Easiest way to control the x10 security console & compon

[jellis]

Hey Guys,

 

I just picked up the ISY-99i and I am loving it. Here is my situation... I previously used the x10 security system to alert us of doors opening and motion. We use this to make sure our kids don't get out of the house or get by the pool. I would like to be able to integrate this with the ISY and use its benefits like alerting me remotely of the activity. I have read several forums that provide various answers but nothing exact.

 

Basically, in the end I would like to have an automated house with the benefits of a monitoring/alarm system. Is there a way to take advantage of my x10 security equipment or should I get rid of it and try something else? I am trying to be a little cost conscience. Thanks for your help!!

[oberkc]

I am not familiar with the "x10 security system", but assume it broadcasts X-10 messages at defined security events, correct? If so, you can use these X-10 messages as triggers for ISY programs to perform any action within the capability of the ISY, including email alerts.

[fitzpatri8]

x10 'security' consoles use a different wireless protocol designed for 'security' sensors. Rather than use standard x10 messages where you can manually set a house and unit code, the sensor randomly picks a unit id which you can then program into a security console. Consoles use regular x10 power line signals only to flash a specific house/unit code when you arm or disarm or flash all lights on the same housecode in the event of an alarm.

 

What that means, in short, is that they can only trigger an ISY program to respond to arming, disarming, and alarm events. The ISY cannot, by itself, arm or disarm the alarm, nor can it indicate open or closed sensors or trouble codes. There are some potential work-arounds but I recommend against them. Those sensors might be fine for scaring off kids breaking into your house while you aren't home, but they are simply not up to modern standards for actual health and safety monitoring.

[jellis]

Ok, from what I was reading that seemed to be the case but I wasn't exactly sure. Thanks for the information on this.

 

One other question if you guys have the answer I would appreciate it. This is really a bummer and one of the main reason I bout the Insteon devices. I bought a SwitchLink Relay to control my pool pump. However I am not able to control it because it has its own breaker box outside. I understand you can phase couple.....is this what I should do in this case and how could I go about it? Are there any best practices/easiest approaches to get this to work? Maybe even a better switch I should have bought?

 

Thanks again!!

[fitzpatri8]

Do you have 220 volts available at the subpanel? If so, you could use this: http://www.smarthome.com/2477SA1/INSTEO ... and/p.aspx

then connect a 120 volt load to just one of the load controller outputs and a neutral to get 120.

[LeeG]

Jellis

 

Having a breaker box outside does not prevent the Insteon signals from reach an Insteon device powered from that breaker panel. If the ISY PLM is on one 120V leg and the SwitchLinc is on the other 120V leg then coupling with a pair of Access Points or other Dual Band devices is required. Some folks prefer coupling with a hardwired coupler at the primary electrical panel. This approach works fine but does not provide support for wireless devices such as the Motion Sensor, TriggerLinc, Venstar Thermostat adaptor. There is no one size fits all solutions. I run with a pair of Access Points and no hardwired coupler. I have 2 secondary power panels, with Insteon devices on circuits powered from these secondary panels. One panel is in a detached garage some 300’ wire feet from the house. Depends on how large an electrical installation rather than the number power panels (assuming they are all supplied from the one electric meter).

 

Lee

[jellis]

Ok, I think I understand this now. I also have two sub panels. The main is on the outside of my house which has the main shut off, as well as the pool pump main breaker and the A/C breaker. Then I have a sub panel in my garage which controls everything in the house and for the pool there is on next to the pump. So if I understand this right I just need to pick up an access point, find a plug that is on the other phase and plug it in. Do I have this right or will I need two Access Points to couple the phases? I guess I was thinking the PLM and one Access Point would work to join them.

[LeeG]

If it is a 2413 Dual Band PLM then one Access Point should be enough. Some folks install the ISY and PLM in a service closet in the basement which may not provide good RF to another location. Start with one Access Point. The procedure described in the Quick Start guide describes the Set button procedure to verify the PLM and Access Point are in communication and are on opposite 120V legs. If there is a problem then another Access Point or other Dual Band device can be obtained to create the coupling from a location other than the PLM.