Urban Lime https://www.urbanlime.com/ Goods for your home in daily doses https://www.urbanlime.com//images/urbanlime.gif Urban Lime https://www.urbanlime.com/ Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:26:16 -0500 https://www.urbanlime.com/ en <![CDATA[Spread Love and Joy with the Lovebox Color & Photo]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=512 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 09:02:34 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,512

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, finding the perfect gift to express your affection has never been easier, thanks to the Lovebox Color & Photo. This innovative device combines the charm of traditional love notes with modern technology, creating a unique and heartfelt way to connect with your partner or loved one.

The Lovebox features a sleek and stylish design, adorned with a digital screen that serves as the canvas for your messages of love and devotion. Whether you're separated by distance or simply want to brighten their day, this interactive communication tool allows you to send thoughtful messages, photos, and even drawings with just a few taps on your smartphone.

What sets the Lovebox apart is its element of surprise and delight. When you send a message to your loved one's Lovebox via the dedicated app, the heart on the device spins, signaling that a new message has arrived. This playful interaction adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation, making each message feel like a special moment shared between the two of you.

In addition to its messaging capabilities, the Lovebox also doubles as a digital photo frame, allowing you to display cherished memories and snapshots of your time together. Simply upload your favorite photos through the app, and watch as they come to life on the Lovebox's vibrant display, serving as a constant reminder of the love and joy you share.

Setting up the Lovebox is quick and easy, thanks to its intuitive app. Once paired with your smartphone, you can send messages and photos to your loved one's Lovebox from anywhere in the world, making it the perfect way to stay connected no matter the distance.

Overall, the Lovebox Color & Photo is a thoughtful and meaningful gift that celebrates love, connection, and the joy of sharing special moments with those who matter most. Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or simply want to show someone how much they mean to you, the Lovebox is sure to bring smiles and warm hearts wherever it goes.

The Good

- Innovative design combines traditional love notes with modern technology
- Playful interaction with a spinning heart
- Doubles as a digital photo frame for displaying cherished memories
- Easy setup and seamless connectivity via the dedicated app
- Perfect for staying connected with loved ones, no matter the distance


The Bad

- The Lovebox is a bit on the expensive side.
- Requires a smartphone for full functionality
- Limited customization options for messages and photos
- Like everything in the world today, Lovebox offers a premium package monthly subscription that will allow you to use all the content on the app. It is limited in what you can send by default with no subscription.

Spread love with a spin! Click to gift the Lovebox Color & Photo and watch hearts light up with your heartfelt messages. ]]> <![CDATA[Sweet Seduction: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries for Valentine's Day Delight Gift]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=511 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:46:18 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,511

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, what better way to sweeten the occasion than with a decadent treat like chocolate-covered strawberries? These indulgent delights perfectly blend the richness of chocolate with the juiciness of ripe strawberries, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that's sure to impress your partner or love interest.

Imagine the look of delight on their face as they unwrap a box filled with plump, hand-dipped strawberries, each one coated in velvety chocolate. Whether enjoyed as a romantic dessert for two or as a thoughtful surprise delivered to their doorstep, chocolate-covered strawberries are a timeless gesture of affection that never fails to captivate the senses.

To make this Valentine's Day truly special, consider ordering chocolate-covered strawberries from Amazon, where you can find a variety of options to suit every taste and budget. With the convenience of online shopping, you can have these delectable treats delivered directly to your spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend, saving you time and ensuring a hassle-free gifting experience.

Not only are chocolate-covered strawberries a delicious way to celebrate Valentine's Day, but they also offer a touch of elegance and sophistication that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're celebrating a new romance or commemorating years of love and devotion, this classic gift is guaranteed to make your sweetheart feel cherished and adored.

So why wait until the last minute to find the perfect Valentine's Day gift? Treat your partner to a mouthwatering assortment of chocolate-covered strawberries and let them know just how much they mean to you. With a simple click of a button, you can make this Valentine's Day one they'll never forget. ]]> <![CDATA[Elevate Your Space: Echo Dot with Clock - Your Stylish Smart Companion]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=509 Sun, 04 Feb 2024 06:14:32 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,509

The Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock is a sleek and functional addition to any smart home setup. With its compact design and integrated LED display, it not only provides the convenience of a voice-controlled assistant but also serves as a stylish bedside clock.

Setting up the Echo Dot is a breeze, thanks to Amazon's user-friendly interface and clear instructions. Once connected to your Wi-Fi network, you'll have access to Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant, who can assist you with a variety of tasks, from setting alarms and reminders to playing your favorite music or controlling compatible smart home devices.

One of the standout features of the Echo Dot with Clock is its LED display, which shows the time, temperature, and timers at a glance. The brightness of the display adjusts automatically based on the ambient light in the room, ensuring that it's always easy to read without being too harsh, even in the middle of the night.

The sound quality of the Echo Dot is surprisingly robust for its size, making it perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while you go about your day. Plus, with the ability to connect to other Echo devices for multi-room audio, you can easily fill your home with music without missing a beat.

In terms of design, the Echo Dot with Clock features a modern, minimalist aesthetic that seamlessly blends into any decor. Its compact size means it won't take up much space on your bedside table or desk, yet it still manages to pack a punch in terms of functionality.

Overall, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock is a versatile and stylish smart speaker that offers both convenience and utility. Whether you're using it to control your smart home devices, listen to music, or simply check the time, it's sure to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.


The Positive:

- Sleek and compact design
- Integrated LED display with adjustable brightness
- Excellent sound quality for its size
- Seamless integration with Alexa and other Echo devices
- Easy setup and intuitive controls
- Amazon currently has it marked down to 39.99 including a Sengled smart bulb.Check it out on Amazon

The Negative:

- Limited bass response compared to larger speakers
- Clock display may be too bright for some users, even on the lowest setting.


