Only 5 years late...
(Built the house at the same time as the twins were born and started an new job. The multi-year honey-do list has finally dwindled to the point where I can do some serious work in the wiring closet)
So, I dug out all the gear I bought (with the best intentions) 5 years ago. Now I need to be sure it is all still usable and up to date before I hook it all up. Here is what I got:
Elk M1 Gold
Elk serial port exp (2)
Elk Ethernet exp.
Thermostat (serial interface, forgot the brand)
Several Insteon V2 dimmers, relays
A few Insteon Icon relays.
The basic Insteon started pack (PLMs)
Insteon USB interface.
The goal: Get the security and lighting automation hooked up and working together. I would like to control everything via web/iPhone/iPad.
The problems:
1. I know there was an issue with some of the early Insteon switches causing flicker when commands were sent. Can I fix my exisiting switches (replace a cap or something) or can I get Smarthome to trade them in? Or am I screwed?
2. I know I likely need to upgrade to the dual band Insteon setup. What do I (realistically) need?
3. I see some combo packages on Smarthome for Elk+Insteon. Is that the right setup or is there a better way to get control via Ethernet interface?
4. Are there a bunch of firmware updates I need to do? What has changed over the last 5 years?
thanks for pointing me in any direction (hopefully the right one) on this stuff. I need to get back up to speed so I an take advantage of the small window of time before another project comes along that takes priority.
-John
(Built the house at the same time as the twins were born and started an new job. The multi-year honey-do list has finally dwindled to the point where I can do some serious work in the wiring closet)
So, I dug out all the gear I bought (with the best intentions) 5 years ago. Now I need to be sure it is all still usable and up to date before I hook it all up. Here is what I got:
Elk M1 Gold
Elk serial port exp (2)
Elk Ethernet exp.
Thermostat (serial interface, forgot the brand)
Several Insteon V2 dimmers, relays
A few Insteon Icon relays.
The basic Insteon started pack (PLMs)
Insteon USB interface.
The goal: Get the security and lighting automation hooked up and working together. I would like to control everything via web/iPhone/iPad.
The problems:
1. I know there was an issue with some of the early Insteon switches causing flicker when commands were sent. Can I fix my exisiting switches (replace a cap or something) or can I get Smarthome to trade them in? Or am I screwed?
2. I know I likely need to upgrade to the dual band Insteon setup. What do I (realistically) need?
3. I see some combo packages on Smarthome for Elk+Insteon. Is that the right setup or is there a better way to get control via Ethernet interface?
4. Are there a bunch of firmware updates I need to do? What has changed over the last 5 years?
thanks for pointing me in any direction (hopefully the right one) on this stuff. I need to get back up to speed so I an take advantage of the small window of time before another project comes along that takes priority.
-John