What are /r/insteon's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

You can put a micro on off module behind any switch. Get an outdoor switch and put the module behind it.

https://www.smarthome.com/products/insteon-2443-222-micro-on-off-module

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R7S7HEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_NG6HH43YMBGYGDW274P9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

GE makes a Z-wave outdoor switch.

https://www.amazon.com/GE-Appliance-Required-Works-SmartThings-14285/dp/B00YTCZZF0/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=outdoor+smart+switch&qid=1621000706&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1GHKUK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have two of these, one I use in a box like you posted, but only during the holidays. Not sure it would be great for permeant placement, but does well for me for the month or so I use it.

Mine are all ceiling can lights with replacement "pucks" not bulbs, so it won't matter to you. But THESE seem to be a bulb equivalent to the ones I have.

The fact that they're advertised as flicker free is informative on it's own as to how common the problem is with flickering. I have a pair of bathroom sconces that always flicker very slightly unless they're at 100%. I just live with it since it's a spare bath, but one of these days I'll have to find some different tube bulbs to try and fix it.

If you have an Android device try using this app instead https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insteon.insteon3

I know I've had issues with the new app not actually changing any settings for the motion detectors despite it showing that it did

I assume you PLM has an RJ45 connector on one end and a DP9 serial connector on the other end, right? If that's true, you can just continue to use that cable and add a Trendnet TUS9. HomeTroller Pi units are compatible with that adapter.

1. I have an Insteon IOLinc controlling my garage door with a magnetic sensor similar to this. It works just fine. However, I'm in the process of planning to replace the IOLinc with an esphome sensor that has a motion sensor, car sensors, and a laser break sensor for parking. If you want to fall down the rabbit hole, learn how to do esphome. I've got it doing a number of tasks around the house that are wholly impossible with Insteon.

Well, I can't quickly figure out how to get an image in here, but here is a link (I hope).

https://www.amazon.com/Processor-Computer-Computers-Bluetooth-Ethernet/dp/B09KPKLCPF/ref=sr\_1\_8?crid=2EGT4DJFDM5LF&keywords=ouvis%2Bmini%2Bpc%2Bwindows%2B10%2Bpro&qid=1651425564&sprefix=ouvis%2Bmini%2B%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-8&th=1

I'd use one of these behind the outlet/switch and you can keep the original in place:

Shelly 2.5 Double Relay Switch and Roller Shutter WiFi Open Source Wireless Home Automation Dual Power Metering iOS Android Application (1 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z623J8Z

https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/collections/z-wave-relays

Same here with the keypad line. No one makes anything close. The prior home owner had wall banks of switches everywhere (7 Decora switches, side by side in some places!) I replaced them with the Keypadlinc and in wall switches. They still work fine without a hub, but there's no reasonable elegant solution.

I think Lutron has an ugly version with RadioRA2, but you have to pass a course to get them and they're $$$$.

I have everything working through local control, and use Indigo in lieu of the hub. (it allows Alexa control, too.)

I'm toying with this, in the meantime. No labels, no Indigo, but it's elegant, inexpensive and works with Alexa. I'd reckon there's an Aussie version, too. It also has local control of other switches in the same family.

Sonoff ifan04. SONOFF iFan04-L WiFi Ceiling Fan Light Controller, APP Control&Remote Control, Compatible with Alexa & Google Home Assistant, No Hub Required(2.4G WiFi) (ifan04-L) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09C21LX9R/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_50FKQWPFQPNZ1QH5NKJW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Lamp Dimmer, Compatible with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and the Google Assistant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KHSXB60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RVNFZK40E69ED5BSYMW6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Lutron Caseta Deluxe Smart Dimmer Switch (2 Count) Kit | Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and the Google Assistant | P-BDG-PKG2W-A | White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3XJUAD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H30H34EY4EB581JH14RS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

>Indigo

Thank you for this. Is this the item I would need?

https://www.amazon.com/Insteon-2448A7-Portable-Adapter-White/dp/B0046V767Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XL5FTDFQV26Y&keywords=Insteon+2448A7&qid=1650073316&sprefix=insteon+2448a7%2Caps%2C48&sr=8-1

Insteon 2448A7 Portable USB Adapter

And does Indigo have a corresponding iOS app where you can create and control scenes, and does it have Alexa integration?

Another tip, if you’re primarily using the wall switch and Alexa for control you can name the devices with zzz at the beginning of the name, this is “zzzFan light”, then name the scene just “Fan light”.

Also when things get renamed, especially scenes, the original probably won’t get deleted from Alexa. It’s easier to visualize if you have a regular computer browser and just log into https://alexa.amazon.com. Or in the app, simply delete All scenes then say “Alexa, discover devices” to repopulate the good ones.

Reporting back, I think your best bet is to find different bulbs.

Originally bought these units for my room and they suffer from the flicker issue when dimmed: Commercial Electric 4 in. Matte White Integrated LED Recessed Trim

Replaced only two of them with these and nothing flickers: Halo RL4069S1EWHR-CA 4 in. Selectable CCT 2700K-5000K

Yea it's annoying but I think in the long run you'll be happier if you find bulbs with better compatibility.

... I think the dimmer I am using is the original one they "replaced" (and never asked for me to return)

Yes! A while back someone from Insteon tier 2 send me a "modified Keypad that should help with the issues you are reporting" I was unable to extract from them what modification. Unfortunately that person is no longer with Insteon.

Their most recent suggestion is

> As per the update we have received from our resources, the issue was most likely tied to the incompatibility of the load you were using and the modified module you received had a component change done to it.

> Adding resistance to the load should help with the flickering. You can look at units like the one on the link below:

> https://www.amazon.com/PCS-Load-Resistor-Lighting-ILR-10K/dp/B01ES0AYU8

I am just shocked they still can't develop real (ELV) dimmers and the 0-10V stuff was short lived.

I bought both of those to get my set up running, and yes I'll post when done with set up, probably over next couple days.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GX29MWQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002X8W4SI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I’m not sure what you ordered actually. I ordered this pi kit from Amazon. Then followed the homeassistant instructions on this page basically downloading an image and balena etcher. (This includes HA OS so you don’t need to worry about raspbian or whatever they call it).

And yea the apps good... it will setup default dashboard pages for you... then you can customize the hell of it from there... the only limit is how much time you invest... lol

Note that you'll need some sort of Insteon bridge if you want to automate things, usually this means a PLM (I asked upthread, OP says his old PLM failed while back), or a dedicated Insteon-specific hub.

OTOH, if you just want to tie a motion sensor to a light, then this can be done within insteon without a hub/controller/PLM, by associating the two devices together. You don't get the ability to control from your phone in that case, but the reaction is nearly instantaneous.

I'm looking at these sensors which I don't think need drilling:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003IHTZEY

I will have one arriving next week and if it's as you say I'll try it on an old door in my shed.

​

Thanks for the info.

There are products designed to be hardwired and control a load. Of course they wouldn’t integrate with your home automation but if the only goal is to turn power on/off based on the door being open they would work.

My grandma’s house was built in the 50s and every closet has one. Best feature ever and they still work to this day.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036ZA9F2/