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Author Insteon vs UPB for a high end X10 retrofit
John D. Gwinner

2005-07-07, 11:25 pm

Hello:

I'm about to buy some new higher end switches, and wanted to go with Insteon
but I'm also looking at UPB.

I've got a box of about 15 X10 switches, 3 ways, IR sensors, motion
detectors, etc. but only about 4 switches wired in the house.
Realistically, I could chuck it all and go with something new, and just use
the old switches in out of the way places, especially if I go with Insteon.

I like the way a keypad with UPB can become an in wall controller but I like
the X10 compatibility of
Insteon.

I really, really like the 'tap the top for on' switches. I got the
impression Insteon works that way, but with UPB it looks like it would but
I haven't seen this addressed for sure.

Does UPB have a 'tap the top for on' 'tap the bottom for off' true rocker
action?

Both require a neutral wire, correct?

Has anyone seen a real live Insteon module? So far all the reviews I've
seen are regurgitations of the press releases.

Any thoughts?

== John ==


John D. Gwinner

2005-07-07, 11:25 pm


"John D. Gwinner" <JohnDOTgwinner@cornell.edu> wrote in message
news:7whze.16813$aA5.2185@tornado.socal.rr.com...
quote:

> Does UPB have a 'tap the top for on' 'tap the bottom for off' true rocker
> action?


I'll answer my own question with the UPB, they are true rockers. (I didn't
see this on the smarthome site but the manufacturers site clearly mentions
it).
quote:

> Both require a neutral wire, correct?


Apparently so too.

== John ==


Brett Griffin

2005-07-11, 4:25 am

I have not got my hands on Insteon, yet.

UPB does require a neutral.

The Simply Automated Switches (UPB) are beautiful switches. I have
preferred Leviton in the past, but SA has surpassed the pleasure of
Leviton.. I like the feel of the SA UPB switches, the on and off are more
tactile giving better feedback. I have not heard of UPB issues yet. I know
Insteon has X-10 compatibility, but no HA controller to my knowledge
supports the technology (except via X-10) UPB has 5 years in install time,
18 months of retail installs.



--
Brett Griffin, Technology Consultant
Architechtronics, Inc.
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*Home of "fidoh" for HAI/OnQ/Aegis
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"John D. Gwinner" <JohnDOTgwinner@cornell.edu> wrote in message
news:0Oize.8620$3o4.2737@tornado.socal.rr.com...
quote:

>
> "John D. Gwinner" <JohnDOTgwinner@cornell.edu> wrote in message
> news:7whze.16813$aA5.2185@tornado.socal.rr.com...
>
>
> I'll answer my own question with the UPB, they are true rockers. (I
> didn't see this on the smarthome site but the manufacturers site clearly
> mentions it).
>
>
> Apparently so too.
>
> == John ==
>



AutomatedOutlet.com

2005-07-11, 11:25 pm

I do have both UPB and Insteon switches (we're on the beta team)
installed here. They are both nice feeling switches and work quite
well. I personally like having the light bar like the Insteaon switches
have.

Yes, they both require a neutral wire.

Martin Custer
www.AutomatedOutlet.com

Brian

2005-07-18, 12:25 pm

UPB is much better then SmartHome.

I wouldn't waste my time with the smarthome switches.

Contact me if your interested in a package deal.

--

---------------------------------------
Brian A. Dye
brian@tech-home.com
http://tech-home.com
---------------------------------------


"John D. Gwinner" <JohnDOTgwinner@cornell.edu> wrote in message
news:0Oize.8620$3o4.2737@tornado.socal.rr.com...
quote:

>
> "John D. Gwinner" <JohnDOTgwinner@cornell.edu> wrote in message
> news:7whze.16813$aA5.2185@tornado.socal.rr.com...
>
>
> I'll answer my own question with the UPB, they are true rockers. (I
> didn't see this on the smarthome site but the manufacturers site clearly
> mentions it).
>
>
> Apparently so too.
>
> == John ==
>
>



wkearney99

2005-07-18, 6:25 pm

> UPB is much better then SmartHome.

Much better? More like "sucks less". Powerline stuff stinks, some less
than others.

Brian

2005-07-24, 9:05 pm

Yes I have to agree Most of the time

UPB & Lightolier
are the exceptions
--

---------------------------------------
Brian A. Dye
brian@tech-home.com
http://tech-home.com
---------------------------------------


"wkearney99" <wkearney99@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:GoOdnVIUvM2cWUbfRVn-oQ@speakeasy.net...
>
> Much better? More like "sucks less". Powerline stuff stinks, some less
> than others.
>
>



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