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Suggestions for a fresh start


bradshawkyle

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Hi there, I'm looking for some perspectives on how to approach the process of building a new smart home from the ground-up after recently moving.  Our last place was running perfectly on an ISY994 for the past 8'ish years with nearly all Insteon gear.  Probably 60 switches/dimmers, motion and door switches everywhere (for a basic alarm system) and the Insteon thermostat.  Access for my wife and I was through Mobilinc and everything worked great.

A few months back we moved into our dream house and left the old system in-place.  Currently we're running Nest thermostat plus smoke detectors, and Ring cameras.  I understand neither of these are probably the first choice of anyone on the forums, but my wife pressed hard for them so here we are.  It's also worth mentioning the property is blanketed in Wi-Fi, with 4 Unifi WAPs, so I'm not limited to proprietary wireless or powerline-based devices. I preordered eISY (arriving tomorrow) and now and faced with the rare opportunity for a fresh start.  I have a dozen or so leftover Instron dimmers and a PLM I can use, but given this is our dream house I'd prefer all switches to be the same brand.  So, here's where I could use some recommendations:

  • Lighting - is Insteon worth it given their current struggles or is there a better option with eISY?
  • Weather resistant plug-in relays - We have a bunch of odds and ends (Xmas lights, Edison lights, etc.) running on timers around the property which I'd like to control.  I have a few Insteon modules, but if we don't reinvest in their ecosystem then I'll need to find something different.
  • Doors - which sensor (prefer small or hidden if possible) would you recommend?
  • Irrigation - We live on a lake and have water rights, so I'm building a system from scratch, starting with the 240v pump - thoughts?
  • Apple ecosystem integration - we are all Apple, is HomeKit an option with eISY or will it be based on the compatibility of each device?

Thanks in advance for any perspectives you're willing to share.  This is a rare opportunity to take what I've learned and build something better, and I can't wait. 

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3 hours ago, bradshawkyle said:

Hi there, I'm looking for some perspectives on how to approach the process of building a new smart home from the ground-up after recently moving.  Our last place was running perfectly on an ISY994 for the past 8'ish years with nearly all Insteon gear.  Probably 60 switches/dimmers, motion and door switches everywhere (for a basic alarm system) and the Insteon thermostat.  Access for my wife and I was through Mobilinc and everything worked great.

A few months back we moved into our dream house and left the old system in-place.  Currently we're running Nest thermostat plus smoke detectors, and Ring cameras.  I understand neither of these are probably the first choice of anyone on the forums, but my wife pressed hard for them so here we are.  It's also worth mentioning the property is blanketed in Wi-Fi, with 4 Unifi WAPs, so I'm not limited to proprietary wireless or powerline-based devices. I preordered eISY (arriving tomorrow) and now and faced with the rare opportunity for a fresh start.  I have a dozen or so leftover Instron dimmers and a PLM I can use, but given this is our dream house I'd prefer all switches to be the same brand.  So, here's where I could use some recommendations:

  • Lighting - is Insteon worth it given their current struggles or is there a better option with eISY?
  • Weather resistant plug-in relays - We have a bunch of odds and ends (Xmas lights, Edison lights, etc.) running on timers around the property which I'd like to control.  I have a few Insteon modules, but if we don't reinvest in their ecosystem then I'll need to find something different.
  • Doors - which sensor (prefer small or hidden if possible) would you recommend?
  • Irrigation - We live on a lake and have water rights, so I'm building a system from scratch, starting with the 240v pump - thoughts?
  • Apple ecosystem integration - we are all Apple, is HomeKit an option with eISY or will it be based on the compatibility of each device?

Thanks in advance for any perspectives you're willing to share.  This is a rare opportunity to take what I've learned and build something better, and I can't wait. 

This will be up to you. Personally, I'd stick with insteon if I had to choose between it and zwave. If you're willing to wait, ZigBee and matter devices are potentially options but since most here aren't accustomed to using those devices (matter isn't even out yet), no one will be able to tell you what's compatible and whether it's worth it or not. I'd probably stick with insteon regardless due to ease of use and flexibility compared to other devices out there.

Overall, it really doesn't matter since eisy supports (will support) so many devices overall looking term. You can choose what technology works best for any given situation and go with different ones.

