Documentation, examples, anything?!

[Anonymous]

#40034

So,

I’ve started my open source project but now I am having trouble figuring out insteon. I have downloaded all I could, found the same XML and whatnot but that still isnt enough.

Is there anyone or anything out there that can explain all of this to me? For example, whats the difference between a zone, scene, and a group? How to I create them an issue commands via XML? All I can figure out how to do is turn things on and off.

[Anonymous]

#42154

Wow, what a loaded set of questions. A Zone/Area is a construct of EZSrve only. Insteon knows nothing of Zones/Areas. A possible enhancement to EZSrve is the ability to specify an Area/Zone in a Macro or Timer. This would allow a single Timer or Macro to control both Insteon devices and X10 devices as both can be added to a Zone/Area. The Insteon architecture does not support the existence of an X10 address in a Group/Scene definition. A Scene and a Group is the same thing. In my opinion only, Smarthome starting stressing Scenes because I think it marketed better than Groups. Some of the early Smarthome Insteon device Quick Start Guides and/or User Guides even had the statement that Groups and Scenes were the same thing. Not sure if that is still there but they are the same thing. Before there was Home Automation devices and software, the way an Insteon switch (controller) turned on/off another Insteon device (responder) was (and is) to link the devices together in a Group/Scene. Groups/Scenes can get complex.

Suggest going to the Smartlabs web site and look for a public publication discussing “Insteon Details”. It is very old but the basic information on Insteon devices, links and groups still apply. You can also read the Quick Start Guide and User’s Guide for a KeyPadLinc pulled from the Smarthome web site. There are several downloadable documents on the Simplehomenet web site discussing groups, links and link data as they relate to Simplehomenet devices but I would start with Insteon architecture in general first.

That should keep you busy for a hour or two. 🙂 🙂 🙂

[Anonymous]

#42155

Well, we are close to finishing up a wiki (I know, I have been saying this), focusing on the EZSrve first. It will contain basic operation and XML details. Hopefully, others will also contribute to it, so it can be a very detailed repository.

For basic operation, basic instruction videos with the web interface have been posted (see the announcement in this forum) – it provides a howto for the web interface, but also a better understanding of how devices / areas / scenes / etc… relate.

If others are interested in contributing to the wiki before it goes public, or NEED access asap and are willing to work with an incomplete setup, send me an email

paul _at_ simplehomenet.com

[Anonymous]

#42156

The wiki is out, with the EZSrve API being in the best shape.

http://simplehomenet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2574#2574

Interested in contributing? Create an account and let us know!

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