Which Thermostat works best with ISY

[skisteep]

I have followed the Thermostat threads for over a year now in anticipation of purchasing one. Over the year there has been many ups and downs as manufactures and versions seem to come out monthly.

 

Now it seems that the thread activity has slowed down, so I'm wondering which manufacture and version is currently the best fit for ISY.

 

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

Wayne

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi Wayne,

 

The choices are:

99i - INSTEON thermostats; either Venstar or SmartHome brand

994i - Same as 99i

994i Z - Same s 994i + RCS Zigbee thermostats

 

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[skisteep]

Thanks for the feedback Michel,

 

Are the Venstar and Smarthome the same just branded differently, or does one have more features or a better fit to the current ISY firmware. I would assume that your latest beta would be the firmware of choice.

 

Thanks,

Wayne

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi Wayne,

 

They are not the same. I will have to let other customers who are actually using these devices to let you know which is more reliable.

 

Yes on the latest beta.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[andyf0]

Thanks for the feedback Michel,

 

Are the Venstar and Smarthome the same just branded differently, or does one have more features or a better fit to the current ISY firmware. I would assume that your latest beta would be the firmware of choice.

 

Thanks,

Wayne

 

I have Venstars. I tried the Smarthome branded ones (cosmetically looks much better) but it's sensor is too close to the triacs and reflects the temperature badly. I found it's control of heat / cool to be very bad.

 

Functionally I think the Venstars work much better although lacking in a couple of minor features. IMO the Smarthome branded ones are too new and need to mature some more.

[skisteep]

Thanks for your info Andy,

 

Do you have a Venstar model and version that works best for you, or is the latest model and version the best way to go, any thoughts on purchasing now vs waiting a little longer for a more stable release?

 

Best,

Wayne

[andyf0]

Thanks for your info Andy,

 

Do you have a Venstar model and version that works best for you, or is the latest model and version the best way to go, any thoughts on purchasing now vs waiting a little longer for a more stable release?

 

Best,

Wayne

 

I have a Venstar with Insteon built in and one with the Insteon adapter. They are both at different versions, v92 & v93 I think, they both perform equally well. Saying that, my automatic switch over from one thermostat to the other in bedroom failed last night and I was left with both thermostats off. Had to get up in the middle of the night to set them right. First time it's happened though.