I have 7 lamp modules, 3 appliance modules and 4 wall switches (including a 3-way) installed and I'm really pleased with it all so far. I did have to install 3 phase-couplers in different branch panels to get everything working reliably (despite PCS and SA both telling me it's not necessary) but it all works very well now. The only negative about it so far is the cost but, as I've said many times, I'm willing to pay for 100% (or as near to it as I can get) reliability. It's also too soon to know how durable they're going to be. If I have to replace devices very often, I will not be a happy camper (especially wall switches).
I love the way devices are configured. You install the new device, discover it with the UPStart software, and then set all the configuration options with the software. Once a device is initially discovered and becomes part of your network, you can easily change any option, any time, from your central computer. No need to go to each device. I experimented with Z-Wave and one thing I hated most about it is the cheesy way you have to go around with the handheld remote to "learn" each device and then transfer the contents of the remote to HS.
The Simply Automated wall switches are really cool. Depending on the rocker style you choose, the switch can be effectively one, two, three or four switches. For example, I used the dual-rocker faceplate on switches in bedrooms. I programmed the rocker closest to the door to control the ceiling lights and the other rocker to control the lamps in the room! So, one switch can turn on the room lights or every lamp in the room (bye-bye table-top controllers!). But, the REALLY cool thing is that by just changing the faceplate and reprogramming the switch (with the computer software) you can make it into three switches or four switches. I decided that in some rooms I want to use three rockers. One will be for the overhead lights, one will be for ALL the lamps in the bedroom and adjoining bathroom and the third will be for just the bathroom lamp. So, if you want all the lamps on, you press one bottom rocker but if you want the bedroom lamps off and the bathroom lamp on 50%, you press the other bottom rocker. No need to replace the switch, just change faceplates!
I think I'm a UPB convert. I'll slowly phase out all my X10 stuff and go 100% UPB.
I love the way devices are configured. You install the new device, discover it with the UPStart software, and then set all the configuration options with the software. Once a device is initially discovered and becomes part of your network, you can easily change any option, any time, from your central computer. No need to go to each device. I experimented with Z-Wave and one thing I hated most about it is the cheesy way you have to go around with the handheld remote to "learn" each device and then transfer the contents of the remote to HS.
The Simply Automated wall switches are really cool. Depending on the rocker style you choose, the switch can be effectively one, two, three or four switches. For example, I used the dual-rocker faceplate on switches in bedrooms. I programmed the rocker closest to the door to control the ceiling lights and the other rocker to control the lamps in the room! So, one switch can turn on the room lights or every lamp in the room (bye-bye table-top controllers!). But, the REALLY cool thing is that by just changing the faceplate and reprogramming the switch (with the computer software) you can make it into three switches or four switches. I decided that in some rooms I want to use three rockers. One will be for the overhead lights, one will be for ALL the lamps in the bedroom and adjoining bathroom and the third will be for just the bathroom lamp. So, if you want all the lamps on, you press one bottom rocker but if you want the bedroom lamps off and the bathroom lamp on 50%, you press the other bottom rocker. No need to replace the switch, just change faceplates!
I think I'm a UPB convert. I'll slowly phase out all my X10 stuff and go 100% UPB.
I also want to give it some time to be SURE it's stable and dependable before I spend a whole lot more money. For example, I want to be sure the switches don't "forget" their programming like X10 switches do. In fact, I had two switches in my shop this weekend that I could no longer control with X10 because they forget their addresses. Rather than reprogram them (for about the fourth time), it was easier to replace them with UPB.
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