Mixing Insteon & Z_Wave devices

Other Devices & Integrations More Home Control
1

I am considering getting the Vera to control a mix of protocol devices, as each have their nuances.

For example, z-wave deadbolts (insteon’s are crap, you need 3 units …ridiculous) and insteon’s water sensors (z-waves are crap, at least the ones I have researched)

Do I need modems for any of these to talk to Vera simultaneously, or will they just start seeing each other ?

I saw this on smarthome:

Important Note: To control INSTEON devices you need a Power Link MODEM (not a controller). For example the 2414U won’t work because it’s an INSTEON controller (not a modem) and uses a different protocol.

Compatible INSTEON Interfaces: PowerLinc Modem - INSTEON USB Interface (Dual-Band), PowerLinc Modem - INSTEON Serial Interface (Dual-Band), and INSTEON PowerLinc Modem, USB.

Will repeaters work with all MIX of protocols ?

Thanks for responding !

2

Vera is a zwave controller. You’ll need an insteon plm for Vera to control insteon devices. Zwave and insteon signals are two separate protocols. They can not communicate with each other. Vera’s built in insteon support is very limited.

  • Garrett
3

Yes, you need a PLM. With the Altsteon app (do not use the built-in Insteon support in the Vera) it all works very well.

see my post here…
http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/topic,12675.msg114590.html

4

Thanks for the replies.

Would I need a PLM for EACH Insteon device ? Or just one to control them all ?
I like Insteon’s water sensor, I want to buy a whole bunch of them but if I am to PLM each one it will cost a fortune and there will be a plethora of junk installed.
Or can someone suggest a viable z-wave water sensor ? Cant seem to find any. Suggestions would be much appreciated.

I understand Insteon support is limited, I was asking if I could have one Vera SIMULTANEOUSLY control different protocol devices, yes with PLMs.

Also, forgive me for digressing, but any suggestions on the best alarm monitoring system with the Vera (I would have searched/started another thread but didn’t want to captcha all over again)

5

I highly recommend that you search the forum for some of these questions like the alarm question as this has been discussed many times. To start a new thread on that topic would just be spamming the forum. I also recommend that you read up on Insteon as well. You only need one plm to control the insteon devices. To get better results when searching use google to search:

site:forum.micasaverde.com your search string

site:forum.micasaverde.com alarm system

  • Garrett