aiannetta

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7/12/2013 Topic: What hardware does your Energy Mgt feature Support Alex Iannetta Administrator	Hi Mack! We currently measure energy usage by directly calculating the usage based on load, and we will soon launch support for the Blue Line power meter reader. We will also be launching support for the devices you mentioned, but that will be in an upcoming version. Please let us know if you have any other questions! Mack McDowell wrote: Your feature descriptions on your site indicate that you have integrated energy management into the CastleOS application but it does not state how this is done. Do you just support the Insteon iMeter Solo or are other energy monitors like Brutech, TED, and/or CurrentCost Envi also supported? If not, do you plan to support other energy monitor hardware in the future? edited by mastermog on 7/10/2013
7/15/2013 Topic: How To Setup the Core Service Alex Iannetta Administrator	Robert Spivack wrote: Have you considered adding a test or demo mode that allows the program to be used without an actual controller being connected? I realize it would not be able to actually do anything, but this would make it easier to evaluate the user interface and functionality hands-on. Any plans to support the ISy99x Insteon compatible controllers? These appear to be widely used in many Insteon installations. Personally, I'm still trying to choose whether to use the iSy99X controller, Insteon Hub, or Insteon PLM. Besides cost and functionality, part of the decision process is looking at the matrix of front-end and control software choices available for each type of control hardware. Some people swear by the iSy99x hardware, while others are recommending running sw on a Mac (Indigo) with a Insteon USB PLM. (Until I came across your site, the idea of a hockey-puck sized Mac mini running as a "control appliance" seemed more appealing than leaving a PC turned on 24x7 as a controller.) Since I'm looking at the bigger picture of whole-house automation, which in my own definition includes lighting, home security, general automation, HVAC, and home theatre/AV control) it's really hard right now to find one solution that can grow into everything with a unified User Interface across computers (or any web device), iPad, and iPhone. I've started with home theatre/AV and am happy so far with Roomie remote and Insteon hardware switches/dimmers, but haven't yet chosen the controller for Insteon and the additional software for it. Hi Robert! We are planning to add a demo mode in the next few versions. We want to add a few more features first. In the meantime, are there additional screenshots or videos that could help? We do not have plans to support the ISY devices as CastleOS is a full replacement for the ISY. The ISY is great at the behind the scenes management and control of INSTEON networks, but we strive to have a much more powerful and simple user interface. We also have customers running CastleOS on Mac-mini sized Windows-based computers, which can be readily purchased on Amazon and Newegg. As far as supporting your larger home automation vision, here's our roadmap. The next versions will add support for Z-Wave, SmartThings, and WeMo. In addition, it will support whole-house audio systems for music and notifications, including Kinect integration. After that, we'll add support for IP cameras, then integration with alarm systems. We're also working on further integration with A/V systems, and features for that will roll out across several versions. Roomie does a fine job. Don't hesitate to let us know if you have any other questions!
7/17/2013 Topic: Supported devices Alex Iannetta Administrator	Frank Dracman wrote: Hello, You may find answering the question in its requested form trivial. however, to me its confusing to determine what a plm is when you compare it to the actual device names. if i am confused i am sure others are as well. I am looking to purchase a new interface and i don't want to waste my time purchasing the wrong item. Hopefully this clears up the reason behind my info request. Hi Frank! Not trivial at all! A PLM is short for PowerLinc Modem, which is the device that interfaces the INSTEON network with a computer. There are several types, the most common being the USB version. We also sell these devices (cheaper than Amazon or Smarthome!) and would be happy to help you understand it further and plan your installation, just let us know!
7/17/2013 Topic: Supported devices Alex Iannetta Administrator	Frank Dracman wrote: o.k. how do i get in touch with you guys regarding the purchase? Shoot us an email at info@castleos.com, and we can take it from there!