No complicated programming — just plug it in!
One BoosterLinc per every 1,000 feet of living space solves virtually all your X10 problems
Diagnostic LED lets you know when X10 signals are being amplified
Prevents false triggering of X10/PLC receivers
Patent pending technology developed by Smarthome Design
Compatible with 3-phase electrical systems found in many apartments and condos
Processes bright & dim commands without delays
Disables boosting if electrical noise is detected
Pass-through outlet — it won't block you from plugging other devices in
Are you frustrated because some of the PLC/X10 receivers in your home automation system are having trouble detecting powerline commands? Now you can give your powerline signals a huge boost with BoosterLinc, an advanced plug-in module that detects all powerline signals on the line and amplifies them in real time, with absolutely no perceptible delay.
Plugs Into Any Standard 120V Outlet
Unlike previous solutions, BoosterLinc plugs into any standard 120V 3-prong AC outlet found in most homes and businesses in North America. It also features a pass-through outlet on the front, so you can still plug in an additional device (pass-through outlet has no automation features). BoosterLinc also provides a small diagnostic LED that illuminates to let you know that the unit is powered; it even flickers when X10 signals are being amplified for easy troubleshooting. Multiple BoosterLincs can be installed in one home (we recommend one unit for every 1,000 feet of living space).
Does What Coupler-Repeaters Can't
BoosterLinc can also solve localized problems that whole-house coupler-repeaters can't handle. Although coupler-repeaters have been used in the past for increasing PLC/X10 signal strength for the whole house, they just can't offer any improvement when it comes to solving a signal strength problem at the end of a circuit. But BoosterLinc is specifically designed to amplify the signals on the specific circuit that's having trouble triggering PLC/X10 receivers. So even if your home has a coupler-repeater installed, your home automation system can still benefit from BoosterLincs.
Why You Need BoosterLinc
Although convenient, AC power lines are an imperfect medium for sending control signals to home automation devices. As signals are sent, they tend to go everywhere within a home, not directly to the intended receiver. Along the way, they get weakened or killed entirely by anything plugged into electricity. Computer gear and home entertainment products (i.e. televisions) are the biggest killer of X10 signals. Additionally, every X10 transmitter (including 2-way modules) that isn't sending signals, will absorb X10 signals. The bottom line is that by the time the commands get to the intended module, they may not have enough signal strength to trigger an action.
Narrow-Band Frequency Detection Reduces False Signals
With any digital amplifier, there is always the possibility for false signals to be generated. But BoosterLinc is programmed to only detect frequencies in the 118 to 126kHz band (120kHz is the frequency for X10 products), reducing false signals. As a result, BoosterLinc may not detect signals from some transmitters that are out of alignment. This is typically only a problem for old or poorly-made transmitters, however.
Supports 3-Phase Electrical Systems
While most electricity coming into single-family homes in North America is split-single phase, most apartments and condominiums usually get two lines of 3-phase power. BoosterLinc is able to amplify signals on both types of electrical systems. Additionally, it will detect incoming single-phase signals and re-generate signals for all three phases. A typical example might be a SwitchLinc 2-Way Dimmer that only transmits signals for split-single phase power. Without BoosterLinc, when the SwitchLinc's single-phase signal gets coupled onto the other electrical line, it will be out of phase with the receivers and won't be detected. BoosterLinc easily corrects this.
Fully compatible with PLC Bright & Dim Commands
With some coupler-repeaters, handling the special bright and dim signals gets tricky. Generally, for these signals to work, two dim or bright signals must be received within a few milliseconds of each other. When a coupler-repeater is used, the signals may appear to be separated by the receiving module. The result: Repeated dim or bright signals may cause the receiving module to slowly change the dim level. Since BoosterLinc is a real-time amplifier, there are no delays with bright and dim commands.
Auto Disable When Electrical Noise is Detected
BoosterLinc is smart enough to not amplify electrical noise. If BoosterLinc does detect electrical noise, it will shut down amplification. The diagnostic LED will turn off and occasionally blink to indicate the presence of electrical noise. Once the noise stops, amplification immediately resumes.