Been using HAI OmniPro II and HS for my automation for about 5 years. I have been very happy with everything I did (video/audio/temp/security) except lighting. I originally went with hardwired ALC (HAI/OnQ) off the HAI panel - reasoning was reliability and fast response (I did this in 2004).
Well, I have rarely had a 100% reliable lighting control ever - don't know the core reasons but at last count, I have 10 ALC modules that have failed in the last 4 years. At $80+ a pop, this is crazy. I have 3 young kids and they beat up the ALC paddles - they are pretty unforgiving - today, I have 2 paddles broken and have to pry them out of their case. I just noticed a few more modules dead today. These devices only have a 1-year warranty!
So, I am strongly considering migrating to Z-Wave, Insteon, something else. I figure step 1 would be replace my basement with the new and keep ALC for the other levels and as units fail, get new units. Move the good ALC modules in the basement to replace the dead ones upstairs. When they start failing upstairs, replace them with the new ones. Within X months/years, the migration would be complete.
My requirements are:
Durability - good paddle feel, don't feel like paper like the ALC's do, don't break
2-way - I want manual interactions to show on HS and computer control
Quick, reliable - for being hardwired, my ALC sometimes takes 10+ seconds to display accurate dim levels
Cost - $80 per switch is crazy
I would really like:
CFL support - I want to start moving to these bulbs and ALC will not support them
I do have Cat-5's to every switch so I should have good options.
Thanks for your suggestions and feedback!
Well, I have rarely had a 100% reliable lighting control ever - don't know the core reasons but at last count, I have 10 ALC modules that have failed in the last 4 years. At $80+ a pop, this is crazy. I have 3 young kids and they beat up the ALC paddles - they are pretty unforgiving - today, I have 2 paddles broken and have to pry them out of their case. I just noticed a few more modules dead today. These devices only have a 1-year warranty!
So, I am strongly considering migrating to Z-Wave, Insteon, something else. I figure step 1 would be replace my basement with the new and keep ALC for the other levels and as units fail, get new units. Move the good ALC modules in the basement to replace the dead ones upstairs. When they start failing upstairs, replace them with the new ones. Within X months/years, the migration would be complete.
My requirements are:
Durability - good paddle feel, don't feel like paper like the ALC's do, don't break
2-way - I want manual interactions to show on HS and computer control
Quick, reliable - for being hardwired, my ALC sometimes takes 10+ seconds to display accurate dim levels
Cost - $80 per switch is crazy
I would really like:
CFL support - I want to start moving to these bulbs and ALC will not support them
I do have Cat-5's to every switch so I should have good options.
Thanks for your suggestions and feedback!
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