Any Thing I Need to Buy Before Installing Insteon Modules?

Other Devices & Integrations Lighting & Load Control
1

I’m going to get some Insteon modules, but I wanted to know if there was anything special that I need to get in order to make it communicate with my Vera Lite. I am getting the INSTEON 2457D2 PLUG-IN LAMP DIMMER MODULE and the INSTEON 2342-242 MINI REMOTE.

I’m hoping that I can get this module to communicate with Vera fairly quickly so that my automation project works as I intend it to. While working in conjunction with Voxcommando (an automation program not just for house stuff, but computer as well), I can already make my light sources communicate wirelessly with dimmer modules (also requires a Hue lightbulb… I want wireless communication because I have to use modules due to my house wiring and these modules have a huge footprint on the outlets, so I want to hide them). If Insteon and Vera can communicate quickly to one another, I won’t have to worry about ridiculous wait times from when I use the remote to turn on my lights, rather than my voice (I have an open air mic system in my home that communicates with Voxcommando).

2

You will need to buy an Insteon PowerLinc modem, then follow the instructions found at:

http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/topic,31052.0.html

Why do you want to use Insteon rather than Z-Wave modules with similar functionality?

3

The reason I want to use Insteon is because of the remote switch they have. It looks like an actual rocker switch, so any guest that is in my house won’t be confused by a keypad being there (too many buttons on a keypad). I have to use a remote because I only have one wire going through my outlets/switches, so smart switches/outlets are out of the question.

4

But wait, with this modem will I still be able to have my Vera on my network? I’m a little confused with it… I need to have my Vera Lite on my network so that it will work with Voxcommando.

5

Yes - in fact, Vera must be retained since it will be the controller for both the Z-Wave and the Insteon networks. Insteon uses a different communications protocol from Z-Wave, and the purpose of the Insteon PowerLinc modem is to allow Vera to communicate with Insteon modules.

6

Okay, excellent! Thanks for the help!

I can’t wait to finally have working light switches again. I’ve been doing everything by voice, which is confusing for guests at first.

7

Is the native support that much better in U17? I thought most folks were still trying to use the ISY device, or the older Allsteon plugin?

Just wanted you to be forewarned this may not be as easy as you think.

8

Agreed. Although the original poster is looking for a way to install “user friendly” remote switches, I don’t think the headaches associated with setting up an Insteon system that functions in parallel with a Z-Wave system are worth it.

9

Well I’m actually not going to be using any z wave systems. However, if I were I wouldn’t really have any headaches for getting it to work together. Voxcommando would pretty much take care of that. All of my home automation is taken care of via Voxcommando.

10

If you are not using any Zwave then why bother with the Vera? Just get a dedicated Insteon controller like ISY or Insteon Hub

11

There’s only a Vera and WeMo plugin for Voxcommando.

12

There isn’t a plugin for it but VC can control pretty much any device that has a web api.

Here is some info on controlling Insteon with VoxCommando.

I don’t own any Insteon equipment so I can’t help much but a few users seem to have had success with it.

13

FWIW

I have the Vera 2 on U15 with only one Z Wave device which is my Trane thermostat and a dozen Insteon switches and dimmers including two mini remotes and the power linc modem for the past four years.
Everything plays nice together with my Vera 2 with no problems.
I have control of all my devices on my PC, my I-Phone, and my I-Pad

Having a voltmeter handy when installing 3 way Insteon switches is helpful for identifying the hot lead from the travelers.

Howard