Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

USB or RS232 PIM ?

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    USB or RS232 PIM ?

    I am about to order my starter UPB stuff to begin converting from X10...

    I remember reading Something about the USB PIM not working as well as the USB version... I am going to go with the Pulseworx PIM as they set the standard... an know issues with it vs the Simply Brilliant one?

    Is this still the case? Is there a recommended Serial>>USB converter ?

    Passive or Active Repeater? I have an active X10 repeater now, and I still have a dead zone or two... can't find what is sucking the signal and the house isn't that big...kless than 100' from panel to far end... but I have one circuit that is a PAIN...and it of course has some needed fixtures on it... The UPB active repeater is $$$

    Lastly... Who has the best prices on wall switches?

    There are a few places where I need specific features, such as the 8-button wall controller that will show status, but most of the time I just need a generic switch

    #2
    X10 to UPB migration

    I am also migrating from X10 to UPB. I just began this with a Simply Automated serial PIM. From my reading the serial PIM was the way to go because of issues with the USB PIM. I set up one UMA appliance module for testing. This works fine with the UPStart program, but will not work with the HomeSeer plug-in routine. I have a trouble report in to the help desk, but no response yet. So much for the 48hr turn-around. My sugestion is to download the trial version before buying it.

    Comment


      #3
      I don't know where I read it but there are some problems reported with the USB PIM. I would suggest the rs232 PIM. Having said that, I am using both in 2 different houses and both have worked without issues.
      James

      Running HS 3 on Win10 .

      Comment


        #4
        I went with the USB - PCS because I wanted Gen II

        The first one I got was a lemon, Automated Outlet swapped it out for me for another and I have had no problems since.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by rsisson View Post
          I am about to order my starter UPB stuff to begin converting from X10...

          I remember reading Something about the USB PIM not working as well as the USB version... I am going to go with the Pulseworx PIM as they set the standard... an know issues with it vs the Simply Brilliant one?

          Is this still the case? Is there a recommended Serial>>USB converter ?

          Passive or Active Repeater? I have an active X10 repeater now, and I still have a dead zone or two... can't find what is sucking the signal and the house isn't that big...kless than 100' from panel to far end... but I have one circuit that is a PAIN...and it of course has some needed fixtures on it... The UPB active repeater is $$$

          Lastly... Who has the best prices on wall switches?

          There are a few places where I need specific features, such as the 8-button wall controller that will show status, but most of the time I just need a generic switch
          At one time there was some troubles with the USB PIM, I don't know if it was every straightened out but the serial works great and were I you and have a serial port go with that.

          Unless you have a really large house you won't need the active repeater but you will need a passive repeater, don't let anyone tell you different. Some get away with it some don't but consider it cheap insurance.

          You may have to find and fix/filter that one problem circuit at some point. It could be just a noisy power supply but it could also be an electrical problem within the circuit, loose connections, worn casing, arcing within a switch or appliance, etc.

          To be honest except for looks features seem to be pretty close with the brands, I don't see too much difference. I have some of them all, though I'm using mostly 600w HAI dimmers, no failures or troubles in a couple of years. I recommend them highly.
          Marty
          ------
          XPpro SP3 /w HS Standard 2.5.0.80, HSTouch Server - 1.0.0.70, HSTouch Client 1.0.0.73 HSTouch Android - 1.0.0.2, HSTouch iPhone - 1.0.0.2
          Playing with HS3 a bit but it's just play at this point.

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by kalis1 View Post
            I am also migrating from X10 to UPB. I just began this with a Simply Automated serial PIM. From my reading the serial PIM was the way to go because of issues with the USB PIM. I set up one UMA appliance module for testing. This works fine with the UPStart program, but will not work with the HomeSeer plug-in routine. I have a trouble report in to the help desk, but no response yet. So much for the 48hr turn-around. My sugestion is to download the trial version before buying it.
            You did export and point the plug-in to the upe file didn't you?
            Marty
            ------
            XPpro SP3 /w HS Standard 2.5.0.80, HSTouch Server - 1.0.0.70, HSTouch Client 1.0.0.73 HSTouch Android - 1.0.0.2, HSTouch iPhone - 1.0.0.2
            Playing with HS3 a bit but it's just play at this point.

            Comment


              #7
              Yes, I did export the file. It seems the problem is being worked on. I thought I may have gotten a bad download,so I did another download to no avail. I guess no one else is having a problem with this plug-in. It is strange that the com port # does not show up in the com port column of the interface page. All the other com port #s do for the other plug-ins. I hope I hear from the Help Desk soon. I really need this UPB plug-in.

              Comment


                #8
                I hope you do too, it seems odd. I can't explain why and there may not be a reason for it but it sure seems like USB is great for something but for others not so much. Like I say I have nothing but observation to base that statement on.

                Perhaps someone using the USB model will chime in here.

