I am new here and looking for input as I explore the home automation world which seems to have left me behind.
I installed an Aegis system whn Ibuu y hus 202. It ws upgraded to an OPII after a lightning strike (pre surge protector). I did the entire install and programming myself, but haven't kept up with the technology. I have been chasing dying X-10 switches and think I should probably just upgrade/update to all UPB's. I guess I should also upgrade my firm-ware via a chip and am looking for assistance with a bunch of questions. I contacted a local guy and got a quote for everything I want to do. I told him I did complete install, but I guess he feels he will make as much money as possible off me. Apparently he doesn't think people use the internet for research.... His mark up on the switches was 97% and he wants 1500.00 just to upgrade/update my programmer, saying it will take him 8 hours.... Yeah, no thanks. I understand people need to make a living, but that mark up is a bit unreasonable.
I have decided to do this myself and am going to start purchasing the items I need to complete this project. So, here I am, with questions.
I already have the house set up with an X-10 controller on each leg of electrical service. I never had a problem with noise and the X-10s were pretty reliable. Can I do the same with the UPB's, or do I need to get a repeater for the elec. box?
How difficult is it to get the chip and upgrade the board?
I have dealer access software, but it is old, and will need the new version. I intend to buy that so programming will be a bunch easier.
WhichUPB switches do you recommend? HAI/Pulseworks/other? I like the fact I can track the status of the UPB's if used locally, but that is only available with the HAI/HLC switches correct?
Does the controller need to be hardwired into the router? Would it be possible to get it to go wireless? Just thinking out loud, would probably not be a good idea to have my alarm accessible via a wireless router.
I can no longer access my system via telephone unless it's from within the house. This happened to an old board and they replaced it. With the new technology I would likely use Snaplink anyway. Will that affect any upgrades?
I am sure I will have a bunch more questions and if I have left anything out please advise.
Please feel free to add any links for information. I have been using the search button as well.
Thanks in advance,
Charlie
I installed an Aegis system whn Ibuu y hus 202. It ws upgraded to an OPII after a lightning strike (pre surge protector). I did the entire install and programming myself, but haven't kept up with the technology. I have been chasing dying X-10 switches and think I should probably just upgrade/update to all UPB's. I guess I should also upgrade my firm-ware via a chip and am looking for assistance with a bunch of questions. I contacted a local guy and got a quote for everything I want to do. I told him I did complete install, but I guess he feels he will make as much money as possible off me. Apparently he doesn't think people use the internet for research.... His mark up on the switches was 97% and he wants 1500.00 just to upgrade/update my programmer, saying it will take him 8 hours.... Yeah, no thanks. I understand people need to make a living, but that mark up is a bit unreasonable.
I have decided to do this myself and am going to start purchasing the items I need to complete this project. So, here I am, with questions.
I already have the house set up with an X-10 controller on each leg of electrical service. I never had a problem with noise and the X-10s were pretty reliable. Can I do the same with the UPB's, or do I need to get a repeater for the elec. box?
How difficult is it to get the chip and upgrade the board?
I have dealer access software, but it is old, and will need the new version. I intend to buy that so programming will be a bunch easier.
WhichUPB switches do you recommend? HAI/Pulseworks/other? I like the fact I can track the status of the UPB's if used locally, but that is only available with the HAI/HLC switches correct?
Does the controller need to be hardwired into the router? Would it be possible to get it to go wireless? Just thinking out loud, would probably not be a good idea to have my alarm accessible via a wireless router.
I can no longer access my system via telephone unless it's from within the house. This happened to an old board and they replaced it. With the new technology I would likely use Snaplink anyway. Will that affect any upgrades?
I am sure I will have a bunch more questions and if I have left anything out please advise.
Please feel free to add any links for information. I have been using the search button as well.
Thanks in advance,
Charlie