Newbie .. please bare with me

[Jason Miller]

After spending about 3 hours with Smarthome and swapping parts (seems that how they troubleshoot .. just swap parts to buy time) I am still unable to get my stuff working. I am working with the following equipment:

 

ISY994i: http://www.smarthome.com/12237DB/ISY994 ... PLM/p.aspx

 

Powerlinc Modem: http://www.smarthome.com/2413S/PowerLin ... and/p.aspx

 

Dual band switch: http://www.smarthome.com/2477S/SwitchLi ... ite/p.aspx

 

With the ISY plugged in and the PLM, I keep getting that it's working in safemode. I am unable to get the PLM to see the ISY.

 

Smarthome had me do a factory reset and said it was a defective PLM. Sent me another, same issue. After that, they said defective ISY. Sent a new one, same issue.

 

Any ideas?

 

I'm frustrated with all this but I really want it it work ...

[PurdueGuy]

Did you try a different cable connecting the two?

[oberkc]

Yes, my first inclination is cables, also.

 

If I recall correctly, the cable between the PLM and ISY is different than the one between the ISY and router. One is a serial (?) cable, one is an ethernet cable. They both look, however, identical and both fit the same connector. Also, it is easy to plug the router cable into the wrong connector in the back of the ISY.

 

My suggestion: double-check you are using the right cables in the right connectors.

[Jason Miller]

They are both Ethernet cables from PLM to ISY and ISY to network. If I recall, the manual even said standard cables could be used if longer ones are required. I was using the supplied blue cables and swapped with my own cables as well.

[PurdueGuy]

That's very strange…the chances of getting 2 defectives PLMs AND 2 defective ISYs is so remote.

 

Try connecting the PLM to your computer (if you have a serial port) or to a USB-to-serial adapter and check with HouseLinc.

[LeeG]

With all cables connected (cable between PLM and ISY should be short as it is a Serial connection) plug in the PLM first. Then power up the ISY.

 

Is the PLM status LED On?

 

What LEDs are on the front of the ISY?

[Jason Miller]

Ok .. some good news. After a factory reset of everything and plugging the PLM in first, as mentioned above, things are online. But when I go to add the switch, I am getting the following error:

 

[Jason Miller]

This is my error log:

 

Time User Code Message

Tue 2013/10/08 11:15:33 AM System -5 Start

Tue 2013/10/08 11:15:34 AM System -110022 /CONF/INSTENG.OPT

Tue 2013/10/08 11:15:34 AM System -110012 /CONF/INSTENG.OPT

Tue 2013/10/08 11:15:35 AM System -170001 [Network] Established

Sat 2013/10/26 02:28:50 AM System -5 Start

Sat 2013/10/26 02:29:00 AM System -100 [DHCP] Failed Starting Client

Sat 2013/10/26 02:29:20 AM System -110022 /CONF/INSTENG.OPT

Sat 2013/10/26 02:29:20 AM System -110012 /CONF/INSTENG.OPT

Sat 2013/10/26 02:29:20 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Sat 2013/10/26 02:29:20 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Sat 2013/10/26 02:29:25 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Sat 2013/10/26 02:29:30 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Sat 2013/10/26 02:29:35 AM System -100 [DHCP] Timed out; Restarting

Sat 2013/10/26 02:29:38 AM System -170001 [Network] Established

Tue 2013/12/03 03:45:55 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Tue 2013/12/03 03:46:11 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Wed 2013/12/04 03:46:27 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Wed 2013/12/04 03:46:43 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Thu 2013/12/05 03:46:58 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Thu 2013/12/05 03:47:12 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Fri 2013/12/06 03:47:25 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Fri 2013/12/06 03:47:41 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Sat 2013/12/07 03:47:57 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Sat 2013/12/07 03:48:13 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Sun 2013/12/08 03:48:30 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Sun 2013/12/08 03:48:46 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Sun 2013/12/08 10:54:29 PM System -100 No network connection

Sun 2013/12/08 10:54:34 PM System -170001 [Network] Established

Mon 2013/12/09 03:49:01 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Mon 2013/12/09 03:49:17 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Tue 2013/12/10 12:49:31 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Wed 2013/12/11 12:49:47 AM System -100 [DHCP] state=RENEW

Wed 2013/12/11 12:28:24 PM System -5 Start

Wed 2013/12/11 12:28:34 PM System -100 [DHCP] Failed Starting Client

Wed 2013/12/11 12:28:54 PM System -110022 /CONF/INSTENG.OPT

Wed 2013/12/11 12:28:54 PM System -110012 /CONF/INSTENG.OPT

Wed 2013/12/11 12:28:54 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 12:28:54 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 12:28:59 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 12:29:04 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 12:29:09 PM System -100 [DHCP] Timed out; Restarting

