MikeB

I assume you've tried a different Cat5 cable between the ISY and PLM to ensure it's not defective? If you feel comfortable, you can try using a small screwdriver to pull down the pins on the PLM's RJ-45 connector a bit. We have seen instances where the cable is not making good contact with the PLM's connector.

This is one of my biggest complaints about Insteon. Luckily this only happens in 1 or 2 areas of my home and, honestly, we just changed our habits to hit 1 switch per second. Not bad once you get used to it, but something I wish Smarthome would account for.

I'm curious what happens if you create a scene with one of these problem devices as a responder, and another device as a controller. Can the device be successfully controlled from another controller? If you control the scene from the ISY, does the device respond as expected?

Wow, that's a strange one. Anything else linked to these switches besides the ISY?

Hi Tony - It sounds like these switches do not have the loads attached to them, but are linked to devices that control the load. Is this the case? If so, when controlling the light from the ISY, you must control the entire scenes - not the individual switches.

I think this is a great product idea. I'd buy several!

I've been using cheap CFLs here in certain areas, nothing fancy. I believe they are Honeywell and Sylvania.

Hi John - Your description sounds like your overall communications are OK, and perhaps you'll only need to relocate your PLM. While your other switches/keypads only need to communicate reliably to maybe a few others, perhaps in relatively close proximity, the ISY/PLM has a distinct disadvantage in that you want it to communicate reliably with EVERY device in your home. You might want to take a 50 foot extension cord and use it to move your PLM around until you find a good location for it on the powerline. Again, a circuit with no other electronics is ideal. An AccessPoint right on top of the PLM really helps as well. Also, something that might help a SMALL amount is using an AC adapter to power the ISY. Using the PLM to power the ISY is fine in the vast majority of cases, but it does take a bit of power away from the PLM's transmitter. Don't count on this to help much if at all however. Sorry, not familiar with the EZSnsRF at all, but perhaps it was having communication issues as well?

Hi John - I believe you'd find INSTEON to be much more resilient than X10 for a variety of reasons, but unfortunately it is still susceptible to problems much like any powerline or RF technology. I'm probably not qualified to comment on this setup, but I can tell you in general INSTEON devices should not be plugged into UPS devices because their filtering can affect the INSTEON signal. Not sure if this is part of your problem. I would locate the PLM to a circuit away from these devices if possible. If possible, a dedicated circuit might be ideal since you're right at the electical panel anyway. I would throw an AccessPoint on top of your PLM. I have heard of some people having issues with CFLs installed, but never experienced it myself. I believe it depends on the brand, and I suspect newer CFLs are not a problem. Yes, unless you have a hardwired coupler installed at the panel. I find AccessPoints have a great range - I can control my driveway lights using a RemoteLinc from 200-300 feet away up my driveway. The signals won't travel as far through walls and appliances, but range should still be decent. I'd hate to have you spend money blindly, but in my 2600 sq foot home (+ finished basement) I have my PLM installed on a dedicated circuit in my basement with an AccessPoint right next to it (3 gang outlet). I have a 2nd AccessPoint installed on a different leg about 10 feet away to bridge the phases. I have 2 more AccessPoints installed in other areas of my home to increase my RF range and bounce signals to "trouble" areas. I also have a FilterLinc installed on a 1500VA UPS powering my network rack, along a FilterLinc installed on my home theater equipment, and a 3rd FilterLinc installed on a 1000VA UPS powering my main PC. All other electronics in my home are unfiltered. Yes, in the past that's what I've personally done to help troubleshoot issues. I take a laptop to the light, login to the ISY's Admin Console, and control the device. I'm sorry to hear of your issues, but I think you can improve things with a little bit of work.

