Messages

1

Users / Re: Insteon and ZWave compatable controlers

« on: January 03, 2008, 07:49:08 pm »

So how does the bidirectional stuff work?  I understand the concept as it relates to a thermostat:  if you change the temperature locally, the controller knows it (right?)  But what about a lamp?  If I hit the (local) switch on the lamp, the controller I guess knows it's off, but it can't turn it on again, right? 

Actually, it CAN if it wants to...
anything you do remotely, (meaning using a switch to turn off/on, or dim) gets reported back to lmce.  This allows lmce to MONITOR the system as a whole..
It's not just for lighting...
An X10 Hawkeye PIR sensor and a X10 RF Transceiver are quite cheap, and can easily be implemented as a security device..  when it senses motion, it sends out an X10 signal.  The Insteon PLM interface (also sees X10) sees that signal and reports it to lmce.

HTH

Dan

But if the power is cut to the lamp locally, how can the controller turn it back on?

This is assuming that you used a wall switch to shut off power to the outlet the switch is plugged into.

oh, okay.  that makes sense now.  the wall switch would have to be insteon too, wouldn't it?

2

Users / Re: Insteon and ZWave compatable controlers

« on: January 03, 2008, 03:37:57 pm »

So how does the bidirectional stuff work?  I understand the concept as it relates to a thermostat:  if you change the temperature locally, the controller knows it (right?)  But what about a lamp?  If I hit the (local) switch on the lamp, the controller I guess knows it's off, but it can't turn it on again, right? 

Actually, it CAN if it wants to...
anything you do remotely, (meaning using a switch to turn off/on, or dim) gets reported back to lmce.  This allows lmce to MONITOR the system as a whole..
It's not just for lighting...
An X10 Hawkeye PIR sensor and a X10 RF Transceiver are quite cheap, and can easily be implemented as a security device..  when it senses motion, it sends out an X10 signal.  The Insteon PLM interface (also sees X10) sees that signal and reports it to lmce.

HTH

Dan

But if the power is cut to the lamp locally, how can the controller turn it back on?

3

Users / Re: What HA Protocol do you (want) to use with LMCE?

« on: January 02, 2008, 07:33:52 pm »

If I had a HA standalone setup outside of LMCE based on z-wave devices, (once z-wave is supported under LMCE again) would I be able to control devices using LMCE as a secondary controller?  Doesn't z-wave work like that?

4

Users / Re: Insteon and ZWave compatable controlers

« on: January 02, 2008, 08:32:57 am »

I think I just have a few questions about HA (if you don't mind) regarding what I want to get from it, and what I should be looking for:


I really want to start simple at first, but eventually move to a full blown LMCE setup.  To begin, I'd like to control just a couple lights.  I want to be able to set timers so lights go on and off when my wife and I are away to discourage burglars and to have lights already be on when we come in after dark.  Eventually, this may expand into more of the realm of security (motion detection, cameras, and maybe even some sort of integration to a full home security system, etc.) motion sensors to turn off lights, thermostats to conserve energy, etc.

What hardware could I purchase now that I can fiddle around with on my Windows Vista PC that will eventually work with a LMCE setup?  Is the Insteon a safe bet?  Would I need to purchase software to use now that I wouldn't need once it's in a LMCE core?

Also, I'm moving this weekend to a new apartment, so I'm not 100% sure which modules I'll need.  I think the living room may have an electrical outlet controlled by a switch to plug a lamp into for the living room.  In that case, I'd need a dimmer switch module, right?  And for other outlets (not switch-controlled) I could do a wire-in outlet module...  And for an outdoor porch light or flood light, I would use a switch module...

Do you have any advice on where to start?

5

Users / Re: Insteon and ZWave compatable controlers

« on: January 02, 2008, 08:12:03 am »

So how does the bidirectional stuff work?  I understand the concept as it relates to a thermostat:  if you change the temperature locally, the controller knows it (right?)  But what about a lamp?  If I hit the (local) switch on the lamp, the controller I guess knows it's off, but it can't turn it on again, right? 

6

Users / Re: Insteon and ZWave compatable controlers

« on: January 02, 2008, 03:05:04 am »

so is the insteon communication 'platform' better than zwave because of the bi directionality? 



what about cost feasibility?  i just graduated (debt!) so cost is a pretty big factor...

7

Users / Re: Insteon and ZWave compatable controlers

« on: January 01, 2008, 11:17:53 am »

I keep reading more and more, but I don't really feel like I know what I should be looking for.  I'm interested in the home automation part of LMCE (i like the rest, but that's just the most fascinating for me) but I don't know which standards I should be looking at.  I thought the wiki said z-wave was the only supported home automation standard, but it seems like development has stopped some time ago and there are no new usb controllers that are supported.  The wiki says not to use Insteon, but you say you've now added support for this.  But is this just the PLM/PLC support?  That's not RF, right?  I think I understand the differences between how PLM and RF networking works, but why would I choose one or the other (other than it being supported, of course)?

Sorry for all the questions, I am just feeling a little helpless and lost!

8

Users / Re: Insteon and ZWave compatable controlers

« on: January 01, 2008, 11:01:53 am »

Once I finish the Insteon, I will be ready to tackle a new project..
I don't have any zwave devices..
I'm not sure if the next project I tackle will be GSD/Zwave or starting to learn C++
I think C++ would help me more in the long run...
I guess it depends on how BAD Zwave is needed... and if someone is willing to send me some hardware...

I think a capable programmer should only have to purchase equipment ONCE.
I can't afford purchasing zwave (and, honestly, can't rationalize it either)


Dan

I'm interested in getting z-wave support.  I haven't set up a LMCE core or anything yet because I'm more interested in the home automation side of it, and there doesn't appear to be any controllers available that are supported (yet!)

One interesting tidbit:  Intermatic Home Settings has a $20 rebate for their products. http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?location=http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/00/00/00/96/58/84/96588490._V5170561_.pdf&token=957BBB0669152D76BE1C614537975585163C1748

Well, I just read more closely and it says you must have purchased before Dec. 31st.... nevermind!