Web Mountain RUC for UPB vs ISY99i for Insteon

[Odeen]

It seems that both the Web Mountain RUC and the ISY99i address the need to automate UPB and Insteon systems beyond simple keypads, but without any extra wires, an always-on PC or an expensive alarm system and its programming limitations.

The question is - what can the RUC do with UPB that an ISY99i cannot do with Insteon, and vice versa? Are there any compelling features that one or the other offers?

The way I see it, the RUC has some simple automation features, but is mainly a networked serial port plus a timer. The ISY might be better for actual automation programming.

Would it make sense to wait for the UPB version of the ISY? The only concern with that is the time frame, and the cost. The front-page deal for the RUC is $210. The ISY99 box alone is $250-$300, and the UPB version will likely require the Pulseworx PIP-TS, at $200+.

 

[Desert_AIP]

I plan on buying the RUC, I looked at the specs on the ISY99i but haven't found any docs to read the particulars.

Both sound very similar.
Both have the ability to configure their networks over the web and to issue timed and triggered commands.
The ISY states it has 300 programs, the RUC does 99 (TIM timer limit). I don't know if the other RUC trigger based links - daisychained links - are part of this limit or not. The RUC can have 20 delay timers running simultaneously.

The RUC is stated as having the functionality of the TIM-01 timer built in. Read the specs on it, the timer alone is ~$100.
The TIM is a pretty robust timer with links based on 3 categories, 4 execution schemes and has a random time generator built in for vacation lighting. I run the USC timer (SA version of the TIM) now with my OmniPro install to take the vacation program burden off the main controller.
However, I don't see the area in the docs for programming the timed events. I'm wondering if this is in a planned firmware revision.
You do set the time, lat/long etc. Thise things are for determining sunset/sunrise, which implies timed events are possible as stated in the spec sheet.
From the review here on Cocoontech (looks like the docs haven't caught up):
"UPDATE #2: Web Mountain has released a firmware update which adds support for scheduled tasks, based on time of the day, sunrise/sunset, day of the week, home/vacation mode and they also support a 'random' feature, which creates an offset between 0 and 30 minutes. This will allow you to create a schedule which makes it look someone is actually at home. "
Those are eactly the TIM commands.


The ability to daisy chain UPB commands is very powerful. Trigger a UPB command upon receipt of a link, with a settable delay if desired. Again, in conjunction with a dedicated controller, this can take some of the burden and leave the controller program lines for more involved automation. Or it can be used as a base line controller all on its own.
The ability to send e-mail based on received UPB is nice. Combined with an IO module to add relay control and dry contact or other inputs this can take be used as a base line controller in an all UPB install for some very powerful things, garage door notification, driveway or camera motion, etc.
The RUC has a second serial port and the processor has a wireless channel, both not yet enabled. The second serial port could tie in something like an Ocelot into a networked system. At a very low price point.
Ihe IP LAN port and ability to send individual UPB commands opens up the door for interface with very robust remote apps and IP based Apps on something like an I-phone or I-pad. This appears to be two-way if implemented properly.

The ISY specs don't mention e-mail or a second port.
I assume "triggered" events on the ISY are the same as the daisy chain links with the RUC, the ISY specs don't mention whether these can be delayed or not.
The specs don't sound much more robust than the RUC, but again I have not been able to read the docs themselves.

Bottom line they both sound very similar. Price advantage goes to the RUC.

ETA:
Looking at Lou's post below, looks like the ISY is much more of a controller than a programmable interface.
Probably why the price difference is so great.
Reading the docs, the RUC has an IR and wireless version coming plus an "advanced" version which may ultimately have similar functionality to the ISY.

 

[apostolakisl]

According to Michele at UD, the UPB version is supposed to be here by year end and will be the same exact hardware unit but with different firmware. It will only run Insteon or UPB, not both at the same time.

I don't know anything about how UPB links into the powerline. Insteon uses a 2412s power line modem. You will need some sort of modem for UPB.

As far as Insteon and I imagine it will be the same with UPB, there pretty much isn't anything that a switch can be told to do that ISY can't tell it to do. You can get very specific with complex programs that can be interupted if conditions change. There are a lot of nuances and you can get absolutely rediculously ornate in your programming if you want. Writing programs to accomplish the usual stuff is very easy, but a person with a good programming mind can get the ISY to behave in a very fancy way. It does organize your programs well into folders and you can write conditions for entire folders. Like a vacation or Chistmas folder for example but it can get fancier.

ISY does have email support as well as texting.

ISY accepts IR commands (ir model) and transmits IR with the addition of a global cache (network module required)

With the optional network module ISY can send/receive IP commands over your network to any IP enabled device local or www. If you know how to write that code you can do a lot with that. For most people it means that third party developers can write stuff that you can implement for all kinds of control. You can host static web pages on the ISY or store files that you just want to have web access to. It comes with a flash memory card which I think 500mb but you can switch that out if you want more.

There are several applications that interface your pc/ipad/iphone/similar device to the ISY with a nice gui. These are third party and continually evolve.

Also, ISY is supposed to have 100% Elk M1G integration in the next few weeks. This will open up all of the contact closures, relays, and other stuff Elk can monitor and control directly.

I really like the ISY a lot. Furthermore, there support is second to none. They will even schedule online sessions with you where you can let them log onto your unit and help you out.