Re: Leviton Intellisense Vs Others

["BruceR" <br@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

If you can avoid X10 based products in favor of something better you
should do so. Even with Intellisense X10 technology has inherent
problems typical of a 30 year old technology. If you must stick with X10
then the Smartlinc stuff is better than the Leviton Intellisense.
Insteon is a far better choice though. Only 2 of the repeater units with
the antennas are required and those can be plugged into outlets in
closets, the garage or other hidden areas where they'll never be seen.
Since your house is in planning, I recommend an outlet in every closet
anyway. NONE of the other Insteon/Icon switches or modules have an
antenna and they use the same housings as the Smartlinc X10 stuff. The
switches are shallower than the Levitons too. BTW, tell the electrician
to use the deepest boxes he can everywhere and to be sure that he runs a
neutral to every wall switch box.
  So now that the antenna issue is covered take another at Insteon.  I
built my house 4 years ago and at the time the Leviton Intellisense
stuff was the best available and it works fairly well. However, since
then I added Smartlinc X10 switches and modules as I needed more and now
I'm taking out all the X10 based stuff and migrating to Insteon. I'll
probably complete the transition over the next 6 months.
 As an off topic aside, another recommendation is to have the plumber
use cast iron waste risers if it's a multi-level home. That way you
won't hear a waterfall on the first floor when a second floor toilet is
flushed. The cost is nominal to do it and you won't regret it.

From:Gymfolks
gymfolks@xxxxxxxxxxx

> Looking for meaningful input......
>
> I will be building a 3,100 sqft higher end home soon.  During
> construction I will have an amplifier/repeater and multimedia surge
> protection device installed near/at the main ac panel (in preparation
> for future home automation).  Deep j-box's will be used and all three
> wires will be pulled to each j-box.
>
> My question is concerning how the new Leviton "Intellisense" stacks up
> against some of the other best X-10 stuff out there.  I really
> DISLIKE the looks of a small antenna hanging outside of a receptacle
> so SMARTHOME's INSTEON is not attractive (IMO).
>
> Curious to hear what others think of Leviton's new stuff.