New Simple ISY994i/PLM/ToggleLinc Setup Question

[Zahnarzt]

Hello!

 

I purchased an ISY944i /PLM combo (http://goo.gl/xNgNFs) from SmartHome along with some ToggleLinc 2466SW relay switches (http://goo.gl/LBFXxE). For simplicity’s sake, I only installed a single ToggleLinc switch (non-dimming), replacing a simple two-pole mechanical light switch. I connected the ToggleLinc to neutral wire bundle in the back of the box. The switch is about 10 feet away from the PLM with direct LOS. I cannot verify that the PLM and the switch are on the same phase, but I believe they are. I can connect to the ISY just fine with any computer on my network, and the ISY says the PLM is connected. I cannot for the life of me get the ToggleLinc to show up despite following both sets of instructions. There has to be something very basic that I’m missing here. Any ideas or suggestions are more than welcome! Once I get over this initial hump, I think the rest of my setup will be relatively easy.

 

Thanks in advance!

[oberkc]

I would put the possibilities into the following categories (not necessarily prioritized), based on your post:

 

a) device failure

switch wired incorrectly

c) communication problems

d) procedural

 

For now, I would ignore the possibility of a device failure.

 

Regarding wiring, how did you verify correct supply wire (hot) connected to black wire? Do you have it connected to a load (red wire)? Does the little LED on the togglelinc turn on when the switch is off?

 

Regarding possible communication problems, what other devices are plugged into the same outlet and circuit as your PLM? Computers? Surge suppressors? UPS? Lots of power supplies?

 

As far as procedures go, which did you follow? The ones that came with the togglelinc? The ISY-99 user manual/wiki?

[Zahnarzt]

...Regarding wiring, how did you verify correct supply wire (hot) connected to black wire? Do you have it connected to a load (red wire)? Does the little LED on the togglelinc turn on when the switch is off?

I verified the hot wire with a contactless voltage detector, or at least I think I did. The LED on the switch operates the light OK manually. The LED on the TottleLinc is ON when the switch is off.

... Regarding possible communication problems, what other devices are plugged into the same outlet and circuit as your PLM? Computers? Surge suppressors? UPS? Lots of power supplies?

The only thing plugged into the same outlet as the PLM is the power supply for the ISY. The PLM is plugged directly onto the socket. The surge protector for my PC equipment is plugged into a surge protector and uses another outlet. I can't remember offhand if the two outlets are on the same circuit. Noise doesn't strike me as something that might be an issue here, though. Still, wouldn't the RF signal make up for it?

...As far as procedures go, which did you follow? The ones that came with the togglelinc? The ISY-99 user manual/wiki?

I followed the instructions for the ISY and the ToggleLinc as linked via their respective product pages.

 

Thank you so much for your help!

[oberkc]

I verified the hot wire with a contactless voltage detector, or at least I think I did. The LED on the switch operates the light OK manually. The LED on the TottleLinc is ON when the switch is off.

 

Sometimes, existing switches are wired via method known as "switch loop", where there only hot supply and swithed return (no neutral). Wire colors can be unreliable indications of purpose. Three-way switches can, sometimes, not include a supply or neutral. But...if your LED is coming on and off with the switch, I would tend to discount wiring problems at this point (though loose connections can cause problems for insteon communication as well.

 

The only thing plugged into the same outlet as the PLM is the power supply for the ISY. The PLM is plugged directly onto the socket. The surge protector for my PC equipment is plugged into a surge protector and uses another outlet. I can't remember offhand if the two outlets are on the same circuit. Noise doesn't strike me as something that might be an issue here, though. Still, wouldn't the RF signal make up for it?

 

The "surge suppressor" jumps out at me. Based on my experience and perceptions from reading this forum for a while, that is a suspicous candidate as a possible communication interrupter. It would be useful to determine if on the same circuit. Can you temporarily remove it from service to see if this solves your problem?

 

I have not measured RF range of insteon devices, but there have been enough discussion around here that I would not rely on RF exclusively. Depending on installation (including orientation, box material, wall material, environmental) range can be quite limited, apparently.

 

I followed the instructions for the ISY and the ToggleLinc as linked via their respective product pages

 

Good. Instructions for the togglelinc (and most other insteon devices) are written based on the assumption that there is no central controller.

 

My favorite method for adding an insteon device is to first "add new device" from the ISY admin panel, then press and hold the togglelinc ON until beeps (usually around five seconds). At this point, the togglelinc should be listed.

[Xathros]

My favorite method for adding an insteon device is to first "add new device" from the ISY admin panel, then press and hold the togglelinc ON until beeps (usually around five seconds). At this point, the togglelinc should be listed.

 

I believe you meant to say "Press and hold the Toggleinc SET button until beeps (usually around five seconds)"

 

-Xathros

[LeeG]

Zahnarzt

 

The ToggleLinc is NOT Dual Band so RF communication does not play a role here.

 

Thinking the ToggleLinc is on the same 120v leg (phase) is not helpful. When the PLM cannot see the ToggleLinc either

 

the ToggleLinc is wired wrong

the PLM signal is being attenuated or interfered with due to surge suppressor, unfiltered power supply such as a UPS or PC power supply on the same circuit as the PLM for example

the ToggleLinc and the PLM are on opposite 120v legs

 

With the investment in an ISY the first thing to do is install a pair of Access Points on opposite 120v legs. There is a 4 tap Set button test described in the Access Point User Guide that will insure the Access Points are installed correctly.

 

Insure any device being powered on the same circuit as the PLM (UPS, PC, router, modem, etc as well as surge suppressing power strips) are isolated with a FilterLinc.

 

A simple test to verify the ToggleLinc is working is connect it to an Appliance cord (plug on one end, bare wires on the other). Plug the Appliance cord into the same plug point as the PLM. Use New INSTEON Device to add the ToggleLinc to the ISY. That will insure all parts are working without concern for all the powerline questions that are open at this point.

[oberkc]

I believe you meant to say "Press and hold the Toggleinc SET button until beeps (usually around five seconds)"

 

Possibly. I thought it was holding it on, but I may be confusing it with other devices.

[Zahnarzt]

Thank you so much, guys. I did not realize the ToggleLincs weren't dual band. Sort of defeats the purpose there, I suppose. This gives me enough to chew on and play with for a while. Apparently there are far more variables than I thought, so it's best to just isolate everything. I have an outlet on its own circuit next to my fuse box. I'll plug everything to it and install a switch on a circuit I am certain is on the same phase.

 

I'll be back...

 

Thanks again!

[Xathros]

I believe you meant to say "Press and hold the Toggleinc SET button until beeps (usually around five seconds)"

 

Possibly. I thought it was holding it on, but I may be confusing it with other devices.

 

I think some very old devices (Icon maybe) entered linking mode by holding On for 5 seconds. Even my oldest v.31 Togglelinc has a combo set button/airgap switch.

 

-Xathros