ISY994i.... Might be over my head, any programmers for hire?

[jeff000]

I have the ISY994i, and lots of Insteon devices. I have some kind of complex ideas I want to impliment. But while wiring it all up is easy (I'm an Electrician) programming is not a strong suit.

 

Is there anyone I could hire to write the programming for me? Or is there a more point and click way to program this thing?

 

Thanks

[Vyrolan]

I think it would be extremely difficult to program your ISY to your specifications without being onsite and able to test things live and really work with you to get it all right...especially if you're wanting to do some more complex things.

 

You may be able to find a local Insteon dealer/installer who offers ISY programming. The guys at Best Buy told me that the Geek Squad can program the ISY, but I shudder just imagining such a thing.

 

If you are up for the learning experience, U-D support and these forums can probably offer you all the assistance you need, but it could be a slow sometimes-painful process depending on your ability and time availability.

[jeff000]

I think it would be extremely difficult to program your ISY to your specifications without being onsite and able to test things live and really work with you to get it all right...especially if you're wanting to do some more complex things.

 

You may be able to find a local Insteon dealer/installer who offers ISY programming. The guys at Best Buy told me that the Geek Squad can program the ISY, but I shudder just imagining such a thing.

 

If you are up for the learning experience, U-D support and these forums can probably offer you all the assistance you need, but it could be a slow sometimes-painful process depending on your ability and time availability.

 

 

Hmm ok thanks.

 

I think one of my issues is that I know how to program Siemens PLC's, And the ISY994i seems to be close to a PLC, but it's different, and messing with my head.

 

I was hoping it could be remote programmed like a PLC can. But I can see how far I can get and then post up questions for sure.

 

 

What is the best Android app for this too?

 

Thanks.

[ISYhbsh01]

Mobilinc is the best Android app.

 

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

[arw01]

I am in the same boat as you. However, I have a lot more programming experience in general. But still bending my head around some of the limitations I read here on the boards.

 

I am surprised that Timers are not a native object to use on the ISY, seems like they would have been requested as a new feature a long time ago.

 

Write it up, maybe some of your stuff will give me some ideas for my stuff.

[johnnyt]

 

Is there anyone I could hire to write the programming for me? Or is there a more point and click way to program this thing?

 

Thanks

For $50 I can give you a 1 hour personalised "getting started" tutorial using your ISY, my ISY and windows remote assistance. I'll include a 30 min follow up session a week or so later after you've had a chance to try a few things. Judging from my own experience it'll save you quite a bit of time, especially if you don't have much programming experience although even with programming experience I would have benefitted from something like this myself when I got started. PM me if you're interested.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[Michel Kohanim]

I am surprised that Timers are not a native object to use on the ISY, seems like they would have been requested as a new feature a long time ago.

 

I am sorry but I have no clue what "native object" means when it comes to timers. ISY does have timers and pretty sophisticated ones. So, please do be kind enough to elaborate.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[arw01]

Michael, sorry to be vague.

 

Coming from misterhouse we used a timer object that let us do the following:

 

set some_timer_variable_name 60*5

 

If expired some_timer_variable_name then turn off light

 

if some event occurs restart some_timer_variable_name

 

If some event occurs expire some_timer_variable_name

 

We could do comparisons on the timer, e.g.

 

If some_timer_variable_name < 300 then some action I want to occur

 

If active some_timer_variable_name then do some other action

 

For how the ISY does timers, I've not gotten my head around them yet.

 

So for a occupancy timer you would just do something like this instead of the program calling a program that I haven't understood well yet:

 

If motion_sensor State = "ON"

Then restart house_empty_timer

 

 

If some of the actual perl code would be more helpful, I can dig it out

[arw01]

I have the ISY994i, and lots of Insteon devices. I have some kind of complex ideas I want to impliment. But while wiring it all up is easy (I'm an Electrician) programming is not a strong suit.

 

Is there anyone I could hire to write the programming for me? Or is there a more point and click way to program this thing?

 

Thanks

 

Jeff, if you go slow about what you want to program. I am sure many of use would be happy to learn along with you and help as well where we are a few days ahead of you learning..

[apostolakisl]

Michael, sorry to be vague.

 

Coming from misterhouse we used a timer object that let us do the following:

 

set some_timer_variable_name 60*5

 

If expired some_timer_variable_name then turn off light

 

if some event occurs restart some_timer_variable_name

 

If some event occurs expire some_timer_variable_name

 

We could do comparisons on the timer, e.g.

 

If some_timer_variable_name < 300 then some action I want to occur

 

If active some_timer_variable_name then do some other action

 

For how the ISY does timers, I've not gotten my head around them yet.

 

So for a occupancy timer you would just do something like this instead of the program calling a program that I haven't understood well yet:

 

If motion_sensor State = "ON"

Then restart house_empty_timer

 

 

If some of the actual perl code would be more helpful, I can dig it out

 

Nearly all of these things can be done using a "wait" command. You might need multiple programs depending on the details. I have illustrated this below separating all the different situations into individual programs, but many times they can be merged into a single program.

 

The root timer program would be this: I have named it program 'x'

 

If
  - No Conditions - (To add one, press 'Schedule' or 'Condition')

Then
       Wait  300 minutes 
       Set 'whatever you want' Off
       Run Program 'x' Else path

Else
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

To expire the timer

 

If
  - Put the condition here for expiring timer

Then
       Run Program 'x' (Else Path)

Else
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

To start (or restart) timer

If
  - Put the condition here for starting (or restarting) timer

Then
       Run Program 'x' (Then Path)

Else
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

To do something if the timer is active

If
       Whatever you want to cause ISY to check if timer is running
And  Program 'x' is True

Then
  - Whatever you want to happen if timer active

Else
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

To do something if the timer is inactive

If
       Whatever you want to cause ISY to check if timer is running
And  Program 'x' is False

Then
  - Whatever you want to happen if timer inactive

Else
  - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

As far as I know, you can't compare the current location of a wait to anything else. Like if the wait had more than 60 minutes left versus less than 60 minutes.

 

Many of the situations I listed above would not require multiple programs, but the multiple program best illustrates how you could make it do anything you want.

[Michel Kohanim]

apostolakisl,

 

THANK YOU for an excellent illustration of Wait and how it can be used as timers.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[apostolakisl]

Thank you Michel for the kind words.

 

I am afraid this topic got a little side tracked from the OP and to some extent I am to blame.

 

But, to the OP's point. You've made it this far. If you hire someone to do your programming, I truly think you will fail to realize the potential of the system. . . by lots. Perhaps some tutoring would be helpful, but I believe you will be best served to do your own programming. The system really works its best when you understand what it can do and then make it fit your personal habits.