UPB manufacturers
- Thread starter electron
- Start date
I started with SAI, since cocooners suggest it, and i so happy with them,it works. And let me tell you, i never deal with support like SAI provide.
They so paition with newbies like me, to explain what and where to connect. I have 0 knowedge in electrical stuff and was suprised that i can install them myself with SAI and cocooners help. Love SAI!!!
They so paition with newbies like me, to explain what and where to connect. I have 0 knowedge in electrical stuff and was suprised that i can install them myself with SAI and cocooners help. Love SAI!!!
AutomatedOutlet
Senior Member
As far as feel, that's very subjective.I personally like the feel of the SA switches too but others like the softer feel of the HAI switches too. Someone starting out with UPB should probably get one of each switch to see what they like the best and just return the ones they don't like.
AutomatedOutlet
Senior Member
Texas Saluki, thought you were Squintz for a sec, with that picture.
Flower Mound - right near Automated Outlet!
My parents and sister live in Flower Mound.
Damn, when are you coming for a visit????
LightenUP
Active Member
The folks at Web Mtn have been a huge resource and have been the main reason we have been successful in our adoption of this technology since 2005. We are even today still learning from them and are very excited for the new controller they have developed. Also, they have decided to spin off of the SAI firmware and update their units with GenII. It has made a huge difference in our installations and service. We just don't see as many issues from noise sources like pendant lighting, under counter, or dimmers through out the home like before. Every once and a while we may have hardware failures or communication problems but they are rare and the support Web Mtn provides has been outstanding.
I agree. I wish the manufacturers would come to agreement on the choice of colors on the LEDs.
I have been installing UPB switches and devices for about 6 years now. I have settled on PCS and HAI. It depends on the customers budget and planned use of the system. The smallest number of UPB devices per project has been 8 with the largest about 65. I have about 30 UPB devices in my own house. Along with a few devices of that other technology that has been around for about 35 years. Yes, I use some X-10. Only on outside lights. I will continue to use them outside until the supply that I have is depleted. When the box of the X-10 devices is used up, that's it. Their gone.
I just recently added UPB control of the sprinkler system with the Rain8UPB Pro. And controlling it with the OmniPro II. Works get.
Jay
Been using X-10 in my past three houses for over 20 years. My first X-10 products were BSR, really goes back a bit.
Have had good and bad experiences with X-10. With the right whole house filter and careful use of module filters I was able to get it to function. But, (big but here) any new device on the house power grid could set off X-10 issues caused by noise and signal attenuation. In building the last home 12 years ago I again used X-10 mainly because I could not afford better controls.
Now, 12 years later I am finally replacing this X-10 system. I have decided to replace it with a UPB based system. I am still disappointed that the cost has not decreased more. I have to replace over 50 controlled locations so the cost will be high for my budget. (and I am cheap, frugal, etc!).
So, I have purchase mostly Simply Automated devices. I like Web Automation products but they are often more expensive. PCS and HAI are way more expensive but I think better quality products. I have had a HAI Omni Pro since 1990 and have recently replaced it with a HAI Omni Pro II system. Both have been first class products and have worked well with X-10 control. I have had no issues to date with the control of UPB products and don't expect any. I am about half way though the replacement process. The delay is just trying to spread out the cost a bit.
X-10 hang overs.
Remote controls seem to be few and far between for UPB so I am using the various X-10 remotes I have. I am able to control the UPB units by using the UPB572 by wgldesigns.com.. Seems to work well so far and it has good range.
I still have 11 X-10 sensing spotlights that I would like to replace with UPB units but none seem to exist. I have seen DYI solutions and may be forced to take that route. I wired this new home myself and in doing so installed switches for each outside spot. So I can give up the sensing and just use a UPB controled switch. But, really like the sensing so that will be my last resort.
Overall, UPB as been a joy to work with. No issues to speak of, just a lot more programming to deal with. But that is the fun part.
Have had good and bad experiences with X-10. With the right whole house filter and careful use of module filters I was able to get it to function. But, (big but here) any new device on the house power grid could set off X-10 issues caused by noise and signal attenuation. In building the last home 12 years ago I again used X-10 mainly because I could not afford better controls.
Now, 12 years later I am finally replacing this X-10 system. I have decided to replace it with a UPB based system. I am still disappointed that the cost has not decreased more. I have to replace over 50 controlled locations so the cost will be high for my budget. (and I am cheap, frugal, etc!).
So, I have purchase mostly Simply Automated devices. I like Web Automation products but they are often more expensive. PCS and HAI are way more expensive but I think better quality products. I have had a HAI Omni Pro since 1990 and have recently replaced it with a HAI Omni Pro II system. Both have been first class products and have worked well with X-10 control. I have had no issues to date with the control of UPB products and don't expect any. I am about half way though the replacement process. The delay is just trying to spread out the cost a bit.
X-10 hang overs.
Remote controls seem to be few and far between for UPB so I am using the various X-10 remotes I have. I am able to control the UPB units by using the UPB572 by wgldesigns.com.. Seems to work well so far and it has good range.
I still have 11 X-10 sensing spotlights that I would like to replace with UPB units but none seem to exist. I have seen DYI solutions and may be forced to take that route. I wired this new home myself and in doing so installed switches for each outside spot. So I can give up the sensing and just use a UPB controled switch. But, really like the sensing so that will be my last resort.
Overall, UPB as been a joy to work with. No issues to speak of, just a lot more programming to deal with. But that is the fun part.
:hesaid:
Wow, I thought I was the only one that remembered BSR X-10(still have 1 that works) I too am transitioning off of X-10 to a mix of UPB and Z-Wave. UPB where I have neutral available and Z-Wave where I don't. My hangover is the "socket rocket" screw in fixture that I use in my walk in closets and unfinished shop area. There is a Z-Wave option but it is from a company Intermatic I think, that looks to no longer be in business. I too am struggling with the cost which is why I am just now finally captitulating fighting the X-10 signal demons. I use the slimline wall switches all over the house and will continue to do so via w800rf from wgl that is hooked to CQC to map to the "foreign" PLCs. It will probably take me 10 months to be rid of all the x-10 power line modules but I can only do a few switches a month so...
-Ben
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