HA System Jumpstart

[LoPan12]

Hi everyone! So I've been poking in and out of here trying to get a grasp of things for a few weeks now. I just bought a new house, and as a house warming gift, a friend of mine gave me some Simply Automated UPB equipment. I think I've got a pretty good idea of how to go about things, but have a few questions I can't seem to find solid answers for.
3-way switches: Of the 40 or so total switches in the house, a few of them are 3-way switches. I don't have any of the SA 3-way controllers. Do I actually need to get them, or can I just use regular dimmers and do the virtual 3-way somehow?
System compatibility: My home came equipped with a Schlage electronic deadbolt, and 2 Trane thermostats. Included was a Schlage Nexia [router? hub? bus?] to control them, and a 1-year subscription to the schlage service to let me control that stuff over the internet. Do I have to shell out a grand or two to get the controller so that i can control this stuff all at once?
Brand compatibility: Is any UPB equipment immediately compatible with what will initially be a wholly Simply Automated environment (unless I can tap in my HVAC and door lock(s))?

Also, what's a good methodology for planning? I don't remember all the equipment I got, but I can come back with a list of everything I have to work with, if you all could throw ideas at me to work with. I'm at work right now, so I'll make a list of the stuff I've got to play with. Thanks!

 

[tmbrown97]

UPB is a lighting-only technology for the most part. There are a few things you can do with input/output modules, but it doesn't talk to thermostats or deadbolts. I am a fan of UPB - just see the link in my signature - it may answer some of your questions.

You can use dimmers instead of 3-ways if you wire it right - it's more costly and harder to follow status - but some people do it because they're extremely picky about how the LED on the switch follows status. If you want standalone control you can do something like the Web Mountain RUC; but most people prefer to get into a larger automation system - either software (cqc, elve, homeseer) or hardware (mi casa verde, ISY (for insteon), HAI Omni or Elk M1G security systems... these are the systems that'll bridge all the different technologies together so you can have security, lighting, hvac, all working together.

For the locks, you can interface them with some HA systems and Z-Wave - you don't need their proprietary equipment or service once they're integrated.

 

[LoPan12]

Okay, I guess I misread the box...They said "dedicated remote switch" But were labeled USR1-W on the box, and didn't register when I read your article (which was a very good summary BTW, thanks!). So here's what I have to play with..
1x UCS-01 UPB Controller Scheduler-Timer 1x UMC-DB9 Computer Interface Module 1x ZPCI-B Phase Coupler Breaker Box 4x UML-20 Lamp Module 4x UMA-20 Appliance Module 2x US2-40 + ZS28O Transciever w/ 8 oval buttons 4x US2-40 Universal Dimming Transciever (Blank) 5x ZS25O Single Rocker/4-button Oval 27x US11-40 Single Rocker Dimmer 14x USR-40 Dedicated Remote Switch (not 40A)
I only have 4 or 5 3-ways, so what else can I do with them? Control UPB outlets ?

 

[LoPan12]

wow...okay, that was totally formatted in a nice readable fashion when I pasted it...lol

 

[LoPan12]

So I'm going to be exceptionally busy the next two months, but the way these are designed, I can simply replace a few switches every couple days, and not worry about more complex things like scenes for the whole house right? They will by default be able to act like normal local dimmers and switches until I get around to programming links and such, yes?

 

[Rupp]

Yes, they will work just like a normal switch. You should also check out HomeSeer as it can control your UPB, Schlage locks and Trane tstats if they are Z-Wave enabled. This way you have one central control point. HomeSeer runs on a PC just fine as well.

 

[tmbrown97]

Wow - that friend hooked you up with about $2500 worth of gear (maybe more)! I need friends like that!

And as for those remotes - you can use them with UPB outlets and even with inline relays and dimmers. If you have any locations with an end-of-run outlet (like my christmas light outlet was, as noted in that article) the UPB outlet with the remote switch is an awesome fix.

And yes - you can replace one switch at a time... typically you install the switch, put it in setup mode, then do at least the programming in upstart. The US240's don't work without being programmed (they're set to use/activate a specific link, so as soon as you installed your second one, they'd be "paired" - you'll understand when you dig in). I leave upstart on my HP MediaSmart home Server, which is in my wiring closet running headless; then I Remote Desktop into that machine from wherever I'm working - that way I don't have to screw with carrying around a PIM.

 

[LoPan12]

I've got old laptops that I thought about using as a PC controller...