what brand to buy
- Thread starter davev
- Start date
ASIHome
Active Member
There are pros/cons to each but some questions have to be answered first.
1. Are you planning on using it with an automation panel? Whose?
2. If using an HAI, are you going to customize or use a pre-defined setup?
3. Do you want multiple buttons at certain locations for controling other loads?
Those are just some of the questions.
1. Are you planning on using it with an automation panel? Whose?
2. If using an HAI, are you going to customize or use a pre-defined setup?
3. Do you want multiple buttons at certain locations for controling other loads?
Those are just some of the questions.
programmergeek
Active Member
They are all good, if you are using a HAI panel you will want the HAI switches there is a little difference inthe protocall to report to the pannel a bit better. Other than that they are all good I do like the HAI because you can configure the LED to be different colors, or off in a bedroom, sometimes people don't like any lights on. Simply automated is a bit cheaper if you are price shopping.
But yes you need to answer the questions above what you want to control. This question is to generic.
Steve
Senior Member
From my experience I would recommend 100% to make sure you use Gen II stuff. That eliminates SAI unless you use the similar Web Mountain. The PCS switches are IMHO a little better quality and a bit more configurable and also have a longer warranty - but they are also more expensive. If using an HAI panel, HAI switches are a good choice as mentioned. The nice thing is you can mix and match stuff with the only downside in aesthetics which really only comes into play for the switches themselves. For example, the only inline module I like is the PCS. So no matter what brand switches I would get, I would only ever get the PCS FMx modules. If you like PCS switches but HAI keypads you can do that (or vice versa).
So, go with what is important to you - if its best quality, warranty and features (at a price) then go with PCS, if its cost or usage with HAI panels (even though any switch will work fine) then go with HAI. If you absolutely need the changeable faceplates, go with Web Mountain.
And BTW, the LEDs on all brands are configurable for On/Off/Color, not just HAI.
So, go with what is important to you - if its best quality, warranty and features (at a price) then go with PCS, if its cost or usage with HAI panels (even though any switch will work fine) then go with HAI. If you absolutely need the changeable faceplates, go with Web Mountain.
And BTW, the LEDs on all brands are configurable for On/Off/Color, not just HAI.
drozwood90
Senior Member
I like SA.
They are a bit cheaper, can change the face plates (we use the split one to turn the switches into local / N-Way controllers), AND like all other UPB modules, can change the color / disable the LED.
--Dan
They are a bit cheaper, can change the face plates (we use the split one to turn the switches into local / N-Way controllers), AND like all other UPB modules, can change the color / disable the LED.
--Dan
I don't believe that there is any difference in the protocol. It's all in the way that HAI uses the links to accomplish their status reporting. I setup all my PCS & SAI switches via UPSTART to work within the link framework that HAI established and I now have 100% reporting from all devices.
Thanks for all the replies. Answers to question 1and 3 are no. Question 2 is I don't know because I'm new at this and I'm not sure what you mean by a customize or pre-defined setup. The only experience I have with lighting control are the old PCS smart switch. I have them in my home media room and have set a couple of scenes. I want to update the switches because I'm sure upb is more reliable.
