Interested in the ISY994i but . . . .

[equist]

Good afternoon,

 

I am interested in getting the ISY994i but am concerned that I don't have enough background in computer programming, software installation, etc. to be able to use it properly. Can someone tell me the minimum level of knowledge/competence that is required to use the item. I don't want to buy it and then get bogged down in pages and pages of stuff I don't understand. 

 

I currently have a simple remote control system which doesn't do everything I want and can deal with basic issues on my computer - I have a MacBook  Air, and iPad, and iPhone 5. 

 

Thanks for any and all help.

 

Eric

[Teken]

If you can plug in a router and assign network IP address's to a device in the home. Then, you will be more then fine to use and program the basics of the ISY.

 

More complicated conditional programs just take longer to understand how they operate and function. Should you need any help or assistance UDI is only a phone call away.

 

You also have the benefit of very large data base in the UDI forum and that of the ISY membership to help in all aspects.

[oberkc]

I believe most people will be able to learn to use it, regardless of computer programming background. Ironically, the ones who have computer background and assume that the ISY statements and programming are identical to background are some of the ones who seem to have the most trouble.

 

While there are some that complain it is too hard for the average person, my conclusion is that such complaints are more about the time that it takes to learn, rather than not having enough brain power. Yes, it will take more than a few minute or an hour to set up. Yes, it is more complicated than setting the time on a VCR. Yes, it can take time to become proficient. If, however, you have a few hours for a few evenings, I expect you will be fine.

[Teken]

I believe most people will be able to learn to use it, regardless of computer programming background. Ironically, the ones who have computer background and assume that the ISY statements and programming are identical to background are some of the ones who seem to have the most trouble.

 

While there are some that complain it is too hard for the average person, my conclusion is that such complaints are more about the time that it takes to learn, rather than not having enough brain power. Yes, it will take more than a few minute or an hour to set up. Yes, it is more complicated than setting the time on a VCR. Yes, it can take time to become proficient. If, however, you have a few hours for a few evenings, I expect you will be fine.

 

I would add however that the ISY can be used in its most basic form should it be required. If however you feel the need for more conditional control over your Insteon network then the ISY is ready for that too.

 

Its fair to say the ISY is more then capable in managing your homes locks, lighting, HVAC, energy, network related devices. It comes down to just doing the basics first then adding on as your time and knowledge grows. 

[oberkc]

 

Its fair to say the ISY is more then capable in managing your homes locks, lighting, HVAC, energy, network related devices.

 

Agree.  Linking and creation of basic scenes can be learned by most pretty quickly.

[builderb]

I think it's fair to say that the ISY is pretty readily accessible to anyone willing to spend a couple hours reading and playing around with it. Basic schedules, scenes, and triggered events can be easily created.

 

If you stick to Insteon devices, it's all fairly easy DIY stuff.

 

But, you can also get pretty wild with it, which encourages exploration and experimentation. My own background is not at all programming-related, but after a few months I'm already using the network module with my Hue lights and my stereo, mostly with copied code/scripts, but I've also added a few lines of my own attempts at tweaks to stuff I've swiped. It's pretty damn cool when something like that ends up working for you.

 

And there are a lot of people here willing to answer questions.

[cash70]

Eric, I had the same concern you have.  I have no programming background at all.  But I had a pretty good idea of the things I wanted to do and knew that once I started playing with it I would want to add more functionalities.  That is why I went with the ISY994i instead of the Insteon Hub (or other devices).   I did some reading and then started asking questions both here and at the Insteon forum.  I have decided to stick with basic programs and scenes initially.  Then when I get some time I'll dive into more in depth things.  I now have 9 Insteon devices installed and 12 waiting to be installed hopefully this weekend.

 

Some of the initial reading that helped me:

 

- This forum

- The Wiki page http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

- The Insteon forum (for your Insteon devices) http://forum.smarthome.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=9

 

There are some other pages such as http://homeautomationguru.com/insteon-motion-controlled-lights/  that helped me.  I do everything from my Mac Mini, iPad Mini, and iPhone.