X10 and Insteon in same house

[htsource]

I have to replace some defective SmartLinc X10 switches with Insteon switches running in X10 mode. I have HAI Omni-II Pro panel along with Cortexa (I know they are kinda overlap somehow, bad mistake but what can I do now). Anyway, HAI doesn't support Insteon but Cortexa does. Can I get Insteon x2443 wireless access point bridges to start using Insteon protocol for all my new switches? Leaving the old ones still on X10? I'm pretty sure I can use Cortexa to do lighting control on both Insteon and X10.

Just not sure if they will co-exist nicely with each other? Much appreciate your help.

 

[oberkc]

X-10 and insteon work well together. Access points (2443) will bridge the two electrical legs for insteon, but not for X-10. Do you currently have a signal bridge for your X-10 devices? I have heard that certain models can hurt insteon performance.

I have access points and the 4826 signallinc repeater for X-10. All appears to work well together.

 

[pete_c]

I am currently switching over my X10/Insteon to UPB but have had it installed for a few years now. The X10 part was controlled by my HAI OPII. I used an XTB amplifier for the HAI X10 PIM (along with fuse panel signal bridges etc). The Insteon part (along with wireless bridges) was controlled via an Insteon serial PIM / HA server. They have worked fine together now for many years. I could always get to all of the X10 / Insteon devices with both PIMs connect adjacent to the Fuse panel except for 3 of the Insteon appliance modules. The Insteon appliance modules were about 20 feet from the Insteon PIM a few years ago. I gave up and re-installed the X10 appliance modules.

 

[htsource]

Thank you guys, stupid question is Insteon RF or powerline or both (based on what I've read the repeaters will pass signals from one to the other through wireless)? One other reason to consider Insteon is I have a few 10A FilterLincs and they got burned badly. I guess they can't really handle 10A even though the draw was only like 400W constant. I switched them to ACL 15A filters and they seem okay but I'm trying to avoid them if I can.

I do have ACT X10 coupler/repeater installed at the breaker, which it made a world of difference in terms of x10 reliability. Another reason for Insteon switches they look pretty good especially the keypads. They're great for manual control of other lights from one location.

 

[jhdale]

Insteon is both RF and powerline. Most devices are powerline only, some devices are RF only (e.g. motion sensors, RemoteLinc), some devices are both in the same device (e.g. access points, anything labeled Dual-Band).

Insteon devices with X10 addresses will transmit/receive X10 only over the powerline.

 

[oberkc]

is Insteon RF or powerline or both

Both. Either. Some devices (dual band) are both. Access points are both (bridge phases via RF, retransmit on powerline). Remotelinks and Motion sensors are RF. Most other devices (non-dual band) are powerline only.

I do have ACT X10 coupler/repeater installed at the breaker

I am uncertain if that particular model can cause problems with insteon. It may be worth a quick check at smarthome forum.

Another reason for Insteon switches they look pretty good especially the keypads. They're great for manual control of other lights from one location.

Agree. Agree.

 

[pete_c]

I am uncertain if that particular model can cause problems with insteon. It may be worth a quick check at smarthome forum.

I have both X-10 and Insteon Phase couplers (inside/adjacent to fuse panel) and haven't had any issues (that I know of).

 

[htsource]

Thank you guys I guess all my Insteon switches are powerline only, will look into getting the couplers and PLM module so I can control from Cortexa.

I have 3 dead spots where I couldn't get reliable x10 signals there, hopefully this will work.

 

[oberkc]

I have found insteon better than X-10 for reaching those dead spots, but not without limitations. Hopefully, this will work for you.

Still, I have found that certain electronic devices can cause interference with X-10 and, to a lesser degree, insteon devices. Is it possible that this is a cause of your dead spots? Filters can be your friend.

 

[priorityelectric]

I have to replace some defective SmartLinc X10 switches with Insteon switches running in X10 mode. I have HAI Omni-II Pro panel along with Cortexa (I know they are kinda overlap somehow, bad mistake but what can I do now). Anyway, HAI doesn't support Insteon but Cortexa does. Can I get Insteon x2443 wireless access point bridges to start using Insteon protocol for all my new switches? Leaving the old ones still on X10? I'm pretty sure I can use Cortexa to do lighting control on both Insteon and X10.

Just not sure if they will co-exist nicely with each other? Much appreciate your help.

Having everything trying to repeat is OK if it is only one command. If it is a string of commands you will be in trouble.

If you email me I will get you the place I get my Switchlinc from. Its online
They have most of the switchlinc switches in stock.
I am sure you you type in the part number you will find it online.
Do a search for
"x10 Smarthome Switchlinc UPB Insteon"
They will have it I am sure.
That way you can just replace your switches instead of reinventing the wheel.