Wink users who have long enjoyed free service, have been given an ultimatum to either start paying a monthly fee as of May 13th or lose access to their smart home system. Understandably this has left many users feeling angry, frustrated or worse. The company stated that this change is necessary to keep the Wink
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of home security or protecting your business from vandalism and theft? For most people it’s an alarm system. Indeed a home or business alarm system plays an important role in enhancing security but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. LANDSCAPING No, we’re not
PROS and CONS of Smart Home Hub vs WiFi and Cloud Automation Smart Home automation is arguably the hottest tech topic of the day. Along with its popularity has come a seemingly endless array of options from a multitude of vendors with technology including WiFi, ZWave, Zigbee, Insteon and UPB. In the early days of
Firmware is the “operating system” of your Foscam camera or NVR and just like Windows or your smart phone needs updates for new features and to ensure optical security, so too does your security camera or NVR. While you may not be worried about the newest features afforded by the latest updates, it is critically
We’ve created a new Smart Home Wiring Guide for new home builds and renos. You can check it out here: https://www.aartech.ca/smart-home-wiring-guide.html
We’re often asked how to automate a fireplace. This article provides guidance on controlling a fireplace with Zwave and assumes you will be using a Vera, Hometroller, Smartthings or similar home automation controller that supports the Zwave products listed. First and foremost, as with any DIY project, care is required and if you are not
At first glance, it may appear that your gas fireplace is controlled by a 110V wall switch like the rest of the lights in your house. It’s quite possible that the switch on the wall is the same. But upon closer inspection of either the wiring or where it connects back to the gas fireplace
Wink owners frustrated by service issues and Quirky’s bankruptcy proceedings, are looking for alternative home automation controllers. Let’s look at some of the current alternatives to replace Quirky’s Wink. One key advantage to ALL of the Wink alternative controllers, is that while they are accessible from the ‘cloud’, they can work just fine if the
Here are some tips to protect yourself, your systems, and your web accounts from being hacked. Always and immediately change default passwords on your electronics, security and camera systems and automation controllers otherwise you’re asking to be hacked! Some systems will prompt you to change your administrator password as a reminder and you should take
We are regularly asked to control and automate line voltage 120V or 240V baseboard heating. All of the readily available Zwave thermostats from major brands like Honeywell, RadioThermostat, Current Innovations, 2Gig or Evolve are designed for typical low voltage 24V heating and air conditioning systems. Edit: as of 2016 we are now carrying a Stelpro
