Teken

Hello Bert, Below is my interpretation of the following features as the developer notes have once again been pulled from the Insteon website?!? Smart Hops: Newer devices which support Smart Hops (Dual Outlet / On-Off Plugin Relay) will dynamically reduce the amount of hops if the transmission warrants or increase it based on the 3 hop limit. Send Cleanup Message: If this feature is enabled it will send the group message clean up dynamically. Blink on Error: If the end device does not Ack after the 3 hops the sending device will blinks its LED red indicating a communication issue. If the end device receives and operates as expected the sending devices LED will blink green. RF / Power Line: Each feature can be enabled - disabled which essentially could mimic RF only devices like Z-Wave / ZigBee. The ability to disable the RF was primary driven by consumers who either don't want RF or wish to reduce the amount of RF pollution in their homes. Having the ability to turn off power line helps in those fringe cases where line noise can't be filtered out. So using the RF portion only could ideally solve those comm issues. Please let me know if there is anything else I can offer insight to.

It should be noted the August company released a WiFi bridge a few months after the lock set. This essentially allows a person to control the lock world wide. Lastly, assuming the API is open and has the parameters to use the ISY Network Module features this may be an option for integration of the two. You will need to do some research or engage the vendor about those specifics though. EDIT: Forgot to include the link to the WiFi bridge product: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/august-connect-ac-r1-adapter-for-august-smart-lock-white/4640209.p?id=bb4640209&skuId=4640209

Another thing to keep in mind is given the emergence and development of smart door bells. Please consider having CAT5e / CAT6 cable run with the standard door bell wire. Doing so will allow POE for any smart hardware coming down the pipe. ========================= The highest calling in life is to serve ones country faithfully - Teach others what can be. Do what is right and not what is popular.

If you're looking for a Type 3 point of use SPD (Surge Protection Device) these two products have been field proven and do not take up additional space as its an outlet. The Leviton SPD outlet comes in various flavors and depends upon your use case and to some extent finances. They come in various colors to match your decore and can be had in residential, commercial, and hospital grade. I personally use both commercial and hospital grade versions and some have isolated grounding systems. I also prefer to use the ones with an internal siren as it allows me to know if and when the device has been damaged and tripped. http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ProductDetail.jsp?partnumber=8280-IGW&section=39994&minisite=10251 The next one is the Panamax MIW Surge 1G - This Type 3 SPD outlet incorporates a state of the art proprietary *Protect / Disconnect* electronics with in its housing. Meaning should the voltage exceed a defined threshold instead of failing open as many other products do via MOV's. This product will disconnect the power line from the outlet and thus can be used over and over again with out sacrificing itself to protect the end components. http://www.panamax.com/Products/In-Wall/MIW-SURGE-1G.php The next one is the Tripp-Lite ISOBlok which is plugin outlet enclosed in a metal frame. I have many of these devices inserted into custom box's which are wired directly to the end devices. This allowed me to protect uncommon devices like the furnace, central exhaust, light fixtures, and any other electronics I deemed important. https://www.tripplite.com/isobar-2-outlet-surge-protector-direct-plug-in-1410-joules-3-diagnostic-leds-4-in-height~ISOBLOK20/ The last one is the Cooper branded Type 3 SPD which offers a unique replaceable modules. Should the outlet ever fail due to a high voltage condition the surge component module can be replaced. It should be noted regardless of the SPD's in place proper grounding of the homes electrical system is paramount. Ideally the homes grounding system should indicate a resistance of below 25 ohms. This (25 ohm) value is directly impacted by the type of soil conditions, depth of ground bar penetration, and the area coverage it uses for a ground plane. Other things to note is none of the above SPD's in my testing and long term use have impacted the Insteon power line signal with one caveat. Do not string more than one of the SPD's outlets in a branch circuit unless its at the end of the line. As the filters with in the units will add up enough to absorb the power line signal. You don't have to ask how I know this . . . Lastly, regardless of the *Standard* SPD in use it will not protect the home or attached devices against one of the most common electrical faults seen in a home. Which is a electrical sag / lull which many people call a brown out condition. A low voltage condition will *A typically* cause unregulated devices to draw more current when line voltage drops. This increase in current / amps will quickly melt and blow out electronic components. The only protection against a voltage sag / lull is to employ UPS systems which are so rated to kick in and cover for those conditions.

