What we have here is a failure to communicate

[smorgasbord]

Trying to keep it light, even though this is really frustrating: When I start the Admin Console I get the following message:

 

"Cannot Communicate with XXXX (25 1B 71 1). Please check connections."

 

That's my Outlet Linc. I've got a starter setup, my ISY-994i, two Access Points properly set up, and just the Outlet Linc, an IOLinc, a motion sensor, a leak detector, and a remote. All are new. In this state, I can't change the state of the Outlet Linc, and the LED on the front is OFF. If I Query the device, nothing happens.

 

If I cut power via the circuit breaker, then turn it back on, the LED comes on. Then I'm able to Query the device and change its state, etc.

 

At first, I thought that maybe I didn't have the Access Points setup right. I originally had just one, and got the flashing green when I did the 4 quick presses on the ISY's PLM. Now I have two Access Points in different locations (trying to extend the RF capabilities) and have one that flashed green and one that didn't, so I believe I'm covered phase-wise. But, now I'm thinking the Outlet Linc might be bad - I don't know why it would get into this state. Is there something about how quickly one can toggle the state between On and Off? I've got a 110 watt motor plugged into the controlled outlet, so pretty low amperage (about 1 amp).

 

Any ideas for how to debug this would be appreciated.

[smorgasbord]

OK, so I left my ISY running with the Event Viewer on. At 11:38 the "On" program kicked in:

 

Thu 12/12/2013 11:38:11 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 12 00

Thu 12/12/2013 11:38:11 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 12 00 06 LTON-F (00)

Thu 12/12/2013 11:38:11 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.1B.71 28.CD.4C 2B 12 00 LTON-F (00)

Thu 12/12/2013 11:38:11 PM : [std-Direct Ack] 25.1B.71-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Thu 12/12/2013 11:38:11 PM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ST 255

 

The "ST 255" I think means the Outlet is turned ON.

 

The program turns off the outlet 2 minutes and 2 seconds later, but this time it got an error:

Thu 12/12/2013 11:40:14 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 14 00

Thu 12/12/2013 11:40:14 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 14 00 06 LTOFF-F(00)

Thu 12/12/2013 11:40:18 PM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ERR 1

 

And now the ISY is showing the red exclamation point next to the device, and the LED on the front is not illuminated.

 

Do I have a bad Outlet Linc?

[LeeG]

The OutletLinc turned On with a Hops Left=2 which is good communication.

 

Either the wiring is wrong or the load being supplied by the OutletLinc is blocking the Off (actually Fast Off) command. With the OutletLinc LED not being On (either Red or Green) I would look at the wiring first.

 

Unplug the load and see what happens.

[Brian H]

What type of load is on the OutletLinc?

If cycling the circuit breaker restores operation. The load maybe making enough power line garbage. To lock it up and a power cycle reset is needed to again gain access to it.

 

I would also recommend checking the wiring and tests with no load. As others have pointed out.

 

If it just goes dead with out switching its load. Either you have a defective OutletLinc or some other load on the same circuit is locking up its electronics.

[smorgasbord]

I reset the unit again via power cycle and plugged in an outlet polarity/wiring tester. Got the 2 green lights.

In the always on outlet is a gas water heater (yes, it needs a bit of power).

In the controlled outlet is a 1.1 amp water recirculating pump.

 

Last night it worked for a few cycles before losing communication again:

Fri 12/13/2013 12:21:08 AM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 19 00

Fri 12/13/2013 12:21:08 AM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 19 00 06 LTSREQ (LIGHT)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:21:08 AM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.1B.71 28.CD.4C 2B 00 00 (00)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:21:08 AM : [std-Direct Ack] 25.1B.71-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Fri 12/13/2013 12:21:08 AM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ST 0

Fri 12/13/2013 12:21:08 AM : [ 25 1B 71 1] OL 255

Fri 12/13/2013 12:21:08 AM : [ 25 1B 71 1] RR 28

Fri 12/13/2013 12:31:07 AM : [ Time] 00:31:08 1(0)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:38:11 AM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 12 00

Fri 12/13/2013 12:38:11 AM : [ Time] 00:38:12 1(0)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:38:11 AM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 12 00 06 LTON-F (00)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:38:11 AM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.1B.71 28.CD.4C 2B 12 00 LTON-F (00)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:38:11 AM : [std-Direct Ack] 25.1B.71-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Fri 12/13/2013 12:38:11 AM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ST 255

Fri 12/13/2013 12:40:12 AM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 14 00

Fri 12/13/2013 12:40:12 AM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 14 00 06 LTOFF-F(00)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:40:12 AM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.1B.71 28.CD.4C 2B 14 00 LTOFF-F(00)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:40:12 AM : [std-Direct Ack] 25.1B.71-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Fri 12/13/2013 12:40:12 AM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ST 0

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:27 AM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.B4.40 00.00.01 CB 11 01 LTONRR (01)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:27 AM : [std-Group ] 25.B4.40-->Group=1, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:27 AM : [ 25 B4 40 1] DON 1

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:27 AM : [ 25 B4 40 1] ST 255

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:27 AM : [ 25 B4 40 2] ST 0

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:27 AM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.B4.40 00.00.01 CB 11 01 LTONRR (01)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:27 AM : [std-Group ] 25.B4.40-->Group=1, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:27 AM : [iNST-DUP ] Previous message ignored.

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:28 AM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.B4.40 11.00.01 CB 06 00 (00)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:28 AM : [std-Group ] 25.B4.40-->11.00.01, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:28 AM : [iNST-INFO ] Previous message ignored.

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:28 AM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.B4.40 11.00.01 CB 06 00 (00)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:28 AM : [std-Group ] 25.B4.40-->11.00.01, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Fri 12/13/2013 12:41:28 AM : [iNST-INFO ] Previous message ignored.

