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logbuilder
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| Posted: February 05 2009 at 20:03 | IP Logged
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I'm the guy who is putting together a home system with cameras to sense outside motion and then turn on various lights. More details on this thread:
http://www.power-home.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2102&PN= 1
I have gotten a camera working with WebcamXP and it seems to be working fine. Uploading snapshots to my remote website - both timed as well as motion alerts.
Now I am ready to tackle the lighting control. I'm planning on using PowerHome and have WemcamXP send it a message when the cameras detect motion. Powerhome will then turn on lights and send me an email.
Here is the list of INSTEON devices that I think I need:
Powerlinc Controller with USB (model 2414U I believe)
2 Access Points (mainly to bridge phases but also for wireless devices)
INSTEON remote control ON/OFF switch
Wireless INSTEON Motion Sensor (just for indoor motion)
See anything I'm missing? It all seemed straight forward except for the controller. Did I pick the right one for use with Powerhome?
Thanks!
Robert
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grif091
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| Posted: February 05 2009 at 22:39 | IP Logged
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The PLC (2414) appears to be at the end of its life cycle. The serial version of the PLC is no longer listed. The PLM (2412) is now the powerline interface of choice. It runs faster than the old PLC and the PLM supports the longer Insteon extended messages.
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Lee G
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logbuilder
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| Posted: February 05 2009 at 23:28 | IP Logged
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Humm... I knew this controller selection wasn't as easy as I hoped.
On Smarthome.com, they have a 2412 that is serial for $69.99. They don't have one that is USB except for one that comes with the Insteon Desktop software for $159.99. I didn't think I needed any software other than Powerhome. If you think I'll need the software, no problem. I just don't want to pay for something that I won't use. Is there another source for 2412 USB that doesn't add extra for software that I might not need?
I had read about people having problems with serial based controllers and got the impression that USB was the way to go. That was what made me think the 2412U was the answer.
Your recommendations for a controller and source would be appreciated.
Robert
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TonyNo
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| Posted: February 06 2009 at 06:43 | IP Logged
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Call AutomatedOutlet about the PLM (2412S, it's not listed on their site, but they likely have it). Note that there is no USB version. No worries, as the issues you heard about were likely PLC problems.
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grif091
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| Posted: February 06 2009 at 14:33 | IP Logged
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You definitely do not need HouseLinc2 and PowerHome2 together. I have both because I started with HouseLinc Desktop years ago and moved to PowerHome because I believe it is a better product, both from a functional view point and PH2 support runs circles around HL2. I've been using a serial PLM for many months without any issues with the PLM. USB is a serial interface itself (Universal Serial Bus). I believe I have seen posts here where some folks have plugged a serial PLM into a USB port. Don't know if that requires a separate adaptor or just a serial to USB cable.
EDIT: thanks Pete. I was pretty sure I had seen mention of USB. Was not sure about the adapter. I may make that move myself as I unplugged the UPS serial connection to make room for the PLM.
Edited by grif091 - February 06 2009 at 14:54
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Lee G
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BeachBum
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| Posted: February 06 2009 at 14:39 | IP Logged
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Lee, I have a USB to Serial adapter that has drivers and works flawlessly on XP and VISTA.
EDIT: This is the one I use: http://www.beaglesoft.com/232usb.htm
Edited by BeachBum - February 06 2009 at 15:09
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Pete - X10 Oldie
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