Insteon or Insti-Yawn?
Most people I know realize that I love to tinker with stuff. That is why I am up at 8:00 a.m. on a Saturday researching various “dork-projects.”
For my next project, I am going to wire the lights in my house using Insteon controllers. This way, when I get a universale remote with RF capability like the Logitech Harmony 1000 I will be able to control the lights in my home via my “all in one” remote. Also I will purchase a INSTEON PowerLinc V2 Controller USB so I can allow the system to be controlled via my G5 using Indigo.
Using a little PHP and AppleScript I ought to be able to create home control web interfaces that I can access through my PSP, Wii, PS3, or any other networked device with a browser from anywhere in the world.
My question is this? What are the coolest applications you can dream up for home control? Bonus points for ideas that can be achieved using Insteon products, or tell me why Insteon is not the right direction to go in…
February 24th, 2007 at 9:09 am
It would be neat if every time I walked in a room the lights would turn on. Then if I decided to nap the lights could turn off. Maybe I could have an insteon doggie door too.
March 29th, 2007 at 7:28 am
One warning… you can’t use RF to control the Insteon devices right now. The only thing that Insteon uses RF for today is coupling your power phases. The devices themselves do not have RF in them, other than the SignalLinc RF for the coupling.
Now, if you have a Home Automation system that can talk to Insteon, and your Harmony can talk to, then you can get that communication.
Just wanted to set your expectations right! Even so, I’m very happy with Insteon right now… just wish they would expand their offerings more.
March 30th, 2007 at 7:04 am
Ryan – Thanks for the heads up!
I assumed since the SignalLinc RF had RF it would, well, use RF for control…
Especially when one of their kits shows it with a tabletop controller that looks to be wireless and comes with two RF devices. Turns out the ControLinc V2 – Tabletop Controller comes with a big honkin wire.
I really like the Insteon and Indigo on OS X solution for IP control, but now I am back to square one with regards to RF control. So again I ask, any ideas?