Experience the perfect blend of style, functionality, and convenience with the Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock – upgrade your smart home setup today! Check it out on Amazon ]]> <![CDATA[Stay Refreshed Anywhere: Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=510 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 04:22:10 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,510

The Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw is a game-changer for anyone who values both style and functionality in their drinkware. With its durable construction, advanced insulation, and convenient features, it's poised to rival the renowned Yeti tumbler in the market.

Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, the Quencher H2.0 boasts impressive durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use and outdoor adventures alike. Its vacuum-insulated design keeps your beverages hot or cold for hours on end, allowing you to enjoy your favorite drinks at the perfect temperature, whether you're on the go or at home.

One of the standout features of the Quencher H2.0 is its innovative FlowState lid, which incorporates a built-in straw for effortless sipping on the move. This design not only enhances convenience but also minimizes spills and leaks, making it ideal for commuting, hiking, or any other activity where you need to stay hydrated without hassle.

In terms of performance, the Quencher H2.0 stands toe-to-toe with the Yeti tumbler, offering comparable insulation capabilities and temperature retention. Whether you prefer ice-cold water on a hot summer day or piping hot coffee during your morning commute, this tumbler delivers consistent results that rival those of its more expensive counterparts.

Furthermore, the Quencher H2.0's sleek and stylish design adds a touch of sophistication to any beverage experience, whether you're enjoying a refreshing smoothie or sipping on your morning brew. Its ergonomic shape and non-slip grip make it comfortable to hold and easy to carry wherever you go.

The Good:

- Durable stainless steel construction
- Advanced vacuum insulation for long-lasting temperature retention
- Innovative FlowState lid with built-in straw for convenient sipping
- Comparable performance to the Yeti Tumbler at a more affordable price
- Sleek and stylish design enhances any beverage experience


The Bad:

- Some users may prefer a larger size option for extended hydration needs
- Lid and straw components may require occasional cleaning to maintain optimal functionality


Stay Refreshed Anywhere: Get your Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler on Amazon ]]> <![CDATA[ARRMA RC Vorteks - Unwrap an Adventure!]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=508 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 09:08:20 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,508

The ARRMA RC Truck 1/10 VORTEKS 4X2 Boost MEGA 550 Brushed Stadium Truck is an absolute powerhouse packed into a sleek, durable design. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast or just starting out, this truck delivers an exhilarating and reliable performance.

The first thing that stands out is its robust build. The construction feels solid and capable of handling rough terrains with ease. Its 4X2 setup ensures agility and responsiveness, making it a thrill to drive across various surfaces.

Performance-wise, the MEGA 550 Brushed motor is impressive. It strikes a balance between power and control, offering a great entry point for those new to RC vehicles while still providing enough speed and acceleration to keep seasoned hobbyists engaged. The included battery and charger add convenience, allowing for immediate out-of-the-box action.

The stadium truck design not only looks sleek but also contributes to its maneuverability. The handling is precise, and the suspension system helps absorb shocks, ensuring a smooth ride even on bumpy tracks. It's a joy to control, offering both speed and stability.

The vibrant red color of the truck adds a fantastic visual appeal, making it stand out among other RC vehicles. The attention to detail in its design is evident, enhancing both its aesthetics and performance.

One notable aspect is its upgrade potential. The ARRMA line often offers plenty of room for modifications and upgrades, allowing hobbyists to customize and enhance the truck according to their preferences and evolving skill levels.

However, for those seeking top-tier speeds or more advanced features, this model might fall slightly short. Yet, it remains an excellent choice for individuals looking for a well-rounded, durable, and exciting RC experience without breaking the bank.

Overall, the ARRMA RC Truck 1/10 VORTEKS 4X2 Boost MEGA 550 Brushed Stadium Truck is a fantastic entry-level option that doesn't compromise on quality or performance. Its durability, agility, and out-of-the-box readiness make it a compelling choice for RC enthusiasts of varying skill levels.

This truck can be purchased as a RTR ( Ready To Run kit) that includes everything you need to get you going. It would make a great birthday or Christmas gift for just about anyone.

The RTR kit is on sale now on Amazon for $199.00. ]]> <![CDATA[Discover the Cozy Magic of Warmies: Lavender-Infused, Microwavable Cuteness!!]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=507 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 09:49:02 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,507

Warmies stuffed animals are an absolute delight! These cuddly companions aren't just your typical plush toys—they're a cozy, microwavable, and lavender-scented treat for both kids and adults.

Firstly, let's talk about the warmth factor. Pop these adorable critters into the microwave for a short burst, and they transform into a snuggly source of warmth that feels like a gentle hug. The soothing warmth is perfect for chilly nights or comforting moments when you need a bit of extra coziness.

The added touch of lavender is a game-changer. The subtle scent of lavender emanating from these Warmies is incredibly calming and relaxing. It creates a serene environment, making bedtime routines more tranquil or providing a soothing sensation during times of stress.

The variety of animals available is another plus. Whether it's a cute bear, a lovable unicorn, or any other charming creature, there's a Warmies plush for everyone. The attention to detail in their design and the quality of materials used make them not just cuddly, but also durable for everyday play.

Moreover, the microwavable feature is a convenient touch. Within a few moments, your Warmies friend is ready to provide warmth and comfort.

Overall, Warmies stuffed animals are a fantastic addition to any household. They offer warmth, comfort, and a touch of aromatic relaxation, making them an excellent choice for both kids and adults seeking a snuggly, soothing companion.


Warmies stuffed animals offer more than just comfort and companionship; they come with potential health benefits as well. The gentle warmth they provide can be particularly therapeutic for various situations:

Muscle Relaxation: The warmth generated by these microwavable plush toys can help ease muscle tension and soothe minor aches. Whether it's a sore neck or a bit of tension after a long day, the heat from Warmies can offer a relaxing sensation.

Stress Relief: The combination of warmth and the calming scent of lavender can work wonders for stress relief. It's a known fact that lavender has aromatherapy benefits, promoting relaxation and potentially aiding in reducing anxiety.

