Insteon outdoor lighting control - ISY-26, ISY-99i, Elk or other?

[corkypa]

I have an Insteon 2414U that faithfully turned on and off our outdoor lights for several years, but it stopped working, and my attempts to program it didn't work (the software tried to set the timers, but it never took). I need to do something about it, and I'm thinking of getting something stand-alone so when we finally sell the house, the automation won't require someone with Linux sysadmin skills to run it.

What I'm looking for is:

- Turn outside lights on at dusk and off at dawn.
- Program some lights to go on when we are away.
- Integration with my Elk M1 Gold so it can turn the lights on or off in response to sensors would be a nice-to-have.

I have only 10 light switches to control, and I'm not interested in any scenes.

I have an ELK M1 Gold mounted on the wall, but currently unused, and an Insteon 2414S attached. I meant to try to get it controlling the lighting, but never got around to it. I don't know if that would be reliable, or would have problems. I gather ELK can work in some fashion with the Universal Devices boxes.

What would be my best options be here? Get the ELK working with the 2414S? Get a cheap refurb ISY-26 off of eBay (for about 1/4 of the price of an ISY-99i) because that is sufficient for my modest needs? Go ahead and pay for an ISY-99i even thought I won't use more than a fraction of what it can do?

 

[WayneW]

IMHO, the best option is to go with an ISY of some flavor. The ISY-26 can certainly get you going and is a great device. Firmware updates just recently ended for the ISY-26. UDI is working on full Elk integration (if that interests you), but that will only be available to the ISY-99i.

 

[oberkc]

I second the ISY-99. The only problem is that you will then feel compelled/addicted to find newer and greater uses for your system. It is great fun.

 

[corkypa]

I know you need to be cautious buying end-of-life items, but I'm thinking the ISY-26 may be all that I need right now. Would an ISY-26 work with an 2413S, or an EZIComm, given that 2412S PLM's are no longer available?

 

[apostolakisl]

Ditto on ISY.

As far as isy26 working with newer PLM's, if you post your question on the universal devices forum you will get an anwer by Michel in a few hours at worst. They are very responsive, even on Sunday.

 

[Madcodger]

I just sold a house with 70+ Insteon switches, with an ISY-99i tied into an Elk M1G. I decided on that configuration because I wanted to be able to turn it over to a new owner one day. When I used the system I also used HomeSeer, but set it up so that HS could be removed from the "equation" without causing problems (used it for motion sensing, weather, etc). The new owner does not appear to possess high-level technical skills, but so far has figured everything out pretty well. I've had one or two calls (I offered up my number and email) but after he got the initial hang of working with the ISY and ElkRP, he seems to be doing well. Just thought I'd throw that out there as some evidence that your approach can work. I echo the ideas about an ISY and U-D's support. If you email them via the forum you'll get an answer and help - very good to work with.

Joe