I would definitely engage the builder to find out the specific model being considered and do some research on the unit. You don't want to find out a dual stage furnace can't operate correctly with a 3rd party TSTAT if you decide to bring your own. I believe Scott can offer some insight about his experience with the Honeywell and how its tied to his furnace. Some of the proprietary use a data link which must be connected for the entire furnace to operate correctly. Whereas others simply rely on the data cable for extra diagnostics and not basic operations of the HVAC system. You don't want to find out later on you can't use your NEST, Venstar, EcoBee, Honeywell, etc

So true and I apologize but his screen name wasn't very common . . .

Yup, doing the super structure and infrastructure like water, gas, electrical that is sized properly just makes sense and doesn't add much when you compare it to doing it later. Which is often times next to impossible or cost a arm and a leg . . . One of the most important things you can ever do or ensure is that the HVAC system is calculated properly in terms of pipe diameter, run length, and how many turns are in the system. At this juncture most if not all good HVAC installers should be sealing all pipes and returns with aluminum tape or applied mastic glue. This ensures every CFM is being sucked and blown in the home and reduces the need for zoned systems. Many if not all areas already insist upon 92 and above efficient furnaces so consider spending the money on 92 plus. Oh, and don't get locked into a proprietary HVAC system which requires their TSTAT!

Agreed, depending upon the builder if they are *Track Builders* anything outside of fixtures and outlets some of this may be hard to ask for. But asking is free and some items like conduit is just nothing but plastic pipe of various diameter installed in central to specific locations in the home. A hurricane garage door can always be done later but if you can't just ensure its the highest R rate door. Things like insulation are just easy to do and don't normally get turned down even the roofing elements I suggested. The items which will get flagged is ICF for the foundation if they don't have any experience in doing so. But I am hard pressed to think of anyone in the industry that doesn't know or have experience in doing so. The MS Delta Wrap is industry standard for most and like the exterior wall which many cheap builders use tar paper for the air barrier. Please insist upon them installing Tyvek building wrap or similar . . . Again, this material costs only a little more but the performance and value it offers long term can not be understated. Essentially this is a rain coat for the home which allows moisture to leave but will not allow water penetration. This allows the home to breath and vent naturally over the course of its lifetime regardless of what outer shell you apply over it. Mechanicals like what type of hot water heater really comes down to the consumer paying up front. There isn't a plumber that doesn't know how to install any of the suggested items. It really comes down to either roughing in the infrastructure for later use or at least select the best balance of the three that fits your costs and needs. Like my partner in crime he had the foresight to have the plumber install the largest diameter gas feed to the home. Just doing this at the beginning allowed things like a generator, IHW to needs to have the proper gas diameter supply so things just to keep in mind. Which also translates to the homes service panel if the house is already huge its not an issue. If its a modest sized home under 1500 square feet regardless ensure a 200 amp service panel is present. This ensures almost any renovation and electrical appliance can be added with out issues down the road.

LMAO, OK your killing me . . . I shall endeavor to leave this fine thread . . .

No, your right and I personally apologize to anyone I may have offended with my choice words. It should be noted I don't use the word *Stupid / Imbecile* lightly when I reply. Both of these words have true meaning to me because I have been around thousands of people who absolutely meet, resemble, and act out these phrases. Stupid Defined: Lacking intelligence or common sense . . . I will add that this specific word / phrase embodies what frustrates me more than anything these days. Because often than not its not that people are ignorant or don't have enough knowledge. Its the very fact they ignore all the facts and technical data that support a position that doing anything else is simply going out of their way to be stupid. Many people can be forgiven when they don't know something that is most aptly phrases as being ignorant. But when you know better and have the capacity to learn, and know better and choose to ignore all logic and the rare element of *Common Sense* this again places the phrase / label of *Stupid* on said person(s). Some would say this is a personal choice, sure . . . But when history has proven said choice(s) are detrimental and harmful this again indicates a lack of understanding and common sense in all aspects. Some would say its indifference or my inability to accept that others will choose other avenues. Sure, but that is only because I see the train wreck coming and want others to be safe and enjoy life as long as possible.

