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.

[LeeG]

For device to device control, Scenes are the solution. That is for example, KPL button B turns On/Off a LampLinc. No latency associated with invoking an ISY Program with the Program issuing the On/Off commands and device to device control with a Scene is the most reliable protocol Insteon has to offer, the Controller automatically retries.

 

For Program control of Secondary KPL buttons, a Scene must be used. Secondary KPL buttons do not respond to Direct commands.

 

I/O Linc Relay must be controlled with a Scene to use Momentary mode. Direct commands turn the relay On and Off without regard to the characteristics of an active Momentary mode.

 

I/O Linc Relay command reversal (On command turns relay Off, Off command turns relay On) is accomplished with a Scene.

 

A Scene between devices works even if the ISY is down for maintenance. ISY is most reliable but I prefer as much of the house to work without assistance.

 

Where circumstances dictate the use of an ISY Program to begin with, such as when a Motion Sensor is involved and more than an absolute Off after a fixed time is desired, Scenes or Direct commands can be used.

 

Scenes – Plus

All Responders react simultaneously

 

Scenes – Minus

May require more than a single Scene On/Off statement if powerline is not good

 

Direct – Plus

PLM automatically retries Direct commands up to three times with no Program intervention

 

Direct – Minus

Multiple devices respond sequentially rather than simultaneously

Cannot control ramp rate

Linked devices get out of sync

 

This is not an all encompassing answer. The more time and people think about this the more ideas and opinions will be expressed.