UPB (was: Re: Stylish keypads?)

["Mark Thomas" <mrt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert Green wrote:
>     Although the UPB=99 protocol is extremely robust and less
>     susceptible to powerline conditions, HAI recommends the
>     use of a UPB=99 Powerline Phase Coupler in every installation.
>
> That tells me that UPB(tm) isn't much more robust than X-10 at
reaching
> every corner of a large house without an assist.

It shouldn't tell you that. It only tells you that HAI is playing it
safe with a CYA statement, probably because they are new to UPB--their
UPB products aren't actually available yet.

My experience is that UPB is FAR more robust than X-10.

So far, I've seen UPB at work in a couple houses, both 4000+ SF, and
they've been 100% reliable without a phase coupler. I'm planning on
using UPB in my new house under construction (I am, though, keeping an
eye on Insteon, which was released but STILL has precious little info
available). My current house, which is on the market, has PCS
Scenemaster and SwitchLinc switches everywhere. It took an amplified
coupler/repeater and liberal placement of filters to get it stable. UPB
is not like that at all.