LOL, I quoted you and you didn't even thank me!

Not a problem keeping in mind considering this is a obvious long term investment the little extra you pay out now will soon be forgotten in a year. It should also be noted most city / towns have NEC / CEC electrical codes which already mandate how many outlets per foot in a living space must be present. In some areas all you're going to do is add an extra outlet but this will be a dedicated one for what ever you wish like office, movie theater, AV system, network infrastructure. In most parts of North America its not very common to install 12-2 / 12-4 Romex for all outlets. But doing so ensures you always have enough ampacity to plug in and use what ever you like. Even if you can't do the entire home with 12-2 / 12-4 wiring select key areas which make sense to you. The next replies aren't at all related to Home Automation but are important to me and hope some of this helps you enjoy your beautiful home for a very long time because it offers a lifetime of protection and energy efficiency which reduces long term costs. Roof: Consider having the builder install a three layer system which is ice shield, membrane, and metal shingles. All three will ensure a lifetime of protection for the home and it will never blow away if installed properly. Attic: It really doesn't matter where you live but ensure the company installs a minimum of R-60 and above in the attic space. Again if you can choose select Roxul if not have them blow in cellulose insulation as it reduces heat soaking and conductance when compared to fiber glass. Foundation: If finances can allow consider using ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) as this ensures both sides of the foundation is insulated which again reduces energy costs and the home will always be warmer / cooler all year round with out added expense. Please also consider asking the builder to install MS Delta Wrap membrane around the foundation wall. This is essentially a rain coat which is applied after the tar coating to ensure water penetration can never happen even if the foundation wall cracks. Weeping Tile: Almost every home built today uses a perimeter weeping tile system. Many of the installers simply place the plastic pipe around the foundation and apply clean 3/4 crushed rock. Please have them install a weeping tile *Sock* this is basically a white fabrique that covers the plastic pipe which acts like a screen to ensure mud and debris doesn't clog up the weeping tile system. Drywall: Many places in North America already have codes which mandate the garage have a fire break using X-rated drywall. This drywall is specially formulated to reduce the spread of fire but consider having the builder install it in key areas of the home. I did this to my entire home to ensure a measure of safety and give my family extra time should there ever be a fire condition. In some area 5/8" was used but many areas also had double and triple layers to allow the longest burn time. Garage: If the garage is attached to the home please consider buying the highest R value garage door you can. This single door is the largest door in the home and this space contributes one of the highest points of heat soaking and conductance into the building. Also if budget allows please consider having them install a *Hurricane* rated door even if you don't live in such an area. The reason for doing so is from a security stand point they are 10 - 20 times stronger and offer huge force protection than standard doors. Of course please insulate this space also as it will ensure the home is balanced at all times. - Hot Water Tank: Assuming you live in an area where NG is available vs using a electric HWT. Please either consider installing a solar heated HWT, or NG HWT. The costs are easily seen over the long term and if budget allows its probably better to install a instant hot water heater instead but ensure you have the the unit calculated for the loads being seen. The outlay is large initially for all of the above but the long term savings will be seen the very first day and will be for a long time.

