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  Thanks.  I was going to test this.  I suspected that local control and automations would work without internet.  I was not sure whether one could add a new device without internet, or adjust or add an automation, but suspect not.

<p>Alexa is good also, but I find it less intuitive to set up.&nbsp; If I recall correctly, also, it has no automation ability.&nbsp; I would treat it only as a voice-based controller, perhaps equal to, or better than, the google home at this point.&nbsp; For home automation, I think I am still...

  I have played around with google home hub and apple homekit.  Both have advantages over the other.  You may favor certain devices that work on google and not apple, or vice versa. Rokus seem to work better with google. If I want voice control, I am probably going for google home, though siri...

I agree that the ISY-994 might be too much for some.     I was more impressed with apple homekit than I expected to be.  It has a bit more automation than I expected (and more than google home as far as I can tell).  If I had to recommend a simple automation system for those who should avoid the...

I dont use the elk, but may be able to help a little. First, if you are leanng towards the ISY/Elk combo, head over to universal devices forum. All your questions will be answered. ISY and Elk communicate via your home network. Your ISY will need the optional elk module, I believe. Yes, the...

If you have insteon and the ISY, I would think that one of those micromodules with the sense input would be perfect.

I use insteon and zwave, but suspect most automated switches are similarly wired. With most such switches, there are no "travelers", per se. Instead, these switches require hot and neutral. Communication between switches is through the power wires, or rf, rather than discrete travelers. Ina...

Regardless of the tech you choose, make sure that the electrician includes a neutral at all switch locations. No switch loops, please.

I use insteon and zwave together, no problems. I use the ISY-994 controller. It handles both, but zwave support continues to mature.

The dash still works!  Unfortunately, you will have to go to the sony web page and download a software update to a USB stick and update the dash this way.  Furthermore, you lose your local alarms and screen settings (your channels still exist, however).   Got rid of my two chumbys.

To expand upon LarryLix comment...while it is true that three-way switching does not include a neutral, it MAY be possible to reconfigure the existing wiring, adding UPB (or insteon) without running NEW wiring.  It all depends on where power is introduced to the lighting circuit.  If at the...

  I hope you like it.  I sure like mine!   I consider the ISY, at this point, primarily a controller for insteon, but I can think of no reason it would not work with z-wave alone.    Make sure you visit the universal devices forum if you have any questions or just want to read up.  They have a...

 Yes, I suppose that could be a limitation for some.  I understand that this capability is coming, but the timing is less certain.

I also use the ISY994 with insteon (mostly) but with a small number of zwave devices. I cannot compare the zwave support to anything else, but it works flawlessly for my needs. I have a schlage lockset, abfew outlets, a couple of modules, and a switch. All zwave devices purchased separately...

Keep in mind, however, that not all switches in standard wiring include a neutral. When this happens, adding new switches such as those from upb can be difficult without additional wiring. Before embarking, I would first identify where power is initially introduced into the circuit...at the...

I am a user of the ISY-994.  It seems a lot of folks complain of the way it "looks" like so '90s, or something like that.  I view it this way: it is a perfectly functional interface that, once programmed, is not accessed much.  It is not intended for routine control.    But, if you are one who...

I am a user of insteon, but understand that you would prefer to avoid that because of the proprietary nature. Ok. Most wired solutions are proprietary, I expect, so these are gone. Then, you want to avoid wireless because of the size of the house, so gone are z-wave, zigbee, wifi. Remaining...

I use a couple of the global cache itach wf2ir devices. I like them. I use them with an app called touchsquid on various android tablets or phones. I have also been playing around with the harmony hub and find it a wonderful gadget, as well. I have made no attempt to integrate either of...

I use insteon, plus a little bit of z-wave.  I don't know C++.  I access remotely.   It seems to me that Z-wave is most broadly available.  Folks around here seem to swear by UPB.  I am happy with insteon.  My suspicion is that you will be happy with any of these.  Pick one and move on to the...

I am mostely familiar with insteon, but they, too, have a micro module that fits into the wall box.  Put one at each sconce, and one has instant individual control.  Still, if you are mostely z-wave, the pete_c solution might be better in your case.