skillet173

Thanks for information so far. Thinking I'll start with the insteon switches and go from there using Zwave as an alternative if needed. Looking forward to the build process but not so much new learning curve with ISY. It looks like the basic programming will be similar to the OPII. Do the insteon motion and "contact" sensors work well or are there better alternatives. Looking at them mostly for pathway lighting purposes and don't want a lot of "lag". Do you guys recommend purchasing directly from UD and insteon or do the Amazon vendors have reliable new up to date products? Thanks again for input!

Hey gang. I have recently purchased a new home and am in need of information before automating it. I apologize in advance for these and future questions! My last home I built and "homeran" wiring for 41door/window contacts/16motions/??relays/10fire and smoke detectors/2T-stats, ??UPB and X-10 switches, etc.. I had it all running on an HAI OPII system with about 150-200 lines of programs. It ran pathway and night lighting, burglar/fire alarms, HVAC setbacks, etc.. The system was pretty reliable even with the x-10 being the weakest link. So that's where I'm coming from. A house that after 18 years my wife and kids really had no idea what 90% of the wall switches did as they never used them. Now I am in a new house and in need of a new platform for automation. Obviously I can't go hardwired and I am considering the ISY994i w/Z-wave as a controller and either Z-wave or insteon switches and wireless motion detectors and contacts. The numbers will be limited initially as cost is a factor. I am also leery about PL signal loss having to bridge the 3(yes, 3) electrical panels in basement and the added cost of numerous slave switches. Builder/previous owner was owner of large electrical company, and house is electrically "overbuilt". I mean do you really need two switches for same hall light 5' apart?? NOT if you automate it!!! ? Will the insteon switches be able to bridge the panels if I have the PLM hooked plugged into one panel and a switch in another? I don't want to go and invest in the ISY and 20-30 switches only to have the hub not able locate/communicate with the switches. I have read that it should be okay as I have my own utility transformer in front of house feeding just me? (long driveway) With the numerous switches will I be able to just put one insteon per load in or will I need to replace others with slaves? I think I know the answer to this ans will probably preclude me from automation numerous light loads. With the wireless sensors and detectors will I need additional "boosters" for signal? I don't want to impeded on the wi-fi network if possible, if they even work on that or are they all z-wave now? Sorry been out of build/customizing since HAI went out of business years ago. That's my story and the questions I have for now. Thanks in advance for your assistance and knowledge sharing! Charlie