Overview
Homeboy for WMC allows you to use Windows Media Center to control INSTEON devices throughout your home. As opposed to other home-control WMC applications, Homeboy for WMC has an authentic Windows Media Center look and feel. Homeboy for WMC allows you to manage your INSTEON devices and send commands. Currently, supported devices include appliances and lighting.
Screenshots
Features
- Simple and straight-forward management of your home automation devices
- Control Insteon lights and appliances with ease
- Integrates seamlessly with Windows Media Center (WMC)
- Authentic WMC look and feel (not ugly like all the others!)
- Compatible with Vista and Windows 7
- Best of all – It’s Free!
What You Need to Get Started
- TV (optional)
- PC with Windows Media Center
- Smarthome PowerLinc Insteon Modem
- Any other Insteon devices to control
Step-by-Step Guide
This is a step-by-step guide to setting up Homeboy for Windows Media Center. This guide will walk you through installing the the Homeboy for WMC application and setting up an Insteon appliance or light. For any other information or troubleshooting, make a comment or send us an email. We are happy to help.
Note: This guide does not cover the installation of any Insteon devices themselves. For instructions about the installation of Insteon devices for your home network, please follow the directions from the device manufacturer.
- Install and Run Homeboy for WMC
- Download Homeboy for WMC for free from http://homeboysoftware.com/downloads/.
- Run the installer package.
- When the install is complete, start Windows Media Center.
- Homeboy is available from the Extras Library.
- Setup an Insteon Modem
- From the Devices home screen, click on Add Device.
- Enter a name for your modem. A good name to use might be PowerLinc Modem or Modem
- Enter the address of your Insteon modem. An Insteon address is 6 characters long and is printed on the back of your Insteon device. It will appear in the format A1.A1.A1, for example. When entering the address, exclude the periods.
- Make sure to select “Computer Bridge” as the device type.
- Click Next to complete the details for your Computer Bridge.
- Enter the COM port that your USB/Serial Insteon modem is connected to. You can find this information in the computer’s Device Manager utility.
- Enter the Baud Rate of your Insteon modem. This information is provided to you by the device manufacture. It will be found either in the product manual sent with the device or on the manufacturer’s website.
- Click Done.
- Install an Insteon Light
- From the Devices home screen, click on Add Device.
- Enter a name for your device. A good name to use might be Living Room Light or Kitchen
- Enter the address of your Insteon device. An Insteon address is 6 characters long and is printed on the back of your Insteon device. It will appear in the format A1.A1.A1, for example. When entering the address, exclude the periods.
- Make sure to select “Light” or “Dimmable Light” as the device type. Some lights are not dimmable such as flourescent lights. Make sure that you read the details and warnings for your device from the manufacturer before installing.
- Click Next to complete the details for your Light device.
- Choose the modem that you want to use to communicate to the device. Most likely you will have only one modem setup. However, Homeboy allows for more than one to be setup.
- Click Done.
You must install an Insteon modem prior to installing any other device. All of your devices are going to be controlled through your Insteon modem.
Thanks Jon! You’re GREAT! Yes we do have plans for a mobile app in the future so that you can control your home through the Web on any phone. If we get more demand for it then perhaps we’ll push it out sooner. And if you’re going to be buying some products, keep posted on our twitter for deals and discounts from Smarthome ONLY from Homeboy Software. Don’t hesitate to send us an email or comment if you need anything!
This sounds and looks GREAT!! I am totally on board. I think i’m going to order some home automation stuff today just so I can get this app! Thank you so much! Are you thinking about writing a Windows Phone 7 app in the same look and feel to get remote home automation control?