HomeSeer for INSTEON orphans

My hub stopped working when INSTEON went out of business, so I'm in the market for a new one. In this video, I evaluate HomeSeer to see how well it meets my needs.
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[@JO-id6ms]

Thank you for making this excellent video. Like many others I am figuring out how to keep my Insteon devices working, I love your videos, no hype, very clear and concise.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@andymok7945]

Great video. I use Home Assistant. Homeseer is something that I could recommend to less techie type people.

[@handydadtv]

Or techies with limited time 😁

[@rickyruju]

If you want to make custom buttons use nail polish remover and a brother label maker with clear labels

[@handydadtv]

Nail polish remover? Really!!!? It just removes the lettering, doesn’t affect the button?

[@rickyruju]

@@handydadtv Not that seen I did about 3 keypads and it all worked well

[@handydadtv]

I have their set of 50 preprinted buttons. I might try it on one of those. Thanks for the tip!

[@randyprade5651]

You will not need a Z-Wave interface. If you purchase a HomeTroller Pi (US version) it has the interface built in, the rest of the HomeTrollers use a USB interface or a Z-Net.

[@handydadtv]

Right. I just used Z-Wave to prove it can do hybrid scenes.

[@CraziFuzzy]

Great video - I ended up deciding on HomeSeer on outage day 2 and ordered a HomeTroller Pi right away. Migration was pretty easy, and once I added node red to the hometroller, things got even better. Now that Insteon is back, I have decided that I will stay on HomeSeer as my primary control system, and will likely continue to buy Insteon devices once they hit the market again.

[@handydadtv]

What does Node Red do that you can’t do with HomeSeer Events? (Other than the visual interface)

[@CraziFuzzy]

@@handydadtv for me? FAR better Alexa integrations was the first thing. Just getting homeseer's devices to be discovered was a hassle - the node-red alexa integration is far more capable. That was just the start though - I've since added a large number of customized features. I can recognize which echo in the house is recieving the voice commands, so actions can be tailored by the room - so no need to say "Turn on the Master Fan," vs. "Turn on the Family Room Fan." I can instead say "Turn on the Fan", and the logic I've built in node red will take the right actions, triggering the appropriate event in homeseer to command the fan for the room I'm in.

[@jimspy1001]

@@CraziFuzzy ....which is also doable within the Alexa app itself, with groups, etc. But I'm guessing NodeRed does it more reliably. Cuz it sho' ain't reliable in the Alexa app! Curious what platform were you on before HomeSeer?

[@CraziFuzzy]

@@jimspy1001 In my experience, it is NOT duable in the alexa app itself. You cannot tell Alexa to 'Turn the Fan up', and it does it in the room you are in. This works for 'SOME' lights, but not with fans.

[@RetiredRetro1]

Great review. Thanks for mentioning it on the Facebook group or I may not have discovered it. I cringe at the thought of resetting my hub and 170 devices. All my scenes controlled by switches and keypads still work as programed by hub scenes. What I am missing are timers, the water sensors, cameras, notifications for door and windows opening and remote access. I’ve already removed the cameras and replaced. Do you foresee problems only using the HomeTroller hub for the actions that I’m missing… Mainly remote control and voice control, timers and remote access to all components? Thanks!

[@handydadtv]

I included my leak sensor in the testing to prove that HomeSeer will work with wireless Insteon devices just as well as wired ones. Good move replacing the cameras because I'm not sure they are supported. But the other sensors will work fine.

[@yousef725]

Thanks for the video. It shows how you configure actions and scenes, but what are the steps needed to setup homeseer? Do you have a video showing how to initially set it up to work with the Insteon hub? How to connect it? Where to connect it? Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

I did a couple of HomeSeer Tutorials: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWrMYZWJpddka5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYXVmYSnr8l1Ztk

[@yousef725]

@@handydadtv thank you sir, you’re the man!

[@bobbyscott1118]

Thank you for the video, I had all Insteon gadgets in my house and controlled via software, hardware and Alexa. When Insteon went belly up, I bought a HomeSeer Home Troller Plus and the migration software, but I cant't figure out how to get it up and running, HomeSeer won't answer my phone calls and I was not able to start a ticket, I can't get any thing to work, except by manually pushing buttons. I need one on one help via phone to get me going again.

