Looks like SmartHome started selling the ICON version of their Insteon lamp & appliance moduels. Both are $19.99:
2856S3B ICON Appliance Module
2856D2B ICON Lamp Dimmer
2856S3B ICON Appliance Module
2856D2B ICON Lamp Dimmer
Right now, Insteon uses RF to bridge phases and to bridge noisy or signal-sucking areas of your home power circuits. The same RF tranceivers are intended to bridge wireless devices like Insteon remote controls, motion detectors, smoke detectors and other wireless devices to the powerline, once people start building them.Gemini said:What am I missing here? I see RF receivers, and claims to excellent range using 900MHz, but what is used to generate the RF? I don't see any wireless remotes or palm pad type of devices. Other than using "existing X10" devices that do not take advantage of the features of Insteon, what /where are the options? h34r:
I can't say I see much difference between different vendors' plug-in modules. The Icon Lamp and Appliance modules have a "cleaner" look because they don't have a pass-through outlet on the front, but in most of my applications (usually hidden behind furniture a few inches above the floor), the Lamplinc and Appliancelinc pass-through outlet lets me avoid adding a cord octapus or power strip.Mike said:One piece of feedback I can give regarding these (which are similar in looks to the full versions): My wife happened to love the control and being able to turn it on from the nightstand (overhead, and lamps on the dresser, etc). The units were not visible, and everything was great.
When I setup a controllinc and lamplincs for some lighted topiaries she had, which happened to to be placed near an outlet where the control would be seen, I got a very negative reaction.
Consider this if you have a discerning spouse... They are rather noticeable.
On the other hand, I think I understand why there are not any plug in modules: consider the issues with appliance lincs, and how can you 'ensure' that outlets are used for only lamps currently? Regardless if this is right or not, I'll solve the aesthetic problem with outlet modules when they are ready.
So things are being developed...ok, but how would a general consumer know what outlets to plug them into to achieve the RF bridge between the two phases. Luck or just law of averages?fitzpatri8 said:Right now, Insteon uses RF to bridge phases and to bridge noisy or signal-sucking areas of your home power circuits. The same RF tranceivers are intended to bridge wireless devices like Insteon remote controls, motion detectors, smoke detectors and other wireless devices to the powerline, once people start building them.Gemini said:What am I missing here? I see RF receivers, and claims to excellent range using 900MHz, but what is used to generate the RF? I don't see any wireless remotes or palm pad type of devices. Other than using "existing X10" devices that do not take advantage of the features of Insteon, what /where are the options? h34r:
Tom