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tanky321
Starting Member
USA
3 Posts |
 Posted - 06/08/2012 : 06:05:31 AM
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A few years back I installed a leviton lighting control system to control 8 separate zones in a rather large room. The unit was a D3208-1LW, needless to say I wouldnt use this again. Now that the system is discontinued, we need to replace it with something a little more user friendly.
The insteon system seems like the way to go, but i'd like to list what I need, and then see if someone can help/guide me in the right direction, as I am new to this. Here's what I need.
* 8 separate zones
* 8-10 scenese
* One zone is greater than 1100W
* Remaining 7 are all less than 1920W combined
* All zones need to be independently dimmable from 0-100%
* One wireless controller for 8 scenes.
* Not sure how to explain this one, I need to press one button and have Zone V ramp from 100% to 20%, then Zone W 0 to 100%, then Zone W 100-0% and Zone X 0-100%, then Zone X 100-0% and Zone Y 0-100%, then zone Y 100-0% and finally Zone Z 0-100%. Basically a synchronized, timed lighting procedure.
Andrew
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stusviews
Advanced Member
USA
8432 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 07:16:36 AM
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An ISY and Insteon devices are probably a good match for what you want to accomplish. In addition to the ampacity, you need to specify the particular type of load. Also, be more specific about the zone greater that 1100W. Is it 10KW? A megawatt? Is it sodium sulfide? An arc light? What, specifically, controls that zone now? Details, details, details 
quote:
Originally posted by tanky321
A few years back I installed a leviton lighting control system to control 8 separate zones in a rather large room. The unit was a D3208-1LW, needless to say I wouldnt use this again.
If there is something you want to avoid, you do need to say what it is. |
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oberkc
Advanced Member
USA
1703 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 10:50:33 AM
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I am also unclear as to your meaning of "zone" and "scene". Is each zone currently powered via a single device (switch)? Are your scenes nothing more than differenct combinations of dimming for each of the eight zones?
Is everything 120VAC? Single phase? All switch locations include a neutral? Unfortunately, I am not familiar with your Leviton system, so I am unable to infer anything.
For the most part, insteon devices replace standard light switches. From memory, I think the largest capacity switch is 1000W, but a web page search can confirm. If your zones are currently controllable via such switches, insteon can do what you want. This would require a switch for each location, a controller (second stusviews recommendation of the ISY-99), a couple of access points (potentially), and a remote (could be dedicated insteon remote, or tablet running ISY-99-compabible app). |
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tanky321
Starting Member
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 11:30:35 AM
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Hi,
Sorry for the confusion, my definition of "Zone" is a single lighting load, one dimmer. My definition of "Scene" is a combination of different dimming settings for the zones as oberkc mentioned.
Everything is 120V single phase, the leviton system has a single controller which has six internal dimmers. This is installed in one 6 Gang box. The last two zones are controlled via an external dimmer, controlled by a low voltage signal from the main leviton controller.
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oberkc
Advanced Member
USA
1703 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 12:47:01 PM
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Then, indeed, it sounds as if you can use insteon, pending confirmation that your loads are consistent with the capability of each switch. Specifications for each are on smarthome web page for each device. Many are incandescent only and limited to 500watts, but it is pretty easy to search on this.
You will need an insteon dimmer switch for each of your eight zones. You will potentially need access points if your switches are not the "dual-band" variety, to provide an insteon communication path across the "phases" of your electrical system. Depending on what device you want to use as your "wireless controller" (tablet, ipad, ipod, insteon remote, etc....) you will need some type of whole-house insteon controller with which the tablet can interface. Obviously, you will need the tablet.
Choosing your whole-house controller would be based upon how you want your "scenes" to engage. One zone...wait...next zone...wait...etc? All zones at once? It sounds as if you want the former, which tends to lead to an ISY-99 over smartlinc or other.
There are also software-based control solutions, but these would be hosted on a PC, thus requiring the PC to be operating when you need lights. Unfortunately, I am familiar with these only in concept. |
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tanky321
Starting Member
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 06/11/2012 : 06:04:46 AM
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| Great, thanks for helping with this! I will do some research and figure out exactly what I need. |
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Help choosing a lighting control system
