want to switch over from x10, how to decide what to replace first

[completelyhis]

I have 3 upb switches i installed in my master bathroom, and I am so convinced that upb is far better than x10 that I want to switch over completely, mainly due to reliability issues. due to not having $1500 laying around, I'll have to do a bit here and a bit there. So, I assume the thought process should go like this:

don't worry about the x10 is working well now (master bedroom, master closet, kitchen mood light, boys room light)

replace what doesn't work and really bugs me (the 5 outside lights), then work from there.

So, here are the questions:
1. can i hope that as I replace x10 switches with upb, the reduction in x10 hardware will improve the reliability of those remaining?
2. I see a lot of multibutton wall switches, for scenes and whatnot. does HS recognize those? Ie, right now in our dining room, I have an x10 wall switch hidden in the junctionbox, with a 3 channel rf remote covering it up. i have the top switch set to turn light on/off. the middle button activates "dinner mode" which turns tvs and lights off, turns on dinner lights and music, and gives a tts announcement telling the boys to wash hands. the bottom switch controls speaker on/off.

could i use one of those multibutton upb switches for that?

3. what is better, the usb or serial upb controller?

[DeLicious]

2. yes. the upb multibutton wall switches/controllers can be set up to activate/deactivate UPB links (whether they control specific devices or not), and homeseer can act upon the activation/deactivation of a link.

3. i have the serial upb pim, and have had no problems. can't speak for usb

[completelyhis]

additional question: Can I mix Simply Automated and HAI devices?

[completelyhis]

so then something like this
http://www.smarthome.com/110529.html
could be setup w/ hs events where buttons 1-3 would be lights, buttons 4-8 could be event triggers?

[Event5]

1. Yes

2. Yes

3. Seriel

You should install a UPB phase coupler such as http://simply-automated.com/products/sa_zpc.htm
It will also bridge your existing x10.

Have you been using Upstart and do you have acceptable (9 or above) signal between phases? Some have been able to skip the phase coupler.

The usb pim can loose connection if there is a power dip. It needs a quarry from the computer to become connected again.

[Event5]

so then something like this
http://www.smarthome.com/110529.html
could be setup w/ hs events where buttons 1-3 would be lights, buttons 4-8 could be event triggers?

Yes

[completelyhis]

I installed a switch that has the rocker on top and 4 buttons on bottom (Simply Automated). I configured the switch with the 5 on taps using upstart and exported it. I notice that nothing happens when I push the buttons, though. Do I need to configure them in Upstart? If so, How - it apparently didn't do it on the auto config.

I want the buttons to basically be event triggers, nothing else.

Thanks very much

Ian

[DeLicious]

yes, you actually have to tell the button what you want them to do. this is easily accomplished through upstart, although you'll have to do it yourself. i didn't even know there was an auto-config, but you can't expect these buttons to just do what you want without telling them what to do. the only thing you can expect that of is the rocker to control the local load.

[completelyhis]

I guess its not "auto config" I just did the 5 quick on presses, and went in upstart and told it to add a new device.

Do you know what the process is for configuring the buttons in upstart? 5 quick presses of the button? (oh, that it would be that easy).

Thanks,

Ian

[completelyhis]

oh, hey, there are these "direction" things that came in the box. Maybe I'll read those!

[nightwalker]

oh, hey, there are these "direction" things that came in the box. Maybe I'll read those!

hehe, Oh, I feel your pain! I finally had to break down and read the directions too. Since i've read through it now, things are humming along just great. The only problem i find is having to pick from a dozen or more ways to do the same thing and which might be best.

[DeLicious]

ya, the 5-taps is just to put it into setup mode so that upstart can find a new device. once that is done, you can edit the functionality of each button (which links it sends out) for each device.

[completelyhis]

I did the 5 tap on button #1, and when I ran the upstart add device wizard, it said the device in setup is already part of the current config, so apparently the buttons and the switch rocker are seen as the same device. I'm guessing I have to do some sort of a link thing with the buttons, not sure how, though.

[Event5]

completelyhis,

The five tap is for the device not the individual button. Once Upstart sees the device, open it and look at the transmit tab. You will see a transmit for every button and rocker. In your case top rocker and 4 buttons, you will see 6 transmit possibilities.

You will need to create a link. There is a button on the transmit tab that opens a window where you can name links. Once you have named a link you can add it to any button and later add it to any UPB load. When you add the link to the button you will then have MANY options as to how the button will operate. This is the fun part as there are preset configurations as well as a custom setting where you can make a button or rocker do things on button press or button hold or even button release.

Once you have added the links to buttons it will ask you if you want to program the switch. Check all the tabs at this time and get aquainted with the other options and settings. There will be a tab with all the buttons listed. Be sure that all the boxes are checked other wise the buttons will not transmit. Program the switch...

Then go to the device you want to control and add the link to the receive tab of that switch. You will be able to tell the device what you want it to do when it receives the link(yes, another list of options) Program the switch and test

Have fun
Dave

[completelyhis]

I found how to edit the links and button actions and all that (in upstart). I see that they show up in the device location "UPB Device Link." How to I get an event to be triggered on a device link?

also, I have a upb device I installed and created yesterday "East patio light" but when I loaded upstart today it said it was missing. I noticed I cannot control it via hs or upstart. it works locally, however. I tried placing it in config again, upstart didn't notice it. i tried rewiring it, didn't work.

Could it be defective? I hope so, cause the other option would be earily like the x10 problems I'm trying to getr away from! I have strong signal strength in UPstart. I have an x10 phase coupler installed at the fuse panel, so I figured I'd try a upb phase coupler at the dryer, that didn't help. Any ideas? I figure I'll try a new switch in that location, see if it works, that's for another day tnough.