SimpleHomeNet's INSTEON-compatible EZIO 4 Input/2 Output Relay Controller (EZIO2x4) can be used to monitor and control low voltage devices such as contact closures, outdoor lights, appliance relays and alarm systems in your INSTEON/X10 home automation network. The Controller allows virtually any device connected to its inputs to send INSTEON signals. Connect a garage door contact closure to the device and never enter a dark house again. The Controller will activate an INSTEON lighting scene to welcome you home whenever the garage door opens. In addition to lighting control, there are a myriad of conveniences the Controller can provide in your INSTEON network. Have a doorbell ring flash all the lights in your house so you won't miss any important visitors or package deliveries or have a motion detector notify your security system of intruders. The possibilities are endless. With four inputs, you can monitor external events, such as a garage door contact closures and temperature sensors. The 2 dry-contact relay outputs allow you to send out preprogrammed INSTEON group commands to any device in your INSTEON network or any device connected to the unit's outputs used to control low voltage 120 Volt AC (up to 0.5 Amps) or 12 Volt DC loads, such as furnace heaters, chimes and more. The device also acts as a repeater of powerline INSTEON signals. Smart Drapes Want to save energy by having your blinds work for you? Use a temperature sensor with your EZIO2X4 so that you can send signals when a specific temperature is reached. Have the Controller lower your motorized drapes and turn on the air conditioner when the thermostat hits 75 degrees. Stay cool without moving a finger. Hearing Impaired Use the EZIO2X4 to send different kinds of signals, like flashing lights, to make sure you know what's happening in your home. Whether you are in a location in your home that is far from the doorbell or are hearing impaired, have the IO Controller flash your lights whenever the doorbell rings so you won't miss any important visitors or package deliveries. Do More With Software The on-board memory allows you to set timers to trigger events on the outputs to last for 1 to 255 minutes and a free software download is available for easy programming. The device can be set-up and operated using the free downloadable Set-up and Configuration Utility. It is also compatible with HCA Standard and HCA Plus, allowing this flexible controller to be integrated into your home automation system. INSTEON Compatible The EZIO2X4 Controller is fully INSTEON compatible. INSTEON is a powerful home-control networking technology. INSTEON messages are transmitted throughout your home both wirelessly and through the home's existing wiring. All INSTEON messages are confirmed and repeated by INSTEON devices in the network, contributing to the outstanding reliability and performance of INSTEON products. X-10 compatibility The EZIO2X4 also works with legacy X10 products. If you have an existing X10 network, the Controller works with your X10 products and provides an upgrade path to an INSTEON network. An 8-output, 7-input IO Relay Controller (31273P) is also available. Below is a table comparing the common features of the EZIO2X4 and the EZIO8SA to help you select the best unit for your application.