In my case, I use insteon switches, zwave sensors (and outlets), and hue bulbs. If you go with zwave, make sure you buy 700 series devices at a minimum. Zooz is a good choice

EISY does not natively support homekit. 

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42 minutes ago, lilyoyo1 said:

This will be up to you. Personally, I'd stick with insteon if I had to choose between it and zwave. If you're willing to wait, ZigBee and matter devices are potentially options but since most here aren't accustomed to using those devices (matter isn't even out yet), no one will be able to tell you what's compatible and whether it's worth it or not. I'd probably stick with insteon regardless due to ease of use and flexibility compared to other devices out there.

Overall, it really doesn't matter since eisy supports (will support) so many devices overall looking term. You can choose what technology works best for any given situation and go with different ones.

In my case, I use insteon switches, zwave sensors (and outlets), and hue bulbs. If you go with zwave, make sure you buy 700 series devices at a minimum. Zooz is a good choice

EISY does not natively support homekit. 

@lilyoyo1 Did you not, some time ago, mention Lutron as an alternative ?

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10 minutes ago, asbril said:

@lilyoyo1 Did you not, some time ago, mention Lutron as an alternative ?

Yes. I'm planning on using that in our new home. I didn't mention that here since Ra3 isn't currently supported by eisy and I'm not certain if it ever will be. I have C4 as a fallback option if it's not but the op wouldn't have that option from a diy standpoint. 

@Geddycan you move this to the eisy questions channel or coffe shop since it doesn't really pertain to iox issues.

Edited by lilyoyo1
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With respect to weather resistant plug in relays, I would primarily focus on the build and design quality of the modules themselves as to how truly weather resistant they are and how reliable the electronics are. Chances are you are probably going to control something important with those relays and you don't want them to fail. As long as the technology stack you're using to actuate that is pretty solid, I would just make sure that the stuff is solid.

After just typing that response, I think the most reliable setup is to use a relay controller that is wired to a network and control it that way. I've never done what I'm proposing next, but have a backup failsafe method for control in case the network goes down. Not sure what that would look like, but it may be as simple as a centralized bank of switches you toggle manually that is easily accessible and clearly labelled for everyone to understand its function.

As far as DIY home automation switches are concerned, I am somewhat of a born again Insteon supporter. Having played with X10, then Insteon, then finally Z-Wave after I grew tired of Insteon's shortcomings with product quality and reliability. But the inherent design flaw with Z-Wave with respect to creating scenes killed any interest I had for Z-Wave, which from at least a functional design perspective looks more like a hack job compared to Insteon. I have no energy or funds to really explore Zigbee, and if you go with a completely dual band Insteon setup with newer modules, Insteon works pretty well.

If you have the energy to look into Zigbee, that might be a DIY avenue to explore. I'd look at how scenes are created and used with whatever UDI controller you plan on working with and see if the same controller/responder model used for Insteon scenes is supported with Zigbee devices. For me, the feature Insteon offers with n-way switches, where switches that don't control a load can toggle the switch that does is very useful. I kind of thought that competing protocols would provide support for such a great feature, but apparently this is not the case.

Of course, with enough $$$, you can avoid all the questions about selecting the right technology stack and not worry about reliability to boot. Lutron is used in high end installations for a good reason. It works and it's reliable. You can't beat that if you can afford it.

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Lighting - Insteon Dual Band Dimmers/On-Off Switches - there is no equivelant
(I have some Zooz 700 series and Enbrighten switches as well, but not as good as Insteon with respect to
Scenes and On/off Control reporting)

Outdoor plugs - Zooz 700 Series or Insteon outdoor or Insteon in-line relays

Door Sensors - if you have wired security door sensors, use a node server, if possible to connect to the eISY
(for example, DSC security system with Envisalink)
Otherwise, Z-wave 700 or Insteon

Some other things: 
on/off plug-in modules - Z-Wave 700 series (Zooz or other)
Thermostats - Ecobee (+node server)
Sprinkler Control - Rachio (+node server)
Motion sensors - I would use z-wave 700 series (Zooz, etc.)

