Re: Z-WAVE question (Go Insteon!)

["Dennis" <djr-google.djrlar@xxxxxxxx>]

Jack,

I wasn't aware that ELK even supported Insteon.  I don't see any
reference to it in their documentation.  Since you sell it, maybe you
can clarify a point.  The description indicates it is a dual approach
system, in that all signals are sent via both RF and PL paths, thus
providing much greater reliability.  I have read reports since, that
indicate only the signal bridge between the two phases of the power
line is done via RF, and that the actual commands within each of these
phases is done only via the PL signal.  True?

Thanks
Dennis

Jack Edin wrote:
> I believe the better method might have been Insteon!
>
> I am biased, as I sell Insteon...
>
> I believe that when you change a switch's state, that information is
> broadcast across the Insteon network.
>
> As such the Elk M1 will be able to hear this, and react - as programmed,
> etc.
>
> I've asked Elk to help me write a set of rules, for their M1 control, to
> take advantage of this very communication. Here is what I have in mind:
>
> ===================
> An Insteon (on/off) switch is installed on a bathroom fan...
>
> You're leaving the room...
>
> Let's say you press the fan's on once. It is locally connected to the
> load, so the fan'll come on. Nothing special.
>
> The signal IS sent across the Insteon network that this switch is now in
> the ON position...
>
> M1 hears it, and sets a counter...
>
> Now say you were to press ON a second time within 5 seconds...
>
> I want the M1 to adjust it's counter, and say "Five minutes"...
>
> Press again, within the allowed period and it ups the timer and
> announces "10..."
>
> Again: "20", "30", "45", "60", "Normal"
>
> If at any time OFF is pressed, the fan goes off... The whole process is
> reset...
>
> So if it's just a little stinky, 5 or 10 minutes oughta do it...
> Take a steamy shower, and maybe you want an hour...
> ====================
>
> This would not be possible without Insteon's network communications.
>
> Note: At this time whenever an Insteon switch is dimmed locally, that
> status is not communicated. On and Off are, however.
>
> As an early adopter of Insteon I know I'll have to wait for some new
> products to do everything I'll want, but these things are coming. Some
> very soon. I expect half a dozen new Insteon products in the next six
> months, the first will probably arrive in three...
>
> And unlike X10 the more Insteon devices you have, the getter the
> network. Every device acts as a repeater.
>
> I hope this helps!
>
> Jack
> :)
>
>
> Frank Olson wrote:
>
> > You bring up an interesting point, Dennis.  We recently completed an
> > installation where the customer (retired senior airline pilot) wanted a
> > good deal more "bang" for his "buck".  He wanted to know status of
> > practically everything in his house.  This entailed wiring relays in
> > parallel to a number of lighting circuits controlled by X-10 switches.
> > This gives him accurate and up to the minute status on a specific
> > partition display on his alarm system keypads, as well as on custom
> > graphic displays located in his bedroom and office.  You could very
> > easily adapt this to any partitionable hybrid (combination
> > wired/wireless) security system out there.  We installed GRI PB-2020's
> > in the door frames to monitor the status of all the dead-bolts as well.
> >  It was a very interesting project, all-in-all.
> >
> > Frank Olson
> > http://www.yoursecuritysource.com