Have you considered getting an Insteon Modem Interface? Or have you just wondered what a Modem Interface is and what it can do? We had expert Steve Lee sit down with us and answer some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the Insteon Modem Interface. 0:05- Introduction to Steve Lee
Steve Lee is the Vice President of Integrator Sales and has the opportunity to go all around the world and do VIP installs. He has been an electrical contractor for many years, so he has a good understanding of the install aspect and how products are used.
0:22- Question 1: What is a Modem Interface?
Insteon has a unique protocol that is patented and communicates on the electrical power line and over radio frequency. In order to communicate with it by using one of Insteon's interfaces.
0:56- The Serial Modem Interface can utilize a DB9 connection that you plug in and then it goes into a serial plug in the back. You can also use the same connection with a CAT5 that would plug into another controller that talks Insteon.
1:12- When the controllers send a command over the network, a serial connection, or a USB, the Modem Interface sees it, interprets it, and sends information out over your electrical powerline. This means all the electrical wires in your house can now receive the signal without having to pull any extra wires or extra thinking!
1:57- With the powerline and radio frequency together, all devices are repeating the signals and it all happens natively with the Insteon Modem Interface.
2:05- Question 2: What is an ideal use for the interface?
2:12- There is an Insteon PLM or Interface has a USB connection and one that has a serial connection. There are also partners that will utilize a CAT5 cable that you can plug into it. There is also an adapter that'll convert to a serial connection for those that might want it!
2:31- Question 3: How comfortable do you have to be with smart technology to use it?
2:40- For beginners, we recommend the Insteon Hub, which is a version of a device similar to the Insteon Modem Interface that plugs right into your router and helps your devices become more connected with one another.
2:47- The Insteon Modem Interface is a better fit for power users who want their home to be even more connected. This is because the Interface can handle much higher levels of power.
3:17- For someone who is a developer or hobbyist who wants to write their own software, you can use either Interface. When you write your own software, you would send commands to turn on the Insteon products.
3:31- The Interface provides an aspect of safety and security, and prevents outsiders from being able to talk to your Insteon network without having one.
3:40- Third-party controllers will utilize these devices to control Insteon by way of the Insteon serial commands and API protocol.
3:52- Question 4: Can you talk about compatible devices and software?
3:54- The most common and popular software is the ISY, which is more of a hardware interface. It is sold by smarthome.com and is a small autonomous controller, that has a spot for a CAT5 cable that you plug into the back, and the other end goes into the interface and right into your wall.
4:15- There are other interfaces and software such as Homeseer. They have software that you can run on your computer or on a Homeseer controller, which also requires an interface.
4:31- For Mac users, the Indigo software, which is something you run on your computer. You just have to hook the interface to your computer, and then your computer becomes the home automation controller!
4:46- Question 5: What are some cool or interesting uses for the product? This is really up to the imagination of you, the user and the people who design the products that interface with it!
4:48- The Interface is almost like having Artifical Intelligence since we can add conditional logic that can be changing based on whether you're in your app, in range of your house, or what other devices are connected to it.
5:37- With the ISY, you can talk to all sorts of things, even things that aren't Insteon. For example, all you have to do is something as simple as arrive home and your system will know things such as what day it is, the temperature and how to adjust the thermostat accordingly, whether or not to play music when you arrive home, and whether to put football on the TV or not depending on the day.
All these things can be triggered by using the Insteon environment and all the things that go along with it.
Shop Insteon Modem Interfaces here:
Serial Modem Interface:
USB Modem Interface:
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