Ceiling Fan control - don't use Insteon fanlincs, check into Bond Bridge (+node server), z-wave fan controllers (I have 2 of these) or alternatively, you can wire a CF capacitor in-line and use an Insteon on/off switch for single speed operation

Insteon products to avoid: On-Off modules (plastic breaks and too big), lamp power outlet, fanlinc

Not familiar with Apple
 

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Great suggestions, thanks @JTsao, @matapan and @lilyoyo1.  Instron still has me a bit nervous in terms of availability for new switches. I was checking out the Lutron Caseta Diva dimmer, which looks really nice, doesn't require a neutral and when priced at $55 for a 2 pack. I had previously ruled them out because I thought those the original Caseta dimmers looked ridiculous, but in my opinion the Divas look even nicer than Insteon.  They also don't require a neutral wire and are smaller, which may come in handy in my new house which does have some older boxes and non-neutral wiring.  The first obvious downside is they require their $80 hub and a $50 node server, but aside from that is there any other advantage Insteon has over the Caseta stuff? 

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10 minutes ago, bradshawkyle said:

Great suggestions, thanks @JTsao, @matapan and @lilyoyo1.  Instron still has me a bit nervous in terms of availability for new switches. I was checking out the Lutron Caseta Diva dimmer, which looks really nice, doesn't require a neutral and when priced at $55 for a 2 pack. I had previously ruled them out because I thought those the original Caseta dimmers looked ridiculous, but in my opinion the Divas look even nicer than Insteon.  They also don't require a neutral wire and are smaller, which may come in handy in my new house which does have some older boxes and non-neutral wiring.  The first obvious downside is they require their $80 hub and a $50 node server, but aside from that is there any other advantage Insteon has over the Caseta stuff? 

Yes. Insteon can be used in multi way setups unlike caseta. 

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Lutron Caseta has no keypad. They also don't offer outlets. If you don't need those types of modules, Lutron might be good for you. The deal killer for me would be n-way switching. Something Insteon is very good with, and something I use all over my house.

Insteon offers a pretty complete range of automation modules. If you have a need for some of those modules, it makes sense to deploy them as Insteon devices. I noticed a very small latency difference between using an Insteon sensor and a Z-Wave sensor. Nothing significant but it's there. When you start mixing and matching products supported through nodes, I'd make sure performance is okay in terms of responsiveness.

I'm playing with Wifi/Bluetooth locks with a different sort of aggregator application. It's magical to see it work under one system, but the responsiveness leaves something to be desired.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello.

I too have been a user of iinsteon devices and have been since their inception. I moved from X10 when Insteon appeared on the HA Scene.

I never used the HA Insteon Hub bu have been a user of Universal-devices from the beginning. I considered the ability to create Scens and programs key to a successful HA system.

Iam now in the process of remodeling my home and faced with the dilema what to use and or upgrade too.

I tried smart bulbs and smart lights and ruled them out. This was because of the problem that when they are switched off, when turned on they typicall want to go iinto pairing mode because they forget who they are.

So for me it is strictly LED lights of some sort or another.

I have also made a decision on a HA scheme. My decision has come down to: Switches that utilize some kind of mesh technology - I have had great success with this type switch. Now it's down to Insteon and Lutron. If there are others out there, I don't know of them. that present a different problem - Can I use Insteon and Lutron together?

I have upgraded to the Eisy and the ability to use Node Servers should solve that problem.

There is another factor-

I also propose the folowing Scheme.

I use Eisy for Security related situations like outside lights and those things that are programable for that situation. I then use UD Mobile for immediate needs. I then use Alexa for "Ön-Demand" needs. with some scheduliing "over-ride" situatiions. I am hoping doing the Node Server interface will cover any other devices that I need to use.

I know that my choice of these devices (Insteon & Lutron) is the more expensive path, but the quality of these devices eclipses the alternative devices.

I am hopng for some kind of cookbook that will guide me on incorporating my Node Server needs. Any advice on this Node Server Process would be truly appreciated.

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1 hour ago, C Martin said:

Hello.

I too have been a user of iinsteon devices and have been since their inception. I moved from X10 when Insteon appeared on the HA Scene.

I never used the HA Insteon Hub bu have been a user of Universal-devices from the beginning. I considered the ability to create Scens and programs key to a successful HA system.

