Smarthome Insteon Forum: Anywhere Remote Switch

matty1098
Starting Member

USA
1 Posts

Posted – 05/26/2014 :  12:48:09 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote


Smarthome Insteon Forum, Anywhere Remote Switch, www.smarthome.com, Simply Automated, Hello all home automation. I have a lighting control above my garage man door with a UPB single-pole light insteon remote switch inside the garage. I want to be able to create a 3-WAY three-way (a remote second location on/off switch) light switch inside my house in an existing hard-wired box. So what I need is a wireless transmitting switch (hardwire powered) that will talk to the original single pole switch to light the light.

After a ton of research, I found possibly using two Insteon SwitchLinc switches and linking them together will solve my dilemma? Every other wireless switch kit requires batteries and surface mount switches that i do not want. Thanks for your suggestions!

stusviews
Moderator

USA
11809 Posts

Posted – 05/26/2014 :  12:58:50 PM  Show Profile  Visit stusviews's Homepage  Reply with Quote


If you have line and neutral at both switch locations, then what you found (Insteon SwitchLincs) should work. It’s possible that you may need a Range Extender and/or Filter, but that cannot be determined in advance.

Stu’s Views is Education and Fun. What do YOU want to VIEW today?
MathLandia High school mathematics learning fun.
Both Stu’s Views and MathLandia are free websites that do not sell anything.
Saving energy is not always free. Be a world saver.
Go to Top of Page

justatesta
Starting Member

4 Posts

Posted – 06/16/2014 :  4:10:51 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote


I want to do something similar. Please tell me if my understanding is correct for the solution in this thread: the first switch is actually wired in to replace the original switch but the second switch just taps off wires from some other light switch for power (so it doesn’t need batteries), but the second switch does not to directly control, instead the second switch sends signals to the first switch? Also, both switches are the same model, right? (Insteon SwitchLincs)? I need to convert one switch to a three-way also, but I wouldn’t mind the second switch running on battery. Does such a solution exist with this product?
Go to Top of Page

Tfitzpatri8
Administrator

USA
8781 Posts

Posted – 06/16/2014 :  4:35:41 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote


In a typical multi-way installation, one SwitchLinc connects to hot, neutral and load, the others connect to hot and neutral, then the secondaries use Insteon signals to control the primary to adjust the load.

If your home has neutral wiring at the wall boxes, there’s ordinarily no need for battery-operated devices. If not, the Insteon Mini Remote uses a rechargeable battery: http://www.smarthome.com/2342-242/INSTEON-Mini-Remote-Switch/p.aspx


Volunteer Moderator & Home Automation Enthusiast
Go to Top of Page

justatesta
Starting Member

4 Posts

Posted – 06/16/2014 :  7:40:15 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote


Thanks, Would it be acceptable to use ToggleLinc Relay Remote Control On/off (http://www.smarthome.com/2466SW/ToggleLinc-Relay-INSTEON-Remote-Control-On-Off-Switch-Non-Dimming-White/p.aspx) instead of Switchlink On/Off (http://www.smarthome.com/2477S/SwitchLinc-On-Off-INSTEON-Remote-Control-Switch-Dual-Band-White/p.aspx) for the main switch? If not, what is the difference between the two? The reason I ask is simply due to the style of the switch which will match existing ones,

Edited by – justatesta on 06/16/2014 7:41:37 PM
Go to Top of Page

Tfitzpatri8
Administrator

USA
8781 Posts

Posted – 06/16/2014 :  7:50:37 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote


If matching older-style hardware is a priority, I would use these and your existing switches instead: http://www.smarthome.com/2443-222/INSTEON-Micro-On-Off-Module/p.aspx

Volunteer Moderator & Home Automation Enthusiast
Go to Top of Page

stusviews
Moderator

USA
11809 Posts

Posted – 06/16/2014 :  8:13:03 PM  Show Profile  Visit stusviews's Homepage  Reply with Quote


In an Insteon virtual 3-way configuration, only one device is actually wired to the load. It can be a SwitchLinc, ToggleLinc, KeypadLinc or Micro Module.

Any other controller(s) can be any of the above or any battery powered device. You are free to mix or match.


Stu’s Views is Education and Fun. What do YOU want to VIEW today?
MathLandia High school mathematics learning fun.
Both Stu’s Views and MathLandia are free websites that do not sell anything.
Saving energy is not always free. Be a world saver.
Go to Top of Page

justatesta
Starting Member

4 Posts

Posted – 06/17/2014 :  03:56:49 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote


This is all great information. I have four rooms that need this. I am going to try fixing one room by adding the Micro http://www.smarthome.com/2443-222/INSTEON-Micro-On-Off-Module/p.aspx with the ToggleLinc. Once I get comfortable with that I will buy more and do the other rooms and fall back on the battery remote if needed. Thanks fitz and stus!

Edited by – justatesta on 06/17/2014 03:57:46 AM
Go to Top of Page

justatesta
Starting Member

4 Posts

Posted – 06/29/2014 :  09:28:27 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote


Today is the day. I have simple latching switch that has has a black (line) and a white (load) in addition to a copper (ground) connection. I know that the black/line goes to the line terminal on the micro on/off as well as to the wall switch. I also know that sense #1 goes to the other terminal on the wall switch. Do I connect the load to L1 and ignore the neutral terminal on the micro?

As for the secondary control, I was planning on using a switch I own (to match the existing decor) along with a second micro on/off. The secondary location has no wiring for this circuit but there are other circuits there. If it is ok to take power from the switches of these other circuits, I assume I make a pigtail connection from the black/hot of one of the switches and connect to the Line on the micro, right? If so, how do I make the second connection at this device?

