Insteon PLM Component

[jwilson56]

I think he answered your question... and upon a quick search there are several threads that mention all the problems with the PLC. So I think he is saying you need to get the 2412u which is a newer interface that doesn't share the same problems.

Search is a friend of yours.....

[blyons]

I'm new to Insteon too, so I understand your confusion. The 2414U is a PLC - the PowerLink Controller. The PLM is a PowerLink Modem - 2412U. Mike's component, the subject of this thread, works with the PLM, not the PLC. If I understand correctly, and hopefully others will correct me if I'm wrong, the PLC is less reliable, and is supported by the old "plugin" which requires an additional license fee. Mike generously provides his component for free.

Does that help?

[Aaron]

I did search, a few times... so not sure what posts you are talking about. I did a search in the girder5 forum for 2814u (the model I have) and exactly zero posts came up. If I knew to search for PLM vs PLC vs UFC or anything else I would have, thus would not have asked the question.

Guess I don't get what the difference between the interfaces are and why it cannot be used with both? I'd think Insteon protocol would be the same in either case - and USB communications is the same?

[jwilson56]

Aaron you stated that you have a 2414U so I did a quick search using "2414U" as the search term and only six threads that show up... not that many to sift through...... one of which is actual a "sticky' titled "Sticky: Insteon Plugin Beta" and the very last post in that thread

http://www.promixis.com/forums/showt...ighlight=2414U


It states Quote:

" Originally Posted by yano View Post
Hi,

I'm looking at buying some Insteon devices and I'm wondering which controller to get - 2414U(USB), 2414S(Serial) or 2412S(Serial/PLM)? I would prefer to continue to run Windows 2003 Server so I believe that eliminates 2414U as it states in it's brochure that it doens't support that OS.

I see there is also a new 2412N Network controller but would Girder/Insteon Plug-in support it?

Thanks

Others may have better knowledge but I know that the PLM controller is not supported by the Insteon plugin. If you look in the Girder 5 forum you will find a thread on a PLM component by Mike C. It promises to work better than the PLC

End Quote

So like I said this would seem to have been answered already. Also in the very first post in this thread Mike states "I put together an Insteon PLM Component. The PLM (firmware version .63) is very robust relative to the PLC.". In fact the title of this thread is "Insteon PLM Component" so its not a big surprise that it supports the PLM and not the PLC.

[Mike C]

I did search, a few times... so not sure what posts you are talking about. I did a search in the girder5 forum for 2814u (the model I have) and exactly zero posts came up. If I knew to search for PLM vs PLC vs UFC or anything else I would have, thus would not have asked the question.

Guess I don't get what the difference between the interfaces are and why it cannot be used with both? I'd think Insteon protocol would be the same in either case - and USB communications is the same?

John is right.

The PLC was Smarthome's first PC device. It has many problems and is not very reliable. It has a completely different protocol than the PLM. Its is also a version 1 insteon device. The PLM is the way to go. I would not torture yourself using the PLC and SH's Device Manager. Its a complete waste of time.

[Mike C]

Now we're talking! I can now see devices! Yay! Thank you so much for your help. If I run into more problems I'll post again.

great to hear.

[Aaron]

John is right.

The PLC was Smarthome's first PC device. It has many problems and is not very reliable. It has a completely different protocol than the PLM. Its is also a version 1 insteon device. The PLM is the way to go. I would not torture yourself using the PLC and SH's Device Manager. Its a complete waste of time.

I will take your sage advice... guess it goes on ebay.

[blyons]

If you just bought it, can't you return it?

[Aaron]

If you just bought it, can't you return it?

bought it used with several other items... filerlincs, appliancelincs, etc

[mdekort]

use the Device Manager to select the device - you can dim to a level or dim relative. use the Insteon Send All Link commands to dim a group of lights (or just a single one)

Thanks for your reply Mike.
I tried that already out and definitely works but it is more a "jump" from one level to another.
I remember when I used the "old" plugin and for example going from 100% to 50% it was a smooth dimming. The lights slowly went down.

Really would be nice nice if the same thing could be done with your plugin.