Best way to read dry inputs (Door Switchs in my case)...

[johndjmix]

Only had it about a month, but my isy seems to work great for controlling my lighting.

 

Now, i need a module with dry inputs, to read the simple alarm contacts for doors...

 

Im thinking use the EZIO8SA, but have all the problems been worked out?

 

Thanks in advance...

 

--John

[gviliunas]

Hi John,

 

I have been using 3 EZIO8SAs and 2 EZIO2x4 units for the past 2+ years without any problem. The 8SA inputs are connected to pir sensors to trigger lights on stairways and exterior lights. I use some of the relay outputs to control my HVAC fan high speed and hrv high speed. One 2x4 monitors garage doors and he other is used to control kids TV and Network access time.

I have not attempted to use the "F" node input, (1-wire connector) of the 8SA as I haven't needed these...yet. I think this will require a simple RJ11 cable and configuration using the SHN utility program.

If you plan to use the analog inputs, be sure to check SHN's web page for the correct termination resistors.

 

Good Luck

Greg

[apostolakisl]

If you have ethernet access in the area of where you would put the dry contact input device, a much cheaper way is to use the cai webcontrol. Webcontrol can set variables on ISY and has 8 digital inputs and 3 analog inputs. It also has a bunch of other stuff that you may or may not care to use. The analog inputs can also be used as digital inputs so you can monitor 11 alarm contacts with a single $35 board. You need to write a few lines of code in the cai to get it to set the variables on ISY but it is pretty simple stuff.

[gviliunas]

YES! apostolakisl, you are correct!

 

I installed my system before the web control was popular. Yes, this would be a far cheaper way to implement a dry contact interface.

 

Greg

[jspoon]

"You need to write a few lines of code in the cai to get it to set the variables on ISY but it is pretty simple stuff.

 

is there a topic that covers this? This seems like a great way to get temp + digital inputs...

 

How does an outside piece of hardware set a ISY variable?

[apostolakisl]

"You need to write a few lines of code in the cai to get it to set the variables on ISY but it is pretty simple stuff.

 

is there a topic that covers this? This seems like a great way to get temp + digital inputs...

 

How does an outside piece of hardware set a ISY variable?

 

CAI webcontrol has a function called "webset". You can have 8 of them where each one can be set with an ISY REST command. CAI can append the REST command with any of its values (like temp, analog input voltage, a variable, etc). You can look at CAI's user manual to see all of the values on page 27-30. Usually this would mean that you set an ISY variable, but you could also use a REST command to tell ISY to set an Insteon device directly rather than set a variable. Also, you can use a REST that doesn't get appended with a value, like a device fast on command. If you care to learn all of the the REST commands it is in the wiki.

 

This thread has a lot of info

 

viewtopic.php?f=81&t=10141&hilit=webset&start=15

 

And this link is to the CAI user manual.

 

http://www.cainetworks.com/manuals/webc ... 02-17f.pdf

[jspoon]

ah, REST, of course, thank you!