aaronw Posted January 2 Posted January 2 I bought an ISY994 to control my home automation system, and for years, the writing regarding the use of Java was on the wall, yet UD could never implement a modern alternative admin console using Javascript. For years, I struggled to run javaws to configure my system, and now I am totally unable to do anything with my system. I can't reconfigure it, and it's not much more than a brick. I am loathe to support UD with their new hardware. As an embedded hardware and developer, I think they made a mistake in making an overpriced Celleron-based box rather than providing just software that could run on existing hardware (i.e. Raspberry Pi). I don't need or want HDMI. I don't need or want 60GB of storage. I just want to manage my Insteon installation. I would just use a generic server if I wanted something more powerful. $400 is way overpriced for this, in my opinion.
Javi Posted January 2 Posted January 2 Thanks for the feedback. With regards to 994 and Java they both continue to work it is likely a misconfiguration or there is a system malfunction. Most Admin Console features are also available in UD Mobile if you have upgraded your system to the latest 5.x firmware. The "overpriced Celeron-based box" may seem unneeded today, in ten years it may be seen as not enough. Our long product lifespan and free tech support during the product's lifespan is one of the major differences between us and our competition. 11
kzboray Posted January 2 Posted January 2 @aaronw I would add to @Javi 's post that all you need to do is contact UD support. They are without a doubt the best support I have ever had to work with. They are responsive and extremely helpful. And as Javi said it's free so why not open a ticket? Submit a ticket 2
larryllix Posted January 2 Posted January 2 Where ya' gonna' run to? Rpi, with it's SD card, that fails after X writes? and possibly user fees to support commercial sales and/or usage? An old PC that fills up with dust and requires a constant fan running, taking up a whole shelf full of support devices to access it? Try a price comparison with a few other HA boxes. Yes the hardware price jump seemed excessive but in comparison to the other box prices and support, not much to consider. No UDI boxes are not perfect but open enough and friendly enough for me. Don't like java? Maybe get rid of your vehicle then. 2
Andy P Posted January 5 Posted January 5 On 1/2/2024 at 12:49 AM, aaronw said: $400 is way overpriced for this, in my opinion. Is that $260 for the EISY and $126 for the zwave dongle (which isn't needed for insteon)? I think I have around 100 insteon devices which cost anywhere from $30 to $79, so lets say $50 each meaning $5000 invested. Doesn't feel overpriced to have a hub for $260. I have seen some others make the jump to HA and RPi. I think the user interface is definitely a lot more modern than the Admin Console, but they also spend a lot more time trying to make everything work. For me the biggest advantage of going to the EISY over the ISY is the additional power to run all the node servers. I actually like the EISY box enough that I bought a couple of the MELE quieter3c boxes to replace windows pcs in my house. Good luck whichever way you choose to go. Andy 5
dbwarner5 Posted January 5 Posted January 5 On 1/2/2024 at 12:49 AM, aaronw said: I bought an ISY994 to control my home automation system, and for years, the writing regarding the use of Java was on the wall, yet UD could never implement a modern alternative admin console using Javascript. As an embedded hardware and developer, I think they made a mistake in making an overpriced Celleron-based box rather than providing just software that could run on existing hardware (i.e. Raspberry Pi). This sorta cracks me up. while most of us agree that the Java interface is far from a sleek and updated web interface, it serves the purpose well and diligently. For someone to complain about it and then recommend a RPi instead seems a bit ironic as most people would pick up the JAVA Admin console far before they could figure out an RPi. Anyway. between the service, the historical rock solid performance, the new UD mobile app, Node servers and upcoming Matter compatibility, there isnt anything out there that compares at double the price to the Eisy. For 10x the price you can get a Control4 and pay a tech service guy to change your living room light from 85% to 60%, but I dont think most people on this site want that either. UD, from Michel on down actually care about their customers and their products. Frankly, I dont understand how they are actually making a living with such LOW prices. Just MHO. 7
dakall Posted January 5 Posted January 5 I've never been able to figure out why people feel the need to announce that they are no longer going to use a product on the forum for that product. If you are having particular issues, ask a question. Otherwise, it all seems like a plea for attention. 5
Brian H Posted January 5 Posted January 5 (edited) We saw similar posts. When years ago UDI stopped making the ISY26 and then ISY99i for the later ISY994i. Edited January 5 by Brian H Correct spelling 3
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