My reply is geared more toward the infrastructure and future proofing the home when needs arise in no specific order. - Ensure dedicated and isolated power outlets are present in all zones, floors, rooms, areas. Doing so will reduce the likely hood of injected line noise being a problem. Consider installing 12-2 / 12-4 Romex in key area for outlets as this will ensure higher loads can be used when and if needed. - Run conduit in all key areas so this will allow pulling wire of any type easy and always install two pull wires. - Consider installing both Type 1 & Type 2 SPD's at the main service entrance and supply panel. This will ensure a measure of safety and protection for all of your expensive electronics and appliances. Regardless of Type 1 / 2 SPD's in place always deploy and use Type 3 point of use SPD's. - Security / AV: Always run the appropriate CAT6, Coaxial, RG6, 22-4, 22-2, 18-2, 18-4 wires in all areas, zones, floors, rooms, to ensure deployment of hardware is easy to complete. Never allow anyone to install CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) CAT5e, CAT6, CAT7 wiring as its not in wall approved and does not meet industry standards and safety. Wiring should be in place to detect water leaks from the most common appliances and zones: Fridge, Dishwasher, Washer, HWT, Sump, Sinks, Toilets, etc. - Consider insulating all of the interior walls with Roxul fire proof batting as it offers density, mass which reduces noise, reduces energy consumption, and ensures stable temperatures through out. If your budget allows consider employing PCM technology which is the Cadillac of energy management and temperature control. - Consider installing a battery back up sump pump system or gravity assisted unit if your town, perish, city, allows. - Ensure the HVAC installer uses minimum of 5 wires for the TSTAT run but to play it safe have him install 6-12 wire bundle. - Grounding: If you have a say as to what kind of grounding system is used and employed insist upon the use of a Ufer grounding system. Essentially the ground wire from the POCO is inserted and wrapped in rebar which is part of the homes foundation and ultimately is tied back to the water pipe. This ensures the lowest resistance and highest area saturation for the ground plain. Much more but gots to go . . .

Both were great articles to read thanks for sharing. However I am not sure what the point you're trying to make? [emoji848] As I stated before my thoughts and views are its a combination of technology and human failure(s). Often times the leap in advances of core technology outstrips the human capacity to understand or use said technology to its full extent. A perfect example is the F22 Raptor which has been limited in its maximum capability to maneuver because the extreme G forces it can exert on the human body far exceeds what a person can endure. How does this relate to voice control? [emoji15] It's the very simple fact currently there is no method to authenticate a voice in the echo, dot, tap. Ideally anything that has to do with a car should require voice recognition, PIN, and challenge pass phrase. This method would be required for each session for how ever long it lasts up to a defined time interval. What I propose is very common and industry best practices. Lots of people can spout off why something sucks, it's bad, or God forbid the dirty words of DOOM & GLOOM! [emoji12] I come into a discussion to make people think. I offer insight and factual examples that directly relate to the topic at hand. Once that is done I always try to offer my suggestions on how to improve the technology / user experience. Like many here some have dabbled in Alpha / Beta testing in a limited fashion. For me I have been doing this in both work and free time. Having been doing this for more than 25 years it's safe to say I've been around. [emoji851] Having been honored by no less than 49 companies like Adobe, Apple, Auris, Autelis, Aquanta, Cisco, Bose, Brultech, DBX, Denon, DeWalt, Broadcom, Ford, Microsoft, IBM, Intel, Insteon, LG, Motorola, Nakamichi, Sony, Sylvania, Panasonic, Techniques, Honda, Toyota, Water Hero, Weather Flow, Xerox, Qualcomm, Rigid, ZigBee, Z-Wave etc. I've seen lots of things in my time. Much of this I am sure you can relate because you have probably done the very same. You and I pose questions, suggestions, observations, along with critical feed back about a product / service. Having also been involved with risk management, loss prevention, security in many fields and industries along with Information Technology I can always see the threats and weaknesses in a product / services. I've been doing dog food testing for years on projects that are still on going vs some that will never see day light. What I offer these companies are facts, user experiences, and human ergonomic failures in the product / services they design and offer. My views are voice activated control from hardware like the Amazon Echo in a vehicle without the proper security and protection will result in loss of life. ========================= The highest calling in life is to serve ones country faithfully - Teach others what can be. Do what is right and not what is popular.