[@handydadtv]

Be sure to use the MNSInsteon plugin. Yes, it costs extra, but it’s so worth it. I suggest you create an account on forums.homeseer.com because that’s where you’ll find the most info.

[@jimmoushoul6985]

Yes that was my experience , I had the plugin, I was not able to access all my switches and setup on and off times. If you are a laymen or a none techy good luck it isn't happening.

[@keithf7351]

I am currently using the MNS Insteon plug-in on a 30 day free trial. I didn't buy the Homeseer troller hub BC I'm just doing testing through my laptop. So far I am able to get my door/window and water sensors to work. Next I'll try setting up my living room lights that are plugged in to insteon receptacles but first I have to pull out the receptacles to get their insteon ID numbers. If the lights work including setting them on timers, I will attempt setting up my indoor camera and also my controller for a ceiling fan/light.

[@handydadtv]

@Keith let us know how it goes

[@keithf7351]

@@handydadtv It'll take me a couple of days but I'll be sure to post the results. If all is positive, I'll purchase the MNS plug-in. Also I read that the Home Troller Pi can be setup as a home cloud server as long as portforwarding, firewalls, etc. are setup correctly. If anyone has knowledge of how to do this, I would appreciate information or a link, etc.

[@IanSmithCA]

You all need to know that Insteon is alive again. A group of fans has bought the company and the IP, reactivated the web site, including support for the hub and lined up manufacturing resources. Your hub, if you have one, should have come alive, though on an ongoing basis it will require a modest subscription.

[@handydadtv]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nou7l618mp6qeq8

[@TopPierre2]

Very very usefull video! Thanks. I got back all my insteon devices. I made new events . I also use Alexa. Everyrhing works fine (the mobile app and HS4)...the only thing I forgot to do is a factory reset of my hub before adding my devices and events.. Is it too late to do a factory reset to erase my OLD events. Thanks to give me your opinion on how I can manage this problem . Pierre from Quebec Canada.

[@handydadtv]

It’s never too late, and I still recommend it.

[@joshuakaye1]

I am an Insteon orphan, having used Insteon for about the past 12 years. HomeSeer appears to be the best fix, using the Troller Pi + HS4 software. Your video is excellent for demonstrating the features of HomeSeer, including working with other controller systems such as Z-wave. Can you create a KZbin video that provides step by step instructions at a slow pace, literally from opening the product box? That would be great. Insteon support from Bangalore India was excellent. They were even able to remotely log-in to my system through the Insteon hub in order to fix some tough problems. Can HomeSeer tech support provide that level of service? Are they planning on training a patient and knowledgeable tech staff? I understand that HomeSeer is designed primarily for DIY users, however there are a variety of DIY levels of understanding, especially when setting up scenes.

[@handydadtv]

I will consider doing more tutorials. Be sure to check out HomeSeer's channel for detailed videos.

[@JimLeber]

I need the exact same thing.

[@SamuelProcopio]

@@handydadtv that would help us very much, thanks!

[@handydadtv]

I have a tutorial in the works.

[@willy662]

Will the Hometroller push notifications to your phone remotely. In other words, can you get notifications on your phone while you’re away from the network?

[@handydadtv]

Yes

[@kathylightner1246]

I wanted to see if you looked into HOOBs at all? They are claiming it will help with Insteon. Any insight would be appreciated

[@handydadtv]

I haven’t looked into HOOBs. I’m not a HomeKit user.

[@stasikmail]

First of THANK YOU! for such great videos. Question : I do not have an insteon HUB or a serial modem. I do have all the Insteon switches and keypads connected in my house. I also have an Insteon USB modem 2448A7. What do I need from Homeseer to start programming my Insteon switchen and kyepads ?

[@handydadtv]

You’re in luck! HomeSeer’s MNS Insteon plug-in works with your USB modem. You just need to buy a HomeSeer HomeTroller (hub) and the plug-in: shop.homeseer.com/collections/plug-ins/products/mark-sandler-mns-insteon-software-plugin-for-hs4 If you have a Windows computer, you can download a 30-day trial and get started right away.

[@stasikmail]

@@handydadtv Thanks again, do you recommend any particular HomeTroller? Will the Pi Smart G2 Hub work ok with my windows PC or should I look into Hometroller Plus Smart Home Hub

[@handydadtv]

I tested both the Pi and Plus. Both work fine. Speech/audio is better on Windows, so go with the Plus if you want to connect speakers.

