| Author |
|
kemporama
Senior Member
Joined: November 21 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 102
|
| Posted: November 21 2008 at 12:49 | IP Logged
|
|
|
I just downloaded PH 2 and started testing it a few days ago with my Insteon switches and keypads. I'm struggling a bit with trying to learn how to set up things in the software. It doesn't look like a user manual exists (beyond the quick start guide) for version 2, and the help file in the program comes up empty handed for most of the searches I do in it. I've gone thru the wizards and have the basics set up, but I'm looking to move to the next step now.
As a newbie would I be better to start out with version 1 that appears to have more help resources available? But does the old version work with Insteon? When I search the manual for "insteon" it comes up with no results. I was hoping to just start with the latest so I don't have to go thru upgrading, converting the data, and relearning a new interface.
Thanks.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
BeachBum
Super User
Joined: April 11 2007
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1880
|
| Posted: November 21 2008 at 14:27 | IP Logged
|
|
|
First welcome to PH… Boy do I know how you feel. It took me awhile to get past the basics. I would recommend you stay on V2. The help on V1 isn’t any better. There was a user’s guide in the PowerHome directory in V1 that covers the basics but don’t know where it went to in V2. I would play with Macros to learn more. Once you get the Macros somewhat under control I would then venture into Triggers. The best help I found is in the Forum. Cut & paste and have a ball. But be careful if copying from the Forum as sometimes blanks are inserted. Good luck…
__________________
Pete - X10 Oldie
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
jeffw_00
Super User
Joined: June 30 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 929
|
| Posted: November 22 2008 at 11:00 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Sorry BB - I would recommend PH1. Between the Qs manual, users manual, online help, and this forum you're pretty well covered, and with PH2 there's a possibility you're doing the right thing but stumbled into a bug. After Dave cleans up the problems everyone found right out of the box with PH2 it's a better bet.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kemporama
Senior Member
Joined: November 21 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 102
|
| Posted: November 22 2008 at 16:53 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Is version 1 Insteon compatible? Unless I typed something wrong, when I did a search of the v1 manual I didn't see any instances of the word "insteon" in it. If I go back to v1 I'm guessing all my data will have to be recreated since it's an older version.  And I was having some issues getting it installed, not sure if it's because I'm doing it on a 2003 server and that's not officially supported, but with the hours I spent with the initial setup I'd hate to start from scratch again on it.
Is there a time estimate of when v2 will be out of Beta by chance?
So far it seems like things are working pretty well with v2. A lot of my issues I think are still my lack of the knowledge of the software. I haven't even thought about trying macros or triggers yet. For them I can definitely wait until the official version of 2 is released. Timers and Links are all I really need to get by at this point. Right now I'm still trying to set up my Links thru the software, so that when I throw one switch it will light up on my kpl that it's on, have one switch turn on multiple lights, etc. Basic stuff.
There's a few questions that I've come across that again I think are just my lack of knowledge of the software that I'll post later tonight/tomorrow to see if anyone has thoughts.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
jeffw_00
Super User
Joined: June 30 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 929
|
| Posted: November 22 2008 at 16:56 | IP Logged
|
|
|
the latest version of PH1 is very INSTEON-compatible and is the most stable version available.
you really need to use macros to get the benefits of PH. The way I used it was
1) enter devices
2) enter macros for anything I might want to do
3) entered macro calls as triggers or timed events
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
BeachBum
Super User
Joined: April 11 2007
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1880
|
| Posted: November 22 2008 at 19:29 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Sorry Jeff, but I still stand behind V2. The only problem a basic install is going to have to deal with is the Timed Events but that is well documented with work arounds. I believe for basic operations you are on a very stable release and I’m sure Dave will be updating it shortly. The fact that we have not heard from Dave in quite awhile means he’s a busy beaver working at it. I believe we will most likely be at Beta level for awhile because of diplomatic reasons. A good Insteon primer is found here:
http://www.insteon.net/pdf/insteondetails.pdf
__________________
Pete - X10 Oldie
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
jeffw_00
Super User
Joined: June 30 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 929
|
| Posted: November 22 2008 at 19:36 | IP Logged
|
|
|
BB - whatever made you think I was dissing V2 in any way? I wasn't. I think V2 is great, am glad Dave is working on it, and am looking forward to using it
BUT- for a newbie, given the choice between
1) totally stable and doc'd version
2) version with (admittedly workaroundable) issues, possibly some unknown issues (remember, -I- haven't tried it yet 8-}) and weaker docs,
why WOULDN'T you recommend #1 to a newbie to start?
