Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 28, 1994 TAG: 9406300022
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: David Butler
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Telephone control is one of the most popular conveniences associated with home automation. Let's say you end up working late and you don't want to come home to a dark house. No problem! Just pick up the phone and turn on some lights as you leave work. Or you're visiting friends and you suddenly realize you forgot to record your favorite TV show. Your VCR is just a phone call away.
Calling ahead to ready your ski lodge is a great idea! Anyone with a vacation home knows what it's like to arrive to a freezing cold (or hot and stuffy) house after a tiring trip. In this case, a full-blown home control system would be overkill. All you need is a basic telephone controller. You have several options.
One system, specifically designed for thermostat control, sells for about $200. Although it must be wired to your existing thermostat, installation is straightforward. To turn up the heat, simply call the controller from any touch-tone phone and enter the appropriate code. You can even check the current status or switch from heat to cooling. When your vacation home is idle, the controller will maintain an economical setback temperature.
The most flexible type of phone controller is both inexpensive (about $60) and easy to install! It re-broadcasts your commands over the electrical wiring using power line carrier (PLC) signaling. In most cases, no installation is required - just plug in the controller and the appropriate receiver modules and you're in business! You can choose from a wide variety of modules to switch lights, small appliances and other electrical loads. Most cost under $15.
The easiest way to control your furnace via telephone is to mount a PLC thermostat module below your existing thermostat. It contains a tiny low-power heating element designed to trick the thermostat into setback (5, 10 or 15 degrees). For a little more money, you can get a special digital setback thermostat that can be forced in and out of setback from a PLC controller.
You don't have to own a vacation home to take advantage of a telephone controller. Tap, tap, tap ... your hot tub is now preparing for your return after a hard day at work! Or you can call home to disarm your security system should the need ever arise. By the way, you don't have to worry about someone calling your home to wreak havoc. Your telephone controller won't take action until you enter your personal security code.
One controller responds to touch-tone commands entered from local extensions, effectively turning every telephone in your home into a powerful home control panel. You can use it to create one-touch macros (a series of commands) using a memory-dial telephone. For example, a single button press could turn off the lights, arm the security system and lower the thermostat - all from your bedside telephone. Another just-announced PLC controller confirms each command with its own voice.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture telephone-based controllers, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-248, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a description of each company's products. You'll also receive information about a unique product that turns a cordless telephone into an audio/video remote controller!
Q: Can you refer me to a magazine that covers home control and other high-tech products?
A: I receive many requests for additional information on home automation products. By far, the best source is Electronic House, Advanced Housing & Home Automation, P.O. Box 339, Stillwater, Okla. 74076-9922, (800) 375-8015. This bimonthly magazine is targeted at consumers and features a comprehensive annual buying guide.
by CNB