Upstart question -- scheduler

[upbphile]

I'm a newbie to all this. Invested in a new home and inherited from the previous buyer (dropped out) a bunch of home automation hardwares: HAI OmniPro II and lots of switches, HVAC, alarm system that came with it. I since have tried to learn more about this technology, and so far am hooked. I'd like to implement similar system, although not necessarily as robust, at my old house.

I've been able to do the following: using PC Access (dealer version), Upstart, installing new switches, including three-way, lamp module, 6-button controllers, basic programming via Upstrat & PCAccess & uploading to HAI OmniPro II.

What I'd like to do but don't know how yet: without having to install a controller at the old house, I would like to intstall dimmer switches and lamp modules (i.e., lighting control only) using only Upstart. I would like to be able to use Upstart as a timer / scheduler as well: to schedule certain lights or scenes to be turned on or off at certain time, etc... I know Upstart has the Visual Scheduler feature, but I don't see it anywhere in my version. I get the feeling I know the answer to this question, but would like ask anyway because I have not been able to find the answer in the last two days, despite earnest search: is the Visual Scheduler feature in Upstart turned OFF for end-user and only available to professional installers? Is there anyway around (legally & with all due respect)?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Michael

 

[Steve]

Welcome to CocoonTech Michael. I am not familiar with the Visual Scheduler or such in UpStart but even if it were there you would need to run a pc and UpStart 24/7 - not an ideal situation. For simple control and not wanting a full system like the OmniPro I think you would be happy with a standalone Timer Controller like this one. PCS also makes a few, even with a touch screen.

 

[Frunple]

I never knew there was 2 versions of upstart... always thought it was totally free.

 

[upbphile]

Thanks, Steve.

I did come across the timer/scheduler in my search, and was considering it. Reason for the Upstart as a scheduler: seems like an elegant interface where everything is displayed & configurable. I do have a dedicated PC running 24/7 because I have had a few internet cameras hooked up (prior to all this home automation) as security cams; the PC can also be logged on remotely for both camera viewing as well as file retrieving & remote usage.

By the way, on the PCS /PulseWorx website, on the download page, the manual for Upstart has a long chapter on the Visual Scheduler.
I get the feeling that Upstart is such a powerful software that, when coupled with a dedicated PC, can make the hardware controllers useless or at least not as appealing, and I also get the feeling that the Visual Scheduler is simply not availlable to the average consumer. Please someone prove that I am wrong.

(edited to remove quote from previous post)

 

[upbphile]

I think I've found the answer to my question, thanks again to Steve for reminding me of the Timer Controller. I guess I didn't read the manual from the PCS/PulseWorx website carefully enough.

Apparently, once Upstart recognizes the Timer Controller, the Visual Scheduler will be available for configuration; reason why I'm not seeing it is because I don't have the Timer Controller unit on the network. Makes sense, although I thought the Upstart + dedicated PC by themselves can do the event scheduling.

Once I get things all set up with the Timer Controller, I'll check back to update on this post.

Thanks again. In the meantime, I would appreciate anyone else's input / comment.

Michael

(edited to delete the quote from previous post)

 

[Steve]

I was thinking that was the case. UpStart is generally regarded as a setup/configuration/troubleshooting tool, not a control tool. But yes, it is very powerful and complete - perhaps the most powerful lighting control configuration software around.

 

[Event5]

Here are links to PCS timer product and other options from Simply Automated and Web Mountain. Only the PCS timers connect with UPStart for programming but the other choices have interesting features and a better price point. I installed 120 devices in a 9000 sq home with out a central controller. Only the Simply Automated timer/scheduler is used for automation.

Here are the links

Simply Automated Timer Scheduler



http://simply-automated.com/products/sa_UCS.htm


Automated Outlet page

http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...=145&page=1


Web mountain Products

http://www.webmtn.com/WebMtn_Product_Catalog.pdf

App. using the web mountain timer

http://www.hometoys.com/news_detail.php?se...d=11888089%2520

Timer assortment from PCS

http://pulseworx.com/timer_controllers_.htm

Hope this helps
Dave

 

[Event5]

I never knew there was 2 versions of upstart... always thought it was totally free.

Upstart is free. Each manufacture has tweeked their version of UPstart to support their products. The features available on products will change depending on which UPstart version you are using.

Dave

 

[upbphile]

Thank you, Dave.

As a follow up to my previous post, as well as to Dave's post, I found out a little too late that the Simply Automated Timer/Scheduler does NOT communicate with UPStart for programming; it does it by itself (an advertised feature), but it wouldn't even be recognized by UPStart. I tried to see if UPStart can recognize the SA timer/scheduler during "add device", but there simply isn't a way to put the timer/scheduler in the "set up" mode; guess it never meant to be.

As Dave mentioned, I think only the PCS timer will be seen by UPStart as an UPB device that can be programmed in the software itself. That's too bad. For the price of the PCS timer, I think I might as well go ahead and spend a little more for a full-blown HAI Omni (of some kind, perhaps Omni IIe), and to try to add to the network other bells and whisltes down the line (security, HVAC...).

It was still a good exercise.

Michael