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Gadgets
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| Posted: December 01 2008 at 14:37 | IP Logged
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Hi guys,
Been awhile since I have been around these parts! Hope all are well.
Many of you know I have an X10 system in my home, and am running Powerhome. I have a couple circuits to which I can not get x10 signals to. I have tried all the tricks and tips, over the years with no change. Recently I have been thinking about Insteon, and adding this to my existing system, but I am left with a couple questions.
1- does the Insteon system transmit RF all the time? Meaning if I press a button on a remote etc. does the signal always go RF or powerline as well?
2- I think I know this but want to confirm... I can run both Insteon and my x10 controllers at the same time through powerhome, or would I not need the x10 one anymore.
3- what the heck do you need to get started in Insteon, I can't seem to find anything that really says... either that or I am just blind.
Thanks guys! 
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BeachBum
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| Posted: December 01 2008 at 14:47 | IP Logged
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Welcome back.. When I started my conversion from X10 I bought Starter Kits which included Access Points. They transmit an RF signal to another and put it back on the power line. The Access Points will only receive an RF from those designed to use them. If you get a PLM it will control both your X10 and Insteon together. Or you can still use your X10 controller plus a PLM. Me I went with a PLC then to a PLM which is more reliable and faster.
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Gadgets
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| Posted: December 01 2008 at 16:36 | IP Logged
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Hey Pete!
What is a PLC that you are using, and what does the PLM make things better?
I was just browsing Smarthome's site looking at their starter kits and products again. I *think* I need to get these parts:
Light Switch (need this style to match other switches)
Access Points
Controller (don't need the software if I'm using powerhome)
Not sure if this combo is in an affordable starter pack or not. I need the Serial version because currently my x10 controller is in another part of the house because there is too much electrical noise in our computer room. I have a serial cable running to it. I see there is a "web server" module available, but it doesn't seem like the item I need to access via powerhome???
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BeachBum
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| Posted: December 01 2008 at 16:56 | IP Logged
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Brian, get the straight PLM not HL2 version. The PLC was the first Insteon power line controller and is being phased out in favor of the PLM power line modem. On the Smarthome web site you can find starter kits which will pretty much get you the basic devices to start with and is cheaper. Most of these come with Access Points which you only need 2 unless you have a large house. The Access Points just enhance the reliability. I have a serial PLM but have a USB to Serial device that works fine. Your light switch looks like a relay switch. If you are running normal lights then you would want a SwitchLinc and/or LampLincs. To control these items within a room other than from the device itself or PH you would want a KPL or a Controlinc. I think I’ve got the nomenclature right.
EDIT: This is a good one to start with:
http://www.smarthome.com/2493/Keypad-Dimmer-Scene-Kit-INSTEO N-Lighting-Starter-Kit/p.aspx
Then all you need is this:
http://www.smarthome.com/2412S/PowerLinc-INSTEON-Modem-Seria l/p.aspx
(Beware of forum inserted blanks)
Edited by BeachBum - December 01 2008 at 17:48
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Pete - X10 Oldie
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Gadgets
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| Posted: December 01 2008 at 21:45 | IP Logged
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You are correct, I would only need the 2 access points, but the reason I was thinking about the relay version of the light switch it because this controls 2 outside lights. Currently these lights are incandescent, but maybe switched to Compact Florescent or LED in the future. Either way, no dimming of these ones would ever be required.
That starter pack you linked to is great, but it would mean I'd have to change the other light switches, and cover plate at that location, then they wouldn't match the others, then the wife would whine, then... well you get the idea. 
However, I at least have a start now to see what I need. My current goal at this point is to get automation to that circuit reliably, and x10 just won't do it for whatever reason. Then any future replacements, or additions would be Insteon if it turns out to work well.
Brian
BeachBum wrote:
Brian, get the straight PLM not HL2 version. The PLC was the first Insteon power line controller and is being phased out in favor of the PLM power line modem. On the Smarthome web site you can find starter kits which will pretty much get you the basic devices to start with and is cheaper. Most of these come with Access Points which you only need 2 unless you have a large house. The Access Points just enhance the reliability. I have a serial PLM but have a USB to Serial device that works fine. Your light switch looks like a relay switch. If you are running normal lights then you would want a SwitchLinc and/or LampLincs. To control these items within a room other than from the device itself or PH you would want a KPL or a Controlinc. I think I’ve got the nomenclature right.
EDIT: This is a good one to start with:
http://www.smarthome.com/2493/Keypad-Dimmer-Scene-Kit-INSTEO N-Lighting-Starter-Kit/p.aspx
Then all you need is this:
http://www.smarthome.com/2412S/PowerLinc-INSTEON-Modem-Seria l/p.aspx
(Beware of forum inserted blanks)
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BeachBum
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| Posted: December 01 2008 at 22:13 | IP Logged
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Remember as you move onward some folks have had a problem with X10 working after they added Insteon. I personally have not had that problem. The reason being Insteon adsorbs some of the X10 signal but I believe that is manageable. The end result I think you will be happier with Insteon and its reliability rather than X10 as some of us have hung onto for so many years.
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Pete - X10 Oldie
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jeffw_00
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| Posted: December 04 2008 at 10:50 | IP Logged
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1- does the Insteon system transmit RF all the time? Meaning if I press a button on a remote etc. does the signal always go RF or powerline as well?
Most Insteon is power-line only. Some is RF. The Accesslincs that tie the phases together are RF, as are the Remotelinc (duh 8-}) Motion Sensor, and a few others. However, when used with a GOOD home automation program (like PH - that will let you confirm -every- command), INSTEON can be 99.9% rock solid reliable on powerline (actually, I have mine set up so that every failed command sends me an Email. Thus i _know_ how solid my system is)
2- I think I know this but want to confirm... I can run both Insteon and my x10 controllers at the same time through powerhome, or would I not need the x10 one anymore.
What I've observed is this - places where your X-10 was sketchy (I.e., outlets that sometimes didn't get a good signal) can be pushed over the edge by nearby Insteon. And you may discover you had a couple of locations that were just on the right side of sketchy, that nearby INSTEON will push into the sketchy (i.e. unreliable) range. However, where your X-10 is reliable with strong signal strength, it will still be fine with a house full of Insteon.
3- what the heck do you need to get started in Insteon, I can't seem to find anything that really says... either that or I am just blind.
Well - I recently published an Article on Electronic House Online on starter kits for Home Control systems, and SH does sell one for Insteon. Basically all you -need- are the Accesslinc, a PLM to use with PH, and whatever modules you want.
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Topic: Getting into Insteon