Improved Sleep: For both children and adults, a cozy and relaxed environment is conducive to better sleep. Using Warmies as a bedtime ritual can signal the body that it's time to wind down, leading to improved sleep quality.

Comfort during Illness: When someone is feeling under the weather, a little warmth can go a long way. The soothing heat from a microwaved Warmies toy can provide comfort during times of illness, offering a gentle touch of relief.

Remember, while Warmies can offer these potential health benefits, they're not a replacement for medical treatment. However, they can be a fantastic complementary addition to your wellness routine, providing warmth, comfort, and a touch of relaxation that contributes positively to your overall well-being. ]]> <![CDATA[Upright Go]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=506 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 07:51:20 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,506

The UPRIGHT GO Posture Corrector, styled for comfort and effectiveness, is a strapless solution placed discreetly on your upper back. This innovative device prompts you to maintain proper posture through gentle real-time vibrations, with an impressive 92% posture improvement reported by 8 out of 10 users in less than two weeks!

The accompanying Upright app creates a tailored training plan, setting daily posture goals to strengthen your back and heighten awareness of slouching. This personalized regimen leads to long-term posture benefits and overall improvement.

For precise insight, the UPRIGHT GO attaches directly to your back, delivering accurate measurements and feedback via the Upright app. Track your progress, compare your upright versus slouched posture, and receive a daily upright score to monitor your growth over time.

Switching to a vibration-free tracking mode post-training session allows continuous posture monitoring throughout the day, aiding in gradual improvement. Note, the UPRIGHT GO isn't waterproof, so avoid water contact with the USB port or during sweat-inducing activities to prevent potential device detachment.

Included in the package: the UPRIGHT GO posture device, a travel case, USB charging cable, 9 hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesives, and a user manual. Access the iOS or Android app for free to enhance your posture journey.

The Positive:
- Effective posture improvement reported by users.
- Personalized training plan for sustained benefits.
= Precise measurements and progress tracking for informed posture correction.

The Negative:

- Not waterproof; caution needed to avoid water contact.
- Adhesives may not withstand sweat-inducing activities. ]]> <![CDATA[Cubii the Underdesk Treadmill]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=504 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 07:44:39 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,504

The Cubii is the leading quiet, compact, and ergonomic mini elliptical that lets you workout or rehab while you sit at home or the office. The Cubii features 8 different resistance levels allowing you to increase the intensity as you increase in strength. You can keep track of your progress with the built-in display that will keep track of your calories, strides, distance, minutes active, and rotations per minute in real-time.

The Cubii JR1 , Underdesk Treadmills are designed to be low to no impact on joints, so it becomes unconscious and lets you get fit while you sit. If you splurge on the Cubii Pro Model, it doesn't have a built-in LCD but instead, it is the only elliptical that connects to a mobile app, Fitbit, & Apple HealthKit to track, set goals, share, compete, & track progress over time making it a unique community experience when compared to other under desk trainers.

The Cubii is great for the Gym rat that hasn't been able to make it to the gym. Cubii even offers exclusive Facebook live and recorded workout classes if you are into that sort of thing. The Cubii Jr or Pro can also help with those in rehabilitation so it's an all-around great little device. Get your Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine from Amazon. ]]> <![CDATA[Disney Cars Children Desk Chair with Storage Bin]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=503 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 07:00:36 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,503

With half the world working from home due to the Covid 19 pandemic, you might be on the search for a nice chair for your little one to be homeschooled, do online learning, or just color around with crayons. The Desk Chair by Delta might just be what you are looking for. This chair is recommended for children 3 years and up but under 50 lbs. It sits low to the ground for your little one to have easy access and measures 20.47"L x 22.83"W x 23.23"H once fully assembled. The desk has a bin under the chair where your little one will be able to store books, crayons, or even toys and also has a built-in cup holder on the desk. This can also double as a location for snacks or crayons when doing playtime.

The desk is made of engineered wood and fabric with a scratch-resistant finish that protects the graphics and wipes clean easily with a cloth.

Get your child a Disney Cars Children Desk Chair with Storage Bin on Amazon. ]]> <![CDATA[Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=502 Thu, 18 Feb 2021 08:09:06 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,502

The stainless steel Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale is a sleek, affordable, yet accurate kitchen scale. We have tested this scale for over a year now and it has worked flawlessly. Our scale gets used almost every day, and the pre-installed batteries lasted more than a year. This might be due to the auto-off after 3 minutes of no use feature which is great as you don't need to worry about turning it off. It uses standard AAA batteries so no need to go to the convenience store to buy special batteries. The LED display is easy to read so no need to look for those glasses. It is

The Etekcity scale is thin and can be stored virtually anywhere and features anti-skid feet. It measures only 7.9 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches. It is great for folks working to keep strict diets. It works well for measuring food, small items, and liquids with different settings for milk & water. The scale allows the selection of your preferred units oz , lb’oz, fl’oz, g, and mL to follow recipes and track your food portions. The scale works with measurement increments of 1 g / 1 ml / 0.04 oz and its upper limit is 11 Lbs.

The tare function allows you to set your plate and with the press of a button you can remove the container weight from the final measurement of your food to make sure you have accurate measurements.

Our favorite feature of his scale is really the price, when our last scale failed, we went to some local stores and the scales started around $30 and this scale was less than half the price.

Get your very own Etekcity scale on Amazon. ]]> <![CDATA[Never Forget Retro Vintage Cassette, VHS, Floppy Media T-Shirt]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=501 Wed, 17 Feb 2021 09:15:00 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,501

For all those hard core music fans that miss putting their cassette tapes in their yellow Sony Walkman, inserting that floppy drive into their Tandy pc, or playing their favorite movie on VHS, this is the perfect casual t-shirt to help them remember the good old times. The never forget retro vintage cassette tape, VHS , and floppy disk t-shirt takes the cake.

