Looking for comments on Cortexa

[Frunple]

Hello all,

I recently installed a Cortexa system for a customer, first time I ever used one, and I was wondering if anyone else here has any comments on them?

I have to say, it sounded like a good system at first but now that its up and running I find that even the subsystems they "say" are supported, aren't.
Particularly Z-wave.

Anyone else use these yet?

 

[snhroc]

I have a Cortexa system on the way for my own home. Will let you know hos its working out once I get it going, but I have no Z-Wave. Insteon/Aprilaire/Elk/Cameras will be my initial subsystems

Hello all,

I recently installed a Cortexa system for a customer, first time I ever used one, and I was wondering if anyone else here has any comments on them?

I have to say, it sounded like a good system at first but now that its up and running I find that even the subsystems they "say" are supported, aren't.
Particularly Z-wave.

Anyone else use these yet?

 

[Frunple]

I got a feeling you're gonna have a problem with the Insteon stuff. At least thats what I took from them pushing me towards UPB when I asked about Insteon.
Can't say for sure about the Elk but it's a good thing you aren't using DSC as an alarm. The cortexa will be able to arm/disarm and monitor the zones on a DSC system but you can't use an of the zones as triggers, kinda kills half of the reason for having the alarm.

 

[neilgreene]

I have been considering a Cortexa system as well. I currently use a Niles 8630 (six zone audio/video receiver --- might upgrade to an Elan System 12) for whole house audio/video distribution and I have Windows Media Center as well. So, I like the idea of not buying touchscreens for all of the rooms, and instead just connecting to my Windows Media Center and pulling up my Whole House Automation system.

I am interested in any feedback on Cortexa's use as well, and especially issues with various integration as noted with triggers. I am considering:

• Elk/Hai Security
• Insteon (lights and shades)
• Aprilaire (HVAC control)

However, I am currently using mControl which also integrates into Windows Media Center. And I am having some difficulty in paying $1,700 - $2,500 for Cortexa when I really don't want the PC, I just really want the software.

 

[Frunple]

However, I am currently using mControl which also integrates into Windows Media Center. And I am having some difficulty in paying $1,700 - $2,500 for Cortexa when I really don't want the PC, I just really want the software.

I actually asked about just purchasing the software also...never got a reply. Thats another problem with them, they only have one guy for tech support and I think he may be a little over worked, I got a callback from him at 10:30 one night and he was still in work!
Believe it or not, the hardware is actually pretty good, they're running FreeBSD so it's definitely reliable, a lot more than Windows based solutions like that Homeseer unit. They use Epia mini-ITX EK8000eg mainboard which I have nothing but good to say about.
As for the MCE plug-in, that actually works great. It fits right in with the whole Media Center "feel".

 

[TheNewGuy]

I've put in 6 of these. They rock. I used to use HAI, but it doesnt even compare. The best music System they support is the Nuvo Grand Concerto. DSC is fine if you're on budget, and it will allow you to trigger events with the opening and closing of zones. Insteon is terrible. A lot of the switches are bad out of the box. As far as tech support goes, give the guy a break. I know him personally. He runs his own business, and does tech support for cortexa, and he is the best, hands down. You will not ever in your life find someone more knowledgeable about automation. And UPB is the best "wireless" lighting system on the market.


E

 

[Ranger Digital]

newguy, some will argue with you on Luttron not being the best wireless and they would have a good fight. Personally, hard wired is just the best solution for lighting period.

 

[Frunple]

newguy, some will argue with you on Luttron not being the best wireless and they would have a good fight. Personally, hard wired is just the best solution for lighting period.

Also on the DSC. I've talked to many who use the combo and none of them will trigger.
makes me wonder since you say your a friend of theirs, and this is your first post, because they admit theres a problem with the DSC.
Your comments are taken with a grain of salt.