Iam now in the process of remodeling my home and faced with the dilema what to use and or upgrade too.

I tried smart bulbs and smart lights and ruled them out. This was because of the problem that when they are switched off, when turned on they typicall want to go iinto pairing mode because they forget who they are.

So for me it is strictly LED lights of some sort or another.

I have also made a decision on a HA scheme. My decision has come down to: Switches that utilize some kind of mesh technology - I have had great success with this type switch. Now it's down to Insteon and Lutron. If there are others out there, I don't know of them. that present a different problem - Can I use Insteon and Lutron together?

I have upgraded to the Eisy and the ability to use Node Servers should solve that problem.

There is another factor-

I also propose the folowing Scheme.

I use Eisy for Security related situations like outside lights and those things that are programable for that situation. I then use UD Mobile for immediate needs. I then use Alexa for "Ön-Demand" needs. with some scheduliing "over-ride" situatiions. I am hoping doing the Node Server interface will cover any other devices that I need to use.

I know that my choice of these devices (Insteon & Lutron) is the more expensive path, but the quality of these devices eclipses the alternative devices.

I am hopng for some kind of cookbook that will guide me on incorporating my Node Server needs. Any advice on this Node Server Process would be truly appreciated.

 

There really isn't a cookbook for specific integration processes as the variables for that are all d8fferent. I would recommend starting off small and slow to learn as much as you can before diving into a large installation. 

I assume you're referring to Lutron caseta since Ra3 isn't supported by the Isy family. I'd read up on Lutron more to ensure it fits your needs as caseta does have some gotchas such as lack of multi-way switching and keypad control the way insteon does. 

 

 

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11 hours ago, C Martin said:

Hello.

I too have been a user of iinsteon devices and have been since their inception. I moved from X10 when Insteon appeared on the HA Scene.

I never used the HA Insteon Hub bu have been a user of Universal-devices from the beginning. I considered the ability to create Scens and programs key to a successful HA system.

Iam now in the process of remodeling my home and faced with the dilema what to use and or upgrade too.

I tried smart bulbs and smart lights and ruled them out. This was because of the problem that when they are switched off, when turned on they typicall want to go iinto pairing mode because they forget who they are.

So for me it is strictly LED lights of some sort or another.

I have also made a decision on a HA scheme. My decision has come down to: Switches that utilize some kind of mesh technology - I have had great success with this type switch. Now it's down to Insteon and Lutron. If there are others out there, I don't know of them. that present a different problem - Can I use Insteon and Lutron together?

I have upgraded to the Eisy and the ability to use Node Servers should solve that problem.

There is another factor-

I also propose the folowing Scheme.

I use Eisy for Security related situations like outside lights and those things that are programable for that situation. I then use UD Mobile for immediate needs. I then use Alexa for "Ön-Demand" needs. with some scheduliing "over-ride" situatiions. I am hoping doing the Node Server interface will cover any other devices that I need to use.

I know that my choice of these devices (Insteon & Lutron) is the more expensive path, but the quality of these devices eclipses the alternative devices.

I am hopng for some kind of cookbook that will guide me on incorporating my Node Server needs. Any advice on this Node Server Process would be truly appreciated.

One thing I've observed with the three node servers I've used so far it they are noticeably slower than Insteon-based programs/scenes/commands.  It seems to me that an Insteon + Lutron Hybrid approach would result in Insteon devices responding almost instantaneously and Lutron devices delayed a bit as they travel from the trigger/command to ISY, then to Node Server, then via API/whatever to Lutron, THEN down to your Lutron hub and finally commanding the devices. 

That would drive me bananas, so between that (unproved) hypothesis and the fantastic advice received above, I decided to go all-in on Insteon once again.  In fact, I installed 10th Instron device today and am in the middle of programming my new scenes.  Even with the opportunity for a completely fresh start, far Insteon still seems like the best path forward for me.

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5 hours ago, bradshawkyle said:

One thing I've observed with the three node servers I've used so far it they are noticeably slower than Insteon-based programs/scenes/commands.  It seems to me that an Insteon + Lutron Hybrid approach would result in Insteon devices responding almost instantaneously and Lutron devices delayed a bit as they travel from the trigger/command to ISY, then to Node Server, then via API/whatever to Lutron, THEN down to your Lutron hub and finally commanding the devices. 

