Another "994i to eisy considerations?" :-)

[manowell]

 

(Since AllDigital did this so well, I thought I'd piggyback on it)

 

I've got a modest ISY 994i + Insteon home automation system and I'm considering the upgrade to the eisy, so I can start to clean up what I have and be ready for what's next. I have no new components at this time, I want to learn what I need to order the right stuff.  Here is my current footprint (somewhat dated, since I haven't touched it in years):

• ISY 994i running 5.0.16C (with an unused spare new in box)
• 7 custom programs / 0 variables
• Dual-band PLM 2413S (with an unused spare new in box)
• 41 Insteon devices 
  • 3 thermostats (two conventional, one heat pump)
  • 5 KeypadLink dimmer switches
  • 1 IRLinc Reciever
  • 2 Micro Module on/off
  • 4 InLineLinc Dimmer
  • 4 SwitchLinc Dimmer
  • 2 SwitchLinc Relay
  • 11 Dual Band SwitchLinc Dimmer
  • 6 Dual Band SwitchLinc On/Off Switch
  • 1 LampLinc ByPhy
  • 2 IOLinc
• 4 Slhage Powered Door locks
  • 3 Aeotec R6 Zwave repeater to make the door locks talk.
• Not certain what a network resource is....
• UDI Portal integration
• No email notifications w customizations, but would love to learn to make that work someday.
• Agave app, UD Mobile app

I am not using any of the energy features.

My goal in moving up is to modernize my stale (but working great!) setup, be able to add Elk security and control, and have better Zwave range and a technical path forward.  I'm ready to order, just want to make sure I order the right parts.

If there's a smooth migration path, cool, but I don't mind resetting it all to factory clean and starting over anyway since I work from home now.  Abount half the devices need to be regrouped / renamed anyway.

I'm looking at a new upstairs A/C unit now, also, planning on getting one with modern integration abilities, open to suggestions on that.

Wide open to all comments and suggestions!

Thanks,

 - Marc Nowell

[zorax2]

I have a similar setup with more devices, no Schlage locks, Portal, connection with Alexa and hadn't used the UD Mobile app.

In the end, I'm thrilled I upgraded to eisy and am now enjoying the UD Mobile app. If you update your ISY994, print a topology report and document things well, I'd expect you'll have a smooth transition / migration to the eisy. I wouldn't go back to factory clean unless you have a real need to do that or something goes horribly wrong in the process.

The greatest challenge I had was finding everything hunting between wikis, the forum and elsewhere as to how to configure things as my system was rock-solid and I hadn't done much other than use the 994 to add devices over the years.

Transferring the portal goes well if you follow the instructions. The PG3 version of Elk was new to me as I had the Elk Portal. It was a bit of a struggle to initially configure so I put a step by step approach in the PG3 Elk thread to help others.

I initially had trouble having started with ethernet and then trying WiFi as there was a bug that was since corrected.

I really appreciate the increased speed / snappiness of the eisy's interface coming from the 994. I wish there was IR but someone is trying to figure out how to add that via PG3. I invested more time than I would have liked and do hope for documentation / steps to improve over time.

I'm pleased to have shown UDI continued support by purchasing the eisy (as I really had no need given my system was rock solid). The new eisy does however provide me with newly developed updates and the ability to do things as technology changes so I'm happy I upgraded. Give yourself a bit of time to do the upgrade and I'm sure you'll be thrilled with the new eisy platform.

Edited January 25, 2023 by zorax2