Z-Wave / ISY / Insteon integration?

[RichTJ99]

Hi,

 

I have an ISY994IR & received the email about upgrading it to give it Zwave functionality.  I dont know much about Zwave but I was wondering how reliable the communication would be in a two building house?  We have about 80+ Insteon devices but having Zwave locks are interesting.  Do I need a usb dongle?  Does the ISY Zwave part give communication functionality?  

 

Is it wifi that offers zwave communication?

 

Thanks,

Rich

[elvisimprsntr]

I installed the ZW board in my ISY994iProIR last year. I waited for ISY ZW maturity and availability of more locks. I bought a Kwikset 916 and had no communication issues between the two, without adding a ZW repeater. UDI recommends at least one ZW repeater device, but not all repeaters can repeat encrypted ZW signals. The Aeon Gen 5 siren can. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PKKM2HO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_le7bxbQSMC3EP. I added one for different reasons.

 

ZW is a mesh network and operates on different frequencies than wifi. ZW is also distance limited and gets attenuated through structure, hence the need for repeaters.

[stusviews]

I agree that a single Z-Wave device may be insufficient for communication unless it's installed close to the ISY. I installed a Schlage lock that I could only reach when the door was open (closer to the ISY). An Aeon Range Extender/Repeater did no help. The repeater elvisimprsntr suggested worked wonders.

[Teken]

Hello Rich,

 

Just some clarification for you in case this wasn't stated anywhere in the information you read on line. With the smart locks you need to enroll them very close the the 994 Series Controller.

 

Once the device has been enrolled (added) to the controller you must perform several network heals. The huge distinction between Insteon vs Z-Wave is their devices use routes.

 

Very much like a real life road you drive on . . .

 

Meaning you need to define the path for the device to find the end point / route. Insteon's protocol simulcasts its message to all devices which repeats them up to 3 times. It does not rely on routing, healing, or including / excluding a device prior to enrollment to the controller.

 

Having said this its always best practice to hard reset any new Insteon device you obtain. As doing so will ensure the device is free of any ghost links and any random programming from the factory.

 

Lastly, Insteon as you're probably aware is dual band and signals over RF and Power Line. Z-Wave is strictly over RF and there is no method to cure RF interference besides adding in more repeaters to the environment.