Go to Top of Page

stusviews
Moderator

USA
11809 Posts

Posted – 06/29/2014 :  1:53:08 PM  Show Profile  Visit stusviews's Homepage  Reply with Quote


If you have only black and white wires at the switch box, then white is line (it should have tape on it) and black is load. That’s done to avoid connecting the fixture to two white wires.

You’ll need to install the Micro Module in the ceiling box where you have all of line, load, and neutral. Note that the line (black) will be already be connected to the white wire from the switch and that the black wire from the switch is connected to the fixture.

The black wire from the switch should be connected to the Micro Module Sense 1 wire (yellow). The black wire from the fixture connects to the load terminal of the Micro Module. And, the Micro Module is connected to neutral and line.

You can install the secondary INSTEON device (e.g., Micro Module) at any location in the house that has both line and neutral. Then you link each INSTEON device in the 3-way configuration as both a controller of and responder to the other INSTEON device.


Stu’s Views is Education and Fun. What do YOU want to VIEW today?
MathLandia High school mathematics learning fun.
Both Stu’s Views and MathLandia are free websites that do not sell anything.
Saving energy is not always free. Be a world saver.
 

Source: http://forum.smarthome.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15214

Visit http://simply-automated.com/ for further information

Home Automation Lighting Control Made Simple, Anywhere Virtual Lighting Control

Two high quality professional grade 900 Watt anywhere switches replace existing mechanical wall switches; utilize same wires of existing switches – no traveler wires or batteries needed! Turn on/off circuits from both switches (neutral wire required). A simple cost effective lighting control alternative for the professional electrician – versus pulling costly new wiring or using wireless DIY options that do not always work. They employ Simply Automated’s advanced powerline technology – transmits over 1 mile on a single circuit.  Home automation lighting control made simple.

Submitted on 10/10/13, 11:34 AM

Simply Automated Announces the Anywhere 3-Way (On/Off) Virtual Switch Kit with Two Professional Grade 900W Traveler-Wireless 3-Way Switches 

SAN DIEGO, CA – October 10, 2013- www.Simply-Automated.com, Simply Automated, an industry leader in home automation and lighting control, announces immediate availability of the Anywhere 3-Way (On/Off) Virtual Switch Kit with two professional grade traveler-wireless 3-way anywhere switches.  No batteries!

Two high quality professional grade 900 Watt switches replace existing mechanical wall switches; utilize same wires of existing switches – no traveler wires or batteries needed! Turn on/off circuits from both switches (neutral wire required).  Home Automation and Lighting Control Made Simple. 

A simple cost effective alternative for the professional electrician – versus pulling costly new wiring or using wireless DIY options that do not always work. They employ Simply Automated’s advanced powerline technology – transmits over 1 mile on a single circuit. 

• 3-Way anywhere virtual control of lights anywhere on your property without running new wires 
• Includes two (2) professional grade 900W switches 
• A cost effective alternative for the professional electrician 

Up to 4 sets of Anywhere 3-Way Virtual Switch Kits can be used around the home. Simply change each switch set to a different channel (1-4), for up to four separate zones of lighting control. If 4-Way control is needed (3-switches), just add another Anywhere Virtual Switch (model US1-V0). Any number of US1-V0 switches can be added, on any channel. 

Home Automation and Lighting Control Made Simple.  The Anywhere 3-Way (On/Off) Virtual Switch Kit, model V3WAY-A, with two professional grade 900 Watt anywhere switches has a suggested retail price of $79.95, and are immediately available. 

An individual Anywhere (On/Off) Switch, model US1-V0, has a suggested retail price of $45.95 and can be added to the Anywhere 3-Way Switch Kit for 4-way or more way applications. 

About Simply Automated 
Simply Automated, an industry leader in home automation and lighting control, offers the broadest, most cost effective, flexible assortment of lighting and home automation products in the marketplace. No new wiring is required, making our products ideal for both new and retrofit construction. An extensive line of ultra-reliable UPB-based control modules, transceiver switches and in-wall controllers allow simple, low cost installations, and provide advanced applications not applicable to RF-based systems. For additional information we invite you to visit www.Simply-Automated.com. Or you can contact us by phone during regular business hours at (800) 630-9234.

Source: http://www.hometoys.com/news/2013/10/10/simply-automated-announces-the-anywhere-3-way-onoff-switch-kit-with-two-professional-grade-900w-traveler-wireless-3-way-switches/20003062

6 comments on “Smarthome Insteon Forum: Anywhere Remote Switch

  1. hunter asko on said:

    Smarthome uses insteon technology, a derivative of x10 and adding rf, x10 never worked, the lowest end technology, take it from a guy who’s installed more than 100 systems, go with upb and simply automated.

  2. Susan Thom on said:

    Need to do a simple 3-way, my husband not the handiest guy, trying to search online came across this posting, I’ve done quite a few renovations, posting sure sounds complicated, is there a simple solution that doesn’t require a diy phd?

  3. geek automation guy on said:

    Smarthome appears to be very sabe, disinformation, tries to appear objective with inteon owned by same company, go figure, reason I appreciate the professionalism and honesty working with Simply Automated.

  4. UPB Convert on said:

    Used smarthome insteon for many years, my switches would last 1-2 years, poor quality, inconsistent working (technology issues), tried upb earlier this year, big difference (technology), switches from Simply Automated much better quality, smarthome stuff looks cheap toylike in comparison.

  5. Gary Sanders on said:

    Smarthome Forum is a good reference point for home automation and lighting control questions, however, one must be careful, Smarthome is part of Insteon, promotes Insteon, very subjective in feedback provided, need to take this into consideration, in this case, my opinion, Simply Automated anywhere switch kit is the best solution in the market.

  6. Stay away from insteon,for lowend diyer, not recommended.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

* Copy This Password *

* Type Or Paste Password Here *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>