Insteon 3-way setup

[htsource]

If I use Smarthome Insteon swithes in X10 mode, with 3-way switches, is there such a thing as slave switch? Or I'll have to use 2 idential switches to complete a 3-way circuit?

Thanks.

 

[gatchel]

No slave switch with insteon. You have to buy two of the type you need and cross link them to each other. Link a to b and then link b to a.

One switch handles the load and the other gets the load wire capped(red wire).

 

[BLH]

Also the Primary X10 Address you can assign to the switch is also send back on the powerline if the switch is manually toggled.
Like my SwitchLinc Relay on A3 sends an A3 AOn or A3 AOff when toggeled locally.
No there are no companion or slave switches with Insteon.
Cross Linking will use the Insteon Protocol but will do what a threeway setup should do; and the X10 will also work if assigned to the switches.

 

[htsource]

Now I'm not sure if I should go with Insteon or UPB. I have HAI which supports UPB. AutomatedOutlet has some UPB switches with slaves, work out to be the same as 2x Insteon switches. I was told I can have UPB and X10 working together. But with adding UPB weaken the signals for X10? X10 seems to be working quite reliable now after adding a phase coupler, don't want to switch them all yet.

What do you suggest?

 

[gatchel]

I think the rule of thumb is that the more transmitters you put in your wiring the more X-10 signal absorption there will be. The end result varies from user to user.

 

[htsource]

That's what I heard too, but how many is too many? So far I have around 25 switches installed (mixed with wall switches and plug-in modules). I'll have another 15 or so to install.

Maybe I'll go with the UPB for these new ones. Do I need any phase coupler with UPB as well?

Thanks again.

 

[Event5]

x10 and UPB can live together. It is suggested to get a phase coupler for UPB but it may not be necessary. Unlike x10s 4+volts signal, the UPB signal is 40+volts and I have been told, can travel 2 miles on the wiring. You may want to try it out in your home and do a servey. You can get a PIM and a lamp module, and download the free UPStart software and test your home for signal strength. Anything above a 9 on the 0-100 scale will work fine. As you move the lamp module around the house you will see what the strength is on each phase in different areas of your home.

Dave

 

[htsource]

Thank you Dave, in this case, I'm going to get UPB from now on.

With UPB, is there any concern of signal flooding the powerline?

Thanks.

 

[Event5]

Thank you Dave, in this case, I'm going to get UPB from now on.

With UPB, is there any concern of signal flooding the powerline?

Thanks.

If you are refering to x10 transmitting switches flooding the powerline I have not seen or heard of that with UPB. Do you have a need to transmit x10 and have UPB or visaversa? I installed UPB in a large home with over 100 x10 switches. We put UPB where there was some x10 problems. We used a Foard x10 to UPB Bridge. X10 scene controllers controlled the UPB and a SA UPB Scheduler/controller controls the x10.

Dave

 

[htsource]

I'll need to transmit x10 to UPB as I have some SwitchLinc Keypadlincs which I'd like to use to control some UPB switches. For automation I use HAI, so do I still need a bridge? Or I can set a rule with HAI so when it receives a particular x10 command, it will then do something with it (i.e. turning on/off corresponding UPB switch).

 

[Event5]

I'll need to transmit x10 to UPB as I have some SwitchLinc Keypadlincs which I'd like to use to control some UPB switches. For automation I use HAI, so do I still need a bridge? Or I can set a rule with HAI so when it receives a particular x10 command, it will then do something with it (i.e. turning on/off corresponding UPB switch).

Im pretty sure that would work. I have Homeseer and can do that.

Dave