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insysnet
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| Posted: February 01 2007 at 10:07 | IP Logged
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I currently have a fairly extensive X10 network with PowerHome, around 40 devices including sensors, controllers, remotes, etc.
I've hired one of the X10 signal testers and filtered all the rogue Mains equipment possible (about 7 filters across the home).
Most the time (90%) everything works wonderfully, but for the obvious limitations of X10 - sometimes a device doesn't get it's signal reliably, which I expect in an installation of this size.
What I am hoping to do is to slowly swap out some of the devices (the most trouble-some, generally at the extremes of the home) with a more reliable technology that I can run from PowerHome.
The problem I have at the moment is that the best candidate INSTEON, is not available in the UK on 230V. I've contacted INSTEON to find out about availability of 230V devices - but I'm not holding my breath at the moment.
Does anyone else outside of the 110V world have a similar problem and have they found a solution with PowerHome?
I love PowerHome and have it just how I want. I just need to improve the reliability of a few crucial devices.
Any advice or other views would be greatly appreciated.
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Richard
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dhoward
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| Posted: February 01 2007 at 14:39 | IP Logged
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Richard,
Insteon is probably not for you. Even if there were 230 volt versions available (I think it's being discussed...I know that the issue was raised at CES several times but SmartHome would not really give any info), it probably wouldnt work well in a mixed environment (several people report that X10 just stops working after a certain saturation level of Insteon).
Does Z-Wave make 230V capable devices? If so, then this would probably be your best bang for the buck. Especially once I get Z-Wave support added to PowerHome (it will be coming...Ive got the ControlThink SDK and dongle).
Dave.
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insysnet
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| Posted: February 01 2007 at 17:49 | IP Logged
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Thanks Dave - Yes, Z-Wave is available now in the UK.
I know you can get the following here at the moment:
ZCU010 USB Interface
ZRP210 Appliance Module UK Plug
ZDP210 Lamp Module UK Plug
ZIR010 PIR Motion Sensor
ZTH200 RF Remote Control
It would be great if PowerHome supported Z-Wave - I'll look forward to that.
If you'd like someone to BETA test some of the UK kit, I'd be happy to help.
I imagine Z-Wave would co-exist better with X10 as it's pure RF with no signalling over the mains?
I also hear talk that Intel and Cisco are throwing their weight behind Z-Wave - which will give it a boost I'm sure.
I sent a message to INSTEON support and got this reply:
Thank you for the email. INSTEON currently works and is supported in a 110V 60Hz environment. It may be as early as late 2007 before a 220V-240V 50Hz solution will be made available and supported.
Best regards,
Rob Sukhija
INSTEON Business Development Manager
Based on that, I would say that Z-Wave has a significant opportunity to capitalize on their 230V presence in the meantime.
Thanks for your help Dave - and keep up the Great Work!
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Richard
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krommetje
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| Posted: February 02 2007 at 12:56 | IP Logged
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dhoward wrote:
Especially once I get Z-Wave support added to PowerHome (it will be coming...Ive got the ControlThink SDK and dongle).
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Dave? Not to be a busybody but... can you tell us when Z-wave support will be added? How high is it on your todo-list?
Peter
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dhoward
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| Posted: February 07 2007 at 21:34 | IP Logged
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Peter,
It's pretty high on the list. Ive got the Elk ethernet interface after this next version and then Ive got Stargate, Z-Wave, UPB, Global Cache, and Insteon PLM. Im not sure what order would be next though. Im open to suggestions from users as to which controller should receive priority.
Dave.
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mccljs
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| Posted: February 07 2007 at 22:06 | IP Logged
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What is Insteon PLM?
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cmhardwick
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| Posted: February 08 2007 at 08:39 | IP Logged
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I believe that's a "direct" way of controlling insteon without having to use SmartHome's SDM module, correct Dave?
Once again, THANKS FOR A GREAT PRODUCT!!! 
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Cicero, Enjoying automation!
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UpstateMike
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| Posted: November 02 2007 at 13:57 | IP Logged
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dhoward wrote:
Peter,
It's pretty high on the list. Ive got the Elk ethernet interface after this next version and then Ive got Stargate, Z-Wave, UPB, Global Cache, and Insteon PLM. Im not sure what order would be next though. Im open to suggestions from users as to which controller should receive priority.
Dave.
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Dave, did you ever work out the order for doing the rest of these? Just curious.
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dhoward
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| Posted: November 05 2007 at 13:29 | IP Logged
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Mike,
Well, the Global Cache is done so that one can come off of the list. The Insteon PLM should be fully complete for .13 and Im hoping to have at least limited functionality for UPB and Stargate as well.
Dave.
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MopeyGecko
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| Posted: November 14 2007 at 17:28 | IP Logged
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No Z-Wave yet? It seems there is now a few UK products available. All others seem to be non-starters in the UK
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insysnet
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| Posted: November 14 2007 at 18:08 | IP Logged
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I still can't find much in the way of Z-Wave in the UK - a few promises from Everspring and some import products that can be purchased in the US. However, despite the limited availability, it does seem the most likely candidate to replace/supplement X10 here eventually - so my vote would be in favour of Z-Wave.
I can see there is a USB controller for Z-Wave. I presume that this draws it's power from the USB socket of the PC - so hopefully won't require a separate 110V PSU. However, I guess its possible that due to rf regulations it might not work with European Z-Wave products?
BTW Dave, I must say how delighted I am with PH - it's stability and reliability have been outstanding! Great Job! 12 months along and the only problems I've had with my installation has been duff hardware - PH has been totally solid.
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Richard
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PowerHome Messageboard : PowerHome Hardware
Topic: 230V UK Reliable Alternative to X10?
