Questions regarding Elk M1GSYS4S Automation

[holydragon]

Hello,

I've installed the M1GSYS4G system for security and have everything up and running fine. I am now considering automation and already have a few insteon light switches controlled by Insteon 2412N Smartlinc Central Controller.

I'd like to start doing some home automation.

I've been told that I need an ISY-99i... the unit costs close to $400 is there a more cost effective way?

What are the bare bones needed to get started with the lighting automation?

Are there more cost effective lighting switches available as well? I have a few virtual switches in my home and they've cost over $40 each.

Any feedback that you can provide would be greatly appreciated?

 

[Del91574]

Additional hardware would be determined by the overall level of automation and features you desire.

Basic functionality can be done via the M1 and interfacing that to an Insteon bridge.

 

[wuench]

There are two options to control Insteon with the M1. Using an Insteon PLM with an ISY or directly with an M1XSP. The ISY is the better solution, hands down. It has it's own rule engine, and you can completely program your Insteon devices through it. It would also replace your Smartlinc controller, so you could return that or sell it. The M1XSP/PLM requires you to program the Insteon the devices with outside software/controller so you would need to keep the smartlinc for that or use other software. You are likely going to have to do some duplicate link programming to get all the devices to syncronize status if you still plan to use your smarlinc controller and the Elk instead of just using the ISY.

So first make sure you are comparing all the costs PLM+ISY vs PLM+M1XSP+SmartLinc. If you still think the ISY is out of your budget, then you could always buy the PLM+M1XSP and then if you change your mind in the future, step up to an ISY and repurpose your M1XSP for something else like thermostat control, Cellular, etc. Or sell it.

 

[gatchel]

I would also suggest using the ISY-99. It makes up for some of the quirks when controlling insteon with the elk. I have a ISY-99i Pro/IR and love it. It's the best money I have ever spent on an automation product. I have used Houselinc (Booo) and Powerhome. The ISY-99 is nice because it doesn't require a computer. I have tried to keep a "No Computer Running Constantly" mentality with my HA and the Elk and the ISY-99 have allowed me to do that thus far.

 

[Digger]

The ISY is probably about mid range price wise for a controller (when all things considered) but feature wise it is probably one of the best. It is also well supported. I had high hopes for the Milightstyle to be equally supported but apparently PCS is not paying UDI to support it the way they do the ISY.

If your going to use Insteon the ISY will compensate for many of the problems inherent to the Insteon devices. I have been hearing though that the dualband devices are correcting a lot of the problems Insteon has had with comm failures over the powerline in the past. If you go with dualband devices you might have less problems and could get away without the ISY (but you wont have all of the extra flexibility).

Once the ELK module is released for the ISY it should be a very powerful combination well worth the money.