Project #1: Make my outdoor yard lamp automatic dusk/dawn ON/OFF. I can't tell you how many times I've either forgot to turn on the outside light, or forgot to turn it off and gave someone a bonus at the electric company. There are many ways of doing this;however, by going this route, I can control the light with a wireless remote, control the light based on program conditions that I can change at any time, and I don't have to do any wiring! I set the light to the same address as my compatible security console so it will flash off and on outside if the alarm goes off to get the neighbors attention.

Anyway, here is how I automated the light.

Project #1 : Items Used
• Computer running Active home pro with the included USB interface
• 1 Socket Rocket
• Smart macro plugin for Active Home Pro
  
  
  

  The socket rocket simply screws into the existing light socket and then you put the light bulb into the socket rocket. The socket rocket must be programmed with an address and house code within 30 seconds of powering it up. You do this by sending 3 consecutive ON commands of the desired house and unit codes via a remote control or Active Home Pro. Use the same house and unit code as your compatible security system if you have one and the light will flash on/off when the alarm is tripped. The light will come on when it has accepted the programmed code. You can then remove power and transport it to another location and the socket rocket will retain its settings!

  Now that the rocket is setup it is simply a matter of adding the module in Active Home Pro and linking it to an on/off dusk/dawn timer. Don't forget to leave the light switch on now. The programming and module will control the power for you, so you can forget it and let it do its magic!

Project #2: Auto arm my security console. I can't tell you how many times I've forgot to arm my security system! If you haven't figured it out yet....I am a moron. Anyway, I was thinking (it is unusual for me I know)......How can I make my alarm arm itself? Would it be possible? It turns out that we have a momentary timed relay (Universal module) that is addressable. Cool. The gears started turning.

Another successful mission!

Project #2 : Items Used
• Computer running Active home pro with the included USB interface
• Smart macro plugin for Active Home Pro
• The Security system
• 1 Security remote keychain
• 1 Universal Module (addressable momentary relay)
  
  
  
  
  I had an extra security remote keychain lying around. I decided to open it up and solder two wires across the arm button. I then attached the other end of the wires to my universal addressable relay module and set an appropriate address. I then setup a timer in Active Home Pro linked to the Universal Relay module that turns it on at specific times daily. Now, I always know that my security system is armed.