Simply Automated UPB wirless solution

idua

New Member
I have a 5000sq ft new home with Simply Automated dimmers for all the lights. I use upstart and a wall scheduler and it all works great. Is it possible to control the lights and scenes wirelessly from inside the house or on the internet. I looked at WebMountain RUC but it looks a bit dated, An electrician installed the system and I am very happy with it but have limited knowledge. I am only interest in controlling the lights not tvs,blinds, sprinkler's, garage doors ect?
 
Thanks in advance-I already downloaded Home Control assistant but I don't believe it will work wirelessly with out the computer running.
 
 
If you don't want to tie into any other systems, then the RUC is worth a look - it's not the most complex device, but the app isn't bad.  It is exactly what you're asking for - an app that talks to the UPB and nothing else really.  I don't know how secure the RUC is for direct internet exposure - but VPN could be used or you could look into the security.
 
There are other interfaces to tie in to EnOcean or even X10RF as well if you want.
 
What's this "wall scheduler"?
 
The wall timer is Simply-automated UCS01 Timer/scheduler that plugs into the wall. What components would I require from X10FR that would be compatible.
Thanks
 
I have that wall scheduler, I like it.
 
All of the functionality of it is contained in the RUC, which I also have.
 
so with the Ruc I can make changed wirelessly from my laptop while at home or from work if I leave the computer running @ home?
 
Yes, over the LAN through the virtual serial port.

Off-site you'd need to forward the port on your router and probably need a DDNS service.
You don't need a computer running other than the laptop with UPStart, the RUC connects to the LAN.
 
Control from a computer actually isn't as nice, but the iOS app (not sure about other platforms) is actually pretty nice for direct control.  It's well organized.  That said, I was an early adopter of the RUC then lost interest, so I have no idea what's been done in the last 2 years.
 
I've seen that wall timer - just didn't recognize it by that name.  Most of us have more fully featured automation platforms so those functions are handled elsewhere... for instance, I don't need a timer with the Elk - I just tell it to turn lights on 1 hour before sunset and it automatically adjusts the time daily based on when sunset actually happens (no manual adjustments ever); it also handles xmas lights, etc.
 
WGL Designs has a bridge that goes directly from X10RF to UPB... X10 is kinda lousy; their RF works pretty well though if you take the powerline out of the mix - so that device marries an X10RF receiver directly to UPB skipping the X10 powerline schema making it pretty robust.  
 
The wall timer or RUC have one feature my Omni Pro doesn't, a random time generator for vacation settings so the schedule isn't strictly followed.
 
Thanks Work2Play- can you advise me on exactly which WGL bridge I should buy that goes directly from X10-RF to UPB and anything else I might need. I am hoping to be able to program upstart wirelessly on my windows notebook otherwise it is just as easy to plug the computer interface into the wall and my notebook.
 
Since I have so many other ways of controlling my lights, I don't actually use the RUC often - but one thing I do tend to use is the virtual serial port connected to it specifically for programming... so that may be a handy option.
 
The WGL product was the V572 - however I'm seeing that it may be discontinued now; it'd be worth emailing them to make sure you get it right. 
 
I currently use a W800RF32 through Elve to control some lights - it's extra steps, but infinite flexibility.
 
Desert_AIP said:
The wall timer or RUC have one feature my Omni Pro doesn't, a random time generator for vacation settings so the schedule isn't strictly followed.
 
That was the latest thing I coded into HaikuHelper... random lights during vacation mode.  Seems to work pretty well.
 
Found UPB Remote for IPhone or Ipod. I was thinking of getting Web Mountain RUC anyways. Also requires Etema serial to Ethernet $ 99.00
 
You can find it on google search: UPB Remote - by TpBoyce.
 
Total cost approx. $ 450.00 to control lights remotely. Does this seam reasonable? The other methods you gentleman have suggested would only allow me to make changes wirelessly on my computer using upstart.-or I may be confused.
 
Thanks for all the help and support.
 
Back
Top