trying Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 If I am reading everything correctly, the ISY series requires Java to manage the unit via a browser. Are there any plans to move away from Java and go to something that works natively in the browser? Not a huge fan of Java and right now that's kind of a hold up for me in trying to find a system. Any input/thoughts appreciated.
shannong Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 The ISY does require Java to run an applet known as the Admin Console to manage the unit. I hate Java, too. Version conflicts. Memory and CPU hog. And the list is much longer. Getting the right controller for your HA setup is one of two most important decisions that will affect your happiness with the system. The other being which technology, i.e. Insteon, Zwave, etc. If I had two controller choices and liked them both equally with the only difference being with/without Java, then I'd picked the one without Java. But it would only serve as a tie breaker. If you think a controller has the best mix of features, technology, support, etc, then I wouldn't recommend picking something else just because of the Java.
Nestor Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 I find the stability of this controller more than makes up for whatever reservations one might have about using a Java based admin console. Once set up, I've found I've had to access the console MUCH less than the previous non Java based controller I used. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
trying Posted January 30, 2015 Author Posted January 30, 2015 Thanks for the replies. I hear what you are saying. I'm already planning on doing Z-Wave. I am been quite intrigued by Zigbee in that it is supposedly based on an IEEE standard but frankly if you do a simple search to buy something like a zigbee light switch it's very difficult to source things and unless things have changed - zigbee wasn't that consistent between manufacturers. As far as Java goes - I am surprised it is still being used. I had just hoped to avoid it. Does the ISY have a web based interface (not app) that can be used from a phone/tablet?
Xathros Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 Yes, there is a web interface for control but not for configuration and programming. -Xathros Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
paulbates Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 It does for controlling HA devices,, but its not a complete replacement for the admin console. It also has a modifiable version called HAD, home automation dashboard. Its well documented and you can modify pages to fit your needs. However, you can't add or manage devices, write or manage programs,etc with these web interfaces. A java applet is a reality, for now, if you go ISY I would not "throw the baby out with the bathwater" on Java alone. I am a recent convert to the ISY from a web/.net based competitor and I found that I could deal with a java applet in my device. I look forward to whatever replaces the Java app, but as an HA controller solution the ISY is very compelling. You also have to consider the "entire package" beyond the device itself. The Universal Device company owners are active members on this forum and are as responsive as they are able to be to user questions and concerns. This one alone trumps java as the access method. Also, this is a great community, lots of inputs and points of views when you need help.
trying Posted January 31, 2015 Author Posted January 31, 2015 Thanks guys, that is very useful information. I think I can probably live with the Java business if it's only for heavy duty configuration, etc so long as there is a web version for just day-to-day control. Sorry, one more question: does the web interface have a mobile optimized version when viewing from a phone. Anywhere where I can see screenshots? Thanks (you guys are great!) !
mwester Posted January 31, 2015 Posted January 31, 2015 I'm eager to see what someone (not necessarily UDI) might come up with as an alternative. Like shannong, I too hate Java. Not the language -- as a programming language it beats C++ hands down. Rather, I find the culture around Java applications to be very "hate-able" -- the assumption that memory is unlimited is pervasive with Java applications, and the general culture of "throw in every possible library that might be remotely applicable" make the apps a long, tedious download on anything other than those fortunate urbanites with FIOS. Combine that with a new release of the entire (huge) java run-time environment, each one claiming to be "critical" due to "security fixes", every month or so, and you can find that you're spending more time downloading and installing java and java apps than you actually spend running same. However, if you restrict the use of your ISY Java app to in-home only, then the security issues are less of a concern, so you skip a lot of the Java updates. And the UDI guys seem to have done a pretty reasonable job with the app (I've only had an out-of-memory crash once in a year now). So it's not so bad. Plus I limit ISY access to one machine (an older laptop), so I only have one Java install to deal with. Priority-wise, while I despise Java, and I'd love to see UDI dump it, I'd much rather see UDI offer bi-directional network operations in an upcoming release for the ISY.
mwester Posted January 31, 2015 Posted January 31, 2015 Thanks guys, that is very useful information. I think I can probably live with the Java business if it's only for heavy duty configuration, etc so long as there is a web version for just day-to-day control. Sorry, one more question: does the web interface have a mobile optimized version when viewing from a phone. Anywhere where I can see screenshots? Thanks (you guys are great!) ! MobilLinc is probably what you want for mobile. I find it quite usable on Android, I hear it's far better if you have one of those cult, er, I mean Apple phones!
trying Posted January 31, 2015 Author Posted January 31, 2015 Thank you again. I did find MobilLinc in my searching but it requires a MobiLinc account and somehow that means MobiLinc can sync up with ones ISY. I want total control and security over the system. That's why I was hoping there was a web interface that would work on phones without having to get an app.
larryllix Posted January 31, 2015 Posted January 31, 2015 (edited) I don't believe the MobiLinc company can access your ISY. It would have to have your password and IP address to do that. Unless the app is "ratting" on you the MobiLinc company doesn't have that, only the app does. That is no different than any remote access app or even your OS that keeps passwords for user convenience. Edited January 31, 2015 by larryllix
BamBamF16 Posted January 31, 2015 Posted January 31, 2015 I use mobilinc and don't have an account. You don't need mobilinc connect to make it work. Just port forwarding on the router.
trying Posted January 31, 2015 Author Posted January 31, 2015 Thanks for the info. I was going by the setup instructions: http://www.mobilinc.com/detailedsetup/isy/ Looks like I missed the "**Direct connections to the ISY are supported as well"
Teken Posted January 31, 2015 Posted January 31, 2015 I hear it's far better if you have one of those cult, er, I mean Apple phones! iSheep, bah bah bah! ️ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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