Almost returned the ISY-99 ...but missed it by that much ||

[Ottermator]

Hi All

(My "Maxwell Smart" reference aside ...)

I had my ISY-99 for a couple of weeks and couldn't get auto-link to work.

I came to the forum, and did just about everything plus some including adding and subtracting filterlincs, unplugging TV, printers, other computers, etc and nothing.

 

I plug everything back except the filterlinc.

 

Then I decided just to try linking one lamplinc dimmer. It found it!

and it started to crawl around and found almost everything else. By this time,I was too tired to go find a way to get the rest. I was just happy those green lights were a-blinkin' at this point. I'll get to the rest later. BTW, UD kudos on the nice user interface(saw it finally) for the controls!

 

Now, I am not one of the highly skilled domotocists (just a humbled engineer ) that live on this forum, so I am not sure what's going on yet. But here are my comments and questions for you:

 

1) But I read that the PLM is little more sensitive to noise than the PLC on the power line.Is that correct?

 

2)It seemed that my previous Houselinc/PLC setup went smoother. I also read that one reason that UD chose the PLM over the PLC is because the PLC had a number of unnecessary APIs. Is it possible that APIs or other circuits in the PLC aid in a smoother setup for autolinking?

 

3)Why would my ISY-99 not not respond on the auto-link, but would crawl the network when I give one address to link?

 

4) Any suggestions for going after the remaining four or five? Has anyone experienced something like this before?

 

 

Thanx

OMR

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello Ottermator,

 

First of all, I am so very sorry that you had to go through this ordeal and I do apologize for the inconvenience.

 

Please find my comments below.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

Hi All

(My "Maxwell Smart" reference aside ...)

I had my ISY-99 for a couple of weeks and couldn't get auto-link to work.

I came to the forum, and did just about everything plus some including adding and subtracting filterlincs, unplugging TV, printers, other computers, etc and nothing.

 

I plug everything back except the filterlinc.

 

Then I decided just to try linking one lamplinc dimmer. It found it!

and it started to crawl around and found almost everything else. By this time,I was too tired to go find a way to get the rest. I was just happy those green lights were a-blinkin' at this point. I'll get to the rest later. BTW, UD kudos on the nice user interface(saw it finally) for the controls!

 

Now, I am not one of the highly skilled domotocists (just a humbled engineer ) that live on this forum, so I am not sure what's going on yet. But here are my comments and questions for you:

 

1) But I read that the PLM is little more sensitive to noise than the PLC on the power line.Is that correct?

I cannot answer this question in comparison to PLC. But, compared to other INSTEON devices, PLM is less sensitive and has less power. So, one usually needs a device close to the PLM to help it with signal strength. As such, we normally recommend an AccessPoint/ApplianceLinc/LampLinc on top of the PLM or very close to it on the same circuit.

 

2)It seemed that my previous Houselinc/PLC setup went smoother. I also read that one reason that UD chose the PLM over the PLC is because the PLC had a number of unnecessary APIs. Is it possible that APIs or other circuits in the PLC aid in a smoother setup for autolinking?

I assure you that it was not a choice. We were told PLC was to be replaced by the PLM

 

3)Why would my ISY-99 not not respond on the auto-link, but would crawl the network when I give one address to link?

INSTEON linking signals, by default, have the least signal strength. The logic is: if you successfully link therefore you can do everything else successfully. That's probably why you cannot link to devices that are further away from your PLM. The addition of the module is actually helping your PLM reach further destinations.

 

4) Any suggestions for going after the remaining four or five? Has anyone experienced something like this before?

What is your PLM next to? Is your PLM next to a computer? Maybe an old computer or a monitor? A UPS? In the majority of cases, it's either:

1. PLM is on a noisy outlet

2. PLM is on a different phase

 

 

 

 

Thanx

OMR

[Brian H]

I would say both the 2412S PLM and 2414U/S 2814U PLCs have the same output. Both are built on the same Main Board just a different Daughter Card and firmware.

 

Access Points and older SignalLinc RFs also have the same Main Board. Daughter cards and firmware are different.

 

I have an assortment of PLMs and they vary in assembly. Some are 2414S PLCs with PLM Firmware. Including the unused RTC chip and support components and no TTl outputs as ther spec sheet indicate it should have.

 

Some have the PLM daughter card in it with the smaller EEPROM and TTL outputs.

 

My latest with bigger link table; has a 1/2 stuffed PLC serial Daughter Card with NO RTC Chip but has the unused support chips for the RTC chip.

 

I also believe the PLC is being discontinued or modified. Smarthome; in their forums; indicated both the PowerLinc hardware and HouseLinc Desktop Software are being reengineered from the ground up. Hoping for Q2 beta tests on the updated items.

[Ottermator]

Hi Michel

Your reply was very helpful and reassures me that I am not (that) crazy

.

My PLM is on a noisy outlet. There are 2 (count 'em) UPS in the same outlet. But the ISY/PLM still works! But to be safe, I will definitely connect the UPSes elsewhere.

Thanx for the additional insight on the PLM and its relationships with the other products and with Smarthome's plans

 

OMR/Mike

[Ottermator]

Thanx Brian for the technical analysis.

It makes want to peel another layer of the Insteon onion

 

Do you or anyone know why there is a PLC and a PLM and not just one powerline interface (a PLI)?

 

OMR/Mike

[Algorithm]

My PLM is on a noisy outlet. There are 2 (count 'em) UPS in the same outlet. But the ISY/PLM still works! But to be safe, I will definitely connect the UPSes elsewhere.

 

Hi Mike.

 

My ISY is in a room full of computer equipment fed by two UPSs (guess you could say I'm on the UPS and UPS ). My ISY/PLM appeared to be working fine, but I purchased an ACT 15-amp noise filter and put the two UPSs on it, on spec. It hasn't made any noticeable difference for me. But, it is an alternative to moving your UPSs.

[Ottermator]

Thanx for the reply Darrell.

I will definitely check into it.

 

OMR/Mike

[Brian H]

I have my APC BX1000 UPS on a 10 Amp Smarthome FilterLinc and the ISY-991's PLM; in the pass through outlet of the filter. Seems fine to me.

 

Interesting a PLI. It would need a lot of software overhead to do all the work if all it did was send the Ineteon Signals under the softwares control.

[Sub-Routine]

Thanx Brian for the technical analysis.

It makes want to peel another layer of the Insteon onion

 

Do you or anyone know why there is a PLC and a PLM and not just one powerline interface (a PLI)?

 

OMR/Mike

 

The PLC has some brains and the PLM is dumb.

 

Rand

[Ottermator]

Jes wonderin'

Thanx everyone for edukatin' me

 

OMR/Mike