From KHarms at HCATech.com  Thu Aug 28 08:38:56 2008
From: KHarms at HCATech.com (Kimberly Harms)
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:38:56 -0700
Subject: [HCAInfo] HCA 8.1 Released
Message-ID: <20080828153846.618E35092F@mx1.blastzone.com>

Hello HCA Users.

As we outlined in our Support and Upgrade policy we release "point" versions
to correct issues found and to add new features.  We have just released HCA
8.1.

If you are using HCA 8.0 you are entitled to download 8.1 at no cost and we
urge you to do so.

All the issues resolved in 8.1 and new features added in 8.1 are described
here:
www.HCATech.com/V81.htm

Some helpful information on some Insteon devices:

1. HCA 8.1 supports the Insteon EZ-Rain unit.  The way that HCA supports it
is to have you create a new device for each zone you are using.  In the new
device wizard select as the manufacturer "Insteon by SmartHome" and the
model as "EZRain Irrigation Controller".  The next step will have you
specify the zone number.  Just remember to create all the zone devices with
the same Insteon address and HCA will understand that they comprise the same
EZIO and handle the zone ONs and OFFs correctly.

2. HCA 8.1 supports both the EZIO2X4 and the EZIO8SA.  The way it is
supported is to have you create a HCA device for each output you are using.
In the new device wizard select as the manufacturer "Insteon by SmartHome"
and the model as the EZIO model you have.  The next step will have you
specify the output number.  Each EZIO inputs are added as Controllers so
select New - Controller from the menu to add them.  Like the outputs, the
wizard will have you specify which input this controller is for.   Just
remember to create all outputs and inputs all with the same Insteon address
and HCA will understand that they all are on the same device and handle
status reports correctly.

3. HCA 8.1 supports the Insteon wireless remote (RemoteLinc).  You can use
all the features of the Visual Scene Editor to program the RemoteLinc.  The
only problem is that the RemoteLinc powers down its wireless receiver when
it's not in use.  So before programming a scene from the Visual Scene Editor
that involves a RemoteLinc it is necessary to "wake up" the RemoteLinc by
placing it in linking mode.  While in linking mode the RemoteLinc keeps its
wireless receiver on so HCA can read and update its linking database.  To
place it in linking mode, press and hold one of the scene buttons (or or off
it doesn't matter) for a few seconds until it beeps and the status LED
blinks.

Again, thanks for all the kind words in support of this new version.

The HCA Team