Re: Z-WAVE question (Go Insteon!)

["BruceR" <br@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Insteon calls it a "mesh network" of PLC and RF. In fact, the RF is
between bridges only. The idea is that you can add a bridge to a
"trouble area" to deliver the signal from a point closer to the module
if necessary. It works!


> 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