Taking control of installed UPB system

[sgmidf]

I'm a newbie to UPB systems having setup only X10 systems previously. We just had some landscape lighting installed using Web Mountain UPB ( TIM-01-A timer with the outdoor lights plugged into a WM wall receptacle). My X10 setup has reliabilty problems so I brought up switching some lighting controls over to WM UPB. The salesman quoted prices of $300 per switch, which seems a bit outrageous as the WM SW-7 switch and faceplate should be <$100 MSRP. I don't mind giving him some profit but I can't justify this amount (I'd need ~3 SW-7switches and an SW-3 for a 3-way light). I've emailed him to see if we can compromise, but if he won't and I want to do it myself, will I need to duplicate his system with a new TIM-01 or can I just use software to use the one I have. I'm trying to see if this is at all cost effective or I should work more on my X10 systems reliabilty with a phase coupler/repeater.

Thanks. I tried a search but didn't find this addressed.

 

[Steve]

From 1 SteveM to another... Ditch x10 for sure. Buy your own UPB modules and we can walk you thru setup. $300 to replace a single switch is absolutely ridiculous.

 

[sgmidf]

Thanks. I like to support local companies so I wanted to see what he'll do price-wise. I wasn't sure if the install he did would somehow prevent me from adding my own modules but you make it sound like it won't. Would I need anything more than the UPStart software and the modules/faceplates?

 

[dBeau]

I'm a newbie to UPB systems having setup only X10 systems previously. We just had some landscape lighting installed using Web Mountain UPB ( TIM-01-A timer with the outdoor lights plugged into a WM wall receptacle). My X10 setup has reliabilty problems so I brought up switching some lighting controls over to WM UPB. The salesman quoted prices of $300 per switch, which seems a bit outrageous as the WM SW-7 switch and faceplate should be <$100 MSRP. I don't mind giving him some profit but I can't justify this amount (I'd need ~3 SW-7switches and an SW-3 for a 3-way light). I've emailed him to see if we can compromise, but if he won't and I want to do it myself, will I need to duplicate his system with a new TIM-01 or can I just use software to use the one I have. I'm trying to see if this is at all cost effective or I should work more on my X10 systems reliabilty with a phase coupler/repeater.

Thanks. I tried a search but didn't find this addressed.

I'm trying to give your salesman the benefit of the doubt here. So at $100 for the switch and face plate and 20mins to install at $100/hr and 20 mins to program it at $100/hr we're still looking at only $170/switch. So, if he's not doing the job himself... and cost of materials and labor plus his 100% markup... sure, $300/switch sounds about right. When would you like me to start?

Seriously, UPB is a great system and cant really be "locked down". Get yourself a copy of UPstart and have at it... or at least negotiate a better deal.

 

[nexus99]

I'm a newbie to UPB systems having setup only X10 systems previously. We just had some landscape lighting installed using Web Mountain UPB ( TIM-01-A timer with the outdoor lights plugged into a WM wall receptacle). My X10 setup has reliabilty problems so I brought up switching some lighting controls over to WM UPB. The salesman quoted prices of $300 per switch, which seems a bit outrageous as the WM SW-7 switch and faceplate should be <$100 MSRP. I don't mind giving him some profit but I can't justify this amount (I'd need ~3 SW-7switches and an SW-3 for a 3-way light). I've emailed him to see if we can compromise, but if he won't and I want to do it myself, will I need to duplicate his system with a new TIM-01 or can I just use software to use the one I have. I'm trying to see if this is at all cost effective or I should work more on my X10 systems reliabilty with a phase coupler/repeater.

Thanks. I tried a search but didn't find this addressed.

I'm trying to give your salesman the benefit of the doubt here. So at $100 for the switch and face plate and 20mins to install at $100/hr and 20 mins to program it at $100/hr we're still looking at only $170/switch. So, if he's not doing the job himself... and cost of materials and labor plus his 100% markup... sure, $300/switch sounds about right. When would you like me to start?

Seriously, UPB is a great system and cant really be "locked down". Get yourself a copy of UPstart and have at it... or at least negotiate a better deal.

As a cost comparison... HAI UPB swiches are 55 bucks out the door and they are easy to install and config yourself. I do already have the panel though. Even 100 bucks a switch seems high to me.

 

[programmergeek]

I like the HAI upb switches but if you don't have a netural there may be a bunch of extra wiring involved hence the price. I do recomend them but you MUST have neturas and power int he box. If not you need to go another way.

 

[nexus99]

I like the HAI upb switches but if you don't have a netural there may be a bunch of extra wiring involved hence the price. I do recomend them but you MUST have neturas and power int he box. If not you need to go another way.

+1