MrBill

I don't know if 15 hours ago is to long ago to stop you. BUT I wouldn't do that, especially if you have a lot of Insteon modules. Here's why, when you replace the modem in the system the modem has a new AB.CD.01 insteon address, and that new address must be written to EVERY LINK in EVERY DEVICE. It can take a long time, and unless your communication is perfect there will probably be at least a few broken links somewhere. Then that process must be repeated when you swap back, again opening up the possibility for communication error caused broken links. If the Insteon system is small it wouldn't be too big of a deal. If it had 150 devices like mine does, I'd never do it. As far as the best way to test it, there really isn't a best way without a second Polisy. The second best way would be to back up your polisy, unplug it from the current PLM and set it aside, then clear your Polisy and install the USB stick PLM and test it with a few random devices. You could also test the hardware with other software via a PC, I don't know what other software to recommend. There's absolutely no way that I would rewrite all the links in my insteon system without a dead modem. You're asking for trouble if you swap the device in. Again if you have a small system, like 10-12 devices, it wouldn't be hard to fix problems, in a larger system tho, the rewrites will takes hours (swap modem) and not be prefect in the end.

I have to disagree, the problems are rare. Yes there are a number of threads here in the forum that illustrate the problem, when it occurs. But there are also 10 million other times that the problem didn't occur, people don't post about that tho. I agree that it's frustrating when java problems occur. You can read about the single time it happened to me here, but other than that single event I open the admin console across multiple ISY's many times everyday and other than that one time... I never struggle.

@cdave1252 Are you using Java 8 from https://www.java.com ? or some other version like 11 or 17? You need Oracle Java 8 from www.java.com

It's the same thing! unless you are selecting Dashboard from Finder. You must select either of the Admin Console selections: (cloud is faster but either should work).

Here's the troubleshooting lights from the WIKI, and yes if the connector fits you can use Polisy's, seems like my polisy has an adapter for the power connector. I added RED to this... Front Panel LEDs/Lights Boot up sequence: Power, RX&TX, momentary blink of Memory/RX and TX, and then Power only Only Power Light Is On: Most probably power supply related. You can try any power supply that outputs anywhere between 5 volt and 30 volts,center positive, 2mm barrel connector Error light and Memory light blinking simultaneously: ISY is not able to get on the network.Please ensure: The Network jack on the back of ISY is connected to your router The lights on the Network jack have one steady on and the other one blinking. If not, check cable and connectivity to the router Your router provides DHCP There are no other devices on the network with the same IP address (IP Conflict) If you have configured your ISY to use DHCP, then you will have to search your network for devices that might be in the same DHCP range as your router is providing If you have configured your ISY with a static IP address, and as long as you have a good backup, you can Factory Reset your ISY and then restore a good backup (File | Restore ISY). Once prompted to change the network settings, choose No Only Error light blinking: ISY cannot communicate with the SD Card. Please ensure: The micro SD Card (on the front) is seated properly. Unplug ISY, remove the rubber cap, using a sharp object, push the micro SD Card in so that it pops out. Push it back in so it clicks in. Apply power to ISY If reseating the micro SD Card does not work, you probably have a defective SD Card. Please consult Replacing/Formatting SD Card

I change most of the mini-remotes to 4 device controllers for exactly that reason, but yes you can do exactly what you suggest. YMMV with dimming tho and programs tho, you'll find there is a definite lag on releasing the button, you need to anticipate the level and release the button a split second sooner. I actually have this set up in a couple places, but the mini-remotes are in 4 button mode, but use a button to toggle a couple things, so that i could squeeze more devices on to one remote. My wife prefers the on / off scenario of the 4 device configuration because the button can be a scene controller and scenes are faster, the same button to toggle, always confused her, even when it's not the scenarios you mention with the 8-scene mode.

Shift and click the refresh does the same as well.

