Re: Need more input

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

Les,

I was also thinking RS485 as the link between main house and outliers. You
could use almost any RS232 device on the remote ends, using RS485
converters. That way you could use Insteon using the 2414S PLC with
standalone capability but still communicate with it via RS485 from a PC or
panel in the main house. You might try asking questions on the Smarthome
Insteon forum.

     http://www.techmall.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=9

If you plan to have networked PCs in all locations you might just do the
communication at that level. While it's poorly documented, the SimpleLAN
device is a serial/ethernet converter that uses AT commands.

     http://www.avcomtec.com/main.sc

I suspect either Insteon or UPB will work over 120VAC (Will it be 230VAC
with remote subpanels?) powerlines, even at 500', but would test before
investing a lot in either. If not, then you can look at RS485.

I'm no expert on security systems but most of the better ones allow for some
degree of integration with HA. I think most people probably have some
integration but the security system doesn't control all HA devices. John
Jones is a retired electrician who has the Elk panel. You can trust his
input as he's not trying to sell you anything.

"ABLE_1" <royboynospam@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>Dave,
>
>Thanks for the response.
>
>I have empty conduits between house/garage/studio that are all for any low
>voltage.
>
>By marry or free I was eluding to installing a security - automation system
>that can talk to each other therefore making one overall system.  Or is it
>better to keep them separate??
>
>I was thinking as you were on Insteon or UPB but was a bit stumbled by the
>distance.
>
>Then I was reading some of the details on the Elk M1Gold.  They have a
>component that will interface with RadioRa thru RS232 but their data buss is
>RS485 so the distance between devices can easily do the 500'.
>http://www.elkproducts.com/products/m1/M1XSP.htm  view the install manual in
>small print near the bottom of page.
>
>What I was wondering is has anyone here ever done this or used this
>equipment??
>
>And does it work or not??
>
>Looking for input.
>
>TIA
>
>Les
>
>
>
>> First, I haven't done this but I suspect few have.
>>
>> The 500' distance to the Detached Garage/Shop and 400' distance to the
>> Studio rule out any of the RF only solutions such as RadioRA or Z-Wave.
>> None
>> have that kind of range.
>>
>> I'm assuming there is an electric run from the main house to each outlier.
>> Is it underground or above ground?
>>
>> My choice would be Insteon or UPB but I would want to run tests to the
>> 500'
>> target to decide which is best. I think Insteon has more devices (with
>> still
>> more coming) and will cost less but 500' might be iffy without any
>> repeaters
>> along the line.
>>
>> I'm afraid I don't understand "marry" vs. "free" although I do grasp that
>> they are natural opposites. ;)
>>
>> "ABLE_1" <royboynospam@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>
>>>Hello all,
>>>
>>>Looking for some input on home lighting automation systems and the
>>>possible
>>>control thru a panel such as the Elk M1Gold.
>>>
>>>Project involves a Main House with Detached Garage/Shop(500') and
>>>Studio(400').
>>>
>>>Has anyone here actually done this??  If so what equipment did you use.
>>>        RadioRa??
>>>        X10??
>>>        UPB??
>>>        Insteon??
>>>        something else??
>>>
>>>I have a project coming up (just laid in plenty of conduit) and am
>>>starting
>>>the preliminary investigation on equipment.
>>>
>>>If anyone has does something as above how did it go.  Painful or not??
>>>
>>>Is it better to marry(interface) this equipment or better to keep free
>>>standing??
>>>
>>>Suggestions of alternatives or thoughts pro and con.
>>>
>>>TIA
>>>
>>>Les
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> http://davehouston.net  http://davehouston.org
>> http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/roZetta/
>> roZetta-subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>


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