[@RobinFromm]

I liked the Insteon device linking demonstration. How did you find and discover the Insteon groups? As far as I know the plug-in does not do that automatically?

[@handydadtv]

I started by resetting all of my devices. All those groups were created by the MNSInsteon plug-in.

[@SamuelProcopio]

Thanks for your video, I watched Twice to understand everything, is a little complicated but I think I can do it, do you know if the hub HomeTroller Pi and HomeTroller Plus both control z-wave? (Both sold out at moment) Because looks like I will invest in some Z wave as no more Insteon

[@handydadtv]

I’m doing a tutorial with the Pi right now. It’s the only one that includes a Z-Wave antenna.

[@jimmoushoul6985]

Didn't work for me, if your not a programmer get ready for hours of frustration. If insteon was easy this is very difficult.

[@handydadtv]

I think you’re talking about Home Assistant, because HomeSeer requires no programming.

[@gary29585]

Thanks for the video. My question is what if I only want to control Insteon devices? What is not needed by not having Zwave control?

[@handydadtv]

No need for the Z-stick or to install the Z-Wave plugin. You can have Insteon as your only plugin and they will be your only devices.

[@dand8163]

what if you dont have a insteon hub but have a PLM and using a universal device?

[@handydadtv]

Compatible controllers are listed here: shop.homeseer.com/products/mark-sandler-mns-insteon-software-plugin-for-hs4

[@melbarnum4171]

I've been a HomeSeer user for about 20 years (starting with HS1). I've loved past versions a little more than the current because of the amount of custom control I could write code for. I recently switched to the Hometroller Pi and HS4. Controlling devices with triggers and events is less obvious than it was in past versions because IMO, they dumbed it down for the non-technical administrators. Your evaluation of cost is shy of the mark. HS gets very expensive when you typically have to buy new versions every couple of years for more than $100 each typically. Plus most of the plug-ins are not free and if you use a lot of specialty functions or equipment, they add up quickly. HS relies heavily if not almost exclusively on their Forums which are users and developers. Don't get me wrong, I do love HS for it's flexibility on device technology, but it has gotten very expensive IMO

[@handydadtv]

What made you upgrade if you liked the past versions so much?

[@melbarnum4171]

@@handydadtv Hardware moved on, I was running them as a Server Service so it was always up if my main racked server was. Also each version added significant programming improvements except for HS4 which dumbed things down somewhat. I'm still struggling with that. For instance I had thermostat routine that looked at past recovery times and knew how much extra time the furnace needed each morning before I got up. It was tricky to build but worked quite well. It was easier to do things like if the motion sensor has been quiet for x and it was dark and it was not bed time, then do something.

[@jimspy1001]

@@melbarnum4171 You're not the first to say that. I stuck with HS3 for that very reason - I didn't like the value vs. risk calculus of upgrading (and the cost factor). Thank goodness for the user forums, due to them, I don't think version 3 will ever be orphaned. PS your motion sensor scenario is doable in HS3 with EasyTrigger (which IS free!)

[@joseignacioestevez3045]

Good video, thanks. I've been using Insteon since 2015 and suddenly I can't get to control my devices from my phone which is extremely important for me because I travel frequently. Can I be sure that Homeseer trolley pi works fine outside USA? Thanks

[@handydadtv]

I can’t answer that. Search forums.homeseer.com or post the question there.

[@tythomas1134]

Hi. Great videos. Had been watching your channel for awhile, and now especially interested in your insteon orphans series. Are you settled on Homeseer? Or do you plan to test anything else? If so, can you share what you have planned?

[@handydadtv]

Personally I’m settled on HomeSeer. It’s got the best Insteon capabilities for my immediate needs, and also has a future-proof architecture for whatever comes next. I’m also playing with Home Assistant, but the Insteon functionality isn’t there yet. And every Home Assistant tutorial is instantly out of date because they issue new releases all the time. I thought about testing Hubitat as a cheaper alternative to HomeSeer, but its Insteon integration doesn’t compare either. So I feel it would be a waste of time. Maybe if I have nothing to do someday…

[@tythomas1134]

@@handydadtv excellent, you just saved me the trouble of searching around myself. Thank you for the videos and personal reply. 😀

[@jimspy1001]

@@handydadtv Hi, I just caught this video today (it's linked on the HomeSeer Forums page). Thank you for extolling the virtues of HomeSeer. I've been a user for 20 years, and I know of nothing that comes close in versatility. You didn't even mention the scripting capabilities! Anyway, best of luck and happy smarthoming!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks Jim. I’m a geek at heart so I’d like to learn more about its scripting capabilities. But so far, I’ve been able to do anything I want right out of the box. What do you do with scripts?

