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Indigo Essentials (included in all Packages)
Just setting up your Indigo based home automation system? You can save by purchasing one of the Indigo Packages (INSTEON Lite Starter, Pro Starter or Pro Platinum) from our online reseller, MacHomeStore.com. Each Indigo based package includes everything you need to get started: Indigo software, PowerLinc, AccessPoints, and a LampLinc. Pro packages also include an ApplianceLinc or RemoteLinc.
Join the world of home automation with Indigo and the PowerLinc interface. With the PowerLinc and associated lamp, light, and other modules, Indigo can be used to control lights, appliances, sprinkler systems and more -- all from your computer. It's the perfect setup for programming your home with on/off schedules for your lighting and electronics, or for setting up macros that activate a series of home automation events with the press of a button from your computer or a handheld remote from anywhere in your home.
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The PowerLinc interface (INSTEON version or X10 version) is the hardware device that allows your USB-equipped Mac to communicate with INSTEON and X10 devices (lamp modules, appliance modules, switch dimmers, etc.) through the AC power lines that are already installed in your home. It simply connects to the USB port on your computer and plugs into any standard AC outlet. Indigo has all the intelligence to recognize the PowerLinc and operate INSTEON and X10 controlled modules throughout the house -- just install the driver, plug it in, launch Indigo, and start automating! The INSTEON PowerLinc model allows operation of INSTEON devices for improved reliability and performance, and also supports most older legacy X10 devices. |
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Choosing a PowerLinc interface
All of the MacHomeStore.com packages contain (and we recommend) an INSTEON PowerLinc. However, Indigo supports other X10 based computer to power line interfaces. Our hardware information page can help you decide which home automation interface is right for your needs, and this article discusses the different levels of home automation.
Interested in home control without keeping your Mac on 24/7?
There are two versions of the INSTEON PowerLinc. The PowerLinc 2412U (PLM) is the latest controller, supports more INSTEON commands, and is fastest. The older PowerLinc 2414U (Controller) has a built-in clock and ability to run very basic home automation logic without Indigo running. We put together this wiki article to help you decide which INSTEON PowerLinc is best for you.
Indigo supports uploading control logic and basic timers to both the PowerLinc 2414U and the X10-only PowerLinc 1132CU. This means you can use the PowerLinc by itself for basic home control without your Mac running. This is ideal for users that do not want to have a computer running all the time or that use laptops on-the-go. NOTE: to use Indigo Touch (our iPhone/iPod touch client), Indigo Server must be running on your Mac.
Control Modules Included (LampLinc, ApplianceLinc or RemoteLinc) All the MacHomeStore.com packages include one or more plug-in modules like the LampLinc and ApplianceLinc modules. These devices plug into any AC outlet and will receive the automation signals sent by your Macintosh (from Indigo) via the PowerLinc. Use these modules to control any lamp up to 400 watts and an appliance, such as a desk fan. Depending on how you want to set it up, you can turn a lamp on at dusk and turn it off at dawn, or any time you choose. Don't worry about the dusk and dawn times. Indigo will automatically calculate those times daily based on your location and adjust the schedule accordingly. |
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Some packages also include the INSTEON RemoteLinc. This handheld device sends INSTEON RF commands to the AccessPoints which in turn sends them over the power line to the INSTEON PowerLinc and into Indigo. Therefore, with the RemoteLinc you have wireless remote control capabilities of your home automation modules without even touching your computer keyboard.
Which package is right for you?
For more information on the available packages and their pricing, visit MacHomeStore.com, the Mac home automation online specialty store.
Note these promotional bundles are currently only available to U.S. or Canadian customers. However, customers outside the U.S. or Canada can purchase the Indigo software from our international reseller, FastSpring.com.