Insteon With HomeSeer
- Thread starter JohnWPB
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I need a USB device for HomeSeer for controlling / receiving Insteon and X10 codes. What is everyone using?
Rupp
Senior Member
That's is correct and it doesn't work well at all when combined with the SDM.exe application. He would be well served to get a USB2Serial adapter.
123
Senior Member
I'm glad JohnWPB started this thread. Can someone post a summary of what's available and the key differences? Comments regarding a device's reliability would be greatly appreciated.
Two minutes of research tells me that the PLM (PowerLinc Modem) is the simplest device for connecting a PC to Insteon (RS-232 only). It provides a set of commands and relies on the HA software, via a device driver, to do all of the work.
The PLC (PowerLinc Controller) appears to add the option of acting independently (after being programmed). It includes an onboard clock, can retain programming, and relies upon the SmartHome Device Manager to serve as its Application Programming Interface (API). The PLC is available in two versions: RS-232 and USB.
Reliability? Quirks? No idea; can someone else elaborate?
Two minutes of research tells me that the PLM (PowerLinc Modem) is the simplest device for connecting a PC to Insteon (RS-232 only). It provides a set of commands and relies on the HA software, via a device driver, to do all of the work.
The PLC (PowerLinc Controller) appears to add the option of acting independently (after being programmed). It includes an onboard clock, can retain programming, and relies upon the SmartHome Device Manager to serve as its Application Programming Interface (API). The PLC is available in two versions: RS-232 and USB.
Reliability? Quirks? No idea; can someone else elaborate?
Thanks for the info guys.... but as 123 said, it would also be nice to know the quirks, advantages, and ones that HS does directly support. As for a weak X10 signal, that should not be too much of a problem, as the controller is within 10 feet of the breaker box, where I have a phase coupler repeater/amplifier installed. for the X10 side of things.
TonyNo
Active Member
I don't use HS, but I have had both the PLC and the PLM. I also still have some lingering X10 devices in my primarily-Insteon home.
I recently switched to the PLM based on reports of higher reliability (and my PLC dying). I also had troubles with the SDM locking up (the PLM does not rely on the SDM).
The PLM reliability reports may be true, but I am testing some alpha software that may be the source of my PLM lockups (happens sometimes after X10 commands are sent).
I can say that the PLM is much faster than the PLC.
I recently switched to the PLM based on reports of higher reliability (and my PLC dying). I also had troubles with the SDM locking up (the PLM does not rely on the SDM).
The PLM reliability reports may be true, but I am testing some alpha software that may be the source of my PLM lockups (happens sometimes after X10 commands are sent).
I can say that the PLM is much faster than the PLC.
Ok, I am a complete noob to Insteon. What is the difference in PLC verses PLM? Are there different protocols for Insteon? I take it there are different computer interfaces for each, and will one work better with Home Seer?
they are powerline interfaces for insteon and (i guess) x10
as i understand it (and i have both), the plc is connected via a usb plug to your pc - it has a task that runs on your pc (sdm.exe) that provides communication between the plc hardware and the pc application you choose to use - the plc also has memory available so a pc application can download a program into the plc - these are intended to allow you home automation even if the pc is turned off - the plc also has a clocking mechanism so it can know the date and time of day
smarthome provides the sdm for you "free" - they also have a "free" pc application ("timer" or something like that) that will allow you set up events and timed events and load into the plc
some of the problems with the plc - the sdm.exe interface hangs up - the free timer software has limited functions - the plc "loses" its "salad app" and "core app" - from what i read, its little cpu seems to be underpowered - and its most obvious flaw is that smarthome makes it
but if you have one and need to use it, an early insteon pioneer wrote an application to replace the "timer" software on your pc - and it seems to work for lots of people - search for kenm's in-home-fre (or something like that) - i think the author has dumped insteon and support of the application, but from my reading, its as reliable as it gets for the plc - the price is right too: free
the plm has the serial port connection - (at least the original ones do - i think there are others out there for usb but can't comment on those) - the plm can connect to your pc or other hardware (such as an isy) - it has no memory set aside for a program download nor does it have a clock - the plm does not need the problem plagued sdm.exe software interface - it provides a powerline interface and that is about all it does - something will have to issue commands to it and the plm will pass those commands to the powerline - that something could be a pc application or another piece of hardware (isy and such)
not to start a pee war, but the plm 'usually' works - the plc 'sometimes' works
early on, smarthome offered only the plc - and the only pc application was their housecrap - i mean - houselinc - we have more promises that there will be a new houselinc and a new plc that everyone will get free (if you purchased them earlier) - heard that many, many times before - so if you are one that believes smarthome's promises, a new plc should be available soon (promised by monday - lol)
i think smarthome gave up on the plc and quickly assembled the plm - at least until they could address the plc problems - most solutions available use (or are migrating to) the plm
neither the plc nor the plm have upgradable firmware so if problems are fixed, you get to buy a new piece of hardware because smarthome will say its an 'enhancement' - not a fix - you won't be able to get confirmation on IF a problem exists - much less chance of getting info on IF problems are being addressed (company policy)
at one time, the plm had a sticker with the firmware version on it - i think that has been changed to something new that blurs the hardware and firmware versions - i suspect because they were catching heat for the crappy plms that they were changing up (customers wanting them swapped) - i don't know if that is the case with the plc
as for the protocol, both speak insteon - its a proprietary protocol - if you want details on it, smarthome will sell you a membership in their $200 secret handshake club where all those secrets are revealed - i have read that many of the early insteon devices did not support the entire protocol suite - i don't know if the plc or plm does - neither support the magic "dual mesh" topology (meaning - they don't do r/f)
they both pretty much look alike
i don't use homeseer but i tried it with the plc (when i had x10) - i also tried it with the plm briefly after converting to craplincs - as i understand it, the plc plugin support is available "as is" - no further development for it - the statement of direction was to the plm - the plm plugin development was on hold for a time, but is back on track since the latest plm firmware release - from my reading, link management is outside the scope of the homeseer plugin (but the hundreds of other functions homeseer provides is outside the scope of other insteon controllers) - i don't think homeseer used the plc's program memory
so the answer to your homeseer question - which works better - is this: upb or z/wave
The short answer - if you're running HomeSeer, definitely go with the PLM. The PLC has the ability to execute scheduled commands (front door lights on, etc.) independently of a PC. But, if yuo're running HomeSeer full-time, you won't need that feature.
The PLM is a simpler interface, and the vast majority of people find it more reliable for them than the PLC. Earlier HomeSeer drivers coupled with earlier versions of the PLM had reliability/lockup issues, but the latest driver with the newer PLM seem to operate much better.
The PLM currently comes only in a serial version, but you can add a simlpe USB>Serial converter if needed.
The PLC could also be in a Serial version and some of my early PLMs are serial PLCs with different firmware in them. Smarthome didn't even swap out the PLCs daughter card for a PLM daughter card. Some of mine still have the Unused RTC chip in them.
You can still find the firmware version in a PLM. BusyRats free PLM test program; allows you to send the command to it that sends back all the data.
I used Ken Miller's InHomeFree; untill I changed to a ISY-99i from UDI. Yes it uses a PLM not a PLC.
You can still find the firmware version in a PLM. BusyRats free PLM test program; allows you to send the command to it that sends back all the data.
I used Ken Miller's InHomeFree; untill I changed to a ISY-99i from UDI. Yes it uses a PLM not a PLC.
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