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jimspobox
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| Posted: July 06 2006 at 19:57 | IP Logged
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This is my first attempt at using Insteon so a lot is unknown. I have the Elk M1 and want to use PowerHome for setting up the Insteon links, ramp rates and groups.
What problems will there be and can the Elk read the PowerHome links? If not, when is the expected release of a version of PowerHome that will handle this?
I have heard that there is a problem with sending multiple Insteon commands with the Elk in that they all don't get thru. Is there a work around to this with PowerHome or has Elk fixed this problem?
Will PowerHome be coming out with a more usable GUI to make is a little more user friendly?
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Jim
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WayneW
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| Posted: July 06 2006 at 23:33 | IP Logged
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Using PowerHome and the elkinsteon.exe tool, it is all available and workable now. Using groups (ids above 192) seems a good & reliable way to set scenes so far. Dave will have to comment about future plans.
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dhoward
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| Posted: July 11 2006 at 00:21 | IP Logged
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Jim,
You should have no problem using PowerHome to configure all the links between Insteon devices and the PLC. Once you're completely happy with the links, you should then be able to upload the appropriate information into the Elk M1XSP using the elkinsteon.exe utility.
I cant really comment on sending multiple Insteon commands from the Elk other than to say that I have read similar comments before. I have heard of people hardcoding delays in between the sending of Insteon commands with the Elk to combat this problem. If this actually is a problem, then it would be a result of the Insteon integration within the Elk.
The next beta of PowerHome will include a much improved Insteon interface GUI. The rest of the PowerHome GUI isnt changing significantly (other than the design for the Control Center) but all Insteon related tasks will be grouped together with more utilities.
Dave.
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threadhead
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| Posted: July 12 2006 at 03:08 | IP Logged
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Where are the instructions on how to use the elkinsteon.exe utility?
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jimspobox
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| Posted: July 12 2006 at 08:22 | IP Logged
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What is the latest update on when the new version of PowerHome will out with the improved Insteon support and GUI?
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dhoward
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| Posted: July 14 2006 at 17:20 | IP Logged
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Threadhead,
There are no specific instructions for the ElkInsteon Util. It should be fairly easy to pick up. If you're using it in conjunction with PowerHome and you've already got your links setup and configured (phinsteon.rtf in the PowerHome directory), then the util is a piece of cake (other than physically connecting it to the M1XSP).
To use the util, first make sure that you've got the latest Insteon firmware installed in the M1XSP. You can get this from the Elk website and use the ElkRM program to flash the M1XSP. Once that is done, you'll need a spare serial port on the PowerHome machine that you'll connect to the serial port on the M1XSP (where the PowerLinc would normally go) through a null modem adaptor. You'll probably also need a gender-bender since this cable will be female to female.
Copy the ElkInsteon.exe file to your PowerHome directory. Current version requires PowerHome to be installed, future version won't. Launch the ElkInsteon.exe file and type in the COM port that you're using to communicate to the M1XSP. The first tab (PowerHome) will show you all of the devices that are defined within PowerHome. Just go down the list and assign a number from 1 to 192 in the "Sort" column. This will equate to the Elk lighting device ID. Select the "Programming Method" and then press the "Load" button. The devices will be transferred to the M1XSP. You can choose to save your "Sort" changes back to PowerHome if you like.
If you go to the "Elk / M1XSP" tab, you can retrieve what is currently stored in the M1XSP and directly make changes without directly pulling data from PowerHome. You can make manual changes or combine info with PowerHome and then save the changes back to the M1XSP.
When done, just disconnect the cable from PowerHome and reconnect the PLC and the Elk should now be good to go.
HTH,
Dave.
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dhoward
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| Posted: July 14 2006 at 17:23 | IP Logged
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Jim,
See my post in this thread http://power-home.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=781 concerning the next beta.
Dave.
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aartech
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| Posted: August 04 2006 at 16:01 | IP Logged
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I'm using an M1 Gold and have the M1XSP and 2414S so I can test Insteon integration. I have an InlineLinc and several other Insteon devices. I really prefer the idea of using a software utility to do the set up so I tried the elkinsteon.exe utility but didn't have any luck. After a couple of tries, I was able to get the 1st A1 address loaded with my InlineLinc module but nothing else would take. I tried several times. When I switch to the M1XSP tab and retreive the addresses, it looks fine but it doesn't work.
So I did some manual linking and everything worked fine, and the addresses got linked starting at A2. Then I went back to the elkinsteon.exe utility and did another retreive and noticed that only the A1 insteon address "stuck". The rest were 00.00.00 even though the Elk panel can communicate with them, so I know they're linked.
Anyone have an idea if I'm doing something wrong in using the utility? Next step from there is I need to figure out how to link devices back to the 2414S so I can get status updates when I use a keypadlinc...
Edit: I also keep losing the links... even when I do manual tap linking, all is working fine.. then later I can't control anything... very weird.
Thanks in advance,
Robert
Edited by aartech - August 06 2006 at 16:26
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WayneW
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| Posted: August 06 2006 at 22:58 | IP Logged
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Robert, are you using the 50.0.22 firmware in your XSP?
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aartech
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| Posted: August 06 2006 at 23:17 | IP Logged
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Yes, 50.0.22
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Topic: Setting up Insteon with PowerHome for Elk
