Product Review

The Serial Insteon PowerLinc Modem is a serial-based home automation interface that allows PC- and hardware-based automation controllers to control Insteon -compatible lights, appliances, heating/air conditioning systems and alarm systems directly via the Insteon network. This home automation interface uses simple RS-232 commands, allowing any device with a programmable serial port to send Insteon commands easily, making controllers such as SimpleHomeNet's and Universal Devices' IP bridges instantly Insteon compatible. The dual-band interface sends and receives both powerline and radio frequency (RF) Insteon signals, so it doubles as an Access Point. This makes it ideal for new Insteon installs and if have or plan to use an RF-only Insteon -compatible remote, thermostat, motion sensor and contact sensor. The RF signal can bypass electrical noise or attenuation near the PC and it pulls many of the "distant" Insteon devices one hop closer, which can expand the size of potential installations into even larger homes and commercial buildings.