Elk/Isteon/Powerhome integration.

[davefred99]

I asked this same basic question over on the PowerHome forums but have not recieved a lot of input. I have recently setup a new ELK M1 system and I am also using PowerHome setup to use the ELK controler for x10. I am currently only using the built in X10 controller for my HA stuff. I have decided to begin adding Insteon to the mix.
Here is my situation , I can install an M1SXP lighting interface along with a 2414s PLC and use the ELK as my controller for both x10 and Insteon. If I do it that way it seems to limit some of the advanced features of using Insteon as the ELK basically treats Insteon like any other x10 device which is fine for simple on/off events but maybe not so good for scenes and links.
The other option is to us a PLM or PLC with Powerhome and let it do most of my automation tasks. This is much more powerful and robust but also requires the PC be on 24/7. I have also briefly explored the option of using an ISY 99i/PLM for lighting and control but it requires an internet M1 exp expansion card to interface with the ELK M1.

So there is my basic setup and the options as I see them. I would like some feed back on how others have gone about integrating both ELK and Powerhome with Insteon & X10 or possibly other HA software into there systems. I really want things to be as simple as possible but also don't want to be limiting my options either. I do not at this time want to totally eliminate x-10 from my setup because I want to use them in less critical areas and slowly swap them over to Insteon. I especially want to continue to use x10 RF for remote control as triggers for Insteon devices and events.

Please don't lecture me on Insteon vs other stuff like UPB or Zwave. I am fully aware of the short commings Insteon has had and am willing deal with it. I have decided it is the best solution for me at this time.
Thanks in advance, Dave

 

[MikeB]

Hey Dave -

I'm using my Elk M1 together with Insteon here through an ISY-99. Works great for me.

 

[Spanky]

From my observations, the ISY-26 and ISY-99 from Universal Devices now makes Insteon a manageable lighting control system.

 

[Smarty]

From my reply at PH's forum.....



I am using PH 24/7 (with a USB Insteon conroller), and the Elk M1G with attached serial Insteon controller.

I still am in the "setting up phase" of all my Insteon lights (now up to 40+ devices), I have found that having two controllers just makes my work less "encumbering" (by not having to swap them back and forth).

Having Insteon controllers on both devices give you some options that neither can offer alone.

For example, PH is great for setting up Insteon links and groups, something that the Elk cannot do (and doing it manually is a real PITA). PH also has a much higher level macro and programing ability that the Insteon controller could trigger when needed.

However, the Elk is better suited to respond to sensor inputs (that's what an alarm system does). Lighting based on motion detection is an example (with the groups being set up via PH). Also, some lighting control is CRITICAL, and those controls might be best left to hardware controllers (like the Elk) rather than something that depends upon the stability of Microsoft.

Botton line (my opinion); if you can afford it, spring for two controllers, one for each system. I have never regretted it once.



__________________
Elk - Insteon - GeoVision - RCS - DMC1 - PowerHome - Xlobby - SageTV

 

[davefred99]

Since this thread is already is about ELK and Insteon Integration rather than add another thread I will ask this question here.

If I install an M1xsp serial expansion board and an Insteon PLC connedcted to my ELK system in order to setup Insteon support in the ElK. Does the addition of the expansion module disable the on board X10 interface and or preclude using it for continued x10 support. I know that the Insteon PLC can also recieve and send x10 too, but from what I have read it does not do a good job of it. So I just wondered if while transitioning to Insteon with some x10 legacy devices still in the mix if I could just run both the onboard x10 interface to the PCS05 x10 controller and run the Insteon PLC for Insteon only.

 

[Spanky]

You can still use X10 devices connected to the X10 port on the M1 with a PSC05 X10 power line interface. According to how you set up your lights, you can control X10 and Insteon separately.

 

[davefred99]

You can still use X10 devices connected to the X10 port on the M1 with a PSC05 X10 power line interface. According to how you set up your lights, you can control X10 and Insteon separately.

Thanks thats good to know.

I also read your other post regarding the ISY--26 or 99 being a good way to go. Only problem with that is the initial cost of the device plus the fact that you must also have an M1-XEP expansion board for Lan/Internet access. In the big picture its not that bad but it all adds up with all the add-ons and such. In the end In may go that way its not in the budget at present.
Dave

 

[Spanky]

Dave,
There are two groups in the HA world:
1. Make it work the best way possible for the least expense even though it may not be as convenient. This requires more electronic and mechanical engineering.

2. Whatever it takes, put it in to make life easier.


I tend to fall into group 1. B)

 

[davefred99]

Spanky,
Do you know if there is a way to have the ELK alarm Status show up in the PowerHome Control/device/status screen. I can get all my zones to show up but do not know what type of input to define in the Powerhome setup menu. I could do it with a phantom x10 switch and a rule but would prefer to see the actual output state. I do not know what output is assigned to the armed LEDS on my keypad or if that would work.
I also would like to know if the ELK could be armed or disarmed using Powerhome.
I am hoping you are familiar with using Powerhome and the ELK software together, if Not maybe someone els can answer instead.
Thanks, Dave

 

[Smarty]

I also would like to know if the ELK could be armed or disarmed using Powerhome.

Yes, it can. Read over the "help file" that comes with PH. Between that and little forum searching most of your answers can be found.

I would be nice if all the answer were on one spot, but there not.....(I wish they were on one spot also)

 

[Spanky]

PowerHome has to interpret the ASCII string protocol coming out of the M1 and display the zone status. I am not sure if they are doing this yet.

If PowerHome can send basic ASCII strings, you can arm and disarm the M1 as well as a lot more.

 

[davefred99]

I also would like to know if the ELK could be armed or disarmed using Powerhome.

Yes, it can. Read over the "help file" that comes with PH. Between that and little forum searching most of your answers can be found.

I would be nice if all the answer were on one spot, but there not.....(I wish they were on one spot also)

I have read over the PH help menu several times, In the section about ELK it has a lot of information but I do not understand most of it. I figured out how to get my zones reporting via analog output/input configuration but just do not comprehend the rest. I think that the I need to configure digital outputs/inputs but have no idea what or how to get it all working. I have also searched for ELK,Powerhome arming and disarming and come up with nothing. The PH website does not have very many active ELK users so I came here.
It appears to me that PH can do just about anything communication wise with ELK if you understand it, I was hoping someone who has done this already might respond with some clear answers or at least tell me were to get them.
Thanks,Dave