Wow, the choice of Vera-to-powerline interface gets even more interesting, now that I’ve discovered there is a “2412N” which provides an Ethernet connection, rather than USB or serial!
See:
http://www.smarthome.com/2412N/SmartLinc-INSTEON-Central-Controller/p.aspx
Who knew?
That’d be nice, using ethernet instead of USB!
I guess we just need the final word from MCV before we start to spend our money!
I have a CM15A, CM11A with serial to USB adapter, CM19A and a 1132U that I can test this weekend with luapnp and report back my findings.
That’s awesome news, nswint, esp. since I’m uncertain whether my CM11A even works! Last two times I connected it to any PC’s serial port, my X10 software couldn’t find it, and I began to question everything - even the serial ports themselves.
It’s been about 5 years since my CM11A was actively controlling anything in my home. So now I’m excited to hear your testing results when you’re done.
an interesting new page appeared on the Wiki yesterday, hints of stuff to come:
http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Insteon_Debugging
After reading that Wiki page, my first reaction was, “Wow, now I’m going to have to keep an X10 Protocol manual handy whenever I want to create a new command!” Ugh.
However, I trust someone will code a Luup plug-in that handles such tasks automatically. Maybe even a “UI Builder” module that will let us craft an interface for X10 devices.
NOTES TO MCV:
In Luup firmware revision 1.0.879, I enabled “Insteon” (prematurely, since I do not have a 2412U connected yet) and cannot disable it. Of course, this only is an issue if I try to use Vera to control non-existing Insteon/X10 devices, but ‘Disable’ may be a good feature to add.
More importantly, I also added a fictitious X10 device - with understandable error messages upon attempting to control it. However, there is NO provision for deleting an X10 device, and clicking ‘Permanently remove dead node’ generates an error: “Command Failed: Insteon not ready” (see reason #1 above). Suggest you add a ‘Del’ button like users see with Z-Wave devices.
(UPDATE: Okay, I later found ‘Delete Device’ under the X10 device’s ‘Advanced’ button, and used that to remove the device entirely from Vera.)
Librasun,
Did you decide which module you’ll be buying?
Not 100% certain yet, but unless someone sells me their used PLM or I find one on eBay for cheap (unlikely at this rate), I’ll probably go with the 2412U (USB-based) modem/interface from SmartHome. Not happy at all about the ridiculously high cost! But it’s cheaper than re-investing in expensive Z-Wave switches and such.
I’m looking at the same, 2412U but its pretty steep at $80. None available on ebay either.
I’m still trying to figure out if there is someway to use my 2414U…I guess the 2414U is a little more complex than the 2412U…
Unfortunately, madas, though I’d hoped independent testing would prove otherwise, MCV repeated assurances and ALL the Googling I’ve done over the past month seem to say: The 2414 and 2412 use very different protocols.
The picture is never going to be 100% clear, because there’s always some joker in the SmartHome forums claiming he switched one for the other and “things got so much better.” Nevertheless, I don’t regard these now as interchangeable.
Heck, there’s even argument among 2412 users that “the serial model is faster than the USB one” and some who say the opposite is true. In our case, with Vera (and not some LAME software like HouseLinc) controlling things, we’re apt to find either modem will do, and be quite speedy, as Vera’s command structure is probably fairly basic.
And forget entirely about the so-called 2412N (networkable/Ethernet) PLM, which seems to be a unique, stand-alone product for use with iPhones and other remote-browser applications, not automated control or PC interfacing.
Yep, for me, it’ll likely be a 2412U, and I’ll save my USB-to-RS232 cable for use with the old CM11A in another lifetime.
Ya I’d definately go straight for the USB version. Some USB–>RS232’s can be unreliable…so getting the U version will likely cause less problems as their USB–>RS232 is built in, so I hope that means its been fully tested!
I’m not home for another week or so, but I just wanted MCV to confirm support for the 2414U is not coming soon before I blow the bucks.
And I agree, reviews on smarthome - :
Users of Insteon/X10 products will be happy to learn of the latest additions to MCV’s wiki, which include:
“Insteon Intro”
“Insteon Supported Hardware”
“Insteon Scene Controllers”
This series of pages provides details about adding a 2412U (or 2412S) PowerLinc Modem to your Vera, to extend her capabilities to include Insteon and/or X10 systems.
See the list of pages posted just today, at:
http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php?title=Special:RecentChanges&from=20090831&hideminor=0&days=0
I guess I’ll order my 2412u then!
So I should be able to use my old x10 remotes to trigger Vera scenes?
Quick question here…It appears that the USB insteon devices can send out X10 codes and the ones listed here appear to be powerline devices. Is there any way I can use something like this but have it send out WIRELESS X10 signals vs. powerline signals? I currently use a Firecracker X10 device which sends the signals to receiver modules that then insert over the powerline. The reason I do this is my house is a multiphase, so if I use powerline, I can only control 1/2 the house.
If I use the firecracker and put one receiver module set to A1 on each phase, then I can control the whole house. Just wondering, Im excited to update my Vera and make the move to control both X10 and Z-Wave but from what I see, all the Insteon devices supported are powerline. I’d love to get my firecracker working or an insteon device that works that can send wireless X10 signals
thanks!
While I’d like to believe this answer may change one day, I have to say for now, ‘No, Vera does not currently interact with any of the X10 transceivers directly.’
However, bear in mind that there are Insteon (and, of course X10-only) “phase couplers” on the market, notably a pair of Insteon modules (one plugged into each of your home’s electrical phases) which communicate wirelessly between themselves. No difficult installation!
I don’t have a part number for you at the moment, but I know I have seem them for sale recently at places like SmartHome, etc. Older style X10 phase couplers are antiquated and certainly not what you’re after here.
I do hope this suggestion helps.
We did just fix an issue with the Insteon PLM and should push the release soon. The link is: http://download.controlmyhouse.net/betafirmware/ftp/wl500gP_Luup-1.0.937.trx if you want to try it out
MCV,
Well the original insteon error has now gone. Unfortunately I cannot send any commands over X10. If I press say “ON” on one of my lamp modules I get
“Command failed: Device does not handle service/action”
Any ideas?
Thanks
M
I too tried the new build and it gets past the Insteon Error message. But it doesn’t seem to control anything, no error messages.
The docs seem a bit light. I’m assuming you put the house code and unit code in the ID field. I’ve tried “M1” and “M 1”
Am I doing something wrong?
Dick
I have a bunch of old X-10 stuff from years ago… Just bought my first Z-Wave stuff (the Vera was what I was waiting for…). I have the old PC interface stuff but will need to buy something new to leverage the old x-10 stuff… I can spend 80 bucks on a 2412U (or N?) OR a (WAWDHA10R) Wayne-Dalton X10 Bridge WAWDHA10R for 85$… Why wouldn’t I do that versus the 2412 where I have to have yet another interface? Has anyone used the x-10 bridge? http://www.homecontrols.com/Wayne-Dalton-X10-Bridge-WAWDHA10R…
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