Get your very own Never Forget T-Shirt on Amazon. ]]> <![CDATA[Wyze Cam]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=500 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:50:11 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,500

Looking for a quality camera that won't break the bank to secure your home? Then look no further as the Wyze cams may be your solution. The camera works off of a wifi connection so there is no video recorder or other hardware to purchase. Simply download the Wyze App and you are on your way to a delightful experience. It's video streams are encrypted via AES 128-bit encryption so you can feel confident that it will be safe. You have options for recording in HD 1080p, SD 720p, or 360p for your recordings and streaming. The higher the resolution the better quality picture however it will take up more bandwidth on your network. Night Vision is also a standard feature on all Wyze cams as they have a built-in infrared light which allows for taking videos at night. The Cams also work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. In our case, we tried the video feed with an echo show 8 but had a bit of buffering going on. The video on the app was perfect so it might have been an issue with Amazon but we were not able to determine the cause.






The App allows you to manually record a video or take a picture from the Live Stream and saves it directly onto your phone. This is a neat feature that allows you to view, send, or share through the Album in the Wyze app or your phone’s gallery to any of your contacts or from within other applications. The app also allows you to communicate via the camera's two-way audio, it allows you to hear what is going on as well as speak through it to someone on the other side. Via the app, you can also pinch your way through the video or images taking advantage of an 8x Digital Zoom to get closer to the action.

The event recording can be set on schedules, or triggered by detecting Motion and/or Sound. You can choose between all day or a scheduled start and end time with the event recording schedule. Motion is detected by comparing pixels in one frame with another, the Wyze app lets you set the sensitivity of your Wyze Cam. Motion Tagging can be enabled or disabled and will show a green box around anything considered motion. You can even set a detection zone to isolate an area that you may not want to trigger such as a ceiling fan.

A free service is included with the purchase of each Wyze cam that submits a 12-second video to the AWS cloud when the Wyze Cam detects motion or sound. These videos can be viewed for up to 14 days through the Wyze app and are automatically deleted.

Wyze Cams also offers a micro SD card slot to allow for continuous recording or event only recording. The continuous footage will continue recording until space has been exhausted at which point it will overwrite the oldest file and keep recording. Event recordings are smaller files that only record when there is motion but are not limited to 12 seconds.

If you decide to disable the camera for whatever reason, you can do it remotely via the app as it features an On / Off button.

As an added bonus, firmware can also be installed that allows RTSP support giving you the flexibility to add these cameras to your own NVR systems such as Blue Iris, Zoneminder or any off the shelf DVR / NVR solution that allows RTSP streams. You can find the details on the Wyze support page here.. We were able to test video on Zoneminder via the RTSP stream and it works better than expected to allow us to record events locally without going to the web.

If you want to store your complete video footage on the cloud, Wyze also offers that service for $1.49 /month for each Wyze Cam you’d like to enable at the moment.

The Good
- The price can't be beat at $25.00 for Wyze Cam V2 - WYZEC2 or $34.99 for Wyze Cam Pan - WYZECP1
- Loaded with features
- Great picture quality
- Small footprint on the Wyze cam V2, even the PAN version isn't that big, it's about twice as tall as the Cam V2
- RTSP support
- PAN version includes Pan Tilt functionality that works really well
- Multiple colors are available on the Wyze Cam. White, Black (Limited Edition) and Green (Limited Edition)
- Can pay a service to increase footage to longer than 12 seconds on AWS

The Bad
- No Power Over Ethernet (POE) feature
- 12-second video limit on AWS cloud (The Free Stuff)
- Only suggested for indoors (Enclosures exist to allow outdoor use. Check them out on Amazon
- RTSP support is not on the main software track so you will not get any new features. We, however, gave this a try and do not see any features missing

Get your Wyze Cam on Amazon
 ]]> <![CDATA[Zooz ZEN20 Z-Wave Power Strip Ver 2.0 Review]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=498 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 10:00:08 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,498

The ZEN20 Ver 2.0 Zwave Power Strip offers 5 Z-Wave controlled outlets on one strip along with two USB ports. The two USB ports offer 2.1 Amps split between both ports, the USB ports are not Z-Wave enabled but will provide status, and you do have the option of using them to set up charged or standby charging notifications. The power cord on the unit is 2 feet long similar to standard power strips. It has a high-quality build and comes packaged well in a nice fancy box that is similar to high-end cell phone packaging. The Power strip features buttons on each of the outlets that double as blue status indicators when the outlets are on. The manual control of the buttons has a low tick sound to it similar to depressing a key on a keyboard. It is important to note that it is not a surge suppressor, but it does have overload protection. The Power Strip will automatically shut off if the total power draw exceeds 1800 Watts. You can lower the limit any time you wish via your z-wave hub advanced setting configuration.

The ZEN20 works with Fibaro, HomeSeer, Hubitat, SmartThings Hub, Vera, Wink and Wink 2 but the Wink 2 has no Energy Monitoring. You should verify your specific hub works on the Zooz website prior to ordering to make sure your specific hub works. We just tested and confirmed that it also works with OpenHab when using the latest Openhab snapshot binding and that is what we used for our testing. Note that Zooz mentions it does not work with Vivint, ADT, or 2GIG hubs.

The Powerstrip allows for wall or under desk mounting and has a flat plug that allows it to fit easily behind furniture. The plug is also angled and the idea is if you had two power strips, you would be able to put them both on a standard outlet. The Unit is ETL Listed which is basically the same as the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Listed. ETL actually uses the same standards but many manufacturers go with ETL because they are quicker at approving devices so that they can get to production quicker.

The pairing process was relatively simple, you simply press the button on the channel 1 outlet 3 times and the device goes into pairing mode. Quickly put your hub in inclusion mode and within a few seconds, your device is added to your hub. Upon pairing, we found a switch for each channel added to our hub, the main switch that controls all the channels, two switches to indicate status on the USB ports, and a meter reset switch to match each of the outlet switches is also provided. For telemetry, we see the Watts and kWh readings on each outlet. We were somewhat bummed out that you only get kWh and wattage but No amperage or voltage like the Zooz ZEN25 double plug that we reviewed previously had. Even without load, the device runs warm to the touch however it is nothing to be scared about. It has a built-in signal repeater to strengthen your Z-Wave network and features the latest 500 series chip for faster, more reliable connectivity with the new S2 security protocol.

