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New Touch-Plate HA system vs. HomeWorks etc?

16 years ago

I have a "vintage" Touch-Plate lighting control system in my home. I see that Touch-Plate has drop-in upgrade options that provide HomeWorks type functionality - how does their solution compare? Anyone have experience with their newer systems, especially the ACES panels?

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Comments (5)

dim4fun
16 years ago
Who is going to install the system? Please explain "drop-in upgrade". The ACES panels are not the same as the old relay panels and the new relays/dimmers appear to need much more room. Do you have any dealers of both systems in your area?
perel
Original Author
16 years ago
There are very few electricians in my area who have experience with the old Touch-Plate systems; so far I've found *one* that I'm comfortable with. According to Touch-Plate, the new panels are wire-compatible with the old installation and it is just a matter of moving the wires over. I do have plenty of space to mount a larger panel in the same location.

I haven't found anyone who does Lutron who doesn't want to sell a full rewire, integration, etc.. I want to do the integration myself. The Touch-Plate electrician is fine with just putting the panels in T&M (requires someone who knows the old systems to untangle the unlabelled rats' nest of wires in the old panel box) and not doing any fancy setup.

My main concern is the capability of the ACES system as compared to HomeWorks. My understanding is that the basic functionality will be the same as it is now - push the button, light goes on/off. I'll be doing the integration between systems myself, probably with a few loads controlled via Insteon as well where it doesn't make sense to put a whole panel in, and all bridged into a central controller. Not sure which software package I'll use for that yet, there are several I'm considering.
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dim4fun
16 years ago
HomeWorks is considered a top of the line system and TouchPlate is not. TouchPlate doesn't show up on the radar when looking at lighting control systems.

HomeWorks is only available to certified dealers which design, purchase and program. If they are also an electrician they may install, too. In some areas of the country the typical dealer started out in audo/video and added lighting control. Those guys will want to be your integrator for all of the home automation. If you find an electrical contractor dealer they'll likely let you integrate as you wish.

It might be a good idea to find out the integration capabilities of all of the systems you are looking at to see which are most compatible.
perel
Original Author
16 years ago
dim4fun - What do you see as the shortcomings of the Touch-Plate system? I had a lengthy discussion with their tech support and it really looks like a system that has everything I need for lighting control for a lot less money than HomeWorks. The system is lighting only but there is an RS-485 link for integration with other systems that has full capabilities.

It just seems too good to be true. Other than this being a smaller company, what am I missing? They are also very DIY-friendly which is a big plus.
dim4fun
16 years ago
If it does what you need, meets your budget and you like your local support then go for it. Others must arrive at the same decision or they would not exist.

Typically you'd have to get into the details to see the differences since the concepts of what you want the systems to do are the same.

The biggest things customers notice are the keypads. Lutron and Lite Touch have the nicest engraved keypads. Vantage's newest are too "contemporary" for me and I dislike the different LED colors. Touch Plate keypads are at the bottom of the heap.

While the systems sound similar in general, in details they operate differently which makes some things easier or harder to do. Lutron has one of the only central processor based systems with "scene saver" which means you can design a system to allow a homeowner to readjust and capture new light levels onto their scene buttons without getting into any software. Lutron's latest remote power modules can be programed to shed and bring loads back on in steps after a generator has started up and stabilized. Lutron's car visor receiver can work with the existing buttons in your car or with their longer range transmitter. Lutron has the best shade interface in the business because they make smart shades, too.

For resale value of the home, if a high end home, no one will be excited to find that it has a TouchPlate system. You'll take points off for that. Consumers like to see name brands that they themselves know, or their friends or any other person they may consult. You'll get all thumbs down even it out of ignorance.

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