That would drive me bananas, so between that (unproved) hypothesis and the fantastic advice received above, I decided to go all-in on Insteon once again.  In fact, I installed 10th Instron device today and am in the middle of programming my new scenes.  Even with the opportunity for a completely fresh start, far Insteon still seems like the best path forward for me.

I don't know why other protocols have never gone to managed devices that talk to each other like Insteon does.

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9 hours ago, bradshawkyle said:

One thing I've observed with the three node servers I've used so far it they are noticeably slower than Insteon-based programs/scenes/commands.  It seems to me that an Insteon + Lutron Hybrid approach would result in Insteon devices responding almost instantaneously and Lutron devices delayed a bit as they travel from the trigger/command to ISY, then to Node Server, then via API/whatever to Lutron, THEN down to your Lutron hub and finally commanding the devices. 

That would drive me bananas, so between that (unproved) hypothesis and the fantastic advice received above, I decided to go all-in on Insteon once again.  In fact, I installed 10th Instron device today and am in the middle of programming my new scenes.  Even with the opportunity for a completely fresh start, far Insteon still seems like the best path forward for me.

Using Insteon has been a roller coaster ride.  I could not be happier with my current iteration of Insteon.  The dual band stuff (aside from PLM) has all been rock solid going on maybe 10 years now without a failure.  I actually thought I had a failure, and then realized it was an old single band straggler I had forgotten to replace.  I see two flaws with Insteon.  1) it is not secure.  While it would require a physical presence on my property to hack, it is still easily hacked by someone who might know what to do.  Therefore, it is limited to non-secure functions.  However, to the best of my knowledge, there is no way to hack anything except an Insteon device, in other words, it can not be a backdoor to my network.  2) It is nearly, but not 100% reliable.  This is, of course, an issue with almost all protocols aside from hard wired ones.  Therefore, you can't use it to control anything critical, where a failed command would mean damage and destruction.  So for both of the above, I use other protocols (mostly hard wired).  If I were to do it again, I would still go with Insteon.  The speed of response and amazing ways you can configure them is unmatched (except perhaps in hard wired Creston and such).  Coupled to ISY there are just an endless number of possibilities.  

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On 1/18/2023 at 12:52 AM, bradshawkyle said:

Lutron devices delayed a bit as they travel from the trigger/command to ISY, then to Node Server, then via API/whatever to Lutron, THEN down to your Lutron hub and finally commanding the devices. 

I've got a setup now where I control some Lutron lights from a switched outlet.  The outlet powers a relay that triggers an Insteon Open/Close sensor that triggers an ISY program that triggers a Node Server (ST's RA2 PG2 one) that turns the lights on/off.  It's pretty responsive; <200 ms I'd estimate.

The Lutron NS's connect to the repeater via telnet over your local network - no cloud involved.  I have not tested the responsiveness of Lutron devices triggering Insteon events, but I suspect it would be just as good.

This is RA2, though.  There isn't a NS for RA3, as lilyoyo1 pointed out, and there may not be one for a while, if ever, due to the authentication hurdle.  RA2 is, thankfully, open, but it's possible that it will face dwindling support and device availability, at least for the devices not forward compatible with RA3 and those with RA3-only equivalents.

-Tom

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1 hour ago, RPerrault said:

lutron dealers will sell you homeworks and hardware - and its not $50,000

 

The price depends on size of installation and you won't find a single dealer willing to sell homeworks to anyone trying to do a diy project. My number is based off of previous installs from other dealers that I know personally who install homeworks in addition to my control 4 installations. Woke I can't say specifically for his dream home, I based estimate on what he originally had. Being that it's a dream home, most likely he'd have more and the cost would rise.

Yes, you'll find some dealers willing to sell Ra devices. When it comes to homeworks, you won't..... especially considering that they'd need access to the software to program the system and they'd need to give access for that. The hoops one has to jump through to gain access just to become a dealer (and cost) means the likelihood of finding someone willing to do so is next to zero. Granted, there may be someone willing to do so. However, what are the chances of the op or any person knowing them?!

Of course there's always ebay but that's a completely different story. 

