What do I need next to control my RC2000

[PAPutzback]

I am thinking I need these

1. Interface Module Lets You Send UPB Commands Via HAI Control Panel or PC
2. Adapter Connects PC to UPB Powerline Interface Module for PC Control
3. One of the software packages to detect the UPB devices.

Or are one of the Omni Controllers require for all this.

 

[HAI_fjh]

The RC2000 thermostat is not a UPB device. It communicates with an Omni or Lumina controller via it's built in serial interface.

The RC2000 is a smart thermostat than function in a stand alone mode, or it can communicate with an Omni to provide additional functionality. Through the Omni you can control and monitor it remotely, from another room or even when away from home. You can add additional event driven functionality like adjusting the set points automatically when you go to bed, wake up or leave your home.

If I knew what you are trying to accomplish I could be more helpful.

 

[PAPutzback]

The RC2000 thermostat is not a UPB device. It communicates with an Omni or Lumina controller via it's built in serial interface.

The RC2000 is a smart thermostat than function in a stand alone mode, or it can communicate with an Omni to provide additional functionality. Through the Omni you can control and monitor it remotely, from another room or even when away from home. You can add additional event driven functionality like adjusting the set points automatically when you go to bed, wake up or leave your home.

If I knew what you are trying to accomplish I could be more helpful.

Ultimately I'd like to control the thermostat and lighting remotely. I don't have a lot of rooms to worry about. My house is about 3500 SQ Ft. with 1000 of that in the basement.

So which controller would best suit my needs. And what pieces to I need to tie the PC in to for remote management. I was thinking the WHS software would make the most sense with it being on 24/7. Or does HAI have it's own built in web interface?

 

[jharrell]

I would go for and Omni Pro II if you have any desire to expand into lighting and security later. No the Omni does not have web server built in, but does have a raw tcp/ip interface built in with 256bit AES encryption, and there is software for windows PC's and iPhones to directly connect to it if you forward the proper port through your router.

If you need web/html access then you will need WHS or web-link, which are nearly identical, or a third part solution. WHS is nice since it rides on Windows home server and handles dynamic DNS and has a SSL cert built in.

The Omni is rock solid and handles all my security/fire/automation, but I have it hooked to a home server for higher order, less critical functions, such as email and custom programming using their .Net API, I feel this is the best setup for reliability and flexibility.

The RC2000 can be controlled with straight serial directly from a PC without an Omni, you will need custom software to do this.

Ultimately I'd like to control the thermostat and lighting remotely. I don't have a lot of rooms to worry about. My house is about 3500 SQ Ft. with 1000 of that in the basement.

So which controller would best suit my needs. And what pieces to I need to tie the PC in to for remote management. I was thinking the WHS software would make the most sense with it being on 24/7. Or does HAI have it's own built in web interface?

 

[HAI_fjh]

I agree with jharrell go for the OmniPro II. That is our best controller. It has everything built in and will give you the most capability. I was a little hesitant to say that because I work for HAI and people automatically assume you are a company automaton. By the way jharrell the check is in the mail... ;-)

As far as any PC based solution, IMHO, I prefer a dedicated automation controller. I started with a PC based system. It was good but more than once due to PC problems I would come home to a dark and sweltering home. I know that may people use PC based systems and may take offense, but my Omni just sits in the wall and runs 7/24, 365 days per year. It just works. I have PCs that augment the basic function of my Omni, but the primary controller is my Omni.

My Omni uses a LOT less power than a PC, it's silent, doesn't need Windows updates every week, can't get a virus, can run for 24 hours on battery in the event of a power failure and will last for years after the typical PC has become obsolete.

The other thing is ease of setup. Let's say you have a Russound whole house audio system. Just run a cable from the Russound serial port to one of the 5 serial ports on the Omni. Go into setup and set the port to Russound. That's it. It selects the correct baud rate and protocol. If you hit the audio button on a touch screen it comes up with the Russound interface. No modules to buy, no drivers to load. The same for Nuvo, HAI Hi-Fi, Xantec, Speaker Craft, etc.

It is also very easy to configure lighting systems. We support several and all of the drivers are built in.

As far as the web interface, the Omni does not have a built in "web" interface. You have a couple of options, you can Web-Link 2 on a PC, or WL3 on your Windows Home Server, or HAI Home control on your Media Center. You can also use Snap-Link on a PC/laptop or Snap-Link mobile on your phone. Both of these solutions allow you to monitor and control your Omni without having to have a PC running in the house. They communicate directly with the Omni using it's built in Ethernet port. Again no additional modules or drivers needed. Or you can just call your Omni with your phone. It has a built in voice phone interface. It even works during a power failure. If you have a Pronto remote you can control it directly from the remote, and again no need for a PC. Unless you really want a "web" interface you don't need a separate PC running in the house.

In addition to the HAI offerings mentioned above there are third party solutions for your iPhone. All of out software is PC based, but if you are a MAC user most of our apps can run on a MAC using Parallels or VMWare or other PC emulators/virtual machines.

Bottom line you will have a lot of capability and a lot of options.

Sorry I guess I got carried away, but I like what I do and I believe in our products.

 

[PAPutzback]

So I need this:
http://www.discounthomeautomation.com/cgi-...-with-Enclosure

But I would still need an interface to this to control the objects attached to it, lights, stats and etc.

You said the OMNI sits there on the wall 24/7. But what does it do if there is no interface or am I missing something.

For instance, I hook my RC2000 to the OMNI II. How do I program the thermostat now. Still at the Stat or am I required to buy an interface along with the OMNI II.

Thanks for help.

 

[HAI_fjh]

You might want to get a starter kit that has all the little pieces you need like the power supply, battery, a console, etc.

Do some reading on how it all works and hooks together.

Perhaps start with:

http://www.homeauto.com/Downloads/Marketin...rn_About_HA.pdf

or

http://www.homeauto.com/Products/products_main.asp

Just browse the HAI site or ask specific questions on the HAI forum on this board for more details about specific items.

For example to control the thermostat you just run a cable from the Omni to the thermostat. If you look inside the RC2000 on the right side you should see the "COMM" connections (N/C, Black, Green, Yellow) I used a 4 wire cable (cheap phone cable) and just didn't hook up the red wire. On the Omni I hooked the wires to the correct terminals. For details, refer to the manual with nice pictures and everything labeled... Now the Omni can control the Thermostat.

There are many options each with their own advantages, and prices. It's like asking what is the best car? Well are you looking for an economical daily in town commuter, or do you need to haul 2 tons of gravel across the country?

 

[PAPutzback]

CAn you post a link to a kit. The only kits I saw included the thermostat. Which I already have.

I had a feeling I needed a control panel along with the board.

 

[jharrell]

For an interface you need at least the standard console keypad here:HAI Keypad, it can control all functions, and is actually quite fast once you learn the menu number sequences. They are pretty cheap but for much more you can get one of their touch screens instead.

I think all the kits come with a tstat, which is what I started with just the rc80, then upgraded to the rc2000 once it came out, which is by far the best tstat I have ever used even stand alone, great work HAI .


HAI_fjh,

I will be looking for that check, although I doubt it will offset how much I have bought from you guys over the past few years .

Seriously though I would never trust security/fire to a PC based solution and my Omni has never skipped a beat once since I installed it, neither has any any of the HAI products(tstat, switches) and have all integrated perfectly.

I do have to say it would be nice if the Omni had an embedded web server and could send email directly based on rules, perhaps the Omni 3 will some day .

CAn you post a link to a kit. The only kits I saw included the thermostat. Which I already have.

I had a feeling I needed a control panel along with the board.