[@stephenu3833]

I’ve got Insteon thermostats in each of my three locations. Will this control those?

[@handydadtv]

I don’t know. Check forums.homeseer.com/forum/hs4-products/hs4-plugins/lighting-primary-technology-plug-ins-aa/mns-insteon-mnsandler

[@RAHIM786MOMIN]

Christian hub back in truck

[@rodolfomattei]

your right, green hub, but alexa its working ?

[@handydadtv]

No Alexa yet, but they are working on it.

[@rodolfomattei]

Thanks for the video. It's possible you do another video paring the insteon devices ? Like a tutorial ? And you said u didn't test the Pi, so do you think the Pi version will work for insteon devices as the Plus model ? Thanks.

[@handydadtv]

Do you mean pairing with HomeSeer? Or manually, device to device? The Pi should work just as well.

[@rodolfomattei]

@@handydadtv I mean, from the begining, installation, trun on, pairing the devices, the switches, u know.... because this video you start the video with the devices paired..... will be great a video from the begining.....

[@rodolfomattei]

@@handydadtv another question, why u choose the pro instead pi ?

[@handydadtv]

I didn’t choose the Pro; that’s all they had in stock at the time when I contacted them for a demo unit. But I have good news! They are sending me a HomeTroller Pi and I will do a complete tutorial of the same exact setup used in my testing.

[@rodolfomattei]

@@handydadtv Nice ! Have u did the tutorial with the Pi ?

[@steveo369]

Curious about your script for restarting the system. I'm not seeing the "Execute the command...." Action in my HS4 install (HS4 software running on my own Win10 PC). Can you post the full Event breakdown? Did you have to create the script file (&hs.restartsystem)? Is there an alternate event command that could be used to restart just the HS4 software package from the web interface, & not perform a full restart of the host PC?

[@handydadtv]

The action pulldown is "Run a script or script command". BTW, that method is not recommended because it reboots Windows before HomeSeer is properly shut down. HomeSeer told me they're adding a restart function to HS4 in an upcoming release.

[@steveo369]

@@handydadtv Thanks for the info. I'll hold off until HS releases that function.

[@seniorstaff07]

Can you share the event for the leak sensor, do you use heartbeat or something else to trigger leak vs. clear?

[@handydadtv]

handydad.tv/homeseer-tips-tricks

[@seniorstaff07]

@@handydadtv Thanks, can you share how you got it to the value of wet, I can only set it to device value has changed. Wet vs. dry would be very helpful!

[@handydadtv]

I didn’t do anything. It did that automatically. Be sure you have the latest plug-in.

[@jorgep610]

does it work with Hey Google? instead of alexa

[@handydadtv]

Yes

[@handydadtv]

Yes

[@RAHIM786MOMIN]

Insteon hub is Start working now

[@rodolfomattei]

your right, green hub, but alexa its working ?

[@handydadtv]

Very exciting 👍🏻

[@amiman23]

The home seer hub is $999

[@ftldny]

That's the most expensive one. There are two lower-cost hubs at $149 and $349. Alternatively, for $69 you can download software to use a Raspberry Pi as the hub. homeseer.com/products/

[@HomeSeer]

We offer 3 hubs. HomeTroller Plus (tested in this video) is $349; HomeTroller Pi is $149; HomeTroller PRO is $999.

[@handydadtv]

@Nuff I haven’t tested the Pi, but the Plus was more than fine. I can’t imagine needing the PRO unless you wanted all the extra software it comes with.

[@petergreis2266]

@@handydadtv If you get the HomeTroller Pi or just the Pi software and want to control Insteon, you will have to spend $59.95 for the Insteon Plug-In. Not a problem, but you need to include that in your cost analysis.

[@keithf7351]

@@petergreis2266 Do you need the HomeSeer controller hub to use the Insteon plug-in? Also where can I download the Insteon plug-in,? I'm only using the MNS Insteon plug-in on a 30 day free trial?