New Insteon product--GarageHawk

[AD8BC]

From Techmall -- The Garage Hawk is a garage door monitor and closer that is Insteon enabled -- but the company that makes it states that it "...utilizes INSTEON commands that are specific to garage door operation..." and that these commands "...will be published in SmartLabs’ INSTEON developer documentation and are not proprietary. We have already spoken with a number of INSTEON controller vendors including Smarthome who have expressed interest in adding the required commands to their software. We will publish our commands prior to the initial availability of GarageHawk."

 

Commands specific to garage door operation? Hmmmm..

 

UD, have they aalready spoken with your company about this?

 

From Rob at www.techmall.com

Posted - 12/03/2007 : 1:55:08 PM

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Here's the email I received from them. They didn't directly answer my question about linking the modules to KPL buttons but since they use standard Insteon messages I can't imagine linking to a KPL button would be any different than linking to their remote modules. I'm looking forward to its release, I just wish it was sooner than 2Q of next year:

 

 

quote:

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Thank you for your inquiry about GarageHawkâ„¢. Our current schedule calls for initial product availability 2Q 2008.

 

GarageHawk was conceived to address the needs of a large majority of homeowners and renters who may not be technically oriented but would like to remotely monitor and close their garage door(s). Throughout the development process, we have focused on three core attributes: security, reliability, and simplicity of use. These three core attributes drove decisions such as the use of INSTEON technology and the use of microprocessor control to assure that when installed according to directions, GarageHawk cannot be used to open a garage door that is already closed. These features not only protect the user from those who might otherwise utilize the system to gain illegal entry, but also allow GarageHawk Modules to be networked in multiple garage door environments. As an example, limiting GarageHawk to “closing only†prevents a scenario where a signal meant to close one garage door erroneously opens another garage door.

 

In consideration of safety and reliability our current design utilizes INSTEON commands that are specific to garage door operation. These commands will be published in SmartLabs’ INSTEON developer documentation and are not proprietary. We have already spoken with a number of INSTEON controller vendors including Smarthome who have expressed interest in adding the required commands to their software. We will publish our commands prior to the initial availability of GarageHawk. GarageHawk will send standard INSTEON and X10 on/off codes to turn on lights when used in conjunction with standard INSTEON or X10 lighting devices (purchased separately) whenever the garage door is opened.

 

A separate Garage Module is required for each garage door to be controlled. However, a single Remote Module can monitor and control multiple Garage Modules. Alternately, multiple Remote Modules can be linked to the system to allow remote monitoring and closing from multiple locations within the home. Additional Garage Modules or Remote Modules will be available for purchase separately.

 

Finally, we continue to work on the development of GarageHawk variants and other products that should address the experienced INSTEON user’s desire for additional functionality. We welcome and solicit all comments and suggestions for consideration in future product development efforts.

 

GarageHawk will be sold on our web site, www.garagehawk.com. We plan to offer discounts to registered Dealers/Affiliates on the purchase of 10 or more GarageHawk modules of any type. Smarthome has also expressed interest in selling our product through their catalog and web site. As production ramps up, we will also be exploring other retail sales channels.

 

We will add you to our mailing list to receive updates regarding GarageHawk. Please let us know if you have any additional questions about our products or our company.

 

Thanks again for your interest in GarageHawk. Please feel free to post our response to your questions.

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Edited by - Rob on 12/03/2007 1:56:07 PM

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello AD8BC,

 

It's been added to our list of enhancements. We should just wait for the product to be released unless you know how to get one sooner. No one has contacted us yet!

 

With kind regards,

Michel