The INSTEON-enabled EZIO8SA Input/Output Controller can be used to monitor and control low voltage devices such as contact closures, outdoor lights, appliance relays and alarm systems. 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 up to seven inputs, you can detect and monitor external events, such as a garage door contact closure or a temperature sensor. The eight dry-contact relay outputs allows 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 3 Amps) or 12 Volt DC loads, such as lights, speed controls for electric fans and alarm systems. The unit must be used in conjunction with the included INSTEON-enabled Power Line Modem (PLM) both for power and to connect to the INSTEON network. Security Using the contact closure, you can have your EZIO8SA IO Controller notify you when a door opens or closes, adding extra safety and security to your home. From a simple reminder that you left your garage door open at night to preventing burglars opening windows to enter your home, the EZIO8SA can notify you of changes you want to be aware of. You can even use the IO Controller as a burglar alarm interface by wiring the output from your existing security system to this module and when your alarm trips, the controller turn on all the lights inside your home and flash the outdoor lights to scare off the intruder. Smart Drapes Want to save energy by having your blinds work for you. Use a temperature sensor with your EZIO8SA 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 EZIO8SA 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. Windows compatible-only, the utility uses the included Power Line Modem (PLM) to trigger outputs to go or off at specific times of the week. Tap into the full potential of the EZIO8SA with home automation software with planned support for HouseLinc, mControl and Indigo. Use an PowerLinc V2 Controller to communicate with the EZIO8SA to trigger outputs to go ON or OFF at specific times of the week. Once programmed, the PLC can run unattended without a PC. INSTEON Enabled The EZIO8SA 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 EZIO8SA 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.