/j
Edited by jeffw_00 - November 22 2008 at 19:37
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
BeachBum
Super User
Joined: April 11 2007
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1880
|
| Posted: November 22 2008 at 20:09 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Remember I did NOT recommend you go to V2. The reasoning being you do complex things. Don’t take me wrong, I didn’t think you where dissing V2 for a moment. I felt since he has so much time evolved, so far at the V2, he should not reinvent himself with V1. R12 is the most stable release we have had so far but being kemporama has started out with V2 why not let him continue and not have to upgrade again when it establishes stability.
__________________
Pete - X10 Oldie
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kemporama
Senior Member
Joined: November 21 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 102
|
| Posted: November 23 2008 at 23:09 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks for the posts, you both make good points. My only hesitation to go back to V1 is, like Beachbum said, the time I've spent so far on my install of V2. With several hours to get things up and running, and the time I've spent with putting in the devices and poking around, I'd hate to have to start over from scratch again.
While I debate over that, in the meanwhile I have a couple basic questions maybe someone can help me with...
- On my KPLs I would like to have a button lit up anytime there is a light switch on in a specific area. Say I have 6 switches on my first floor. I would like the "1st floor lights" button to be lit on my KPL in my bedroom. The problem I'm running into is that when I have the responders set up to that specific button, if I turn one of the lights on the 1st floor off then the KPL button goes dark even though there may be other lights still on. My question is, will it be better to code this functionality thru a macro/trigger? (when I get to that stage in using the software) That would allow me to clean up a lot of the responders out of the links tab.
- I see a PLC/PLM Groups tab in the Insteon explorer. I'm guessing this lets me tie together a group of devices, say all outdoor lights? Do I list the device IDs in the filter column separate by like a semicolon or something? The help for this screen isn't very helpful.
Thanks!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
grif091
Super User
Joined: March 26 2008
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1357
|
| Posted: November 24 2008 at 03:53 | IP Logged
|
|
|
A PLC/PLM Group is like any other Group in that you have a Controller (PLC/PLM in this case) and one or more Responders which you specify on the Links tab. You make the PLC or PLM controller the current device and then drop whatever Responders you want on the PLC or PLM. The Group number is the key. When you define the PLC/PLM Group you specify a Group number. When you drop a Responder on the PLC or PLM, use the Group number you assigned to the PLC/PLM Group definition. Now you can specify the PLC/PLM Group ID in Macros, Triggers, etc to turn On/Off that group of Responders.
You will have to do some programming to achieve the "1st floor lights" KPL button results you want. As you have found out, making the KPL button a Responder gets you the On part of the action, but not the Off. You remove the KPL button as a Responder to the 1st floor lights. Through a set Triggers and macros you recognize when any of the 1st floor lights turn on and turn on the KPL button. Logic within the Macro(s) keeps track of On/Off status of each of the 1st floor lights and when they are all Off turn the KPL button Off.
Perhaps not as elegant but much easier is to set one of the KPL buttons to non toggle OFF mode. Any time the button is pressed, whatever Responders have been linked to the button will turn Off. Just press that KPL button when you go to bed and all the 1st floor lights will receive an Off. You don't know if any of the lights were On to start with, but the end result is they will all be Off after pressing the KPL button. I like the programming approach but this would give you functionality until you learn the ins and outs of Triggers and Macros. Lots of fun!
__________________
Lee G
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
nadler
Super User
Joined: February 25 2006
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 354
|
| Posted: November 24 2008 at 11:30 | IP Logged
|
|
|
I've been using PH2 for many months without any issues.
I would recommend you stick with 2.0. The only thing
you might run across as a new user is the Timed Event
problem. But, there are work arounds documented on this
board. Any other problems I think are related to pretty
specific and pretty advanced stuff and shouldn't be an
issue for you at this point.
Any PH 1 instructions you find on the board or in the
prior manuals should be applicable to 2.0 as well. Of
course, PH2 new stuff isn't in the Ver 1 manuals.
Also, if you go back to ver 1 you'll lose the wizards
and UPB functionality, which perhaps aren't important to
you at this point.
If you have question about PH2, the best place to get
answers is on this board. There are many knowledgeable
users anxious to help.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kemporama
Senior Member
Joined: November 21 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 102
|
| Posted: November 24 2008 at 23:03 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks to everyone so far for their help and advice. The groupings was something I kept scratching my head at, but now I have them working and am in the process of creating more. I have several timed events created with the timer wizard so far and they seem to be working properly. The only thing with that that I can't figure out is that it gives the option to dim a light in the wizard, but it doesn't want to let me type in any sort of percentage number to tell it how bright to run the light at in the field at the bottom of that screen. Maybe that's the timed event problem that was referenced. I'm guessing I can just modify the formula somehow after the fact, but haven't looked up the syntax yet.
