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 an 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 quickly 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 home's power 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.
