HomeWave + Alarm System Choice + Insteon Devices

Apps & Remote Access HomeWave (iOS)
1

I had originally looked at HomeWave while searching the AppStore, but unfortunately didn’t give it the time of day due to the rather poor looking thumbnails. After searching through this forum and seeing some user-uploaded screen shots and the amazing customizability of HomeWave, I’ve since done a 180 and think HomeWave may be the best app available and the answer to my dilemmas. So, first of all, this is a silly request - please update the thumbnails on iTunes!!! You obviously have a great product and need for it to shine in the app store! And, I’d be willing to pay MUCH more than the price it’s listed at.

Now, regarding my actual question:

I’ve been researching adding a Vera to my Insteon network in order to add on door locks and an alarm system. Finding a decent iOS app + controller combo to control Z-Wave door locks, a Z-Wave alarm system, and Insteon lights (KeypadLinc and FanLincs included) has been a frustrating search.

So, regarding alarm systems, is there a certain setup or brand that I should focus on that would have the best support in Vera + HomeWave, given the requirement of Vera utilizing third-party plugins for the alarm panels? I’ve been looking at DSC, but am open to other suggestions if the iOS experience is excellent. I’d like to stay away from all-in-one panels and replace my current hardwired box in my attic, while adding window sensors instead of the glass-break sensors i have now.

Third, will HomeWave support my Insteon FanLinc and KeypadLinc combos? The FanLinc has two outputs for lamp and fan and is effectively a dual-device dimmer. The fan has 4 scenes that can be linked to, for High, Med, Low, and Off. Whenever a fan scene is sent, I have to send an update to my KeypadLinc to update it’s lights to indicate which mode the fan is currently in.

Thanks in advance!

2

Most of these questions can be found if you search a little harder.

Any of the alarm systems found on code.mios.com should be supported as they use the alarm panel standards developed by the community of this forum.

For your insteon gear, have a look at the altsteon plugin as it will support the fan lincs.

  • Garrett
3

I’ve no idea how the Keypadlinc is exposed by the Vera UI, so I don;t know if it’ll work with HomeWave. Fanlinc is supported, add it as a “Thermostat settings” device.

In general: if Vera supports it (natively or via a plugin), and if it’s a standard device (light, thermostat, alarm, sensor, etc), chances are that HomeWave will support it too.

4

The keypad linc either dimmer or relay will expose itself as a dimmable light or binary switch.

  • Garrett