                Oh one other thing, there is a choice of the USB-PCS in the drop down list for com ports. I assume you tried that already.
                Marty
                ------
                XPpro SP3 /w HS Standard 2.5.0.80, HSTouch Server - 1.0.0.70, HSTouch Client 1.0.0.73 HSTouch Android - 1.0.0.2, HSTouch iPhone - 1.0.0.2
                Playing with HS3 a bit but it's just play at this point.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Marty
                  I am actually using a serial PIM. Your last post made me think that I may not have made that clear. So, you are using the UPB plug-in and it works for you? At this point, I'm grasping at straws. I'm even considering download the main HomeSeer program again, just to make sure there is no problem there. Being a software engineer, it always amazes me what things can cause problems.

                  Glenn

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Because the plug-in supports both UPB and serial interfaces, the interface selection is made *within* the plug-in setup pages. You indicated that you can't set the port on the HomeSeer interfaces page and this is correct. Once you click the "configure" button in the interfaces page you will then get to a setup page where you can choose the interface port and the other options.

                    The UPB spec comes from PCS and they also make hardware. Any interface that is compatible with the PCS baseline spec works with the plug-in. When Simply Automated came out with their own UPB interface they went with their own custom USB interface rather than the one specified by PCS. I had heard that SA later updated it to be compatible but I don't know that fore sure. The SA serial interface is fully compatible.



                    Jon


                    Originally posted by kalis1 View Post
                    Marty
                    I am actually using a serial PIM. Your last post made me think that I may not have made that clear. So, you are using the UPB plug-in and it works for you? At this point, I'm grasping at straws. I'm even considering download the main HomeSeer program again, just to make sure there is no problem there. Being a software engineer, it always amazes me what things can cause problems.

                    Glenn
                    Jon Ort
                    JonOrt@The--Orts.com
                    (Remove the dashes in the address, spam is getting out of hand)

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by kalis1 View Post
                      Marty
                      I am actually using a serial PIM. Your last post made me think that I may not have made that clear. So, you are using the UPB plug-in and it works for you? At this point, I'm grasping at straws. I'm even considering download the main HomeSeer program again, just to make sure there is no problem there. Being a software engineer, it always amazes me what things can cause problems.

                      Glenn
                      Oman gives a much better description above than I am but suffice it to say yes, I'm using the plug-in with no problems, have been for two years now. You are correct I did think you were using the USB model. I also didn't realize you were looking at the HomeSeer setup page for the information. That will come up as N/A no matter what you set it to. Personally I'm using the HAI serial PIM but it shouldn't matter which you choose as long as it meets the UPB spec's. Once you setup the UPB configuration page by pressing the config button on the HomeSeer interfaces page you should be good to go.
                      Marty
                      ------
                      XPpro SP3 /w HS Standard 2.5.0.80, HSTouch Server - 1.0.0.70, HSTouch Client 1.0.0.73 HSTouch Android - 1.0.0.2, HSTouch iPhone - 1.0.0.2
                      Playing with HS3 a bit but it's just play at this point.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        I did use the config routine. I still think the interface page should show the com port in that column. But no matter. It's at least good to know that is apparently not the issue. The test appliance module is not getting the signal from the PIM. It is getting the signal from the PIM when I use the UPStart program. And I have reset the PIM for message and for pulse and neither work. Hopefully, I'll have time this weekend to sit down and think about this more. Thanks for everyones input. It figures that MY system would be the one that doesn't work.
                        Oh well.

                        Glenn

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Any problems will appear in the HomeSeer log. Start by looking there. The plug-in (as most do) will report their startup status in the main log. You can also turn on detailed logging in the plug-in configuration page.

                          Jon


                          Originally posted by kalis1 View Post
                          I did use the config routine. I still think the interface page should show the com port in that column. But no matter. It's at least good to know that is apparently not the issue. The test appliance module is not getting the signal from the PIM. It is getting the signal from the PIM when I use the UPStart program. And I have reset the PIM for message and for pulse and neither work. Hopefully, I'll have time this weekend to sit down and think about this more. Thanks for everyones input. It figures that MY system would be the one that doesn't work.
                          Oh well.

                          Glenn
                          Jon Ort
                          JonOrt@The--Orts.com
                          (Remove the dashes in the address, spam is getting out of hand)

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Like Jon said, definitely check your log to see what/if the plugin is reporting any problems there.

                            i've attached a screenshot of my config page, in case it helps.

                            make sure you have browsed to the correct exported file
                            make sure you have not left the plug in paused for upstart session

                            Ian
                            Attached Files
                            Plugins:
                            BLLogMonitor, BLGarbage, BLBackup, BLOutGoingCalls, BLUps, BLRfid, JvEss, DooMotion, Applied Digital Ocelot, AC RF Processor, UltraMon, PJC AVR 430, UPB, Rain8net, DSC Panel, JRiver Media center, Windows Media Player, SageMediaCenter, SnevlCID, MCSTemperature.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              You are the MAN, Ian. I ckecked your config and noticed you didn't have either of the lines checked after the com port line. I removed the check in the "Communicate via PLC..." line. BOOOOM it worked!!!
                              Everyone. Thanks for all the posts. I'm a happy camper!!!

                              Glenn

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X