| Author |
|
GCollins
Groupie
Joined: March 27 2011
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 54
|
| Posted: March 27 2011 at 21:08 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Hello. I have a house full of X-10 compatible devices of various brands and vintages, and am looking to restore the PC based logic that was formerly running on an old DOS machine under HC2000 with a TW-523.
I've spent the day researching home automation software for Windows, and have decided to give PowerHome2 a try. I've also been researching X-10 compatible interface devices, and want to go with one from Smarthome's Insteon family. In fact I've just ordered a 2413U, but now I'm having second thoughts. My thinking in choosing the 2413U was:
- Why do I need a PLC when I'll have PowerHome2? A PLM should suffice.
- The 2413 PLM seems to be a newer design and more advanced in its communications capabilities than the PLC's.
- Getting a USB based device will give me greater PC compatibility down the road versus a serial based device.
However, aside from the PC based control of PowerHome2, I'm also interested in controlling my system with a native iPhone/iPad app. I have not seen apps yet available that work directly with PowerHome2, although there are a number of apps available that work with standalone controllers such as the Insteon 2412N and 2414U PLC's. From reading these forums I see that there is a good bit of iPhone app discussion, and also that the 2414U PLC does work with PowerHome2.
So, given the above, I would really appreciate some advice on the best interface device for my interests...
- PLM vs PLC
- USB vs Serial?
- iPhone support?
Many thanks, and looking forward to joining the PowerHome2 community.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
GCollins
Groupie
Joined: March 27 2011
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 54
|
| Posted: March 27 2011 at 22:14 | IP Logged
|
|
|
And replying to my own post here, I've since read a few threads dealing with USB freezing problems on an older, apparently discontinued Insteon 2412U PLM. Hopefully those problems no longer exist on the current Insteon USB models. Can anyone advise?
Thank you.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
grif091
Super User
Joined: March 26 2008
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1357
|
| Posted: March 27 2011 at 23:18 | IP Logged
|
|
|
A 2414 PLC is very old technology. You mentioned wanting to continue with X10 so this may not make any difference but if there is any thought of using Insteon in the future the PLC is a dead end. It does not support Extended Insteon commands. A PLC does allow timers and macros (unrelated to PH2) to be downloaded into the PLC which run without a PC. PLM does not support this.
Neither the PLC nor PLM support extended X10.
There have been some issues with USB variant when run on non-powered hubs or USB to serial converters. I prefer the native serial variant if a native serial port is available but a USB variant on a USB port on the PC should be fine. Applications interface to both as a Serial device. The USB variant presents itself as a device on a COM port number just like a serial variant.
__________________
Lee G
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
GCollins
Groupie
Joined: March 27 2011
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 54
|
| Posted: March 27 2011 at 23:50 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks for the reply, Lee. I am sticking with X-10 commands for now because that is the lowest common denominator in my system. I'm not sure what direction I'll go in long term as I add and replace devices. I only have a couple of Insteon devices in my system now, and they are the newest ones I've purchased. That may be my continued direction.
Incidentally, what I have most of is a very nice in-wall switch product called Lightolier Compose(unfortunately now discontinued). These and a lot of the other devices I have do support extended X-10. Thanks for letting me know that the Insteon PLM/PLC does not support that. I wonder of there is an alternate brand of interface I should be looking at?
BTW, I have no issue leaving a computer dedicated to running the system. A "server" will always be running in my system anyway. But I'm not opposed to a good stand-alone controller if the cost is reasonable.
Thanks,
Gregg
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
AvelloneChris
Newbie
Joined: March 29 2011
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1
|
| Posted: March 29 2011 at 08:20 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Yes you are right
good post
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Active Topics 
Memberlist 
Search 
Help
Register 
Login
PowerHome Messageboard : PowerHome Hardware
Topic: Insteon Interface Recommendation Needed