The device by default will remember status upon power failure and return to the last status when the power comes back on. Advanced features allow you to modify this setting to default the unit to turn on all outlets after a power failure, or Off if you would like. The advanced features also allow for disabling of the buttons so that devices aren't enabled or disabled by mistake, at this point, it will require control via your hub.

It is important to know that the power strip has a limit of 15 amps max. This is the size of a typical house electrical breaker for outlets in the US so we feel this is adequate and not something to worry about. Connecting heavy duty equipment to this Power Strip will damage it and may cause the connected appliance to malfunction so if you are unsure contact Zooz, they have great support for their devices and answer questions within 24 hours from our experience. Zooz recommends that the device not be used by washers, dryers, refrigerators, electric heaters, fans, pumps, chargers, or routers. We easily understood the devices with heating elements as they draw lots of power and similarly electric motors but we were somewhat confused about routers. After contacting Zooz, they stated that just like cell phone chargers, these devices are impulse loads that don't draw power evenly. They discourage chargers because they may not be pulling enough to power the electronics in the devices; depending on the device, it may be pulling too much at times which will cause the unit to overload. This is the main reason that they included the USB port option on both the ZEN25 and ZEN20.

Our experience with the power strip has been a positive one. The device works as described and does so without incident. As noted earlier inclusion was a sinch. Operating the device is no different from any other z-wave device. We believe this is a great device for things like Christmas trees where you will need lots of outlets and individual control. It will also work well for home theater equipment where lots of outlets are required. The build on the ZEN20 is great, it feels very sturdy and has a shiny white finish. We would have liked the outlets to be offset a little more from each other to allow for larger plugs.

To further customize your power strip, Zooz offers the following Advanced features
  • Power Recovery after a power failure, Turn On, Turn Off, Remember ( Default)
  • Power Wattage Reporting Threshold. (By default its set to 5 so it will report anything above 5 Watts)
  • Power Wattage Report Frequency (By default the strip will report status every 30 seconds)
  • Energy kWh report frequency (By default the strip will report status every 300 seconds or 5 minutes)
  • Overload Protection for wattage across all 5 outlets ( Device will trip after sensing 1800 watts by default)
  • Auto Turn-Off TImer (Disabled by default for each outlet individually)
  • Auto Turn-On TImer (Disabled by default for each outlet individually)
  • Manual Control (Enabled By default)
  • LED Indicator Mode (default) on when an outlet is on, on when an outlet is off, off all the time


    • The device currently retails for $98.95 but seems to be much less than that most of the time. Currently, The Smartest House has it on sale for $66.95 which is a fair price considering a single socket adapter could cost you close to that much.

    The Manual can be found here Zooz Z-Wave Plus Power Strip ZEN20 VER. 2.0 Manual (PDF)

    Specifications
  • Z-Wave Signal Frequency: 908.42 MHz
  • Power: 110V
  • Maximum Load: 15Amps TOTAL between 5 outlets
  • USB Charging Port Power: 5V up to 2.1 A
  • Cord: 2.5'
  • Range: Up to 100 feet (30m) line of sight
  • Installation and Use: Indoor Only
  • Operating Temperature: 32-104° F (0-40° C)
  • Dimensions: 11" x 2.5" x 1"
  • Weight: 13oz

    • Don't Use with
  • Washers
  • Dryers
  • Refrigerators
  • Electric heaters
  • Fans
  • Pumps
  • Chargers (impulse loads with an uneven power draw that may damage the device over time)
  • Routers

    • Use With
  • Floor Lamps
  • TV’s and video equipment
  • Computers
  • Game Consoles
  • Alarm Clocks
  • Printers
  • Speakers
  • Audio Players







    • The Good
  • Price Point
  • Status on USB ports
  • Angled plug
  • Footprint not larger than a standard power strip
  • Buttons on each outlet for manual control with status lights
  • Use of the latest Z-Wave chip and the new S2 security protocol

    • The Bad
  • Bulky plugs can take up space that overlaps with other outlets.
  • limited capability on impulse loads devices. Hard for a user to determine if what they are plugging in is an impulse load.
  • Warm to touch even with no load.
  • No control of USB Ports
  • No amperage or Voltage reporting


    • What we would like to see in future
  • Surge suppression to protect expensive equipment from a power surge.


    • Get your very own Zooz ZEN20 at The Smartest House. or on Amazon.

    For Openhab, you can find the latest snapshot binding here
    https://ci.openhab.org/job/openHAB2-Bundles/org.openhab.binding%24org.openhab.binding.zwave/ws/target/org.openhab.binding.zwave-2.5.0-SNAPSHOT.jar. Note that you should be running Milestone Builds or the latest OH2 Snapshot to get this device working. ]]>         <![CDATA[Sonoma Rustic Natural Coffee Table]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=499 Thu, 16 May 2019 07:38:40 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,499

    If you are looking for a contemporary table to fill your living room that is sure to make an impression, take a look at the Sonoma Rustic Natural Cofee Table.

    The table is made with reclaimed wood which adds to its personality. The table has knots, cracks, and variations in the wood that make them each a unique piece. They are available in three sizes, 27", 42", and 48" giving you plenty of options when redecorating, and does so at a fair price. The prices range from $223 for the 27" version to $371 for the largest version. It features sturdy metal legs that match perfectly with the wood.

    Get your very own Sonoma Rustic Natural Coffee Table on Amazon. ]]>         <![CDATA[Zooz ZEN25 Z-Wave Double Appliance Plug Review]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=497 Sun, 10 Feb 2019 03:54:34 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,497

    If you are in the search for a z-wave appliance plug, you may have noticed that most of them are big and clunky. They are hard to install in small places like behind furniture and typically only allow you to connect one plug. Zooz just introduced to the market not only a small form factor appliance plug but it also features a dual outlet module capable of outputting up to a combined 10 AMPS.







