How complicated is ISY vs Insteon Hub?

[thbrewst]

Past owner of Insteon Hub that was recently fried (presumably lightening).  We also recently moved to a larger house where I am planning to expand our automation.  I am wondering how complicated using the ISY is versus the Hub.  I am technically knowledgeable but have not coded anything in many years.  I am wondering;

 

- Is there a UI for creating basic functions for the ISY?  Connecting new devices?  Creating basic scenes?

 

- At what point do you need to 'program' things in the ISY world?  Is it done via actual coding language or some sort of UD created syntax?  Is there a primer on the commands/tools needed?

 

- Is connecting something like Mobilinc into the ISY fairly straightforward to connect or does this also require some in depth networking knowledge?

 

- Anything else I should consider when thinking of the upgrade?

 

 

Generally, I am not scared to enter this realm, but am concerned that everything I try to do with the ISY will take me 10 times longer if the technology is overly complex.  Guess I am looking for a sense of people's impressions.

 

 

Thanks for any insight, experiences, opinions, and/or guidance.

[gsrbob]

Don't hesitate, just do it! Sounds like you are technically inclined and the ISY is perfect for people that are so. I'm in the same boat but I don't think i am as knowledgeable as you are but I'm willing to learn. I just hope UDI and Insteon are here to stay and never abandoned. I also wish more companies would support both for better integration with there products.

[gsrbob]

I had and old 2412n controller a long time ago and just decided to jump back in with an ISY.

[paulbates]

Its more sophisticated and capable than the hub, which by definition can make it a little more complicated. For instance, the Hub does not have programming language built in, the ISY does. But reading the manual, breaking project into pieces and taking your time will pay much bigger dividends than you could ever hope to see in the hub.

 

Its more ov a learning curve, but not huge. Since you're moving, starting over, I would think that's a great time to organize and define smaller projects.,  room by room, outside, etc, and implement them one at at time. The more you do, the easier it will get

 

Paul

[Techman]

thbrewst,

 

 

This link should give you all the answers you're looking for.

 

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

 

Be sure to look at the user guide found here  http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=ISY-994i_INSTEON:User_Guide

 

You can start by writing simple programs, and as you feel more comfortable you can move into more complicated programs if need be.

This forum is packed with knowledgeable and helpful members who can answer any questions you may have.

[smokegrub]

I am not a techie and leaving the Hub was one of the smartest things I could have done. If I can do it, so can you, but you will he to invest time.

[Brian H]

From what I have seen.

The HUB is called an entry module with programming feature limitations.

The ISY994i is a much more feature rich module. It also can be purchased in the Basic installed features and can be upgraded by the purchaser at a later date.

[larryllix]

For the same level of programming I would say the Hub and ISY are about the same difficulty, or just get a bunch of $25 automatic occupancy sensors to replace your switches.

 

If you want to do any logic conditions like, if any one of the cupboard doors are open and only when it's dark enough to need it,  turn on the light, but  both have to be closed to turn it off ....get the ISY.

[thbrewst]

Thanks for the responses and encouragement so far. One other question... Can you incorporate both insteon and Zwave devices into the same chain of actions (assuming I get the Zwave and Insteon isy?

[paulbates]

If your ISY also has the optional zwave card installed and set up, yes, 1 ISY program can control and coordinate actions of anything connected to it. You can buy and install an ISY Zwave card in your ISY if it doesn't have one

 

Paul

[larryllix]

I have no Zwave but...

with the Network Module I can co-ordinate Insteon light groups, MiLight RGBWW bulbs, Hue Coloured bulbs, and LEDenet RGBWW strips, and my A/V receiver from one program in ISY.

 

ISY...the little logic engine that could....

[stusviews]

The logic for adding devices and creating scenes using the ISY is identical to that of the Hub. Only the methods are slightly different. You can add devices to the ISY using the devices set button or Insteon ID, the same as the Hub. Creating ISY scenes uses drag and drop instead of checking devices. You can still set the On-level and ramp rate for devices in a scene. What is different is that an ISY controller is automatically a responder, too. Responders remain as responders only.

 

The main advantage to the ISY is its ability to create programs. If you've done any coding at all, no matter how long ago, the implementation is similar. A major difference is that ISY programs are event driven. That means that the program won't complete if the condition changes while the program is running. Also, there are no nested If statements and no sub-routines. But all that comes later. I have no doubt that you will enjoy the capabilities of the ISY