Lighting/appliance control technologies
ECS supports the following lighting/appliance control technologies:
- Z-Wave (RF):
ECS transmits commands to Z-Wave modules via radio signals.
Range is 30-300 ft, depending on obstructions, and how many devices are in the network (each of which acts as a repeater).
Communication is two-way: Modules respond to commands (so you know the module's state).
- X10 (AC powerline):
ECS transmits commands to X10 modules via AC power lines.
Least expensive, but also the least dependable.
Communication is one-way only: Modules do not respond to commands,
so there is no way to know if a module actually receives a given command.
Supported via the
CM11A/CM11U,
PowerLinc/USB,
PowerLinc/Serial,
Omni, and
Ocelot.
- UPB (AC powerline):
ECS transmits commands to UPB modules via AC power lines.
The best power line technology available (in terms of both reliability and longevity).
Communication is two-way: Modules respond to commands (so you know the module's state).
| Access | Path | Model(s)/manufacturer
| RS232 | UPB | All UPB-compatible lamp modules/dimmers
| RS232 | UPB | UML-E-W Lamp Module
(UPB technology, via UMC-DB9-W, 36A00-1, or Omni)
/ Simply-Automated
| RS232 | UPB | US11-40-W Wall Switch Dimmer
(UPB technology, via UMC-DB9-W, 36A00-1, or Omni)
/ Simply-Automated
| RS232 | UPB | US11-40-W Dimmer
(UPB technology, via UMC-DB9-W, 36A00-1, or Omni)
/ Simply-Automated
| RS232 | UPB | UFD Fixture Dimmer
(UPB technology, via UMC-DB9-W, 36A00-1, or Omni)
/ Simply-Automated
| RS232 | UPB | UFD Fixture Dimmer
(UPB technology, via UMC-DB9-W, 36A00-1, or Omni)
/ Simply-Automated
| | | | | | |
- Insteon (AC powerline):
ECS transmits commands to Insteon modules via AC power lines.
Modules have been known to fail intermittently when numerous modules are used (power reset required to correct).
Communication is two-way: Modules respond to commands (so you know the module's state).
- WebSwitch (ethernet):
2-outlet module that responds to commands sent over ethernet.
Off/on only (no dimming).
Extremely robust/dependable (much more so than power line).
Communication is two-way: Modules respond to commands (so you know the module's state).
- PWM8x-Dimmer (wired / low-voltage):
Controls light voltages directly.
Extremely robust/dependable (much more so than power line).
For 12V/DC fixtures/bulbs only.
Best suited for low-wattage LED lighting.
- Other wired solutions:
Controls light voltages directly.
Extremely robust/dependable (much more so than power line).
Terms used above:
RF stands for radio-frequency.
RS232 refers to a standard serial port (referred to as COM1/COM2/etc in Windows).
Note: Most modern PCs no longer include serial ports.
But they may be added via an internal card or a USB Serial Adapter.
Examples of serial cards:
PCI-Express Serial 2x and
PCI-Express Serial 4x.
Examples of USB Serial Adapters:
TU-S9 (Windows only)
and the USA-49WG (Windows & Linux).
How to determine if power line technology will work well in your building
Before making a sizable investment,
you should assure that signals can be transmitted throughout your building:
- Purchase one transmitter (e.g. a tabletop console) and one module.
- Plug the module into the outlet furthest from the PC room.
- Plug the console into an outlet in the PC room.
- Push the console buttons to turn the module off and on, and verify that it responds.
Note: If an X10 module fails to respond, changing the building-code may help.
Note: If you are having X10 transmission problems, you might consider the
X10 Transmit Booster (XTB).
We hear that it works very well.
How to determine if Z-Wave will work well in your building
- Purchase a controller/remote and two modules
(e.g. Intermatic HA101K Home Settings Wireless Kit).
- Plug module1 into an outlet in the center of the building (to act as a repeater).
- Plug module2 into an outlet furthest from the PC room.
- Take the remote to the PC room.
- Push the remote to turn the modules off and on, and verify that they respond.
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Omnipotence Software
support@OmnipotenceSoftware.com
423-745-0026
604 CR 181
Decatur, TN 37322
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9AM-7PM/EST
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