    As a bonus, it also has a USB port capable of delivering 2.1 amps to power or charge your favorite devices. Note that the USB port is not controllable. To give you an idea of what 10 Amps are, we can use a 100 watt incandescent light bulb. At 120 volts, the typical current in the United States, a 100-watt light bulb draws 0.83 amps (100W/120V = .83 amps). In short, we would be able to power about 12 100Watt incandescent bulbs (9.999 amps) without any issue which is way more than any standard widget you may plug in there should use. If you do go over, the ZEN25 does have circuit protection that will disable both outlets.

    Before we start we want to get out there that this appliance plug is not going to be good for fans and motors, Zooz recommends that you use ZEN15 for that. The appliance module is sold in a nice black box and packaged very well. Its packaging resembles that of opening a high-quality cellular telephone in some aspects. In the box, you will find the ZEN25 and the instruction manual. The manual is well written and easy to follow although it is almost not even necessary due to its ease of use. It does provide easy to read instructions for all its features.

    The inclusion of the device to your z-wave network is among the easiest we have witnessed. Simply put your hub in inclusion mode and plug the double plug into the wall. The module will immediately begin to flash indicating it is in inclusion mode and go steady once it is connected.

    We included our double switch with a Vera Controller and the process was seamless. The device showed up as four switches and instantly shows you the wattage of the device that is plugged into the module when that specific outlet is turned on. On your hub, you will see one switch for the left, one for the right, and another that provides simultaneous control over both outlets. The fourth just gives you status on the USB port but you are not able to turn it on or off.



    Manual control of the device is simple, there is only one button on the device. To control the on and off of the right switch you simply press the button once each time you want to toggle status. Press it quickly twice to control the left side.

    Zooz really outdid themselves with this one. The device is quick to respond and also acts as a repeater using the latest z-wave plus technology. The rings around the outlets not only turn on when the outlets are on but they also indicate the wattage being used by the individual port. Each of the 7 colors indicating a different wattage range and the ring will be off when not in use.



    Finally, the double plug even includes a range test tool, we really liked this because at times it is hard to determine what range you have for certain devices and it is really easy to move this device around to perform a test without any special equipment. While the manual states that you simply press the button for 6 - 8 seconds consecutively to enable the range test, we noticed that all it did was enable and disable both outlet plugs simultaneously. We did, however, play with it long enough to figure out that pressing the button 3 times consecutively would enable the range test. After flashing for a few seconds in violet, it will indicate the overall signal strength using different color patterns on the rings around the outlets.

    For the power users, you can also change your switch parameters via your hub to disable the LED rings around the outlets, set up an auto-on timer, or set up an auto-off timer.

    We really like the device and our favorite feature is that it is so small that it easily fits behind furniture. This device is perfect for kids rooms where you may want to control night lights and humidifiers or to control Christmas tree lights. Its features will make this a very versatile device capable of handling many scenarios. The device retails for $39.95 at The Smartest House. Click here to get your own now.


    Take a look at our video review below.





    ]]>         <![CDATA[GLAS A Reinvented Thermostat By Johnson Controls & Microsoft]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=495 Sat, 18 Aug 2018 12:28:21 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,495

    Move over Ecobee and Nest, there is a new thermostat in town that is sure to take the market with its sexy translucent glass surface and sleek look. The GLAS thermostat was created by Johnson controls and is powered by Microsoft Windows IOT Core. It utilizes Microsoft Azure to allow interfacing with Cortana for voice controls. Microsoft is also teaming with Amazon and Google to allow control of the thermostat from either Alexa or the Google Assistant as well. It features a translucent OLED touchscreen with a really nice graphic design that fits well in any environment to let you know what is going on. Take a look at this sleek graph that lets you know about your energy savings.

    Johnson Controls GLAS Energy Savings Graph

    The thermostat has presence sensing and monitoring of indoor and outdoor temperatures to automatically set the right mood based on your preferences. It features an App that can be installed on iPhone and Android phones alike. The thermostat retails at $319.00 which while a little steep for us but, it just looks so sexy!!! Take a look for yourself!





    Review Amazon's current Thermostat Offerings.
    Note that the GLAS is currently only available for Presale at
    Johnnson Controls Website

    Get the GLAS App on iTunes or on Google Play for your Android devices. ]]>         <![CDATA[Qubino Z-Wave Plus Flush RGBW Dimmer Review]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=493 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 08:00:00 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,493

    The Qubino Flush RGBW Dimmer is designed to control your RGB or RGBW LED strips in order to create countless color options. It includes 6 special lighting effects that can be used if your hub allows for enhanced parameters. The device works using z-wave technology and due to its small footprint can be installed virtually anywhere. A Z-Wave gateway hub will be required for your setup and is sold separately. If you haven't purchased a hub and you plan on using the Qubino flush RGBW make sure to read the hubs documentation as it is not supported by all hubs.

    The switch is signal repeater, so it will improve your z wave mesh network. The Minimum and maximum dimming levels can be set via parameters. You can also customize the ramp rate, this allow you to change how quickly the lights turn on or off. Four push buttons allow for control of brightness, color, turning on or off lighting effects, and finally allow you to turn off the white output on its own. The dimmer switch saves and restores last status on power failure. Extra parameters allow you to put a timer in the event that you want to automatically turn the lights on or off after a set time. Note that this is just a timer and not a real time clock. If you would like to turn the device on our off at a specific time you can do so with a scene on your hub.

    As of this review the Vera Hub does not support the device officially and the only plugin available is not very stable (Vera Firmware version tried: 1.7.3501 with the "RGB Controller" plugin Version:1.34). OpenHab also allows you to install the device however we were not able to operate it successfully even using the latest snapshot release (openHAB 2.3.0 Build #1189).

