bassett Posted February 4, 2014 Posted February 4, 2014 Greetings. I am new to the home automation world. I have decided to go with Insteon. What I am uncertain about is whether I should use the standard hub or the ISY994. I am computer savvy. An overview of my planned set up for a vacation home (small cottage): Items to be installed: 5 light switches (one will be a 3-way setup); 2 on/off modules; 2 light bulbs; 2 lamp modules; and 3 motion sensors. My goal in adding Insteon is simply to be able to control the lights remotely 250 miles away, to set schedules for on/off throughout the night, and to turn on certain items (like a basement dehumidifier). I'd also like for the lights to go on when motion is detected and to get a SMS/email alert. I already have Foscam 8910 cameras installed: 3 outside, 2 inside. Additionally, it has an older ADT type security alarm system that is not connected to a central service. I do have the alarm activated (internal siren sounds). Given what appears to be a rather simple setup, will the standard hub serve my needs? Or, would you recommend the ISY994. Cost is not a factor. Thanks for your input.
Xathros Posted February 4, 2014 Posted February 4, 2014 The hub is really a very basic device and is rather limited. If cost is not a factor, and you want full featured programmability and the capability to interface to other things like your cameras and such, then in my opinion, the ISY-994 is the way to go. Given a small install, you likely don't need to Pro module and can pick up the network module at a later date if/when you decide to integrate with external systems. -Xathros
bassett Posted February 4, 2014 Author Posted February 4, 2014 Thanks so much for the feedback. I'm assuming based on my description above I would just need the base ISY994, not IR. Correct?
ISYhbsh01 Posted February 4, 2014 Posted February 4, 2014 Given a small install, you likely don't need to Pro module and can pick up the network module at a later date if/when you decide to integrate with external systems. -Xathros I will just add that the Pro module is also something you can add later if you need to. Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
oberkc Posted February 4, 2014 Posted February 4, 2014 not IR The IR is useful only if you intend to control your system by IR remote control pointed at the ISY-994. If you have no such need, then skip the IR version. You can always add later, or use an IRLinc if you change your mind.
jgorm Posted February 5, 2014 Posted February 5, 2014 Take a look at how many stars each product gets on smarthome.com and read some of the reviews.
Recommended Posts