New Sub-Forum idea

[ravedog]

Teken suggested I run this up the flagpole here:

 

I think the forums would benefit from a "bulb" section. So I created a poll that if everyone thinks it might be a good idea - Michel might make it so. Right now, topics regarding bulbs are scattered all over the forums. How about a dedicated section? Discussing the traditional, CFL, LED etc. what bulbs work best with Insteon. Color temps. Longevity. Dim-ability (percentages and noise). Fixtures (flood lights, LED Can light retrofits). Interfacing with specialty light sources like addressable LED strips. Where to buy brands. Tips, Tricks... all the light things!

 

There's always new lighting tech around the corner and half of home automation is lighting! What do you all think?

 

UPDATE: Adding more clarification that I replied to Michel:

"Actually I was just thinking a repository for just bulbs (lights) that work with Insteon. I see a trend that some LEDs work better with Insteon, some do not. I've seen posts about flood lights and their housings. Since we are all Insteon and ISY centric, and we all are always looking for the next best thing THAT works, I thought we could talk about light solutions that worked for us since it's an ongoing and ever changing process. I do agree that there are many sub-forums, however, for all the little fringe topics that get their own space here, lighting itself is pretty univeral (as in Universal Devices... wah wah... bad joke)."

[Teken]

I think its a great idea and cast my vote to reflect that. In the interim while we wait for the final outcome perhaps you would like to share your personal experience with bulbs you use that have either worked fine or not.

 

I will relay the same information in this thread once I have a little more time.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello ravedog,

 

Is this any type of lighting? Personally, I think we have too many forums and if we add lighting then we will need to add: INSTEON lighting, Z-Wave lighting, Philips, etc.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[ravedog]

Hello ravedog,

 

Is this any type of lighting? Personally, I think we have too many forums and if we add lighting then we will need to add: INSTEON lighting, Z-Wave lighting, Philips, etc.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

Actually I was just thinking a repository for just bulbs (lights) that work with Insteon. I see a trend that some LEDs work better with Insteon, some do not. I've seen posts about flood lights and their housings. Since we are all Insteon and ISY centric, and we all are always looking for the next best thing THAT works, I thought we could talk about light solutions that worked for us since it's an ongoing and ever changing process. I do agree that there are many sub-forums, however, for all the little fringe topics that get their own space here, lighting itself is pretty universal (as in Universal Devices... wah wah... bad joke).

 

This wouldn't be about programming but more about finding the right fit. This community is an amazing resource for what works best.

[ravedog]

I think its a great idea and cast my vote to reflect that. In the interim while we wait for the final outcome perhaps you would like to share your personal experience with bulbs you use that have either worked fine or not.

 

I will relay the same information in this thread once I have a little more time.

 

Well there aren't too many lights that I control with Insteon except for the front exterior lights (were CFL's now LED) and some landscape lights (low voltage 12V) and LED tree lights and our patio canopy (controlled by the Insteon outdoor module). I just replaced the CFL's with 100W eq Cree Warm White from Home Depot (for the lantern type sconces) and the can lights on the front door arch got the 65W eq same cree in Flood. SO far I love the light temp and coverage.

 

Been thinking of more applications in the house re: Can Lights but before pulling the trigger on a very expensive upgrade, want to hear more about the dim/noise/flicker issues that sometimes can pop up.

 

Also, my back yard WAS covered by 4 dual Flood Lights with motion detectors (old Health Zenith that have rotted and corroded... came with the house) but they are all dead and have pushed that project off for a bit until I can see what fixtures/insteon/lights solution will work.

 

I play with the ISY system in waves - get it settled and stable then think of additions. I'm in the brainstorming phase.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi ravedog,

 

Thanks so very much for the details. Based on your feedback, I am afraid it would cause confusion (what do we do with existing posts?) and opens the door for having sub forums for other things as well. Since we support Z-Wave and INSTEON as well, it becomes a daunting task to manage all these forums.

 

I am so very sorry but I must humbly decline this request.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[ravedog]

Well it was worth a shot! Just go ahead and keep the lovely bribe gift I sent you. 

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi ravedog,

 

Definitely worth a shot and impatiently awaiting the gift!

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[larryllix]

It's one of those ancient  incandeskant lightbulbs!

[ravedog]

Lol. Larry!

[Teken]

Since there isn't a dedicated forum you can always just create a thread in here or the *Question & Answers, Smarthome Channel, How To's*

 

This is what I have done for random things I considered was great to share among the user group.

[oberkc]

I would prefer to limit the subforums to those directly related to the ISY.