Re: [mh] Newbie Question

[Gregg L. <gr...@li...>]

Hi Kevin,

Kevin Gunn wrote:

> I get the impression from your comments that X10 can work well and 
> cheaply -- if you have some experience in dealing with its pitfalls.  It 
> makes me think that I might be better off starting with an Insteon 
> PowerLinc Modem, a couple of devices, and MisterHouse.  Even at that, 
> though, it looks to me like I *could* see interference from my computer 
> itself which will be plugged in close to the PowerLinc modem.

The insteon protocol and the retry logic embedded in the mh libs, does 
make it a bit more reliable.  BUT:

1) powerline noise or signal sucking can still be a problem (albeit not 
nearly as much).  x10 filters will not work for insteon; AFAIK: only the 
recent FilterLincs work properly.
2) you still need some form of "bridge" unless all of your devices and 
PLM are on the same side of your power.  I use a pair of insteon 
wireless access points to bridge the two power sides.  Connecting the 
PLM electrically close to the circuit breaker is a good idea for the 
same reason as it is for x10.
3) reliability can improve somewhat with more insteon devices since they 
act as repeaters

So, the same things that Joel mentioned in a x10 context apply to 
insteon--although to a lessor extent.

> It looks like interference from CFL lights could be a big issue for a 
> beginner with X10 as well -- and I have a house FULL of CFL bulbs.  My 
> impression is that Insteon has fewer interference problems.

I have not experienced any CFL-induced interference w/ insteon.

Gregg