    The installation of the device is extremely simple and can easily be done following the instructions on the Qubino page. Note this device will not work with 120 Volts AC but instead works with 12 or 24 Volts DC. You can control the flush RGBW either remotely through your Hubs graphical web interface, phone app, or through wall switches if wired directly to one.


    Overall we were pleased with the product and the response with the smartthings hub. The device currently sells for $53.00. It is packaged in a tiny plastic shell that fits virtually anywhere. We weren't happy that it didn't work with Vera or OpenHab.

    View the installation process and see it in action with a smart things hub in the full Video Review.






    It is important to note that this device will only work with standard RGB strips and not addressable strips. In short this means that all your LED's will be one color at any given time. You will not be able to make the first five led's one color and the next five a different color.


    Get your own Qubino Flush Relay at https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

    Qubino RGBW Dimmer Info: http://qubino.com/products/flush-rgbw-dimmer/

    RGBW Lights Used in review (Controller was not used): http://amzn.to/2sDNRbM

    Smartthings Hub:http://amzn.to/2FcsbWI

    Vera Hub: http://amzn.to/2CumDnH ]]>         <![CDATA[Z-Wave.ME UZB USB Z-Wave Plus Stick Review]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=492 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 08:00:00 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,492

    Looking for an inexpensive way to get started in home automation? Take a look at the UZB Z-Wave USB Stick.

    We gave the UZB stick a try and were pleased with it's performance. We installed it on a laptop and downloaded the openhab software that is available for free. The software can be downloaded from http://www.openhab.org. The UZB stick was found by the operating system immediately upon insertion. We are running Ubuntu Linux for our test so software drivers were not necessary. If you are running windows however you can find the link to the latest drivers on http://www.thesmartesthouse.com. We downloaded the openhab software and configured the UZB as indicated in the manual that was provided in the box. Once we configured the stick and restarted the software we were able to include 4 devices to test our UZB. We installed one GE relay switch, two Zooz Z-wave dimmers, and a Qubino Weather station. At first 3 of the devices were not recognized but it turned out to be the newer devices not having been implemented on the openhab stable release. Once we downloaded the snapshot build we were able to get the devices included. Communication to all 4 devices was a success.

    We have tested the device thoroughly for about three weeks now and have not had any failures on communication. The closest device to the hub is about 15 feet away and the farthest is about 30 feet. The inherent nature of Z-wave uses each device as a mesh network to get the best route of communication back to the hub. Our hurdle throughout the test was actually getting to understand how the openhab software works and setting up the devices there. It is not a project for the faint at heart to understand and get openhab working. If you want something simpler, you may want to look into the other software titles mentioned below. Some of these titles offer different interfaces that may suit your need better. Our goal was to build a low cost system that would allow us to use and integrate as many devices into one hub as possible. The Openhab system is touted at being just that. While not the fault of the UZB device the openhab system has a steep learning curve but continues to improve and allow integration of more devices as it progresses to the future. The UZB device stood up to the test and functioned better than we expected.

    Zwave.me states that the UZB firmware offers several extensions and enhancements over its competitors such as backup and recovery function including network topology, optimized transmitting queue handling to speed up transmitting process, firmware update from the OS level in the field, trusted platform module applying strong encryption, extended wakeup notification, and handling to extend battery life time of battery operated devices in the network. All these features and at a quarter of the price of competitors like the Aeon Labs Z Stick. The only feature we found missing was the self-contained inclusion that makes it simpler to include devices into your z-wave network. Other than that the UZB supports -Z-wave backup and restore that is a plus against the Aeon Labs unit.

    One of the things we liked most about the UZB stick is that it is so versatile that you can run it on any hardware given the software is available. For instance you can build yourself the exact system we built on a laptop on an inexpensive raspberry Pi device that currently runs at about $35.00. The Raspberry Pi can be set up to be accessed via VNC so there is not even a need to have a designated monitor and keyboard for the device.



    Here is the UZB attached to a Raspberry Pi mounted on the wall. The cover was 3D printed using a design by "0110-M-P" allowing for it to be wall mounted, you can find it here if interested.

    While the UZB stick performed well and was easy to install, it was a bit challenging to use the open source software openhab2. The UZB uses the Sigma Serial API protocol just like the more expensive Aeon Labs Z-stick only at a fraction of the cost. The UZB by zwave.me proved to be a great little device at a great price.

    Get your very own UZB Z-Wave Stick at The Smartest House.

    Hardware compatibility with
    -Wester Digital My Cloud NAS (Network Attached Storage)
    -Raspberry Pi
    -Windows / MAC / Linux

    Software compatibility with
    -Homeseer
    -OpenHab
    -OpenZWave
    -Z-Way
    -Indigo
    -InControl ]]>         <![CDATA[Zooz Z-Wave Plus Dimmer Light Switch Review]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=491 Sun, 29 Oct 2017 09:31:43 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,491

    The ZEN22 by Zooz can be used as a regular switch as well as used in a 3 way configuration. Like any other switch the Zooz dimmer switch allows you to turn on,off or change brightness levels on loads attached to it. Pairing it with your favorite hub the Zooz dimmer switch uses Z-Wave Plus technology which allows you to control and monitor your lights via your smart phone or computer. The convenience is unparalleled to just having a plain old switch. Just imagine brightening the lights to a dim hue in the hallway automatically when you get up to light your way in the middle of the night. Turning on lights as you open your front door so that you don’t come home to a dark house, or just dimming the lights to watch a romantic movie with the wife while never leaving the couch.

    This switch is equipped with the newer Z-Wave Plus 500 series chip that allows for lower power consumption while also being more reliable than its predecessors. The Zen22 also acts as a repeater strengthening your Z-Wave mesh network making it and every z-wave device around it more reliable. The Zooz ZEN22 is built well and feels like a solid product. The switch features a blue LED that lights up at night allowing you to easily locate the switch when it is dark. The paddle on the switch also has the Zooz logo printed on it in a light gray.

