Manage your home's network of automated lighting and appliances using your PC. SmartLabs Designs' HouseLinc 2 - INSTEON Desktop Software w/Serial Interface gives you the power to manage your entire INSTEON network. Create scenes and timed events for lights and appliances that are controlled by your INSTEON-compatible or X10-compatible devices. This kit comes with everything you need: HouseLinc 2 software, a HouseLinc 2-enabled PowerLinc Modem and a Serial cable. If you prefer a USB connection, HouseLinc 2 - INSTEON Desktop Software w/USB Interface is available separately. Several improvements have been made to the original INSTEON HouseLinc Desktop Software. Some of these new features include: * Background link management: Adding devices, creating links and building scenes all update in the background freeing up your desktop allowing you to make changes within the software even during network synchronization * Improved INSTEON product support: Adds an enhanced feature set for new and existing INSTEON products * New look: Intuitive link status feedback, eye-friendly buttons and user-friendly menus * HouseLinc/PLM (PowerLinc Modem) scenes: Events now support simultaneous response for all scene members. These scenes are especially handy for events containing a large number of INSTEON devices that you may wish to include in a number of events.Link Management Once you have successfully entered all of your home's INSTEON-compatible and X10-compatible devices into HouseLinc 2, you can manage them easily. Delete unused or unwanted links and create new links with an easy drag-and-drop method. Create whole-house lighting scenes in a fraction of the time it would take to do manually. HouseLinc 2 - INSTEON Desktop Software w/Serial Interface allows you to create scenes and save them to your network. Add new devices to the software at any time, and you'll instantly be able to include them in new or existing scenes and events.Scene Device Setup and Events With HouseLinc 2, you'll have the ability to customize each device on your network. Set ramp rates, preset on levels, and more for your scenes while leaving the pre-programmed lighting levels and ramp rates as set locally. Events are a series of actions triggered by an INSTEON or X10 signal, either due to the change of state of a selected device or from a button-press on your network. When the specified trigger is received, the event takes place. For Example: A double tap of the living room SwitchLinc Dimmer off paddle turns off all living room lights as opposed to turning off only the local load the SwitchLinc controls. Direct Control and Timer-Based Events This PC automation software can be used to turn any INSTEON-compatible or X10-compatible device on or off or dim it to a desired level, if possible. You can also set timer-based events, scheduling lights to turn on at dusk and off at bedtime on specific days, even triggering lights to turn on at the same time every day or randomized for security purposes. You can also use this software to trigger events based on your geographic location. After entering your location and time zone (by nearest major city), you can schedule your outdoor lights to turn on automatically at dusk and off at daybreak. Automatic Network Discovery HouseLinc 2 has the ability to synchronize your INSTEON network to find all of the devices in your home that are linked to one another. This is a convenient maintenance function, which will allow the discovery of unknown devices and links. Once one INSTEON-compatible device has been linked, the software goes through the database of each device it is linked to and adds it to HouseLinc 2 for easy setup and management. Don't Block your Outlets The PowerLinc Modem includes Smarthome's innovative pass-through AC outlet on the front of the unit. This outlet allows you to plug in additional AC devices. While the outlet doesn't have any control features, it really helps against "power strip buildup." Safety Tested and Factory Certification The PowerLinc Modem is safety tested and approved. The assembly lines for SmartLabs Design Products are ISO9001 certified. In order to meet the ISO 9001 standards, the entire factory underwent rigorous inspections of procedures and policies before being thoroughly audited. The certification received was based on its dedication to high quality management systems and strict adherence of quality systems and guidelines.