LOL . . . Sorry I took your thread off the rails - I should know better than to enter a topic which gets me easily heated. Ultimately history is the victor as to how things all play out. As noted my position(s) and counters were supported by material facts not simple conjecture or what so many people like to call straw man arguments. No, the sky isn't going to fall . . . But certainly history has proven mans ability to create technology does not reflect the very fact *Man / Woman* more often than not have no concept of using said technology with in its limits and design principles. I find it interesting those who commented on the topic at hand when presented with material facts with supporting evidence. Never address them at all?!?! Its easier to simply say *Wow whats with all the doom and gloom*? If the entire populace simply inserted their heads into the sand and closed their eyes thinking problems will auto-magically disappear. What kind of world would We be living in vs those who are realistic and understand balance must be sought if problems are to be solved. Doom and gloom is the sad reality that in 2027 the Unites States of America will not be able to service its debt. That my friends is doom and gloom never mind if China should ever call in its markers. Doom and gloom is the very fact our society has literally enabled itself to remain in a tin box tens of thousands of miles away fly a drone and drop bombs on other humans with out any skin in the game. That is doom and gloom . . . Lastly, voice control has a place if used and deployed in a way which ensures safety, privacy, and security for all. At this juncture there is no authentication for Amazon Echo. One simply spouts out a command and that request is processed the very fact people can't understand this most basic element is quite telling indeed. Its safe to say anyone who is serious about human safety along with how technology has been abused and corrupted simply need to read the links provided up above. Those replying with single line replies clearly didn't take the time or effort to read the articles which outline all of the facets I stated. Guess it better to stick your head in the sand and click your heels wishing you were in Kansas again. Now, where that bacon?!?!

No, if you read my entire post and understood all the material facts I presented. I clearly stated several problems / issues which are the technology is not ready and there is not enough safety in place to allow such technology to be mass deployed. In the same vain there will be endless iSheep that will believe its OK like it was in the Tesla case to drive around not paying attention. This is a simple question: What was the persons only task while on the road? If you can't answer that this discussion is quite moot. As for technology I've been around it and use it each and every day so have some idea of whats happening and will happen. Because lots of folks like to start up or offer straw man arguments which never hold water. Let me offer a few more examples which anyone can Google should they feel compelled. NEST: In 2015 this company pushed out a OTA with out notice or consent and left millions in the dead of winter with bricked TSTAT's. When the first smart TSTAT's came on the scene I was one of many who stated wait for the Gong Show to unfold. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/01/14/nest_foul_up/ This was proven and undisputed . . . Smart Cams: Once again the market released cloud based camera systems which the clueless iSheep ran over to purchase and left millions of devices unsecured or allowed random pedophiles direct access to the feed to watch their children. This was proven and undisputed . . . Several car makers decided to enhance their vehicles with drive by wire technology. In Several cases the vehicles were hacked and the vehicle environmental's and power train / braking system were invoked. https://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/ https://www.wired.com/2016/03/fbi-warns-car-hacking-real-risk/ This was proven and undisputed . . . Tens of millions of Linux / Unix computers which at the time the so called smart people said had extremely low incidence or threat level awoke to the realization that this OS is like any other and exploits, viruses, trojans, malware, etc are ever present and at the ready to exploit such as Bash, Shell Shock, . http://arstechnica.com/security/2016/01/linux-bug-imperils-tens-of-millions-of-pcs-servers-and-android-phones/ This was proven and undisputed . . . There is no straw man argument here only the facts as they are. Once again my point is none of this technology on the surface is bad - It comes down to the proper execution and having the safeties in place even if its there to protect the stupid. Our society on a most basic level boils down to those who believe they need to be controlled (Nanny State) where as others believe in complete freedom to do what ever they like. Like technology some believe it should be pushed forward for all to enjoy with out actually thinking about what should be allowed and done. This is where we are now because the world is inundated with fools who truly believe its OK to automate every aspect of their lives when human intervention is required.

