Heman Kurzweil Posted July 30, 2017 Posted July 30, 2017 I am in the middle of getting all my components together an, Insteon water sensors, Insteon PLM and the ISY994I. Basically I am going to use this to program the sensors to alert me to any leaks in my home and eventually I am going to install a shut off valve which I want to close automatically in case of a leak. Maybe it was my mistake to read some of the posts here before I got the hardware, but is it as difficult as it seems to produce a program such as I want? Can anyone point me in the right direction on how to do this? Thanks
bcwmachine Posted July 31, 2017 Posted July 31, 2017 Like any programming language there is a confusion factor to start with as you learn the language. Actually, the language is not too difficult but there are some "gotchas" that you will learn from experience and reading the wiki.
Techman Posted July 31, 2017 Posted July 31, 2017 (edited) I am in the middle of getting all my components together an, Insteon water sensors, Insteon PLM and the ISY994I. Basically I am going to use this to program the sensors to alert me to any leaks in my home and eventually I am going to install a shut off valve which I want to close automatically in case of a leak. Maybe it was my mistake to read some of the posts here before I got the hardware, but is it as difficult as it seems to produce a program such as I want? Can anyone point me in the right direction on how to do this? Thanks Welcome to the forum. The leak sensors are RF only devices. You'll need some dual band devices to pass the RF signals to the powerline. You'll also need to bridge the two sides of the powerline using the dual band devices. Either range extenders, on/off modules, or lamplinc modules would work. What you want to do is fairly simple. Once you get your hardware in place let us know, there's always someone on the forum who'll help you with programming. Edited July 31, 2017 by Techman
Heman Kurzweil Posted July 31, 2017 Author Posted July 31, 2017 Welcome to the forum. The leak sensors are RF only devices. You'll need some dual band devices to pass the RF signals to the powerline. You'll also need to bridge the two sides of the powerline using the dual band devices. Either range extenders, on/off modules, or lamplinc modules would work. What you want to do is fairly simple. Once you get your hardware in place let us know, there's always someone on the forum who'll help you with programming. First I want to thank you for your quick response, When you say I will need a dual band device for the RF signals, will the "Insteon PLM " work ?? Thanks
oberkc Posted July 31, 2017 Posted July 31, 2017 First I want to thank you for your quick response, When you say I will need a dual band device for the RF signals, will the "Insteon PLM " work ?? Thanks If your PLM includes RF capability, then it might be enough, indeed. It would depend on how far apart are the PLM and leak sensor, as well as what is between them (walls, floors, etc...). Have you successfully added the leak sensor to the ISY? If not, and it turns out you are unable to based upon the location of the two devices, then I would temporarily move them closer together and link them. Once added, a couple of range extenders might be a good addition to your insteon system.
Techman Posted July 31, 2017 Posted July 31, 2017 (edited) First I want to thank you for your quick response, When you say I will need a dual band device for the RF signals, will the "Insteon PLM " work ?? Thanks Being that the leak sensors usually sit on the floor their RF signal range is adversely affected. Chances are that the PLM itself will not provide reliable RF coverage and you'll need additional dual band devices. The Insteon technology is a mesh network. All dual band devices act as signal repeaters. The more dual band devices you have in your system the more reliable the network becomes. Take a look at this link regarding Insteon communications http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=INSTEON:_Troubleshooting_Communications_Errors Edited July 31, 2017 by Techman
stusviews Posted July 31, 2017 Posted July 31, 2017 One RF device is inadequate to bridge the opposite legs of the split, single-phase electric supply. Two are required, one on each opposite leg. More that tow RF devices serve to increase the range and reliability of the Insteon network. But a Leak Sensor does not require bridging. I just needs to be within RF range of any dual-band (RF + powerline) device. A wired device (e.g., SwitchLinc, Keypad) will work as will any dual-band plug-in device. Depending on the house wiring (a subject we don't need to address now), you may-nay, probably will need a 2nd dual-band device in addition to the PLM.
apostolakisl Posted July 31, 2017 Posted July 31, 2017 If you are scattering your leak sensors all over the house, you will likely not be in radio range of the PLM. If your leak sensors are fairly concnetrated, then locating your plm within that same area may do the trick. Generally you don't need a lot of dual band devices to move your signal accross a house. 1 or 2 probably? As mentioned, depends on what your house is made, other radio interference that may exist, size of your house and layout. Battery device do not repeat signals for obvious reasons. Star by putting the leak sensors where you need them, and put the PLM/ISY where it suits you best. Try to link the devices. If they all link right off, then you are done. If they don't link at all, you may try relocating your PLM/ISY. If you don't want to screw around moving your PLM all over, just buy 2 or 3 lamplincs (dual band devices that repeat) and automate a few lights while your at it.
Heman Kurzweil Posted July 31, 2017 Author Posted July 31, 2017 Thanks for your quick response, I have another question for you. Where can I copy or see an actual program for my ISY that does hopefully what I want? For example text & email me if I have a leak etc. Thanks
larryllix Posted July 31, 2017 Posted July 31, 2017 Thanks for your quick response, I have another question for you. Where can I copy or see an actual program for my ISY that does hopefully what I want? For example text & email me if I have a leak etc. Thanks This has become the bible for many of us. Most may have modified (edited to meaningful names) it after installing but it has been tested for a long time. http://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/11566-leak-sensors-a-suggested-complete-program-package/?hl=%2Bsuggested+%2Bleak
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