Pacificwing Posted December 1, 2015 Posted December 1, 2015 In the time since my last post, I've ordered a few insteon switch devices. I wasn't happy with the response time of the GE Z-wave switches that I was ordering. It made it almost impractical to utilize them for scene triggering. That being said, I'm very disappointed with the build quality of the insteon switches. Both the dimmers and the switches use the same housing, making it confusing to the operator. The first thing my GF did was try to dim one of the non-dimmers because they look like they should be able to. Her response was "this one is broken". Unless you know what to look for, dimming and non-dimming switches seem indistinguishable, which is utterly ridiculous from a usability standpoint. I also don't like the way the Insteon switches feel. The Z-wave switches (GE) have a solid feel, with a solid responsive spring rocker mechanism. The action on the Insteon switches feel flaky and fragile by comparison. One of them even sticks a bit. Having researched this, it seems I'm not the only one who feels that the quality of Insteon products leaves something to be desired. The insteon powerline response time sure is nice, but the lights on the same circuit tend to flicker when I interact with a switch. Also (funny story), we got a remote control **** machine for one of our kids as a birthday present. I kid you not, the machine operates at the same frequency as insteon. So when we press one of the switches, it triggers the machine to emit a very realistic **** sound that is fairly loud and can be heard across the house This has led to some hilarious WTF moments. http://www.amazon.com/T-J-Wiseman-Remote-Controlled-Machine/dp/B0006L1ILI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449006884&sr=8-1&keywords=****+machine That being said, I've decided to use insteon in all places where a switch needs to trigger a scene, but otherwise, I will continue to use z-wave. Edit: Apparently referencing flatulence is censored on this board. Understandable, but unexpected. Haha
LeeG Posted December 1, 2015 Posted December 1, 2015 Pacificwing Not sure this will help but there is a visual difference between SwitchLinc Dimmer and Relay. The Dimmer has a full set of LEDs that represent bright level. The Relay has an LED at full Off and one at full On. The positions in between are empty.
fryfrog Posted December 1, 2015 Posted December 1, 2015 That being said, I'm very disappointed with the build quality of the insteon switches. Both the dimmers and the switches use the same housing, making it confusing to the operator. The first thing my GF did was try to dim one of the non-dimmers because they look like they should be able to. Her response was "this one is broken". Unless you know what to look for, dimming and non-dimming switches seem indistinguishable, which is utterly ridiculous from a usability standpoint. So there is actually a pretty good reason for this... the on/off switch *CAN* actually control a dimmer device. Just like on a keypad or dimmer switch, holding up or down (long press) is a valid thing. The ISY can see it and you can base programs around it and if you just directly link an on/off to a different dimmer device, you can dim up/down. Personally, I only use on/off switches for lights and things that literally can't be dimmed, like florescent lights or motors. If it isn't obvious to the user why they don't dim, a single explanation of the few things that can only do on/off should be enough to settle it.
oberkc Posted December 2, 2015 Posted December 2, 2015 I suspect I am in the minority here, but I use togglelincs for non-dimming lights, and paddle switches for those that dim. I have never been unhappy with the feel of insteon switchlincs, but the togglelincs are not the best. I have also been happy with the few z-wave switches I have.
fryfrog Posted December 2, 2015 Posted December 2, 2015 I suspect I am in the minority here, but I use togglelincs for non-dimming lights, and paddle switches for those that dim. I have never been unhappy with the feel of insteon switchlincs, but the togglelincs are not the best. I have also been happy with the few z-wave switches I have. Mixing paddles and toggles would definitely trigger my almost imperceptible OCD for certain things!
oberkc Posted December 2, 2015 Posted December 2, 2015 Mixing paddles and toggles would definitely trigger my almost imperceptible OCD for certain things! Worse than that, try finding switch plates with the correct combination of decora and toggle openings. I suspect you have lots of company with your OCD thing going on.
apnar Posted December 2, 2015 Posted December 2, 2015 I simply put dimmers everywhere. If it's a light it's dimmable. The only places I have on/off are things like bathroom fans where no one would ever try to dim them.
fryfrog Posted December 2, 2015 Posted December 2, 2015 I simply put dimmers everywhere. If it's a light it's dimmable. The only places I have on/off are things like bathroom fans where no one would ever try to dim them. Hopefully none of those lights are fluorescent ones, but I'm sure you're aware using a dimmer on one is a terrible idea. My garage is about the only place I'm leaving them, everywhere else gets replaced with dim-able LEDs. Oh, and a few snow / ice melting roof heater things are on / off too of course.
stusviews Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 Worse than that, try finding switch plates with the correct combination of decora and toggle openings. I suspect you have lots of company with your OCD thing going on. Virtually any combination up to 4-gang are not difficult to find
oberkc Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 Virtually any combination up to 4-gang are not difficult to find True. In reality, they are not too hard to find online, but try finding one at Lowes or HD or Menards.
larryllix Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 IMO, that's more of a valid reason for selecting Z-Wave than you gave Also, I've heard lot's of good stories about Menard's a Canadian Insteon company. There are no Menards stores in Canada A few north of me in the US, though
stusviews Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 There are no Menards stores in Canada A few north of me in the US, though Must have been a mind freeze
larryllix Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 Must have been a mind freeze Not many your way either. The Michigan trip is much farther for me now with those darn lakes in the way.
Cormacs Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 I simply put dimmers everywhere. If it's a light it's dimmable. The only places I have on/off are things like bathroom fans where no one would ever try to dim them. I'm in the same boat. If it's a light it dims. The only lights in my house that aren't dimmable are the garage shop lights. I buy the highest wattage bulbs for all fixtures and then just regulate the on percent. I find it gives a much bigger flexibility. If you need the light it's their otherwise it just comes on at a comfortable level. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
larryllix Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 I'm in the same boat. If it's a light it dims. The only lights in my house that aren't dimmable are the garage shop lights. I buy the highest wattage bulbs for all fixtures and then just regulate the on percent. I find it gives a much bigger flexibility. If you need the light it's their otherwise it just comes on at a comfortable level. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I do the same. My MS scene levels are adjusted twice daily by invisible ISY elves so that 12-15% bulbs ramp on slowly in the middle of the night, should I get up. During the day the same 100W equiv. LEDs are great. This is what HA is about. I could get an On/Off occupancy sensor much cheaper.
stusviews Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 Not many your way either. The Michigan trip is much farther for me now with those darn lakes in the way. I don't need bunches of choices. Only one that fully satisfies
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