Subject: From: Date:

Re: [ECS] Switch choices & new HA installation Scott Danks Fri, 21 Jul 2000 13:23:02 -0500

---

 Fri, 21 Jul 2000 13:23:02 -0500
I left my switches in my old house, and advertised it as automated.  It didnt matter
at all.  It was made a rent house.  I will not do that again.

>>> "Bill Walters" <wtwalters@earthlink.net> 07/21 10:49 AM >>>
All -

Well, I'm just about all moved in and with that task accomplished, am ready
to begin automating my new (to me) home.  Along that line, I have some
questions for the group...

1.  I'm replacing my CM-11a since it tends to "lock" unexpectedly.  I've
ordered the APPDIG Ocelot along with the SECU16 module.  I believe Mark uses
these and is happy with them; any others or other comments/suggestions?

2.  Since my "new" house is -much- smaller than my old one, my lighting
requirements are much simpler and require fewer switches.  Therefore, I want
to use better, more feature-rich switches than the old standard $9.95 X-10
light switch that I used previously......  I don't think I really need
"scene" control, but then again, I'm not sure what that it or how it is
used.  Nor do I really need the ability for a switch to tell  ECS that it's
"ON" but would be cute/fun/nice feature to have.  The SwitchLinc $89.95
units are nice and certainly have all the bells 'n whistles, but is it
supported by ECS and is it worth it?   How about the Levitron 16293 switch?
Worthington currently has it on sale.  If not either of these two switches,
then what would you suggest and why?

I know #2 is long but I've been "ignoring" expensive switches for years as
my other house was just too big to use such expensive switches ( I had over
30 switches installed and left 'em for the new owner).

My "goal" is smoother, more pleasing lighting control and better integration
of ECS into the household.  I've already got my alarm installed, and a
dedicated HA closet, so I'm getting a little more organized for this
installation.

Has anyone used the new JDS 2-way programmable LCD wall mount controllers
that connect via RS-232?   I'm really interested in trying one to see what
it does, how it works, ease of integration, etc and think it would be a
really neat way to implement whole house control for each room without major
expense.  Anyone with any comments on this device???

Thanks for everyone's thoughts!

Bill Walters

---