lilyoyo1

If all you need is insteon and do not want anything new, the 994 would still work. You can also use Insteon with the eisy without doing anything else as well.

It's not that the documentation is ancient, it's the flexibility that the system has makes maintaining specifics virtually impossible. Just looking at your questions though, none of the information that would be found in current resources is outdated. Nothing has changed with linking devices. This can be found in the Insteon white papers, Insteon, device manuals, (the eisy does the same programmically vs manually), the cookbook, and other various resources that are available on UDIs website. The truth is, whether you use scenes or programs comes down to individual desires. How do you want your house to operate. Both ways have pros and cons. It comes down to what works for you and the things you want to do. For example, when I used Insteon, 98% of my setup was via scenes. The only individual devices in programs were sensor controlled devices. If anything had 2 or more devices, then I used scenes. There are some here who use many programs while others maintain a mixture of both. If you choose to use scenes, then it comes down to the approach you want to use. There will be some trial and error. You'll have to be willing to experiment once you get to specific situations. That's really the only way to learn your devices. I think the isy cookbook is 600 pages. For someone to write a detailed explanation for every thing beyond what it has, you'd end up with a manual the size of War and Peace. The Insteon hub makes all of this simple since you're severely limited in what you can accomplish with it. With the eisy being an advance controller, it comes down to being willing to experiment, learn the nuances of everything, and how they all work together.

No. Only like device can use that function Yes. A dimmer can be dimmed from a switchlinc

Zwave requires direct associations for what you are attempting to do. As long as they are within take it each other things will work. Because the hub is bypassed when DA is used, depending on programming, you may come to find out that you have even less flexibility than you do now (insteon is much more flexible than zwave by miles). Good luck with everything. Let us know how your project turns out.

I doubt its coming or ever would come with the way zwave devices currently work. While it sounds good on paper (and would be nice), parameters are not a 1 size fits all. What happens for 1 device may not work for another. Even devices from the same mfg. can have different parameters based on generation (see fibaro).

Given enough time, money, and effort, I think its possible for this to be done. The issue is with those three things. Is the ROI worth it for something with limited use....Probably not. Since the insteon API doesn't have that built into it, UDI will need to do all of the programming to make it happen. Given the route that they've taken in regards to multiple protocols, this is exponentially much greater since you could replace an insteon relay switch with a Zwave relay, and then turn around and use a zigbee dimmer. Reality is, if a device requires a relay switch from the start, it will probably require a relay switch should it go out. If the frequency/quantity/need of items that needs to be replaced is high then I could see it being worth it from a business standpoint. For a controller that costs app. $300 bucks, its probably not. Consumer yes. Business, no. I've never had to replace devices on a large scale. If I did, I would've simply rebuilt the scenes by adding all of the responders first, configuring the scene, then add the controllers (after removing those from the original scene). Unfortunately, there isn't a quick way for single devices or programs with individually listed devices (which is part of why I used to use scenes for everything). This way, If I ever have to replace a device, when I update the scene,the program is automatically updated.

Since you're setting up a new home, you could add all responders to the scene first, configure the scene with the attributes you want. Then add your controllers after you're done. This will automatically configure the controllers for the scene

You didnt need a second scene for that.

@GlowingHairis correct. You have to control the scene not the device from the console.

I think the replacement would be determined by how you use your system. For low cost diy, nothing beats Insteon. Whether they're in business or not, their switches will continue to work. Just have backups for future use if something were to fail. While I don't use udi anymore since I switched over to Lutron, their normal RA3 switches (dimmers and on/off) does work with eisy/polisy. Depending on finances, Lutron RA3 could also be an option. Eisy doesn't work for me because it does not support their keypads outside of the main load button. I say focus on 1 protocol. Find one that has devices that fits most of your needs. Then it's easier to fill the rest with other stuff to fill out your system. It may require an initial investment but it'll be well worth it long term. HA was a non starter for me. Ive tried it a few times included last year when they came out with their own box. It just requires to much investment in time for me to be a worthwhile contender to UDI. I'm not in this as a hobbiest/tinkerer like I was long ago when I first got started in this field. For those that use it, it's definitely a worthy investment due to the multitude of devices that it can control. For ease of use and simplicity, it does not come close to the eisy

Make sure isy is powered off and the new PLM is plugged into the correct port on the isy. Then power up isy. Once logged in, choose restore plm> restore devices

I don't see why it wouldn't be. I'd buy it from Amazon. If it doesn't work, send it back

Seems like something is going on with it. Id remove it from the ISY, factory reset it and install a new battery. Whatever is causing the drainage is probably why communication is iffy.

Is it mounted properly at the top of your door vertically? As long as communication is good, it does work with UD devices...

Unfortunately all good things come to an end. UDI has to make money regardless of the age of your devices/controller. The portal isnt for ISY support. its for remote access and voice. I think your answer depends on how you use your system.If you just have basic timers, voice, and simple on/off programs, then you probably can get away with swapping. However, if you have a complex system, then you would need an advanced controller. Using insteon (IMO) is a much better experience than the other switches that you mentioned. Being able to link a multitude of devices together and have them work together in sync is an unbeatable experience. One you can only really get with much more expensive switches such as lutron Ra3 or C4. In the end, its up to you. What do you value and want to get out of your system.