ISY Model:
There are two decisions you need to make when choosing a model. You must ask yourself if you would like to add IR communication capabilities to the ISY. This would allow you have ISY respond to your audio / visual remote control. The IR sensor is on the unit. Consider if you will be locating the ISY-99i where it can "see" IR commands. If you do not desire IR control or you will be locating the ISY outside of IR reception, then do not choose the IR model. IR Insteon control can be added later by adding and Insteon IRLinc receiver at the desired IR reception location. You must also ask yourself how large of an installation you anticipate having. The pro model offers support for up to 1056 devices, scenes and programs while the standard model supports 256. Please note that requirements vary significantly. We recommend purchasing the PRO model if you plan on having over 30 Insteon devices installed. This allows you plenty of programming capability per device. If you will have less that 30 Insteon devices, then stick with the standard model. Our Orchestrated MobiLinc application can create upwards of 5 - 10 programs per device when used to its full capabilities.
Add-On Modules:
The Weatherbug module allows ISY to evaluate weather phenomena in your area and can be used to adjust irrigation systems or other automated systems that need to be aware of the ambient weather conditions. This module can be a great resource saver and also provides the ability to see the local weather via your internet connected device such as an iPhone. The Brultech energy meter module is used to evaluate energy usage as reported by a Brultech energy meter which can be installed near your meter. Awareness of energy consumption and the rate that is being charged for that usage can create a great opportunity for savings.
The X10 BETA module offers support for A10/X10 devices incorporated into the device tree and managed through the Admin Console' Main tab rather than the Program's tab. Users attempting to utilize their existing X10 devices while adding new Insteon capabilities will appreciate this add-on. The Network module allows users to use their ISY as a web server to serve up your own applications, pictures, and files. The module also inculdes Wake On Lan (turn your computers on using ISY progrmas) and Network Resources which enable you to call any network resource (TCP/UDP/HTTP/HTTPS).
PLM Choice:
The standard PLM is the EZIComm Insteon PLM. It plugs into your ISY-99i via an ethernet cable and allows the Insteon signals to flow to the power line. For installations with power line communication challenges, using a dual band PLM such as the Insteon 2413S allows the Insteon signal to simultaneously be transmitted over the power line and via RF. Most installations operate normally without a dual band PLM.
Access Point Solutions:
The standard access points are plug in modules that are simply plugged in at a few locations in your home. A setup procedure is provided that helps you place one access point on each of your home's electrical phases. Once properly set up, access points allow Insteon signals to move along the power line throughout your house. These access points also have RF capability and send and receive Insteon RF signals for Insteon RF only devices and also as an augmentation to power line signals. Upgrading to Dual Band Access Points provides you with a LampLinc plug-in lamp module and access point in one unit. Or restated, the access points double as LampLincs. Choose the dual band LampLinc access points if you want a slightly smaller footprint of the plug-in device and you want the ability to control a plug-in lamp at this location as well.
Dimmer / Switch Ratio:
We allow you to customize your kit to meet your application. Kits that include multiple wall switches or dimmers can be specified to the desired number of dimmers and switches.
Module Color:
Insteon switches, dimmers and wall outlets come in a variety of colors. White is standard. Other colors are available at a nominal charge.
LED Light Color:
Insteon SwitchLinc Dimmers and Switches allow for the customization of the status LED bar. The standard color is white, however several other colors are available to suit your application and can be used to help pick the right device or purely for aesthetics.
Thermostat Options:
The kit includes the base model Venstar T1700 thermostat. This is a fully self contained 1 day programmable thermostat. For most applications, this thermostat will serve the the homeowner very well. The ISY-99i controller has the ability to completely automate all the functiions of the thermostat to include providing 7 day programmability. This control would come from the ISY-99i. Therefore, the thermostat does not need to be 7 day programmable.
If the homeowner would like to have the 7 day programmability built into the thermostat instead, then the T1800 adds that ability. Also, the T1800 model can be upgraded with a snap in module to display local humidity (at the thermostat). So, we recommend the T1800, when the homeowner is concerned with humidity.
The T1800 w/humidity sensor will include the humidity module with the T1800 thermostat. Know that this humidity adapter can be added (to the T1800 model) at a later time if the homeowner is unsure if they will need it.
The T1900 is the most advanced thermostat with capability to control dual fuel HVAC systems and includes its own humidity sensor on board. We sell this thermostat frequently to users who have different methods of cooling or heating depending on the exterior atmospheric conditiions (humidity and temperature).
Note: Thermostat options labeled as "Integrated" describe the thermostat with the on-board Insteon adapter. Otherwise, the thermostat is a standaard Venstar with a plug in Insteon thermostat adapter.