    The inclusion of the device to our Vera hub was fairly straightforward but note that it will work with any smart home hub so long as it speaks Z-Wave. Once your hub is in inclusion mode, you tap the upper half of the paddle three times quickly and the new dimmer will appear on your hub shortly after. The Switch features an air-gap switch for added safety in the event that you need to remove power from the switch temporarily.

    This dimmer like most others, requires a neutral wire at the location of installation as this is used to keep the switch on while the load is off. If you do not have one , you will need to get a licensed electrician to install one. Your switch will require the Neutral, Load, Line and Ground when used in a regular installation, the traveler is introduced when used in a 3-way setup. The switch only comes with the installed color paddle in white so you wont be able to change the color if needed. When comparing it to different brands like the popular GE Smart Dimmer for instance, this is a good buy as the cost is usually lower and it offers the same functionality. There is also another advantage to the Zooz switches over its competitors in that it does not require a Z-Wave enabled slave switch, and can be used with a regular toggle switch. This means that you get to save all that extra cash and use the existing switch.

    The one gotcha with this setup is that when you are using that toggle switch in a hallway for instance you will only be able to dim from the side that has the z-wave Zooz switch installed. Other manufacturers will have a slave switch that will allow the dimming feature but they wont be compatible with the Zooz. From the regular switch, you will only be able to turn the light on and off. When used in a 3-way configuration, the slave switch does not need to be a 3-way switch. You can use any regular switch you have lying around.

    The manual is written well and is very easy to understand. It features large diagrams that are labeled well. Zooz also offers alternate diagrams for different setups on their website http://www.getzooz.com. Please note that if you are not comfortable with electricity or have any questions about your wiring , you should consult an electrician as three way setups can be tricky to master.

    The switch works with LED, Compact fluorescent, and incandescent bulbs. If you are going to be using it with LED’s please note that Zooz states the device functions on loads of greater than 20 Watts which can be rather high for some LED bulbs. If your switch controls various LED bulbs in a hallway, this probably won’t be an issue but you may want to look into it. If the load is lower than 20 Watts it may work but will shorten the life of the switch.

    We were surprised by the quality and build of the switch and impressed by its performance. The switches retail for $32.95 at the moment of this writing which is cheaper than most switches in the market today. The fact that you no longer need an add on switch sweetens the deal a bit more. It is important to note however that you wont be able to dim from the end with a regular switch.






    Get your very own Zooz Z-Wave Dimmer Switch at www.thesmartesthouse.com

    Manufacturer website: http://www.getzooz.com

    Specifications
    -Model Number: ZEN22 VER. 2.0
    -Z-Wave Frequency: 908.42 MHz (US)
    -Power: 120 VAC, 60 Hz
    -Maximum Loads: 500W Single-gang, 400W Double-gang, -300W Triple-gang Incandescent, 150W CFL or LED
    -Wireless Range: Up to 100 feet line of sight
    -Operating Temperature: 32-104° F (0-40° C)
    -Installation and Use: Indoor only ]]>         <![CDATA[GoControl Z-Wave Dimmable LED Light Bulb Review]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=490 Sun, 24 Sep 2017 11:34:03 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,490

    We gave the GoControl Z-Wave dimmable LED Light Bulb a try with out Vera Edge controller and were pleasantly pleased with the results. The Light bulb easily pairs with the controller by simply putting the controller on discovery mode and turning on the lamp. Upon initial power on, the device goes into discovery mode and once paired with the device, it flashes to let you know it is paired with your hub.

    The device is ready for use immediate after that. This is one of the easiest devices to pair we have come across. The 100% setting was definitely bright and can easily replace a 60 watt equivalent light bulb. The Go Control delivers a smooth 2700 kelvin rating soft white light that is easy on the eyes. Our initial application was to use this light bulb in a lamp for a children's bedrooms as a night light. Upon our initial installation we quickly noticed that this would not be a good application as a night light as its lowest level at 1% was still rather bright. Once we added the shade on the lamp, it helped out a tad bit but not enough to make us comfortable. That being said we also understand that a night light is not the purpose of this light bulb so we will not knock it for that, we just wish it would dim a tiny bit more.

    Overall the light bulb at its current price of 17.99 is more than ideal compared to its alternatives. The device should synch with any other z-wave controller such as the Smartthings hub, Zipato, Home seer, and Wink just to name a few. We tested the bulb for over a month and did have 3 instances where the bulb would turn on at full brightness over night which was deffinitley not desired specially as a night light. After replacing the bulb with another we have not had an issue. Overall if you are looking for a Z-Wave bulb you should deffinitley take a look at the GoControl Z-Wave Light Bulb as it is proced just right.

    Get your GoControl Z-Wave Dimmable LED Light Bulb (LB60Z-1) on Amazon

    Technical Specifications
    - MPN: LB60Z-1
    - UPC: 093863132995
    - Base: Fits standard light socket (E27)
    - Bulb Shape: A19
    - Max. Illumination Output: 750 lumens
    - Equivalent Incandescent Output: Equal to a 60 watt bulb
    - Estimated Yearly Energy Cost: $1.09 (based on 3 hrs/day, 11¢Wh; cost depends on rates and use)
    - Life: 25,000 hours / 22.8 years (based on 3 hrs/day)
    - Color Temperature: 2700K
    - Power Consumption: 9 Watts
    - Dimming Levels: 1 to 100 Steps
    - Input Voltage: 108 to 132 VAC
    - Input Frequency: 57 to 62 Hz
    - Operating Temperature: 0° to 40° C
    - Z-Wave Chip: 500 Series
    - Z-Wave Frequency: 908.42 MHz
    - Wireless Range: Approximately 130 feet (line of sight)
    - Z-Wave Repeater: Yes
    - Network Inclusion: Standard & NWI
    - OTA Firmware Updatable: Yes ]]>