First my screen name is Teken . . . Not Taken, like I'm going to take the bacon off your plate. Once again I can't be any clearer on the pitfalls and obvious risks here and provided several examples of such. I've high lighted a portion of your comment and truly believe that isn't based on the truth. As my partner in crime Huddaduda likes to say when I enter a thread it will quickly go off the rails and sometimes on a complete tangent even though my examples are directly related. Several commercial Boeing / Air Bus air planes have been proven and tested to take off and land unassisted. These planes and the technology that allows them to auto pilot, take off, and land have been field proven for years. Ask yourself why if this is the case why is there a need to have two pilots in the cockpit? Keeping in mind there is more technology and proven safety in place to allow them to do so. Yet no commercial plane at anytime in history has been allowed to fly a plane from take off, cruise, and land via auto pilot?!?!? Answer me why?? Again, my previous replies clearly stated how any vehicle that is connected to the BCM / PCM which also has micro computers that drive by wire can be abused and hacked. None of what I have stated is pie in the sky its been done and will continue to be done on a mass scale when the hackers notice there is profit or amusement for them. Let me end this discussion with something very simple for anyone to answer: When a fully automated vehicle is certified to be allowed on the public road ways. Will you be OK to shuttle / fairy a baby in the back seat with out any human presence, over view, control, to the final destination? To stay true to form as Alex has stated: Only someone STUPID would ever consider doing so . . .

Once again you just highlighted my point - the complete and total reliance on technology. Are you a driver or passenger answer the question? Did the Tesla driver ignore what he should be doing which is driving! Did he and many other fools leave their entire lives on the table because they were too foolish in the belief this technology is fool proof, idiot proof, and safe in all environments? When auto pilot is first invoked a long aszz page tells the stupid what its intent is and what not to do. If this specific user had 100% attention on the only task at hand which was driving would he have died that same day? No . . . End of story . . . Ultimately *Pioneers* like Elon Musk are / is beside themselves because he wanted to bring to market something that could make life safer. Yet with any so called technology advancement or pioneering topic it has been abused to the nth degree. Because there are a large percentage of clueless people who truly believe physics & common sense don't apply to them.

Not sure how you define control as anything that has command and control of the PCM does. Any vehicle that drives by wire and can take over its basic functions is control. How do you suppose all the cars that have parallel park, hazard avoidance operate? You believe just because some nerd restricted the Echo to merely open the door that its extensions can't be hacked? These companies have literally shown the public if a vehicle is so equipped it can be interfaced with voice control. Everything starts small from unlocking the door, rolling down the window, starting the car, turning on the lights, setting the HVAC, etc. All of this can now be done via On Star while monitoring air bag deployment and GPS coordinates to render assistance when needed in a impact. There are several verified hacks where the devs showed how they took control of the brakes and adjusted the environmental's. To think people believe this function will strictly be limited to control just the items I listed?!?! Every company has an intent but we all know enterprising scum bags have taken advantage of holes in the system. Once again lets be crystal clear if a vehicle is completely automated at some point and integration like the echo are allowed to use voice control in its present form it will be easily be abused and circumvented. Everyday some of the smartest people think they have secured the nations computer systems against hackers. Yet each and everyday Government sponsored and independent contractors have proven them wrong. As I stated in many threads not very many hackers saw value in hacking into a Apple computer back in the day. Given it had less than 2% of the world wide market why waste your time for something that has zero relevance. Now in 2016 how many viruses, trojans, malware, etc have been deployed for Linux, Unix?!?! Why??? Because that miserable 2% from 1980 has grown to be more than 45% of the computer systems in use in all forms of platforms from tablets, phones, bank machines, etc. If people can't follow the final outcome as to what will be - its too late already.

Can't speak for others but I read the article. People believe using the Amazon Echo without any possible way to authenticate a persons voice to open doors, windows, start the car, turn on the AC, what ever novel idea they deem great won't have consequences? [emoji848][emoji849] There are people on this forum already and others who have enabled door lock control in their homes via Tap, Echo, Dot. [emoji19] Some of the replies from those who have stated *Not a problem, low risk, can't be heard from outside*? [emoji15] Really?!? It's been well known the rarest element in the multiverse has been common sense. [emoji53] Forest Gump: Stupid is - Is stupid does . . . [emoji55][emoji21] ========================= The highest calling in life is to serve ones country faithfully - Teach others what can be. Do what is right and not what is popular.

