UPB

Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) Support in Misterhouse

• Developed by Powerline Control Systems (PCS).

> UPB™ communications is a method of reliably communicating command, control, and status information across an electrical 60Hz AC powerline.

This hardware and protocol is similar in form and function to X10, UPB can co-exit but is not directly compatible. You can refer to the Insteon vs X10 vs Zwave vs UPB page for more details on how UPB differs from the other options, and how all 4 technologies can actually coexist (and in the case of UPB how you may want to mix in some X10 for X10RF support if you don't buy a X10RF to UPB convertor).

• • Overview of UPB technology:**

http://www.pcslighting.com/upb/overview.html

• • Device Manufacturers:**

http://www.homeauto.com/Products/HLC/hlc.asp (HLC is their name for the UPB devices they sell) http://www.simply-automated.com/products/index.html http://www.wgldesigns.com/mcs.html http://www.webmtn.com/ http://www.resconsys.com/products/controllers/CS48.htm http://www.pulseworx.com/

• • Usage in MH:**

//-- In your items.mht file://

---

1. UPB Interface: UPBPIM <name></name>, <networkid></networkid>, <password></password>, <address></address>

UPBPIM, myPIM, 49, 0x4444, 30

1. UPB Device: UPBD, <name></name>, <interface></interface>, <networkid></networkid>, <address></address>

UPBD, upb_foyer_light, myPIM, 49,2

1. UPB Link (Scene): UPBL, <name></name>, <interface></interface>, <networkid></networkid>, <address></address>

UPBL, scene_family_movie, myPIM, 49.34

---

//-- In code//

---

1. Set Fade rate

rate $upb_foyer_light '25';

1. Turn on

set $upb_foyer_light 'on';

1. Dim to 75%

set $upb_foyer_light '75%';

1. Turn off

set $upb_foyer_light 'off';

1. Scene

set $scene_family_movie 'on'

---

From my initial notes working with Simply Automated equipment (js):

Compatiblity: - It can co-exist with X10 devices on the same network (They do not interfere)

Reliability: - Devices can optionally acknowledge a command sent - Can be instructed to retry unacknowledged commands for x number of times. (Have not had a device go unacknowledged yet) - A hop count can be set for smart repeaters (god knows what type of house would need them!) - 40V Signal == great reception. I read on a forum that someone has them installed in a 22,500sqr/ft house with no repeaters.

Addressing: - UPB has 250 network ID's ( Like X10 house codes ) - UPB has 250 device ID's ( Like X10 unit codes ) - UPB has 250 link ID's ( kinda like X10 scenes ) - Thus UPB can address (250DeviceIDs + 250LinkIDs) * 250 NetIDs = 125,000 total addressable function / devices per building (transformer) - UPB has broadcast ability across all network IDs - UPB has broadcast ability across all unit codes within a network ID - UPB has broadcast ability across every device possible electrically connected

Simply Automated Light switch Devices: - The standard UPB light switches can perform just about any function you can think of; (Single Tap / Double Tap / xxx Tap ), - Change the LED color based on action (Green / Orange / Red) or command - Most light switch devices can swap their faceplates for multi function switches / buttons / etc (cheaply) - The rocker movement of the SA light switches is not as fluid as the SmartHome ones. It is a true rocker, but feels kinda flimsy (probably due to the ability to swap the faceplates out tradeoff) - The devices are somewhat less deep than the Smarthome 2834 / etc switches that I pulled out. Eases up box space problems. - The devices can be set to blink at a certain rate. Neat feature for my outdoor lights on alarm condition. - The devices are all two way and can indicate switch state changes. - Some switches can be remotely disabled

Programming: - All devices can be remotely setup and protected with a password - All devices can be auto-discovered and configured with the UPstart program (takes a long time, but it makes configuration a complete hands ff affair)

Software: - The free windows based UPStart configuration program is excellent! - Latest version of misterhouse supports the interface now