8 button keypad question

[ingeborgdot]

I am going to be getting my first 8 button keypad and can't find a topic on installation. I am sure it is out there but must be doing something wrong on the search. How much different is it to set up than a remote linc etc? Thanks guys.

[Sub-Routine]

The KPL is a bit different than a RemoteLinc because it can be a responder as well as a controller.

ISY-99i/ISY-26_INSTEON:Linking_a_KeypadLinc

 

Rand

[ingeborgdot]

When you say responder you mean?

 

Also, when I get the keypad it will be able to turn on and off the lights from that single key correct?

 

I feel so stupid sometimes when I work with this new stuff and you guys seem to know it all

[LeeG]

Insteon devices are either Controllers only which send commands to other devices to control those devices; Responders only which are devices controlled by other Insteon devices; or devices are capable of being both a Controller and a Responder. A RemoteLinc is an example of a Controller only. It can control other devices but there is no function in a RemoteLinc that is controlled by anther device. An ApplicanceLinc is an example of a Responder only. It can be turned On and Off by another device but the ApplicanceLinc itself cannot control any other device. A SwitchLinc is an example of a device which is both a Controller (can turn On/Off other devices) and is a Responder (can be turned On/Off by other devices). A KeypadLinc is both a Controller (the KPL buttons can turn On/Off other devices) and a Responder in that the KPL load can be turned On/Off by other devices. Also the secondary button LEDs can be turned On/Off by other devices.

 

To the specific question, yes a KPL button can turn On and Off other Insteon devices. The primary KPL button (ON/OFF in 6 button mode, Main in 8 button mode) can also turn On/Off a locally attached light (load).

[ingeborgdot]

How would a person typically set up an 8 button keypad? Would you be so kind as to give an example? Thanks.

[LeeG]

Not sure there is a typical usage as the possibilities are so varied. Some examples from my own house. I have an 8 button KPL at top of the stairs leading to the basement. The Main button controls the lights that cover the stairs to the basement. The other buttons control all the lights in the various rooms in the basement. Plus the switches in the basement that actually control each load (light circuit) in the basement are linked back to a secondary button on the same KPL. I can tell at a glance if any of the basement lights have been left On and can turn any of them Off from the living room.

 

Another example is an 8 button KPL at the front door. Two of the secondary buttons control the garage door openers in a detached garage. Four other secondary buttons on the same KPL indicate whether each garage door is fully open or fully closed. There is another KPL along side of that one which controls the various light circuits in the garage. I can tell if any lights were left On and turn them Off from the house. Or turn the garage lights On from the house before going to the garage in the dark. One of the buttons controls the outside floods so the driveway has light for the walk to the garage.

 

KPLs are often used in Theater Rooms. Different KPL buttons are used to establish different Scenes in the room. One button may have all the “house lights†on so folks can enter the room. Another button can turn on the electronics. Another button can bring the “house lights†down for better viewing.

 

Each KPL button can control one or more responder devices and each KPL button can be controlled by one or more Controllers. From there the possibilities are whatever you can dream up or whatever makes sense from a functional point of view.

 

Some folks have a KPL on the night table alongside the bed. One button can turn all the house lights off. One button can turn on the bedroom lights to full. Another button might turn on the bedroom light to a dim level. Bright enough to walk around but not so bright as to wake some. One button can turn on the lights in the master bathroom. On and On and On.

[ingeborgdot]

The sky is the limit is what it sounds like. Cool. If I set up 8 light zones to be turned on can I turn them off with the same button that turned them on. For instance bedroom button is pushed - on comes the light and if I hit it again will it shut off?

[LeeG]

Sure. By default a KPL button works in Toggle mode. Press it once and the KPL issues On commands to the Responder(s) and the button LED turns On. Press it again and the KPL issues Off commands to the Responder(s) and the button LED turns Off. There is non-toggle On mode where a KPL button always issues an On command to the responder(s) and non-toggle Off mode where a KPL button always issues an Off command. There are lots of features in a KPL. I recommend reading the online KPL User Guide to get a sense of all the fun you can have with the KPL.