I’m sorry but I don’t follow. I don’t know how you might have concluded that you could control Nevo Connect through the RS232. Nevo can talk to Nevo Connect through the RF or IP. You have to keep in mind that Nevo and Nevo Connect are by themselves a total solution. When planning a systems with both, certain assumptions have to be taken into consideration. Nevo’s strength is in macros for A/V, lighting and couple of other HA applications. It is stable if designed and implemented correctly. Vera however is an unknown entity at this point since the product is reaching into a different area on daily basis. Certain Scenes/Macros just work better with Nevo while some things work better through Vera. An example is Z-Wave enabled door locks. A scenario that involves taking a picture or shooting a short video when the door is opened is a better application for Vera than it is for Nevo. But if you want to change the lighting in the room when the Paus button is pressed on the remote, then Nevo is the way to go.
Architecturally, Nevo is similar to every remote control system that is out there. Notice I said Control System and not remote. Remote is just one component. That interface could be a hard wired or a wireless device, nevertheless they are Control Systems. That is how they are marketed and how we sell them. This is true with AMX, Crestron, Pronto, RTI, and number of others. The RS232 port on Nevo Connect functions the same exact way as in other professional grade control systems. These systems will always consist of at least two basic components. A user interface device (A remote, touch panel etc), and a device interface (Controller that interfaces with devices that are to be controlled). The first might have hard/soft buttons or combination of both as in the case of Nevo. The Controller might have one or more IR, R232, voltage sensor, Relay or combination of two or more of these interfaces. The controllers cost from a couple hundred to few thousand dollars depending on brand and number of ports (Dictated by the complexity of the system). What is unique about Nevo Connect is the universal interface (3.5 mm jack) with external adapters. That said, you’d have purchase cable assemblies IR emitters, RS232 adapters, video sensors and so on regardless of brand. As for variable status flags and why they started supporting them recently is because the product is maturing with time and these features become available as they are developed. They just could not support them before which has nothing to do with accessories you are referring to. There are only ten part numbers in the entire Nevo product line which includes four remotes, Nevo Link, Nevo Connect, and four cable assemblies/Adapters.
That said, you’d be amazed as to how many times you can point out to a user that if something happens just press help, and how many support calls you’ll receive from that same person, which is why you’ll be hard pressed to find a professional A/V installation with a Harmony or similar product.
[quote=“woodsby, post:20, topic:166021”]Oh, beware buying Nevo products on eBay. And I recognize the difference between widgets and serial support, but my comment holds true, you cannot control Nevo through serial… You can only control other devices from nevo using serial. So, essentially, the two-way is only solicited two-way. Glad I made up my own serial cable before spending $70 to discover that.
And, you are right, nevo and harmony/monster are apples and oranges, but let’s be honest here, the only apparent reason they waited so long to allow variables/status flags was to push their misc accessories. And again, you are right, there is no better way to prove the TV is on than through serial or power monitor, but I think it’s only fair to fully explain the benefits, weaknesses and costs. Some people can live with pressing a help button if it saves them hundreds of dollars. Especially since most of us have only one remote in the room, and probably would be looking to hide the av equipment anyway. I have both a harmony and a nevo in my family room controlling the same equipment and they have passed the girlfriend test… But it helps having discrete power codes, which I guess mostly prevents us from ever having to press the help button anyway.
Edit: but hey, I just remembered others are struggling with getting the h890pro/monster remotes working with UI4 and/or Vera 2… I’ll check it out as soon as I have time and post on the respective thread. I’ll similarly confirm the same with Nevo.[/quote]