Recent content by Captain Caveman

Seems the product has come a long way, but still not many drivers. It would be really helpful if Embedded Automation would put out a DDK tutorial for novices. I am not a programmer but probably could catch on real quick using C# Express from Microsoft. Did I read on thier forum that in an...

We use d-Tools and think it is a great program. Sure I can gripe about a few issues, but for us there is no better alternative. I guess when you spend that much money on software it would be great if everything worked exactly the way you want, kinda like the integration business. Just my 2cents.

I don't have any experience with the ISY products but I understand it makes Insteon configurations easier. However easier it may be I have lost faith in the quality of Smarthome Insteon products. Less expensive at first glance but after factoring in troubleshooting time you may think otherwise...

I'm not sure what you mean by this, where are the contactor relays? In the panel, water heater or outlet?

The hot water heaters for one home that I'm working on are the low profile types that draw 4500 watts each. The circuit breakers have a 30 amp rating.

Spanky, Again the 9200 is good for the retro market where we need a wireless solution, but this does not fly to well when looking for a hardwired solution. Sure you can work around this by getting extra parts and adding some more cables but that is making things more complicated and costly than...

Please see my comments here

Since the ELK-9100 is no longer available I am looking for a similar alternative. The HAI 72A00-1 seems to be a good candidate and the cost is much less than the 9100, but I am not sure if the 20 amp rating is sufficient for most hot water heaters. Any thoughts?

Spanky, The ELK-9200 seems to be a good product for retro work but I preferred the ELK-9100 because it could be controlled by contact closures, has an on/off button and much smaller footprint. Also I have to request that the electrician install 120v outlets next to each water heater. Now I...

Watch out if your going to mix in any PLC lighting controls with 12v halogens as the transformer may cause noise on the lines.

Do you need video switching or just audio? How many zones? Will 20 watts per channel do it for you? How many sources will you be switching? Will you be integrating with an automation controller?

That's a pretty cool idea. If you have not done so you may want to modulate your cameras into your cable system so you can check on your house and grab some channels on the road. Even better, I would use the onscreen remote to trigger automation events such as turning on lights or turning on...

The automation controller can provide the logic, in this case "Edge540" will be integrating the lighting with an ELK system.

I have seen the advertisement for HAI's new Omnistat2 RF thermostats but have not came across any postings of installer feedback. Which leads me to wonder if they are actually shipping yet. Anybody?

I began to post a reply to this topic because I thought that my posting had been deleted that I made yesterday. Eventually I found it in a related thread HA Technology Comparison Spreadsheet. Maybe these threads should be combined.