In rereading my response I see that my comment about being unsure if a
PC needs to remain connected is ambiguous about what it refers to. To
be perfectly clear the 2412 internet enabled device (first link below)
does not need to remain connected after it has been programmed. Nor
does it ever need to be connected specifically to a "PC". Anything that
can run a web browser can be used for the programming.
Chuck Norcutt
On 9/11/2010 4:31 PM, Chuck Norcutt wrote:
> I finally concluded that the internet enabled device (cat 5 connector on
> the bottom) is the right choice as shown here:
> <http://www.smarthome.com/2412N/SmartLinc-INSTEON-Central-Controller/p.aspx>
>
> There are two other very similar looking devices. One has a USB
> connection, the other is RS-232 serial. These devices only cost about
> half as much as the internet device but, in order to be programmed, they
> require additional cost software packages that cost more than the
> internet device itself. I am still unsure whether a PC needs to remain
> connected during operation but it doesn't matter. Just the cost of the
> software precludes my use of these products.
>
> Chuck Norcutt
>
>
> On 9/11/2010 3:31 PM, Scott Gomez wrote:
>> One of my biggest complaints regarding SmartHome's site, and all the related
>> information about the Insteon system is that it's pretty opaque regarding
>> requirements and what works with what.
>>
>> On Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 6:30 AM, Chuck Norcutt<
>> chucknorcutt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>
>>> Many thanks. but somewhere the notion of "minimal" got lost. I don't
>>> have an iPhone nor am I interested in controlling my home remotely over
>>> the web. When I leave for the winter my computer and all peripherals
>>> are turned off and my internet, cable and telephone service are
>>> suspended awaiting my return because it saves me about $330 to disable
>>> the services for the winter.
>>>
>>> Scott and his link to Insteon info<http://www.smarthome.com> have
>>> convinced me that Insteon is the way to go. Insteon devices are similar
>>> to X10 and compatible in an Insteon system but are much more reliable
>>> (X10's achilles' heel is powerline interference). My only remaining
>>> problem is whether to accept the internet enabled controller or the one
>>> with just a USB interface to the computer. It's clear that the internet
>>> enabled controller will do what I want but adds more function (internet
>>> access) and possible security concerns (internet access) than I need.
>>> On the other hand, it's not clear that the USB only device can do the
>>> job if disconnected from the computer. Furthermore, it appears that it
>>> requires a separate software package to program the controller that, all
>>> by itself, appears to cost more than the internet enabled device. I'm
>>> frustrated that having spent somewhere between 1 and 2 hours probing the
>>> site and reviewing documentation that I haven't been able to figure that
>>> out. It also appears there is more than one software package. The
>>> problem is no clear statement about software requirements for the device
>>> and a software user's manual of 180 pages giving detailed instructions
>>> (including writing macros) with no such thing as a one or two page
>>> functional overview. Yee gads!!! The documentation is clearly written
>>> by the programmers rather than tech writers. But I'll figure it out.
>>>
>>> Chuck Norcutt
>>>
>>>
>>> On 9/10/2010 12:55 PM, usher99@xxxxxxx wrote:
>>>> Hi Chuck,
>>>> It is very clear X-10 can do this. I believe my nephew does something
>>>> like that on his I-phone.
>>>> http://www.iphonehomecontroller.com/
>>>>
>>>> Thers is a forum to ask questions as well--if their site were set up
>>>> better it would be obvious how to configure this capability:
>>>>
>>>> http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=16616.0
>>>>
>>>> There is various software that provides a web link interface but I have
>>>> no experience with them.
>>>>
>>>> http://www.jclautomation.com/internet.html
>>>>
>>>> I should ask my nephew.
>>>>
>>>> Mike
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