This is from SmartHomes info page:

"How does INSTEON work?
INSTEON's unsurpassed reliability is due to its dual-mesh network, which means that messages between devices are sent both wirelessly through Radio Frequency (RF) and through your home's existing electrical wiring. Every message is confirmed as it is received, and if any errors are detected, the message is automatically resent. The network is also redundant; every device on an INSTEON network receives and sends every message to every other device, so instead of stressing the network by adding more INSTEON devices, you actually strengthen it."

Isn't that a bit misleading? I mean, doesn't X10 also use both rf and hard wires? RF from the remote to the transmitter, and hard wiring from the transmitter to the device.

No it is entirely different X10 only uses RF for the devices communicating with the remote nothing more. Insteon uses RF to strengthen it's system, with Insteon devices communicate with each other much better. With Insteon I have yet to get a missed signal (this happens all the time with X10), it really works much better than X10.

So are the insteon desktop controllers rf or powerline?

I was thought the insteon controllers were powerline, so then does the insteon dimmers take powerline signals, convert it into rf, then broadcast to other recievers? Or do only the plug-in antenna units take powerline to rf from the desk controller?

Also, does anyone know of better software then smarthome's, but cheaper then homeseer, for use with insteon? Specifically scene management?

I'm considering insteon switches for my home theater room. I have a pronto 7k, ir543ah and I ordered one switchlinc v2 dimmer switch to play with. The software sucks, so I'm leaning towards pcs dimmers, or if better software.....

Insteon is powerline, it also is reinforced by RF signals between devices, this makes Insteon very dependable. Insteon usually has a 100% rate for signals reaching and activating their targets.

The Manager Essential is the only software I have ever used it's free and has done everything I have needed it to and works with the computer off. I think the software sets up much better with Insteon devices than it does X10.

Hi, just wanted to chime in here. I have INSTEON installed all over my house. 6500 sq feet under air. I did all the work myself. Just a few opinions:

1) I would NOT combine INSTEON with X10. Insteon is better and more reliable but not perfect (98%) Pull the X10 devices and replace them with INSTEON.

2) Keep in mind configuring the INSTEON is a little more of a pain. I have many 3-way and 4-way switches in my house. They can be a little tricky to wire. Once wired you have to make each switch in the line "aware" of the opther switch. You do this by putting the first witch in LINK mode and then go to the other switch and holding the paddle up.

3) Same goes for the ControlLinc remote control. You put it in learn mode, then you run around the house pressing switches. This is how you set up INSTEON. NOTE: INSTEON HAS NO WIRELESS REMOTES TO DATE!!! THEY HAVE PROMISED FOR A YEAR!! Your sitting on the couch and want to click a keyfob to lower the lights, NOPE. You have to get up and go to the nearest WIRED ControlLinc.

4) I don't think the Homeseer software is worth it. Very simple amateurish interface.

5) I do use the simple TIMER module and software to control my outside lights. This works "well", you connect to your computer to set it up and then you leave it plugged into any outlet. It has a built-in timer. Keep in mind again, as you set up the devices you run around the house pressing switches. THE BIG DIFFERENCE between this and the HomeLinc software, is that HomeLinc needs a running computer to work! Kind of rediculous to need an entire PC to turn on and off lights.

Anyway that's my 2 cents. BIGGEST drawback is the lack of wireless remote.

Looks like I am slowly going to integrate Insteon into my X10 system. I had a defective SH 2830 dimmer and they have discontinued them. I am getting an Insteon Dimmer (does X10 and Insteon) in its place. I know this will not help anything with just one but maybe some day I will build on it. Like when I can get an Insteon tranceiver and IR converter etc.

I am curious about the the antenna's on the Insteon lug-ins? Why does the plug-in need an external antenna but in wall mounts do not? If the in wall mounts use the 120Vwiring as an antenna then why not the plug-ins?

The plug-ins do not need (or have) antennas, what you looking at (in the picture on SmartHome) is the SignaLinc RFs modules. You need 2 in your house. These come in the starter kit along with 2 plugs-ins. Once you set them up you can keep adding devices and switches.

The SignaLinc RFs create your dual-band INSTEON network by simultaneously transmitting and receiving INSTEON messages across both radio frequency and your home's existing wiring. When used as a pair, the SignaLinc RFs also couple the two different electrical phases of your home.

Ira

Shop, yes for now there is no Insteon remote control available on its own but the IR-543 works with an Insteon system for now. I use the IR-543 to control Insteon with my URC MX-800 remote, everything else in my system is Insteon and I do hope to soon replace the IR-543 IR module with an Insteon IR module when one does become available.

I thought that "all" Insteon devices repeated instructions sent to them, in both the RF and power line methods. So now if I'm understanding this right. The dual network is actually only as strong as your locations for the SignaLinc devices. Further more, for them to "couple" the phases in the home. They would be limited to specific locations to ensure that they are in fact plugged into separate circuits with apposing phases. Like breaker # 1 and 3... because if it were # 1 and 2, the system wouldn't work right. Correct??

Hello All,

FYI....those of you who have a Mac out there. An excellent piece of software is Indigo (perceptiveautomation.com) Fantastic program and supports both X10 and Insteon, with some limitations. I use a MX3000 remote and Indigo to automate my house. I have mostly X10 stuff, but am transitioning to Insteon. Check out the forums. Indigo is only about $90 bucks and the author is always there to answer questions. GREAT SUPPORT!!!! As mentioned above, no RF support (remote) for Insteon so far.

All Insteon devices repeat the instruction signals and strengthen the system.

Yes for two phases to work together they must be coupled with a signalinc on each phase to connect the 2 phases together, otherwise there is no direct connection between the two phases.

ok...then what is Shop talking about??? With only the Signalinc repeating signals??

Smoking, most answers are available here at this link again [Link: smarthome.com]
I have Insteon and it works very well, much much better than X10. I think you will be very happy with this system, I know I am.

SmartHomes prices are also very reasonable, they even have their own auction on their site to bid on their products and you can save quite a lot buying this way. Also their kits save a lot over buying individually.

Smokinghot, all devices repeat the signals via RF and Powerline. I was merely stating that only the SignalLincs have antennas.