What Insteon Control Software Is There TODAY?

[Herdfan]

Even so, that is still way better than anything SH has come up with. Even though it will not link as the responder, that is not a huge issue since my main objective is relinking after a Switchlinc failure.

So for example:

KPL Button C >> Switchlinc 1
KPL Button C >> Switchlinc 2
Switchlinc 1 >> KPL Button C
Switchlinc 2 >> KPL Button C
Switchlinc 1 >> Switchlinc 2
Switchlinc 2 >> Switchlinc 1

is setup, but Switchlinc 1 fails and is replaced. A factory reset of the KPL does not remove the Switchlinc 2 >> KPL Button C link. So if the software can do the KPL Button C to Switchlincs 1&2, then we are pretty good friends.

While this scenario is simple, if the KPL has 20+ links as mine have, all the incoming links are not affected by a KPL reset, only the outgoing. And if the software will create the outgoing links, then I will be quite pleased.

Still feel free to add the extra functionality.

Thanks for the replys. I will give it a try tomorrow for something to do while waiting for the game to start. B)

 

[toymaster458]

Toymaster,

Try closing all open instances of PowerHome and the Device Manager, navigate to the Device Manager subdirectory beneath the PowerHome directory (default c:\program files\powerhome\smarthome\device manager) and launch the SDM3.exe file. Once this DM launches, try launching PowerHome.

Next open the PowerHome Explorer and navigate to Devices->Insteon->Units. Right-click and bring up the "Insteon DM Control" window. Select your Insteon controller and then press the "Turn Discover Mode On" button. Go out to one of your devices and place it into "linking" mode. As soon as it enters linking mode, tap the button to take it out of link mode. Go back to PowerHome and "Turn Discover Mode Off". Exit the "Insteon DM Control" window and then press the "F5" key and see if the device that you just visited appears (it needs to be a device that you havent already manually added).

Let me know how it goes,

Dave.

Just cave it a try on a switch that was never linked to the PowerLinc. Show up in Smarthome but does not show up in PowerHome

 

[dhoward]

Toymaster,

It wouldnt happen to be a ControLinc would it? For some reason, I was never able to get the ControLinc to auto recognize.

When you say it showed up in SmartHome, do you mean the Device Manager window? Would you be able to email me the log from the DM? If so, Im sure I could get it fixed for the next release tomorrow.

Thanks,

Dave.

 

[toymaster458]

I sent them to your support email from your web site.

 

[Herdfan]

Dave,

Does the software "remember" each switch's configuration? So for example, I have an Insteon KPL linked to a dozen or so other Insteon switches. One of the switches dies, so I have to reset the KPL. Do I have to reset all the links manually, or does the software keep track of what the KPL programming is and I just need to remove the dead switch and replace it with the new one.

Another way of trying to explain what I am asking is for a KPL, is all the data contained in something like a table there I can go in and remove/replace one value and then resend/update the KPL with a new table?

Thanks

 

[dhoward]

Herdfan,

PowerHome remembers all of the Link settings. The next release (all because of you ) will have the ability to setup a KeypadLincs extra buttons as RESPONDERS instead of just controllers. This version will also include the ability to take care of your above situation. If a device dies, just remove it and replace it with a new device. Go to PowerHome, tell it the old device ID, the new device ID, and PowerHome will reprogram all the affected links for you automatically.

Dave.

 

[upstatemike]

If you are going to be editing links, is it possible to create asymmetrical links? That is, will Insteon let you edit a link so a module will respond to an OFF (lower paddle press) but not to an ON (upper paddle press)?

Common application is a room with a main light and maybe some alcove or other auxiliary lighting. when you enter the room and turn on the main light you don't neccesarily want the alcove lights to go on but if you leave the room you definitely want all the light s to go off when you flip the main switch on the way out.

I know you can set it up with a controller but it seems that the linking protocol should be robust enough to allow this without a controller being required. Can this be done with simple link editing? If not, can it be done through scene programming?

 

[dhoward]

Mike,

The Insteon link database doesnt support this type of linking. Basically an entry in the database consists of flags (is this a controller link or a responder link), the address being controlled or responded to, the group number, the on level, and the ramprate. There is no way within a link to say what commands it will respond to

I havent played enough with the X-10 side of Insteon switches so cant really comment on what can be done with X-10 scenes.

Dave.

 

[fitzpatri8]

That is, will Insteon let you edit a link so a module will respond to an OFF (lower paddle press) but not to an ON (upper paddle press)? ... I know you can set it up with a controller but it seems that the linking protocol should be robust enough to allow this without a controller being required.

Robust enough? Sounds like an obscure feature that would only generate tech support calls from people who triggered it accidentally!

 

[upstatemike]

Not that obscure. In fact a pretty common feature for a switch at the top of the basement stairs (or bottom of the attic stairs). It's just that a controller is normally required to achieve it and I was wondering if it could be done without a controller by editing links directly or using Insteon group commands somehow. I guess the answer is no so I will continue to use a controller for this scenario.