For Simply Automated, the question is always about providing our customers with the best possible solutions.
Based on our tests, we see that the existing ‘Gen I’ UPB solution transmits farther, is less susceptible to attenuation and what we believe to be the most common types of power line noise (e.g. 50k Hz ballasts/inverters and dynamic noise) compared to Gen II.
As many communication engineers know optimizing transmission and reception is a balancing act, modifying one affects the other. In the case of UPB, we observed that improved performance for specific noise sources (dimmers) comes at the cost of decreased sensitivity and poor reception of low ‘attenuated’ UPB signals.
For Simply Automated and our customers, solving noise problems is relatively easy (and far less frequent) in comparison to solving attenuation issues (far more frequent). To date we have been very successful, employing inverting phase couplers (even in multiple breaker panels) and if necessary noise-filter isolators (to isolate noisy and or attenuating devices) to provide our customers reliable solutions (i.e. good signal to noise ratios that ensure reliable performance).
What many people do not realize is that it is just as easy, and in fact more common for many high end home owners’ to plug in an attenuating device (a capacitive load, like a big plasma TV or a monstrous surge suppressor) as it is for them to plug in a noisy device. The perception of Gen II as noise insurance (especially in applications where noise is not an issue) may come at a cost of susceptibility to attenuation.
I’d like to add, all these issues discussed are few in number, rare in most UPB applications (except those with conventional dimmers, not completely turned off). With proper phase-coupling, one per house or breaker-panel, and a qualification 'Comm Test' from at least one UPB device (testing both phases of a home’s power line), noise or attenuation, if present, can be identified and addressed quickly.
For each customer and their application we believe the choice comes down to one of price vs. performance. It is Simply Automated’s mission to provide the best product solutions, in these terms.
If you have any questions or concerns we ask you to please call or write us directly.