Choosing a Home Control Computer Interface

Indigo can communicate with dozens of different home automation modules, providing control of lighting, lamps, appliances, sprinklers, thermostats and more. Indigo communicates with these INSTEON and X10 compatible modules by using one of several computer interfaces: PowerLinc (2414U, 1132CU, 1132U), CM11/CM12/HD11/HD12, ActiveHome Pro (CM15A), or LynX-PLC. These interfaces directly communicate with the modules by receiving and sending INSTEON or X10 signals on your power lines.

Different interfaces support different protocols and module features. For example, Indigo can currently upload compiled logic to the PowerLinc 2414U and 1132CU, but not the CM11. We highly recommend INSTEON interfaces and modules over X10 because of their increased signal reliability, performance, and features.

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INSTEON Module Compatibility

As shown in the 2nd column below, some modules require that you leave Indigo running (and your Mac on) in order to be controlled. Most of the lighting and appliance modules can be controlled after your Mac is turned off when using a PowerLinc 2414U, if you have defined simple Time/Date Actions or Trigger Actions that are compatible with the PowerLinc's capabilities.

X10 Module Compatibility

As an alternative to INSTEON hardware, dozens of X10 modules are also supported by Indigo. Some modules require that you leave Indigo running (and your Mac on) in order to be controlled. Most of the lighting and appliance modules can be controlled after your Mac is turned off when using a PowerLinc 2414U / 1132CU, if you have defined simple Time/Date Actions or Trigger Actions that are compatible with the PowerLinc's capabilities.

As explained in the table footnotes, dimming may not be accurate for some module types, especially when the PowerLinc is operating in standalone mode (Mac is turned off).

Using RF-based X10 Wireless Modules

RF wireless X10 modules (motion detectors and remote controls) require either a plug-in transceiver (V572AB, TM751, or EZX10RF) or a computer interface that can receive the RF commands, such as: W800RF32, MR26, or CM15. There are two different approaches you can use for wireless communication:

Use a plug-in transceiver (V572AB, TM751, or EZX10RF) which receives RF signals and then transmits corresponding X10 signals down your power lines to the X10 interface (CM11, LynX-PLC, PowerLinc) connected to Indigo. Using a RF to power line transceiver results in an additional delay between the RF signal and Indigo's reception of the signal. This delay occurs because the transceiver has to broadcast the X10 signal down the power line to the X10 interface before Indigo can receive and trigger actions based on the signal. Use a RF Receiver Interface (W800RF32, MR26a, or CM15A) which receives RF signals and then directly sends them to Indigo. When using the RF Interface, the RF signals are sent directly to the computer (no signals need to be transmitted down the power line) resulting in a more responsive control system. Because both the W800RF32 and MR26a are serial devices, you will need a USB serial adapter to connect either one with your computer. The ActiveHome Pro (CM15A) uses USB and does not require a USB serial adapter.

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