Wed 2013/12/11 12:29:12 PM System -170001 [Network] Established

Wed 2013/12/11 01:08:26 PM System -170001 [uDSockets] RSub:33 error:6

Wed 2013/12/11 01:08:31 PM System -170001 [uDSockets] RSub:33 error:6

Wed 2013/12/11 01:08:36 PM System -170001 [uDSockets] RSub:33 error:6

Wed 2013/12/11 01:08:41 PM System -170001 [uDSockets] RSub:33 error:6

Wed 2013/12/11 01:08:46 PM System -5012 29

Wed 2013/12/11 01:12:56 PM System -5012 30

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:15 PM System -5 Start

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:25 PM System -100 [DHCP] Failed Starting Client

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:26 PM System -110022 /CONF/INSTENG.OPT

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:26 PM System -110012 /CONF/INSTENG.OPT

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:26 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:27 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:32 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:37 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:42 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:47 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:52 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 02:44:57 PM System -100 [DHCP] state=DISCOVER

Wed 2013/12/11 02:45:02 PM System -100 [DHCP] Timed out; Restarting

Wed 2013/12/11 02:45:04 PM System -170001 [Network] Established

Wed 2013/12/11 04:50:10 PM System -5012 28

Wed 2013/12/11 07:57:40 PM System -170001 [uDSockets] RSub:30 error:6

Wed 2013/12/11 07:57:45 PM System -170001 [uDSockets] RSub:30 error:6

Wed 2013/12/11 07:57:46 PM System -5012 29

Wed 2013/12/11 07:58:00 PM System -5012 30

Wed 2013/12/11 08:05:05 PM System -5012 31

[Jason Miller]

I just was able to add my lamp unit to the ISY .. it worked for a few seconds and stopped working after. The error is:

 

[oberkc]

The good news is that it looks like you have established connections between the ISY and PLM, and between the ISY and your router. I also take these indications that your ISY and PLM are, at least, functioning properly.

 

The bad news is that it appears you may have difficulty communicating with your insteon devices from the PLM, whether over powerline or RF.

 

You can, potentially, verify this diagnosis by moving the plm or lamplinc to different locations and see if this has any positive affect. Start by moving the lamplinc to the same outlet as the PLM. Other options are to move the PLM to a different circuit.

[Jason Miller]

The good news is that it looks like you have established connections between the ISY and PLM, and between the ISY and your router. I also take these indications that your ISY and PLM are, at least, functioning properly.

 

The bad news is that it appears you may have difficulty communicating with your insteon devices from the PLM, whether over powerline or RF.

 

You can, potentially, verify this diagnosis by moving the plm or lamplinc to different locations and see if this has any positive affect. Start by moving the lamplinc to the same outlet as the PLM. Other options are to move the PLM to a different circuit.

 

Ok .. the PLM and ISY are in my media room downstairs. These items are on the second level, directly above this room. The house has 2 electric panels. Could that be causing it? Related to wireless signals, the house has 2 access points because wireless from first level isn't strong enough. So, I suspect wireless RF would be an issue.

 

With all that being said, I cannot move the media room and all the items I want to control are really upstairs. Anyway to remedy this issue with a repeater or something?

[oberkc]

First, i ask whetherou have confirmed if the two access points are on opposite legs of your electrical system. I do not believe that having multiple panels is a factor here, so long as they are on the same service meter.

 

Second, when I hear "media room" I thnk in terms of a whole bunch of gadgets that, together, can really mess with insteon. You may need some filters.

 

To confirm, get an extension chord and plug PLM into another circuit to see if this helps.

[Jason Miller]

First, i ask whetherou have confirmed if the two access points are on opposite legs of your electrical system. I do not believe that having multiple panels is a factor here, so long as they are on the same service meter.

 

Second, when I hear "media room" I thnk in terms of a whole bunch of gadgets that, together, can really mess with insteon. You may need some filters.

 

To confirm, get an extension chord and plug PLM into another circuit to see if this helps.

 

Just to get my lingo right .. I am just trying to explain that 2 WiFi access points are required for Wifi in the house .. nothing related to Insteon, over than trying to explain maybe RF isn't strong enough?

[LeeG]

Do you have at least two Insteon Access Points on opposite 120 legs (pass 4 tap set button test)?

 

Are the other electronic devices powered from the media room on a FilterLinc?

 

Are both electrical panels powered from same meter?

[Jason Miller]

Do you have at least two Insteon Access Points on opposite 120 legs (pass 4 tap set button test)?

