Re: HAI OMNI PRO II Light switches

["Robert L Bass" <robertbass1@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Maybe I should restate my question.
>
> Why are  UPB modules so much more
> expensive that x10 type and is the
> differance worth it?

X10, which has been around for a long time, has long since recaptured its development cost.  Also, most of the components themselves
are cheaply made.  Finally, due to its widespread use economies of scale lower production costs.

The few UPB modules I've seen were a bit more robust.  They're also newer and there's more to them so development and production
costs are higher.  They'll likely come down a bit with time but X10 will probably always be the cheapest solution.

> I want to purchase about 20 dimmers/switches.
> Will I be sorry if I go with the x10?

That depends on how much you like tweaking the system each time it breaks.  Changes to other things (adding / moving a PC or a UPS,
plugging in certain types of appliances, etc.) can cause problems.  They're usually fixable but you do have to fuss with it from
time to time to keep it going.

> Also is the HAI omnie II pro a good controller?

Yes.  There are also others which you should probably consider.  The ELK-M1G is a very capable HA/security controller with a few
interesting features not available on the Omni.  For one, it accepts analog as well as digital (on & off) sensors.  You can read
things like temperature, brightness, relative humidity, etc. with the right sensors and make decisions about when to turn things
like sprinklers on and for how long.

ELK's tech support is friendlier to DIYers than HAI.  They also give a lot more for the money and the controls are a little less
costly.  They offer more lighting control options as well.  Software is free (expensive with HAI).  Firmware upgrades are a free
download (buy new chips from HAI).

FWIW, I'm not trying to denigrate HAI.  I consider the Omni a robust, capable product.  I just feel that ELK offers more in some
significant areas and at a lower overall cost.  It can be a tough choice between the two.  Obviously, since I'm an ELK dealer (they
have links to my store on their website) I have a bias in their favor.  I happen to believe they deserve it.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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