Gadget Dose

Once in a while you find something like this gadget, in design and function simplicity shine right through. What this nondescript little black box does is plug into a phone line (your home phone) and allows you to dial in with your cell phone and turn on devices in your house. The genius of it is the cellphone as a controller - I mean, wherever you are you probably have your cell. Even if not, theres probably a phone nearby. So call your house from the office - turn on the lights in the driveway - and you can even control thermostats with the thermostat module.

You will need the control modules as well - so this box triggers control modules which then turn on your appliance. When you call in to your home phone, the X10 Telephone Responder picks up after 30 seconds. You will then hear 3 beeps. At this point you can press a number 0 - 9 that corresponds to each of the 10 devices available followed by * for on and # for off. A three digit security code can be set before access is allowed if desired. The Telephone Responder can also be set to flash X10 controlled lights or activate chime modules when the phone rings, great for when you are outside.

There are some limitations - some answering machines may get fouled up, and if you have voice messaging through a phone or VOIP provider - they will probably intercept calls before the 30 rings.

You can always get a second line dedicated to the Responder, yes it’s gonna cost extra but its cheaper than leaving a computer running 24/7 to do the same thing - and you don’t have as much access to a networked pc as you do with a cell phone.

The Responder is priced at $69.99 not a bad initial investment. Each X-10 module is only $22.99 - not too bad. The Thermostat modules vary in price, but most of the ones I’ve seen are pricey at between $150 - $250. Considering you can get a digital programmable thermostat for less than $40.00 (this one is an example)I’d probably go that way and set it to turn on your heat an hour or so before you leave work.

If remote control of devices is appealing to you check out the Remote Controlled Outlets - We use ‘em here for all power strips where standby on tv’s or stereos costs us while the devices are off.