I thought I'd share my first experience into home automation and UPB testing. I recently moved into a new apartment and started to research some home automation, particularly lights and security. I decided to experiment with lights first, as it is a bit cheaper and I didn't need to get an dedicated controller.
For the lights, I was on the fence between Insteon and UPB. I finally decided on UPB because it seemed more matured, had more products (particularly in-line module) and had a working interface with a computer (UPStart).
My test:
I purchased a sampling of devices to experiment with before taking a deeper plunge. I will eventually need about 20 devices to control the lighting in my apartment. The devices that were:
1) HAI PIM - for PC connectivity and configuration
2) HAI Dimmer - To test quality of HAI switches versus SA switches
3) SA Dimmer - To test quality and for the dual rocker function
4) SA Plug In Module - To test circuit and connection. Primarily, I wanted to find out whether or not I need to install an phase coupler.
Parts Feedback:
1) HAI PIM/UPStart - Looks cheap, but it works fine. Forgot to order the serial pug, so I needed to build my own wire (didn't want to wait couple of days). Once I figured out UpStart and finally read the manual, it is fairly easy to use. The link of the devices took me some time as it wasn't very obvious that you needed to check the controllers on the SA switch before you can control the link devices.
2) HAI Dimmer - I installed it to control some track lights that was on electronic transformers.
Pros - Construction - I like the construction of the switch better than the SA switch. If feels sturdy, there is no issues with the air gap, and unit can be grounded when connecting to a metal J-box without connecting the ground wire. It is also more shallow than the SA switch, which makes installation easier.
Price - The switch is also cheaper than the SA switch.
Package - Easy instruction and comes with connectors.
Cons - Dimmer -noticable buzz from the switch when the lights are dimmed.
Flexibility - Only available in single rocker mode with less colors.
3) SA Dimmer - I didn't test the dimming capabilities on the track lights, will do so tonight. I used it primarily as a controller.
Pros - Flexibility - Don't need to add/change swithces when you need additional controller functions. Just change the plates.
Cons - Construction -
Air Gap - I do not like the air gap and led sharing the same piece of plastic. It looks like it can break off any time and air gap can engage accidentally.
Ground Wire - The unit is painted black, which means the ground wire is welded to an exposed section on the unit. I can see this falling off if you move the unit around quite alot. Ground wire is also unsheathed, which means you need to be a bit more careful around the placement in the J-Box.
Rockers - The dual rocker was stuck the first time around and the placement is too close to each other. The the top rocker off will accidentally make you tap the bottom rocker on.
4) SA Plug In - This works as expected. It would have been nice if the connection is in the same plane as the plug, but that's a perference thing. I don't intend to really use any of these, as I'll use either the inline module or receptacles.
My overall opinion, granted very short lived so far, is that it quite reliable (good signal strength and very little noise) and very easy to configure. The buzz on the switches when commands are send are quite loud (I can hear it from another room) and will take some getting use to. It would definitely shock new users. Some training may be involved for new users also, it's not entirely intuititive, but I think that's a function of all home lighting automation. I will definitely purchase more units to complete my apartment.
[edit by electron: fixed title]
For the lights, I was on the fence between Insteon and UPB. I finally decided on UPB because it seemed more matured, had more products (particularly in-line module) and had a working interface with a computer (UPStart).
My test:
I purchased a sampling of devices to experiment with before taking a deeper plunge. I will eventually need about 20 devices to control the lighting in my apartment. The devices that were:
1) HAI PIM - for PC connectivity and configuration
2) HAI Dimmer - To test quality of HAI switches versus SA switches
3) SA Dimmer - To test quality and for the dual rocker function
4) SA Plug In Module - To test circuit and connection. Primarily, I wanted to find out whether or not I need to install an phase coupler.
Parts Feedback:
1) HAI PIM/UPStart - Looks cheap, but it works fine. Forgot to order the serial pug, so I needed to build my own wire (didn't want to wait couple of days). Once I figured out UpStart and finally read the manual, it is fairly easy to use. The link of the devices took me some time as it wasn't very obvious that you needed to check the controllers on the SA switch before you can control the link devices.
2) HAI Dimmer - I installed it to control some track lights that was on electronic transformers.
Pros - Construction - I like the construction of the switch better than the SA switch. If feels sturdy, there is no issues with the air gap, and unit can be grounded when connecting to a metal J-box without connecting the ground wire. It is also more shallow than the SA switch, which makes installation easier.
Price - The switch is also cheaper than the SA switch.
Package - Easy instruction and comes with connectors.
Cons - Dimmer -noticable buzz from the switch when the lights are dimmed.
Flexibility - Only available in single rocker mode with less colors.
3) SA Dimmer - I didn't test the dimming capabilities on the track lights, will do so tonight. I used it primarily as a controller.
Pros - Flexibility - Don't need to add/change swithces when you need additional controller functions. Just change the plates.
Cons - Construction -
Air Gap - I do not like the air gap and led sharing the same piece of plastic. It looks like it can break off any time and air gap can engage accidentally.
Ground Wire - The unit is painted black, which means the ground wire is welded to an exposed section on the unit. I can see this falling off if you move the unit around quite alot. Ground wire is also unsheathed, which means you need to be a bit more careful around the placement in the J-Box.
Rockers - The dual rocker was stuck the first time around and the placement is too close to each other. The the top rocker off will accidentally make you tap the bottom rocker on.
4) SA Plug In - This works as expected. It would have been nice if the connection is in the same plane as the plug, but that's a perference thing. I don't intend to really use any of these, as I'll use either the inline module or receptacles.
My overall opinion, granted very short lived so far, is that it quite reliable (good signal strength and very little noise) and very easy to configure. The buzz on the switches when commands are send are quite loud (I can hear it from another room) and will take some getting use to. It would definitely shock new users. Some training may be involved for new users also, it's not entirely intuititive, but I think that's a function of all home lighting automation. I will definitely purchase more units to complete my apartment.
[edit by electron: fixed title]
