UPB, day 2

Today, I installed a standard transceiver (not universal) with a single rocker in the living room to control the overhead lamps. Again, I got some of the wires mixed up since there are two black wires coming into the box, but got things figured out on the second try.

What took longer this time was that the switch did not fit into my original wall box. I went to home depot and got a new, bigger box which fit things well. I have not yet programmed it into the UPB system with UPStart, so for now, it's still a dumb dimmer.

I'm still having to press buttons twice after an all off event, but to be fair, I haven't tried to diagnose the problem (again, in UPStart). One inconvenience here is that the only computer in the house with a serial port is the desktop in the upstairs office, which is a long way from the master bedroom downstairs. The home laptop we use is a slim form factor and has no serial port. I'll try to remember to bring home the laptop I use at the office and install UPStart on it so I can program the network from the same room.

In answer to some of my questions on cocoontech, someone suggested that I try different brands of 8-button controllers which have an LED for each button to indicate the status of the activities assigned to each. He suggested HAI or PCS controllers, so I'll look on Automated Outlet at these, but this would involve re-wiring the switches that I have already done.

As long as I'm consider re-wiring switches, I'll have another look at Insteon. Supposedly, some (but not all) of the firmware issues have been worked out. Someone suggested that Automated Outlet won't be carrying Insteon anymore, so I may have to look elsewhere.

Finally, to anyone on cocoontech who is nice enough to follow my progress, read this blog, and make helpful suggestions, thanks so much. It was today that someone first told me they were actually reading this (does that make me a public media figure?). I certainly appreciate all your help.