switching to Girder and dumping x10 at the same time...

[kwaugh]

Ok, after years of x10 struggles, I've decided I'm done with x10. This is at the same time I've decided that I want to use girder for everything vs another product.
(the only thing I haven't figured out is how to use girder for voicemail)

I'm looking for advice on the best of the new technologies (based on folks experiences) for girder use.

Tops on the list is reliability and ease of control via girder. The likely suspects and my impreessions on them from board reading are:

Insteon (reliability, quality issues)
Z-wave (set up issues and girder support?)
Lutron Radio ra (rock solid, but being phased out?)
UPB (?)
others?

If folks are willing to share their experiences (good or bad), I'd be greatly apprecitative...

Thanks,

K

[Mastiff]

I use Phidgets, and that works most of the time. Every so often there is a problem, but I had more problems when I was using X10 (which I now only use for one dimming light and a couple of similar, non essential tasks). The problem with Phidgets is that if you don't live in a house where it's easy to pull chords (Phidgets are pure relays and need cables) you can forget it. Me, I've got an attic with access to the server room, so I can reach every room I want to (I use network cable from a drum for the Phidgets).

[quixote]

I would switch over to Girder 5, get acquainted with it, but hold off on the lights for a couple of months. Insteon may yet redeem itself. The ISY is looking pretty promising and with the WSDK being released soon, it'll most likely be possible to use Girder to make your setup kickass. Also, a new revision of the Inteon PLM is on the horizon.
That's what I plan on doing myself, anyway.

[Ron]

Have a look at the EasyBridge
http://www.smarthome.com/31272.html

It's SDK is out there in fact Tim is using this as the Insteon Controller from Girder and is having great success with it.