HAI UPB newbie

[scorp133]

I'm just starting to get into HA, I have a HAI OmniProII controller set up waiting to be useful. My question is concerning UPB and lighting. I just installed vent fan in my bathroom that also has a light. Unfortunately I only have one lightswitch and running additional wires would probably mean tearing up tile. Was hoping to get around this by using a HAI 38A00-1 and the HAI 60A00-1 appliance module. So the Scene switch would control the load for the vanity lights and then link to two appliance modules to control the fan and fan light (independently of each other).

So first off is that possible? Secondly, can I only do this with the lamp or appliance module or can I do the same sort of link to a switch with the HAI 72A00-1 load control module. The fan has a length of romex attached and I'm assuming simply putting an end on it to plug into the appliance module wouldn't be to code.

 

[bmil]

The 72A00-1 load control module is a little overkill for a bathroom vent fan/light. Your best bet would be to use an in-line UPB fixture relay and an in-line dimming module. HAI doesn't make them but both PCS and Simply Automated do (PCS also has a dual channel model so only 1 would be needed for both the fan and fan light). Either way, make sure what you use will handle the current draw by the fan/fan light.

These can be controlled by an HAI keypad as you described. However, the HAI keypads can not directly connect to a load so you could not just replace your vanity light switch with an HAI keypad. PCS is the only manufacturer that currently has a keypad that can also directly connect to a load (big $$$). A cheaper switch alternative would be to leave your vanity light switch as is and use an HAI keypad mounted in a switch cradle (38A15) plugged in to an outlet on your vanity.

 

[scorp133]

Yes I realized that a hardwired 20amp control unit would be more than necessary. I was more curious if that could be controlled by a "link". If I can use the PCS dual channel module and connect to it with the HAI scene switch that sounds like what I want to do but I just couldn't find information on what pieces would work together.

If my OmniProII can control any UPB regardless of brand that does open up the choices a bit.

 

[bmil]

All UPB devices can be controlled by links so you're good there.

I don't use the HAI Omni (I use an Elk M1) but your Omni can control any UPB device from any manufacturer. I know the Omni line has a special HAI UPB mode that sort of "pre-configures" HAI switches and keypads in a sort of standard configuration based on "rooms" etc. But you are also free to use the UPStart software to totally customize all your UPB devices, links, etc. and control them with your Omni.

Good luck...

 

[scorp133]

All UPB devices can be controlled by links so you're good there.

I don't use the HAI Omni (I use an Elk M1) but your Omni can control any UPB device from any manufacturer. I know the Omni line has a special HAI UPB mode that sort of "pre-configures" HAI switches and keypads in a sort of standard configuration based on "rooms" etc. But you are also free to use the UPStart software to totally customize all your UPB devices, links, etc. and control them with your Omni.

Good luck...

So I have been able to set up HAI's plug in appliance module to turn on and off via the OmniPro console. I cannot figure out how to program links for the life of me though, everything is configured with HLC. I have one of HAI's 15 amp relay switches that I want to have also control the appliance module at the same time. Their documentation is about worthless and doing a search on the forums I couldn't find any info on how to set up links using only PC Access.

 

[ano]

All UPB devices can be controlled by links so you're good there.

I don't use the HAI Omni (I use an Elk M1) but your Omni can control any UPB device from any manufacturer. I know the Omni line has a special HAI UPB mode that sort of "pre-configures" HAI switches and keypads in a sort of standard configuration based on "rooms" etc. But you are also free to use the UPStart software to totally customize all your UPB devices, links, etc. and control them with your Omni.

Good luck...

So I have been able to set up HAI's plug in appliance module to turn on and off via the OmniPro console. I cannot figure out how to program links for the life of me though, everything is configured with HLC. I have one of HAI's 15 amp relay switches that I want to have also control the appliance module at the same time. Their documentation is about worthless and doing a search on the forums I couldn't find any info on how to set up links using only PC Access.

I believe in HLC mode you don't operate links directly, they are created for you.. If you use UPStart to create your links, the panel can activate or deactive these. What you do, for example, is create a button in programming and name it something like Party Scene. Then in the code for the button, activate link #1, for example, to activate party mode. (Look for something that says UPB Link.) That's how you do it.

 

[scorp133]

Sounds like even though I have all HAI pieces that I'll want to forgo using HLC and get the cable to set things up using UPStart and UPB.

 

[HAI_fjh]

I would strongly suggest you consider using the HLC mode especially if you have all HAI devices. It will make setup and status tracking/reporting MUCH simpler. I would suggest you do some reading. Take a look at the HAI knowledge base or some of the many articles that discuss HLC.

HLC does use links. HLC is a schema that imposes a structure on the UPB network. This structure allows the controller to know what loads are in what rooms and scenes, and automatically update the status of room controllers and house controllers with no additional programming. It allows the controller and your automation programming to differentiate between a load coming on because of some other automation or a user button press.

Now you can develop your own schema and set it up by hand using UPStart, then add a bunch of automation rules to update the status of certain loads when it sees certain links, but it it MUCH easier just to use HLC. (IMHO)

Many people use HLC then go in and tweak some settings using UPStart after the units have been configured. It is actually quite common.

 

[ano]

scorp133 I don't want to dissuade anyone from using HLC if you want to go that route. It works great for many, especially those that want a system up and running fast with standard features. Since you have all HAI components you have nothing to lose by trying it. If after you do, you have more need for customization, its easy to switch over to UPStart where you can control everything. The real decision problems come when you don't have HAI switches, and you have to decide between HLC with HAI switches, or UPStart with Simply Automated or Web Mountain switches. That is a tough one, and really depends upon your skill and what you want to achieve. If you have all HAI, start with HLC. You'll know pretty quick if you want to stay that route, or go fully UPStart.