Each and everyone of us are here because of the love of technology and what it brings to our lives. Most of us embrace it with open arms because it provides features, options, capabilities never seen before in the past. I am not opposed to any of these technologies on the surface but the reality is in its current iteration there is not enough safety in place to protect the stupid. Sadly, its not so much the stupid that needs to be protected but the millions of innocent bystanders minding their own business. Today there are thousands of traffic stops, tickets, citations, given out to distracted drivers texting on their phone, listening to their booming music, to imbeciles actually watching a movie while driving. To think so called smart people think adding in another element of auto driving and voice control is the next best thing since sliced bread is quite shocking. All of these technologies like parallel parking was created for the inept and stupid who clearly can not drive and should never be allowed on the road ways. A vehicle that measures distance and takes control of the breaks and the steering wheel? Again, this is for the stupid who forget driving is a privilege which requires 100% of your faculty and attention span. Not 10%, 20%, 50%, one hundred percent! When topics like this come up its analogous of people saying guns killed people. No, stupid . . . People with guns kill people . . . Then there are people who have no self control or common sense and decide to get behind a wheel instead of calling a taxi and decide to drive. Nobody has to guess how many people die a year due to drunk drivers because of the human element. People actually believe just because some computer is in place the roads will be safer?!? No . . . Because as I illustrated this stupid fool who is supposed to be touching, holding, the steering wheel is supposed to be focused at driving. But instead was probably dicking around when he ended up as a smear on the ground! I can only imagine how many freaks there will be on the roads picking their nose, applying make up, or texting, while they believe the smart car is supposed to be driving on their behalf. As many have said before I - let the natural course of order take place . . . The Tesla driver was natures way of taking its course.

Hello Bert, Have you tried to implement some of the tips and suggestions offered in the UDI Wiki? Would you be able to offer some insight as to how many ALL ON / ALL OFF conditions you have encountered this year? With respect to phase couplers I don't have any real issues using one vs the other. Besides the fact a plugin unit offers more flexibility and repeats Insteon RF signals and bolsters them. A hardwired phase coupler only repeats the power line signal and does not boost the signal if required. A whole house surge protector is absolutely needed as one of the primary means to protect the home and its valuable electronics please consider reinstalling it. With respect to (newer) Insteon hardware they offer confirmation of signal sent and received. It also offer the ability to know if there was an error while other features are turning on / off RF & Power Line signaling. Others are smart hop, send cleanup messages, etc. Lastly can you offer more insight about how you're using the GEM / ISY for the above unless I misunderstood?

Yes, one is supposed to do so but in this case it was *Human* that failed to complete this task. Driving is a privilege and requires years of skill and complete awareness at all times. Currently there are several brands of vehicles which can parallel park, auto park, drive, etc. If people want all of the above its call a freaking taxi, limo, uber . . . This whole automated driving and remote control via voice is just a disaster waiting to happen. The fact there needs to be a body count for the stupid to realize this technology isn't needed or required is incredible. The reality is no matter how smart the vehicle is it can never compensate for the human element of stupid or the very fact the infrastructure is not present to ensure a measure of fail over.

This great to see along with self driving vehicles soon to be released from the various car manufactures. I just can't wait for someone to die because the millennial babies thought it was a great idea. Oooooooooooops, it already has . . . https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/13/tesla-autopilot-investigation-fatal-crash The very fact large corporations with thousands of employees along with armies of lawyers still believe its a great idea to allow voice control of a moving object. Clearly shows how incredibly stupid people are and continue to be in this era.

This sounds to me like a good feature request to UDI. Perhaps you can pose the question and see what the feed back is - keeping in mind a strong business case is the only way to make the point.