Keyboardgnome,
The Smarthome Insteon switches are rather nice X10 compatible switches. I've been retrofitting with these for the past 2 years (I now have ~25 units).
I currently have Leviton (X10), Insteon and X10 switches installed. In terms of quality, I would rank them in that order. By quality I mean features, look, feel (true rocker action) and color options (Leviton and Insteon switches have color change kits). To be fair, you need to take into account that X10 switches are 1/4 the price of the others.
In terms of reliability, I've never had a switch fail (I'm knocking on the wood desk as I type this).
While I love the Insteon transmission protocol, It hasn't progressed to the point where I've begun using it (still using the X10 compatibility mode).
They are not without their own problems -
- Smarthome has had a nagging problem with the contact switches. They have just recently resolved this. Defective units are being replaced under warranty, but you'll want to make sure that you get the "improved" version. Checkout techmall.com for switch revisions
- The Insteon switches are Insteon and X10 2-way (they report on/off status in response to manual activation). Each unit repeats Insteon commands for signal reliability, however they do not repeat X10 commands. This means you have additional loading in the X10 frequency range (each switch is a signal sucker).
- All of the Insteon units require a neutral connection. I have a number of locations (bedrooms) without a neutral in the box.
- There are currently a limited number of device type out there (third parties are developing some). No Insteon version of a motion sensor (Hawkeye equivalent) or motion activated floodlamp (PR511 equivalent).
- Software and PC interface development has been slow. I've been waiting for 2 years for something close to the CM15a. Smarthomes first PLC was, in my opinion, a flop. They've recently introduced a PLM (requires a PC to operate) but it is limited to 417 Insteon links (Insteon devices must be Linked together to talk in Insteon mode). With my current installation, I'm already close to the max number of links for the device.
- Insteon devices may not utilize collision avoidance in X10 mode. I asked Smarthome months ago and have received 5 different answers (conflicting). The request is still being forwarded up the chain.
- The Keypadlincs (8 button controllers - while I love them) have a specific X10 mode firmware problem. If the secondary buttons are programmed to different houscodes (say A, B, and C), all of the buttons will respond to an all-off/all-on command to any of the housecodes regardless of how they are programmed.
- In the X10 compatibility mode, the Insteon switches do not use the "extended code direct dim commands". Instead they use an older "preset dim" command which ActiveHomePro (CM15a) does not support. You'll need to check with Charles Sullivan to determine whether the CM11a/Linux can handle a "preset dim".
On the positive side
- There are a number of 3rd party suppliers developing Insteon compatible hardware and interfaces. Universal Devices has a nice "PC in a box" interface (ISY-26) that has some real possibilities. Unfortunately it's pricey ($300) and still depends on the old Smarthome PLM (417 total #links problem).
- There is reportedly a new PLM in the works with expanded memory (more link space)
- Smarthome has always been responsive to both technical questions and requests for RMA's.
With all of the above, am I still buying Insteon products? The answer is yes. I've made the decision that the Insteon protocol is where I want to go. I am (not so) patiently waiting for the products and interfaces to mature, using the X10 compatibility mode (and the CM15a) in the interim.
In summary, if you are planning on sticking with X10 technology, and want an alternative to X10 brand products, I would recommend Leviton. If you want X10 protocol with a bridge to something better, Insteon is not a bad way to go. Just make sure to look before you leap.
Hope this helps,
Boiler