Going to start looking at how to do some basic macros soon.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
grif091
Super User
Joined: March 26 2008
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1357
|
| Posted: November 24 2008 at 23:25 | IP Logged
|
|
|
If you are using a Group to turn on a device or group of devices, the Bright level and Ramp rate are contained in the responder link record written in each device in the Group. This allows each responder device in a Group to respond uniquely to a Group ON. Some can go to full bright, some to half bright, some at a fast ramp rate, and some at a slow ramp rate.
If the timer is using a Direct command, the bright level is the cmd2 value in the command.
I don't use the wizard so I can't say from firsthand experience which is done or if it gave you the choice.
__________________
Lee G
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kemporama
Senior Member
Joined: November 21 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 102
|
| Posted: November 25 2008 at 21:06 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks again everyone for all your help.
3 new questions...
- Am I correct to say that it's not possible to set a dimmer's ramp rate and default brightness from inside PH that is used when the switch is manually tapped? I know I can thru links and groups etc.
- I'm watching the device status screen. When I manually tap some of my switches I do not see them change their status from "off" in the status screen. I can control the switch thru the status screen and then they update no problem, but it doesn't always update itself from a manual tap.
- What do "D Level", "D Ramp", "A Level", and "A Ramp" mean? I figured out that D level in the controllers is what I need to adjust for scenes. It doesn't look like the A's are ever editable from what I see so far.
Thanks
Edited by kemporama - November 25 2008 at 21:18
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
dhoward
Admin Group
Joined: June 29 2001
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4447
|
| Posted: November 25 2008 at 22:15 | IP Logged
|
|
|
kemporama,
Welcome to PowerHome!
You CAN set the switches locally controlled brightness and ramp rate through PowerHome. From the Insteon Explorer, Devices tab, scroll to the right until you see the columns "Desired Local Level" and "Desired Local Ramprate". Modify these columns to the values you want. Press the "Save/Refresh" button for the changes to be saved. Make sure that the option "Write Level/Ramp/X10" at the top of IE is checked. You should see the updates to the level and ramp appear in the "Pending Operations" window. When they move to the "Completed Operations" window, you're almost done. If the device is a KPL, you should be good to go. If the device is NOT a KPL, then you need to cycle the power to the device. You can do this by pulling the "Set" button out for a second and pushing it back in or by flipping the circuit breaker that controls the light. A major pain in the butt, but not PowerHome's fault. This is the way SmartHome designed the devices.
If you're watching the Device Status screen and not seeing switches that are being manually controlled show their changes, make sure that you have the PLC/PLM set as a responder to the switch. Insteon switches DO NOT send any communications if they are not linked as a controller to at least ONE device. If the switch is not intended to control any other devices, just link it to the PLC/PLM with the switch as a controller and the PLC/PLM as a responder. Once this is done, the switch will send comms when it is manually controlled and the DS screen will register it.
D stands for "Desired". A stands for "Actual". You want to adjust the D's. Once the desired changes have actually been written to the device, the A's should be updated and match.
HTH,
Dave.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kemporama
Senior Member
Joined: November 21 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 102
|
| Posted: December 15 2008 at 13:22 | IP Logged
|
|
|
A quick question...
My 30 trial is about up, so I'm going to purchase the software. I'm sure the answer is yes but just want to confirm in writing... If I need to someday move my PH install to a new machine, the registration code that I purchase will transfer to the new machine, right? I'm guessing the code becomes part of the database or ini? I'm a computer geek, so I'm always moving software around to different machines. Just don't want to have to plop down cash for a new license each time I move PH. Thanks.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
BeachBum
Super User
Joined: April 11 2007
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1880
|
| Posted: December 15 2008 at 13:33 | IP Logged
|
|
|
The answer is yes.  It follows the DB. Enjoy…
__________________
Pete - X10 Oldie
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kemporama
Senior Member
Joined: November 21 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 102
|
| Posted: January 03 2009 at 22:59 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Me again.
Is there some sort of macro/script creation 101 tutorial out there that I look at to help me get started with going to the next level with my PH software? I'm a computer geek, but when it comes to the programming side of things I need a bit of hand holding. Some basic sample scripts, steps how to get them active, etc. The main things I want to start doing is linking commands to a KPL button (like to start at a press of a button a sequence of timed events to turn lights on and off when we're not home.) Just the basics so I can my feet wet. Thanks.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Active Topics 
Memberlist 
Search 
Help
Register 
Login
PowerHome Messageboard : PowerHome General
Topic: PH newbie advice
