Basic lighting control

[Weslowe]

I am replacing existing X10 solution with UPB. I purchased computer interface module to use with Upstart software and would like to create scheduled events. Do I need a different interface to do this? I am using Simply Automated components. Thanks for any help.

 

[tmbrown97]

For scheduled events, you need something that can run the scheduler... Many options...

1. Simply Automated UCS-01 UPB Controller Scheduler-Timer
2. Connection to any automation panel (Elk M1G, HAI Omni)
3. Software: Elve, CQC, Premise, HomeSeer
4. Web Mountain Technologies RUC-01K Remote UPB Controller
5. And last, there's the PCS MiLightStyle but I wouldn't recommend that at all.

 

[Weslowe]

Thanks for the input. In your opinion, is hardware or software a better route? The Mountain Web RUC seems like an interesting device with lots of functionality and it looks like you are using this in your setup. With either or option, do you still need to have a UMC device to connect with Upstart? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.

 

[dgage]

I don't have any experience with the RUC-01 but asked about it a couple months ago, mainly because I saw Work2Play and another prominent poster have it listed. It doesn't seem to be very popular, at least on these boards and my research led me to believe it wasn't as capable as initially expected. I'm not saying anything negative and as I said, I haven't used the RUC-01 but stating it might not be as capable as it first seems. May want to research it some.

In most cases, I would say a PC based software system will be more flexible, and hence more powerful due to the additional drivers available to handle a myriad of more devices. However, if a hardware based device interfaces with the equipment you want, that would be good enough. In general hardware is generally more stable as it is a device and not a computer so there are trade offs between the two options.

David