This is abnormal behavior, you should open a ticket with support@universal-devices.com Many of us do the same. During Polisy boot, Polisy asks PLM for it's Insteon ID and software version, if the PLM becomes unavailable due to power failure an ISY994 never realizes, when power is restored communication happily continues because it's the same PLM... that is specifically the Insteon ID hasn't changed. I assume Polisy is the same but haven't specifically tested that at this point.

A good place to start is the ISY Home Automation Cookbook http://www.universal-devices.com/docs/production/The+ISY994+Home+Automation+Cookbook.pdf The size of the PDF is intimidating, but there is a lot of explaining done from the very basic level to the more advanced.

Step 2 and 3 need to be reversed. The PLM must be booted before Polisy tries to speak to it.

I thought of you and someone else the minute I read that earlier.... ?

You need to load the "No PLM" firmware onto the ISY. Then it's possible to create Network Resources to update variables, run programs, etc on the other device. Since the 994 has the IR receiver you would likely create programs there, that instead of running then blocks on the 994, instead use the API to Run Then of a program on the Polisy. https://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=ISY_Developers:API:REST_Interface#Programs It would be quite clever if someone created a node server that facilitated this, but it can be done simply with Network Resources alone.

@isyrocks! i just noticed that you have 4 programs run from that program in a row. that's likely the problem, but i can't really tell what the other programs are doing. But if you start 4 programs in rapid succession then you're likely going to overflow something. The ISY doesn't wait for the program to finish before it runs the next, it just starts them all up. Check your error log, I'll be there are errors.

Looks like the problem would be with the 'Lock All Doors' (then path) program.... no idea what it does, but I'd make sure it waits in between locks, it may even need a wait at it's start if the queue is already backed up. Also check the error log for clues.

Other good questions to add, is does it also reset IoP's credentials? and does PolyGlot mean PG2, PG3 or both? AFAIK all those are separately stored credentials as in IoP, PG2, PG3 and ssh login.

I haven't moved over to IoP yet, the 994 is still running the show. I have moved more to Home Assistant than previously. Some newer purchases are only supported there and don't have node servers, in other cases it's just because I want to not pay for node servers that are maintained by one person each and if that person looses interest or doesn't have time anymore the node server seems to just die. Under PG2 at least you had access to the code and could improve things on your own (I do have one PG2 node server that I improved on my own.) Under PG3 there's no access to the source code. So one day it might just quit working and someone would need to start from scratch. I'll continue to rely on my ISY (either 994 or IoP for insteon, but my current goal is to rely less on ISY as controller and more on Home Assistant as the main controller.

lol...likely but i still don't get it.

the advice comes from the same man that has the final say on everything.... so I wonder out loud why this option exists if we aren't supposed to use it... it also exists for Polisy's. While it's never been announced as a Polisy upgrade option, if it's there someone will use it. It's usually pretty simply to remove an option from a menu, the underlying code and functionally doesn't need to be removed, just prevent the menu item from appearing.

the Big Blue Blazing Beacon of Home Automation. Retired 994's can be repurposed as night lights!

I've also seen that advice before. It's always made me wonder, if the button in the portal isn't supposed to be used, then why is there?

@oskrypuch in addition to @Bumbershoot's instructions... when prompted for your isy credentials: you must enter your PORTAL credentials here, not what you enter when on the local network.

Send support a ticket support@universal-devices.com they'll have you up and running in a jiffy, keep in mind they are california timezone but they respond very quickly.

You want admin console not dashboard.

I agree, I missed that there where two networks..... 192.168.4 and 192.168.1 don't pass traffic to each other without some advanced networking, they are on the surface considered separate networks. One or the other needs to be in bridge mode.

@GFuller01 An Insteon 2413S PLM plugs into Port A, using an "Ethernet cable" (but it's not really Ethernet protocol being used from PLM to Port A). The PLM must be fully powered up first. Next make sure the ISY is connected Network jack to your Router. Ethernet connection is required here. After the PLM is powered up for about 30 seconds and has a solid green light, then plug in the ISY. After it's had time to boot up, what light are on on the front of the ISY? an ISY994 does not have USB.