ISY-99 How to you rate it?

[easytim]

After years and years of playing with X10 and Ocelot I have a system that works 90% of the time

 

I'm changing over to Insteon and ISY-99, I feel there still may be buggy issues with this system, I'm just wanting to know

how well its worked for other people. What do you think?

[Brian H]

Can you elaborate on the problems you are having?

Some noise and signal absorbers can effect Insteon to some degree as they can with X10 power line signals.

[apostolakisl]

If you can get x10 to work, you will find ISY/insteon to be a breeze. All the "bugs" are on the fringe, far from routine application issues. Certainly there is a learning curve using the ISY, but it is a highly reliable device. Far more reliable than any pc I have ever owned.

[tgutwin]

Rating : 10/10

I am sticking to the stable ISY build and everything is rock solid.

I am itching for the new firmware features but I have gotten so use to not having to mess around with things (like the old x10 days) that the better half of me is telling me to just be patient.

 

The small issues I have had were not ISY-99i related.

- Noise from an apple powerbook power charger (very cheap and noisy design)

- I have had a couple Insteon devices go flaky on me

 

I was a long time X10 user, with computer programs and full remote control over a Harmony remote (through a HTPC).

I did evaluate the Insteon system for a bit at first but then when I got the UD ISY99i I was sooo surprised by its ease and capabilities.

I would never go back to control without it. (I don't know how I put up without it)

 

The Java API rules too!

 

[oberkc]

I think you will find a near unanimous concensus in high praise of the ISY-99.

[easytim]

Can you elaborate on the problems you are having?

Some noise and signal absorbers can effect Insteon to some degree as they can with X10 power line signals.

 

Sometimes things don't turn and sometimes things don't turn off, I bought all the goodies to amplify the signal and connect it to both phases. Some areas of the house its still dead, its a pain in the ***, with a 3200 sq ft house

[Steigs]

Love it or hate it, I've never owned a product with better customer support.

[Hurting2Ride]

I've used X10 for 25+ years w/ Homeseer for about 10 of those. Since purchasing the ISY about 2 months ago I'm in the process of migrating to Insteon and have since stopped using HomeSeer altogether. I have a mix of about 45 various devices. I'm much, much happier with Insteon than X10.

 

The ISY is a great device and the support so far as been completely top-notch. As with anything there is a learning curve but it's neither too long nor too steep. Some of that learning curve is understanding the issues and intricacies of Insteon itself, and how the ISY interacts with it. But where I had issue before that were hair pulling, most of working with the ISY is enjoyable and the Insteon/ISY is much more reliable than the x10. I do not get devices turning on or off on their own with Insteon as I did with X10 so I've finally felt comfortable putting my garage door and property gates on the system; I love having the ability to check and control both of those from anywhere on the property and even away from home.

 

The programming on the ISY is fairly straightforward and if you find yourself stumped this forum is great for getting help and answers. There are some limitations due how variables can and cannot currently be used but 95% of what I want to do is doable.

[Brian H]

You most likely have power line communications issues.

First if you have the PLM on the same circuit as the computer or an UPS. Filter the computer or UPS but not the PLM.

If the PLM is on a surge strip. Try it in an outlet alone.

 

Try disconnecting electronic devices as some can absorb power line signals or make line noise.

 

I would also verify you don't have any loads on dimmers that are not rated for dimming. Like CFLs or low voltage lighting not rated for dimming.

 

If you have any active X10 Repeater/Couplers left over from your X10 days. Try disconnecting them. Some garbage Insteon power line signals. Passive couplers most time do not effect Insteon signals.

 

Insteon is way more reliable than X10 but nothing is 100% out of the box.

 

I am extremely happy with my ISY99i that was an upgrade from the older ISY26 that I started out with.

[easytim]

I've used X10 for 25+ years w/ Homeseer for about 10 of those. Since purchasing the ISY about 2 months ago I'm in the process of migrating to Insteon and have since stopped using HomeSeer altogether. I have a mix of about 45 various devices. I'm much, much happier with Insteon than X10.

 

The ISY is a great device and the support so far as been completely top-notch. As with anything there is a learning curve but it's neither too long nor too steep. Some of that learning curve is understanding the issues and intricacies of Insteon itself, and how the ISY interacts with it. But where I had issue before that were hair pulling, most of working with the ISY is enjoyable and the Insteon/ISY is much more reliable than the x10. I do not get devices turning on or off on their own with Insteon as I did with X10 so I've finally felt comfortable putting my garage door and property gates on the system; I love having the ability to check and control both of those from anywhere on the property and even away from home.

 

The programming on the ISY is fairly straightforward and if you find yourself stumped this forum is great for getting help and answers. There are some limitations due how variables can and cannot currently be used but 95% of what I want to do is doable.

 

 

Very nice reply, I think I'm going to like Insteon and ISY, I can't wait

[easytim]

You most likely have power line communications issues.

First if you have the PLM on the same circuit as the computer or an UPS. Filter the computer or UPS but not the PLM.

If the PLM is on a surge strip. Try it in an outlet alone.

 

Try disconnecting electronic devices as some can absorb power line signals or make line noise.

 

I would also verify you don't have any loads on dimmers that are not rated for dimming. Like CFLs or low voltage lighting not rated for dimming.

 

If you have any active X10 Repeater/Couplers left over from your X10 days. Try disconnecting them. Some garbage Insteon power line signals. Passive couplers most time do not effect Insteon signals.

 

Insteon is way more reliable than X10 but nothing is 100% out of the box.

 

I am extremely happy with my ISY99i that was an upgrade from the older ISY26 that I started out with.

 

 

 

I did all the UPS x10 filters on everything including computers, and I have a repaeter, the fact is I give up, x10 will never be 100% in my book, ever

[Brian H]

I assist in the X10 forums. With all the modern electronic devices, making power line noise and absorbing power line signals.

Getting a system 100% is not easy.

I still use X10 for tests and some modules still not in Insteon. Like a chime module and sixteen button palm pad remote.

All my Insteon modules also have an X10 address in them. For use with the palm pad.

 

I have a JV Engineering XTB-IIR Repeater Coupler that hits the power lines with over a ten volt X10 signal. My lowest signal is 1.25 volts. As measured by their XTBM X10 signal meter.

It also is smart enough to recognize an Insteon signal and not garbage it. By trying to duplicate it as an X10 signal.

[easytim]

I assist in the X10 forums. With all the modern electronic devices, making power line noise and absorbing power line signals.

Getting a system 100% is not easy.

I still use X10 for tests and some modules still not in Insteon. Like a chime module and sixteen button palm pad remote.

All my Insteon modules also have an X10 address in them. For use with the palm pad.

 

I have a JV Engineering XTB-IIR Repeater Coupler that hits the power lines with over a ten volt X10 signal. My lowest signal is 1.25 volts. As measured by their XTBM X10 signal meter.

It also is smart enough to recognize an Insteon signal and not garbage it. By trying to duplicate it as an X10 signal.

 

It looks like you got it all working for you, I love the idea of being able to play with Insteon with the iPhone, I can watch the lights go on and off with cameras I'm able to watch over iPhone. A big toy, but its all toys for all of us here:)