Edited by lilyoyo1
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16 hours ago, RPerrault said:

both dealers i spoke with were willing to sell it to me

 

If you say so.... You do realize that homeworks is a hardwired setup requiring special wiring don't you? While some rf devices can be used with it the system, overall it's a hardwired solution.

Edited by lilyoyo1
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2 hours ago, RPerrault said:

for those interested in homeworks (and not being argumentative)

components

https://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/WholeHomeSystems/Homeworks/Components.aspx

architecture (qsx processor)

https://assets.lutron.com/a/documents/homeworks_system_architecture.pdf

published protocol (for the node code types)

https://assets.lutron.com/a/documents/040249.pdf

 

Not being argumentative myself but It's still more involved than what you see. Yes, anyone can Google what you provided as it's readily available information. One must also be able to put that information to use in the real world which is a different story. When you look at all the of the issues here with basic consumer stuff, imagine what homeworks can mean for most people. 

You can find the wiring that each hardwired homeworks component uses online. But even then, the costs add up along with the work of rewiring ones whole house (hence my statement of 50k+). Yes, that price comes down if a person uses the sunnata switches but then they still do not have access to the software to configure and program the system. 

A dealer would still need to give a person access to the software via their license in order to program and maintain their system. Our licenses for these systems are our lifelines. Not something anyone would give up easily when you consider the hoops they go through in order to become a homeworks dealer (C4 qualifications are much lower).  

Ra3 can be programmed by anyone who takes the free course. If they pass, they'll receive access to ra3 software. Compare that to Homeworks which a person has to be accepted into. Only select dealers who apply will be accepted into the homeworks program. In order to do so, you must have sales above a certain amount, a separate salesperson/team with an established sales record, been in business over a year, in addtion to a team dedicated to design, support, installation, etc. If accepted, you then have to pay approximately 10k for the training.  

Biggest reason of all though- homeworks is self contained. It doesn't work with udi products. I say that because this is a udi forum. A person coming on here probably wants to use their system with udi controllers. I talk openly about switching to ra3 because I can use C4 with it as I have access to everything I need in order to make it work. My preference is to stay with udi with it but that depends on if they gain access to the API or not. Not many people here has that capability which I readily state during those moments. 

Im not saying the things I say to argue with you. Just putting the information out there for someone who reads what you've said and think that homeworks is a feasible path to take for their situation. You claim you know 2 people who will sell you what you need for homeworks but not many people have that option. Even still, should they manage to put a system together, without programming, they're dead in the water with thousands of dollars wasted. I'd hate for that to happen to someone so yes, I try to give real world information vs something that someone simply read about online. 

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well thank goodness all us rubes have someone smart like you to explain to us (who does not know the difference between a network switch and a light switch)

look up the word integration

https://assets.lutron.com/a/documents/040249.pdf

roomba is not udi - nor any number of node servers - go troll people posting about them

you can believe me or not - i don't care about your opinion - i talked to two lutron homeworks dealers about wood blinds - they offered because unlike you, they thought i was capable of doing it

explain this 'api' to us without using the word integration

how many apis have you written code for?  

does lutron have one of these apis?

fish in a barrel 

 

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2 hours ago, RPerrault said:

well thank goodness all us rubes have someone smart like you to explain to us (who does not know the difference between a network switch and a light switch)

look up the word integration

https://assets.lutron.com/a/documents/040249.pdf

roomba is not udi - nor any number of node servers - go troll people posting about them

you can believe me or not - i don't care about your opinion - i talked to two lutron homeworks dealers about wood blinds - they offered because unlike you, they thought i was capable of doing it

explain this 'api' to us without using the word integration

how many apis have you written code for?  

does lutron have one of these apis?

fish in a barrel 

 

You can claim anything you want. Doesn't make it true. Once you actually make sense vs sounding like a drunk trying to sound intelligent we can talk. 

Your Google search still doesn't help the avg person that you claim can do something accomplish having a homeworks system. Your claim of so called dealers selling you something still doesn't make the software available to you or anyone else to program it. You can post links all that you want. If you think that'll get you somewhere, create a Node Server so it can be used with the Isy. I'll even be willing to pay for it. 

 

Edited by lilyoyo1
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