Hi John - As Brian said, what's probably happening is that the ISY has sent a command to turn on the switch. The Admin Console thinks the switch is on, because it sent the command, but the switch never "heard" the command. The trick is to find out what you can do to improve reliability between your ISY and the switch. Unfortunately, communication issues between INSTEON devices are outside of our control. But, maybe I can share some tips to help troubleshoot the problem. - I assume you have a pair of INSTEON AccessPoints installed on opposite legs of power in your home? Try to locate them as close to your electrical panel as possible. If you have a 3rd AccessPoint, try putting it on the same circuit as this problem device. Also try to place one of your AccessPoints as close as possible, or right on top of, your INSTEON PLM. - Where is your INSTEON PLM plugged into? Try to locate this on as "clean" a circuit as possible, away from other electronic devices if possible. A dedicated circuit is ideal. - Some devices that can cause communication issues are: CFLs, low-voltage lighting, UPSs, PCs, televisions, surge protectors. If any of these devices are on the same circuit as your problem device, unplug them and test reliability to see if you can narrow down your issue. If you find a particular device causing your issues, you could purchase an INSTEON FilterLinc to try and filter the noise. Keep in mind you may have a cumulative effect going on where your problem is caused by several devices combined. For troubleshooting, if you find a device that is not responding reliably to your ISY, try sending repeated ON/OFF commands to it from the ISY console. Something like 20 in a row, pausing for a second between commands. If it fails, say, 3 or 4 times, make an adjustment to your system per my recommendations above then try your tests again to see if it helps. Here is a link to our user manual: http://www.universal-devices.com/docs/i ... rguide.pdf Appendix H includes some of the advice above. Keep in mind that in many cases, filtering devices is not necessary. I have about a dozen PCs, several UPSs, and tons of electronics in my home and only have a couple of filters installed.

Hi Howard - Do you already have a pair of AccessPoints installed? If not, you will need at least one installed. I would recommend 2. AccessPoints allow your INSTEON RF devices to communicate back and forth with powerline devices. They also act as a bridge between the 2 legs of power in your home. http://www.smarthome.com/2443P/Access-P ... ack/p.aspx Other than the AccessPoint, you should be good to go.

Thanks for the report, Joe!

Hi someguy - Try factory resetting the Motion Sensor before adding to the ISY.

I just assume the typical Smarthome factory reset - unplug for 30 seconds, hold SET button, plug-in while holding SET button, release after 10-15 seconds. I believe I added it by "New INSTEON Device", then typing the address manually (but leaving the Device Type at Auto).

No, unfortunately you must remove the responder and re-add as a controller.

Just wanted to add that I just received a new EZIO2x4 from Smarthome about 2-3 weeks back, and it has been performing fine. You might want to remove, factory reset, and re-add it to the ISY again. Does the EZIO LED flicker when the sensor state changes?

Hi Rich - You may want to remove that TriggerLinc and re-add it to your ISY. I just tested to be sure, and I'm able to add a TriggerLinc as a controller to a scene with firmware 2.7.6. It should not prompt you at all, it should simply add it to the scene as a controller.

Hi Rich - What ISY firmware version are you running? You would be better off deleting the manually created link and recreating the scene using the ISY. You should be able to right-click the TriggerLinc and choose "Add To Scene". What issue were you having?

For the record, I don't recommend using the Trigger Off function for something like a garage door. As is, even if the Trigger Off sticks if you ever query the I/OLinc it will report the true state of the sensor - not the reverse logic desired by setting the Trigger Off option. I recommend using a Normally Closed sensor instead.

If you highlight the scene itself and make ramp rate/on level adjustments, those adjustmetns only affect when the scene is controlled through the ISY (for example through the Admin Console, web interface or using ISY Programs). Keep in mind that every controller in a scene (including the scene itself) can have separate on levels and ramp rates. To affect the scene when controlled by the ControLinc, highlight the ControLinc controller button within the scene and make the changes there.

Make sure you highlight each control and set the ramp rates from there. Also, most SwitchLincs require a reboot for programmed ramp rate changes to take effect. Simply pull the airgap out for 10 seconds, then pop it back in (do not hold it down). Thanks

I'm happy to announce the release of a downloadable user guide for the ISY-99. The current user guide is based on ISY firmware 2.7.6. You can download a PDF version of the user guide here: www.universal-devices.com/docs/isy99_userguide.pdf Please keep in mind that our Wiki will still contain the most complete and up-to-date information. Our Wiki is accessible here: http://www.universal-devices.com/mwiki

I haven't used the IRLinc with the Harmony, so please take this for what it's worth. My guess is the codes in the Harmony database are simply codes that are known to be compatible with the IRLinc. Since you've already got it programmed and working with your credit card remote, it probably does not make sense to reprogram the IRLinc with the codes off the Harmony database. I would simply teach the Harmony from your credit card remote.

Refurbished units carry the same 1 year parts and labor warranty and 30 day return policy that new units do. I can't say on the type of failure units experience or the frequency that refurbished units fail compared to new - perhaps Michel can answer that. Thanks

As far as I know the ApplianceLinc does not support this feature, but LampLincs labeled v4.2 and higher (firmware v33+) do.