinc INSTEON Remote Control Outlet, White
Smarthome 2412N SmartLinc INSTEON Central Controller
Smarthome 2443 Access Point INSTEON Wireless Phase Coupler, 1-Pack
Pros:
Though I am not an electrician these are generally pretty easy to install. I was doing a lot (for a Saturday), so it took a long time, but you can figure about 15 minutes per unit depending on your skill level. Also since you are going to be turning off power to certain areas of your home, you may want to do this when no one is around.
I like being able to do an all on or off by hitting one button
Linking is generally pretty easy, however I also have a con related to this below
Smarthome's INSTEON support is pretty solid. As I mentioned I called several times and did not feel like they were pressuring me to buy something, but were well versed in how to use the products
Cons:
This would have been 10x easier if I had also purchased some kind of link management software (there is a product called ISY and another one from Smarthome called Houselinc), however I was not willing to fork over the additional funds to do so; not sure why this is not part of Smartlinc
Instructions are pretty basic and are product specific...if you are doing anything advanced you may want to consult others on the forums or call the support
Smartlinc is definitely a more advanced product that requires some set up - there is a lot of information online about how to do so; also this would be great if it was an app for my phone
What exactly do access points do and why do I need them?
My results were pretty good. I have keypads at the front & back doors and in the bedroom which are great. My wife went from being a skeptic to being a believer (the keypads controlling all of the lights are a big plus when it is time for bed). I am still fiddling with Smartlinc too. I will and would purchase more in the future and would recommend to others that consider themselves a bit of a DIY person.
9 of 10 found the following review helpful:
Works well. A bit pricey Feb 10, 2011
By Tech-Guru
I added these Insteon addressable outlets to my home. They work well and do what they are supposed to do with very littleconfiguration necessary. My only wish is that they lower the cost so I can deploy more of them throughout my home...at these price levels I just use them where I have to (in this case, to power by Christmas Light outlets along the roofline.
9 of 10 found the following review helpful:
 Some good, some bad Oct 17, 2010
By Ted-san
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature"
The idea behind the Smarthome remote control outlet is excellent - provide a good looking outlet that runs on the fast Insteon network. However, the outlet that I bought died after two days. I still haven't returned it to see how this vendor is on returns.
Had it not been for the immediate failure, I would gladly give this 5-stars. It works well, and is easy to set up.
Follow-up:
Received a replacement within just a couple days of noting the initial product failure. Customer service has been exemplary! Nothing but praise for the seller.
 Good outlet, good technology Dec 12, 2011
By Gia S
"Gia"
Purchased 2 dimmers, 2 on/off, 2 keypads (on for the front door and one for the bedroom) and 10 outlets. All of the products arrived quickly and were easy to install. Definitely recommended.
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