Better to control devices or scenes?

[rossarmstrong]

I have seen both options preferred in numerous threads.

 

It appears that when using devices (i.g.keypadlinc) to control other devices it is preferred to set the execution up using scenes.

 

But if you have the ISY make the changes, it is preferred to have the ISY control the devices directly.

 

Am I right/wrong or is there really no consensus?

 

I occasionally (5-10%) have had issues regarding execution reliability using both so I often add a repeat feature to a program to ensure all devices end up in the desired state (e.g. outdoor lights turning off)

 

The unreliability seems a bit higher if I call a scene versus the individual devices.

 

The reason I ask, I am more frequently using a remote app (Conductor) and was wondering if I would be better off trying do the simple turning on/off of individual devices by making the change to device directly (or the load device in a multiway config) or using the scene?

 

I guess one of the drawbacks to controlling a load device directly would be that the other switches in a multiway switch would not be changed to match the actual state of the load.

 

Your opinion is greatly appreciated.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello rossarmstrong,

 

As you suggested, it's quite subjective!

 

My personal preference is using scenes wherever they have already been defined and if you have more than just a couple of devices. From my perspective:

 

Pros for using scenes:

1. All devices respond at the same time

2. Less INSTEON traffic

3. You can add/remove devices from the scene, change on levels/ramp rates, without having to change the programs (one at a time for each device)

 

Cons for using scenes:

1. Not as reliable especially if you have SWL v35s

 

With kind regards,

Michel