Re: INSTEON: Let the recalls begin ...

["BruceR" <br@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Well, as they say, "You can tell the Pioneers by the arrows in their
backs!"  We do seem to be getting our share of arrows but the overall
benefits will probably be worthwhile. If I were paying an electrician to
change these things I'd be pissed but, as you point out, our time is
worth nothing (unless somebody elese is willing to pay for it).  Even if
I have to replace everything, I can do it all in a day - particularly if
I have software to do all the linking rather than having to run from
switch to swith to play tap-tap.


> On Mon, 17 Jul 2006 06:37:14 GMT, Frank Olson
> <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> <ueGug.195494$Mn5.31135@pd7tw3no>:
>
>> Marc_F_Hult wrote:
>>> See recall notice appended below from SmartLabs for appliance
>>> modules that get stuck ON and overheat. They provide for cross
>>> shipment of the replacements. I have several that qualify for the
>>> replacement but have not shown any signs of failure that I will
>>> exchange.
>>>
>>> On the one hand, it is good that Smarthome / SmartLabs have an
>>> appropriate replacement policy. On the other hand, this is yet
>>> another failure that is costly in time and confidence to INSTEON
>>> users.
>>
>> While I share your sentiment that it's a "pain", at least you have a
>> company that's willing to stand behind the products it sells and is
>> being pro-active in determining a solution that's both appropriate
>> and timely.
>
> I agree in general. But with respect to this particular recall, which
> involves a malfunction that according to SmartLabs causes a component
> to get hot enough to melt plastic, it seems to me that they had no
> responsible alternative.
>
> So as I understand it, in the recall/replacement pipeline are/will be:
>
> 1) Appliance modules as discussed above
>
> 2) the SmartHome Device Manager (SDM). This is the vital link software
> between the hardware and third-party software. At present, the SDM is
> so 'feature'-laden that some developers (eg HomeSeer) stopped further
> work in anticipation of a yet another new release.
>
> 3) the Powerline Controller (USB and RS-232 interfaces ) partly
> because the firmware  is not sufficiently field upgradable to
> accommodate changes needed for the new SDM.
>
> 4) Wall dimmers. the "flicker" problem has been discussed in this
> newsgroup. As I understand it, SmartHome has found neither an
> internal nor external fix that they feel ought/can be applied by the
> customers, so the solution may very well be another opportunity to
> remove and replace and ship the hardware and reprogram the hardware,
> scenes and system. Reprogramming  is easier said than done because at
> present, removing and modifying device configuration can be
> awkward/problematic.
>
> Even with these issues, I prefer the INSTEON products to X10 for
> several reasons. And hey! waddya expect for $19.95 (price of ICON
> dimmer)? As defenders of x10 dysfunction seem/ed to say, our time has
> no value -- right?  ;-)
>
> ( Hardwired remains the method of choice for high-reliability dimmed
> lighting in my opinion and experience.)
>
> ... Marc
> Marc_F_Hult
> www.ECOntrol.org