 

I do not have any Insteon Access Points. All I have is ISY 99i, the PLM Modem, and the switch in the wall. I take it I am missing part of the puzzle by not having the access points?

[Jason Miller]

Do you have at least two Insteon Access Points on opposite 120 legs (pass 4 tap set button test)?

 

I do not have any Insteon Access Points. All I have is ISY 99i, the PLM Modem, and the switch in the wall. I take it I am missing part of the puzzle by not having the access points?

 

Just to add, I was under the impression dual band devices did not require access points .. as the dual band devices did what these would ultimately due in terms of repeating a signal.

[LeeG]

Likely multiple pieces missing. Need at least two Insteon Access Points to couple the two 120v legs. It is very likely the equipment in the media room should be on a FilterLinc(s) to insure the PLM signal is not being absorbed. Are the electrical panels on the same meter?

 

Note: in wall devices have shorter RF range than Access Points. Wiring in the box, perhaps metal boxes all reduce RF range. You need two Access Points at this point in your installation.

[Jason Miller]

Likely multiple pieces missing. Need at least two Insteon Access Points to couple the two 120v legs. It is very likely the equipment in the media room should be on a FilterLinc(s) to insure the PLM signal is not being absorbed. Are the electrical panels on the same meter?

 

Note: in wall devices have shorter RF range than Access Points. Wiring in the box, perhaps metal boxes all reduce RF range. You need two Access Points at this point in your installation.

 

Ok .. all makes sense. You guys know a lot more than Smarthome. I asked if I needed this and they said no. Instead, just kept swapping parts.

 

So .. two of these: http://www.smarthome.com/2443/Access-Po ... and/p.aspx

 

Install one on an outlet on panel #1 and one on an outlet on panel #2? Essentially we have a panel for downstairs and upstairs. So, the upstairs one will be further away.

 

In regards to the media room, it's basically a very large walk in closet downstairs, off of the rec room. I have 3 servers, a large cisco switch, wireless access points, etc. So your recommendation is installing this: http://www.smarthome.com/1626-10/Filter ... ter/p.aspx

 

Do I simply plug it into an outlet? LIke, would I plug into outlet and plug surge protector powering about 6 devices into it? Or, plug into wall and nothing else into it?

 

Thanks a million for the help. I want this to work .. earlier today it was so frustrating because nobody offered practical advice at Smarthome ..

[LeeG]

I would start out with the Insteon Access Points in the same floor as the ISY/PLM. The point for now is to get good reliable coupling. There is a 4 tap Set button test described in the Access Point User Guide that insures the Access Points are on opposite 120v legs. So long as both electrical panels are on the same meter both floors should benefit from them being on the ISY/PLM floor.

 

The FilterLinc plugs into an Outlet. The FilterLinc has a filtered outlet on the bottom of the unit where the filtered equipment is supplied from. The PLM is plugged directly into an Outlet.

 

With these two changes the basic PLM signal should be on both phases and not be be bothered by signal interference from the other electronic equipment. Does not mean that all problems will be solved by these changes but it gets the PLM signal in good shape.

[Brian H]

I have a FilterLinc on my computing equipment.

In my case the UPS and computing gear is in the bottom filtered outlet. The PLM in the front unfiltered outlet.

[Xathros]

I have a FilterLinc on my computing equipment.

In my case the UPS and computing gear is in the bottom filtered outlet. The PLM in the front unfiltered outlet.

 

Much the same as my setup. My ISY and Network gear are on a shelf next to the service panel. Filterlink plugged into outlet right next to panel. PLM piggybacked on the Filterlinc and the ISY, cable modem, router switch all plugged into a surge suppressor which is plugged into the bottom of the Filterlinc.

 

Access points are installed within 10' of the service panel and within 2' of each other on a dedicated circuits.

 

-Xathros

[Jason Miller]

Ok .. happy to report, after installing the two access points I am up and running with no communication issues thus far (1 day testing). I installed one AP downstairs on the first panel. The other, is directly above it upstairs on the second panel. Seemed to fix the issue. I have 2 switches and out outlet control running.

 

I do have a question about programs. I want the front porch to cut on/off at sunset/sunrise. I couldn't figure out how to make "one rule" but I had to make 2 rules for sunrise and one for sunset. Attached is a screenshot.

 

[Xathros]

If Time is from Sunset 
       to Sunrise (Next Day)

Then
  Set Outlet On

Else
  Set Outlet Off

 

-Xathros

[Jason Miller]

Ah, ok .. I got it now. This should be right:

 

Thank you!

[Xathros]

Yep! Looks good.

 

Happy to help.

 

-Xathros