Insteon Intro

Here's a quick walkthrough of how to get started with Insteon/X10 in Vera.

1. Connect a SmartLabs 2413U (works only with latest UI4 and UI5 firmware) PowerLinc Modem to one of Vera's USB ports. Alternatively, you can use a 2412S (RS-232) version and this Serial to USB adapter: http://www.futureelectronics.com/en/Technologies/Product.aspx?ProductID=UC232R10FUTURETECHNOLOGYDEVICES2297802

2. Go to Vera's Dashboard in your browser and click 'Devices', 'Add Devices', 'Add Insteon or X10 devices'. If you see the message: "Insteon interface not found, do you want to enable it?", click the 'Enable it' button, and then click 'Save'. Wait a minute for Vera to enable the Insteon/X10 module and find the PowerLinc.

3. Go to 'Devices', 'Add Devices', 'Add Insteon or X10 devices'. If Vera had a problem finding or setting up your Insteon modem, then you will see an error message at the top of the page. Otherwise you're good to go.

4. To add Insteon devices, either tap the 'Set' button on the device itself, or enter the Insteon ID in the first box and click the 'Add' button. To add X10 devices, choose the device type, house id and room in the 'Add an X10' section, then click 'go'.

5. When you've added new Insteon devices and Vera doesn't yet know what room they're in, you will see the 'unassigned devices' page, which shows you the new devices and asks you to pick the room the device is in. Do this and click continue.

6. If Vera was successfully able to talk to your Insteon device, you will see it on the Dashboard. You can click the 'Settings' button next to a device to see more detailed information on the device, including it's ID.

Refer to the page Insteon Supported Hardware for notes on specific Insteon devices and how they work.

• NOTE: To control Insteon devices you need a Power Link MODEM (not a controller). For example the 2414U won't work because it's an Insteon controller (not a modem) and uses a different protocol.
• NOTE: The Insteon devices use a mix of proprietary RF signals and powerline signal. In most cases Insteon devices run over powerline, and should connect to the Insteon Modem using the electrical wiring. However, if your house has a main breaker and one or more subpanels and Vera is tied to one subpanel and the devices are on another subpanel or on the main power panel, will not receive signals of the Insteon devices. PLM communications do not go across power panels! So you should have your Vera and the Insteon devices on the same circuit breaker panel.