Fri 12/13/2013 12:51:26 AM : [ Time] 00:51:29 1(0)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:58:09 AM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 12 00

Fri 12/13/2013 12:58:09 AM : [ Time] 00:58:12 1(0)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:58:09 AM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 12 00 06 LTON-F (00)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:58:10 AM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.1B.71 28.CD.4C 2B 12 00 LTON-F (00)

Fri 12/13/2013 12:58:10 AM : [std-Direct Ack] 25.1B.71-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Fri 12/13/2013 12:58:10 AM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ST 255

Fri 12/13/2013 01:00:10 AM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 14 00

Fri 12/13/2013 01:00:10 AM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 14 00 06 LTOFF-F(00)

Fri 12/13/2013 01:00:14 AM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ERR 1

Fri 12/13/2013 01:10:14 AM : [ Time] 01:10:18 1(0)

 

 

Anyway, I've got it reset again, now with no load on the controlled outlet. If that works for a while, what's my next step?

 

Thanks, by the way.

[smorgasbord]

BTW, there's apparently some leakage as the outlet tester works in the controlled outlet even when that outlet is off.

[LeeG]

Confirm this is an OutletLinc Relay?

 

Does the OutletLinc Relay LED remain On while pump is running and then goes blank when Fast Off is issued?

 

Why are Fast On/Fast Off being used rather than On/Off commands?

 

Do you have a spare FilterLinc that can be put between OutletLinc Relay and motor?

[Brian H]

The OutletLinc Relay has Local Control Sensing. Where you can toggle the loads switch from On to Off and back On again.

To trigger the switched outlet On if it is Off. It defaults to Off but the sensing voltage is still there. Your very low current tester took enough power to still operate with that small current.

 

I would try a FilterLinc as LeeG recommend. It could be the inductive noise from the pumps turning On and Off. Glitching the OutletLincs electronics.

[smorgasbord]

Yes, this is an OutletLinc Relay 2473SWH.

I'm using FastOff/FastOn since this is a pump and I didn't want any ramping. Why would this be an issue? What are FastOn/FastOff for, then?

I don't own a FilterLinc. Why wouldn't the OutletLinc automatically filter its own controlled output?

 

I'll have to check the LED when I get home. When I power cycle the OutletLinc, the LED comes on, but the motor doesn't run. So I don't think the LED shows the ON state of the outlet. I just re-read the manual, and it doesn't say that the LED indicates the ON state of the controlled outlet. Do you know what the Status LED is supposed to show?

 

I guess the two things I can try are:

1) Be sure load sensing is turned off

2) Use On and Off instead of FastOn and FastOff.

[smorgasbord]

I would try a FilterLinc as LeeG recommend. It could be the inductive noise from the pumps turning On and Off. Glitching the OutletLincs electronics.

 

There are two pumps in that room, each on different circuits.

This one is the recirculating pump. There's a second, somewhat larger, pump that operates independently. Would I need a FilterLinc on that as well?

The FilterLincs sure are bulky - putting one on the controlled outlet will block the uncontrolled outlet. yick.

[LeeG]

The On/Off and Fast On/Fast Off commands have the same affect for a Relay device. A Relay device cannot ramp.

 

The OutletLinc load sensing is logically Off by default. In the Off state load sensing still produces a very small current.

 

The OutletLinc does not have the filtering provided by a FilterLinc.

 

The LED does indicate the On/Off state of the controlled outlet.

 

Put the FilterLinc on a short extension to test.

 

Both pumps are powered from the same controlled OutletLinc outlet?

[smorgasbord]

The LED does indicate the On/Off state of the controlled outlet.

 

Hmm, I'll have to check on that. As I said, after power cycling, the controlled outlet is off, but the LED is on.

 

Both pumps are powered from the same controlled OutletLinc outlet?

 

No, as I said they are on different circuits. I can flip the breaker for the OutletLinc without affecting the other pump.

[Teken]

One thing to note, is that RF strength varies from device to device in all of the product line. Some members have relied upon their PLM to use (forced RF) to communicate. I can tell you personally that the strength of the RF from the PLM can not be relied upon to couple or communicate.

 

I've gone through five PLM's and none of them have ever been able to communicate to a RF based device sitting mere inches from the unit.

 

This is why I am a proponent of using the Access Points (AP) to couple both sides of the electrical feed and receive RF signals from wireless based devices. As others have indicated insuring the 4 tap test is done to confirm proper coupling is key.

 

Hang in there, once all of these basics are in place you will be Rocken the Insteon!

 

Teken . . .

[smorgasbord]

OK, so even with only the outlet polarity tester connected (no motor), the OutletLinc eventually failed to communicate:

 

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:28 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 13 00

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:28 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 13 00 06 LTOFFRR(00)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:29 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.1B.71 28.CD.4C 27 13 00 LTOFFRR(00)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:29 PM : [std-Direct Ack] 25.1B.71-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=1

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:29 PM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ST 0

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:34 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 19 00

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:34 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 19 00 06 LTSREQ (LIGHT)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:43 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 19 00

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:43 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 19 00 06 LTSREQ (LIGHT)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:53 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 19 00

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:53 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 19 00 06 LTSREQ (LIGHT)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:56 PM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ERR 1

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:17 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 11 FF

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:17 PM : [ Time] 18:18:20 1(0)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:17 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 11 FF 06 LTONRR (FF)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:18 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.1B.71 28.CD.4C 27 11 FF LTONRR (FF)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:18 PM : [std-Direct Ack] 25.1B.71-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=1

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:18 PM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ERR 0

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:18 PM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ST 255

 

I don't understand Teken's comment about RF. This device is powerline only, and I've done the 4 tap test on my PLM and confirmed flashing greens on the other two Access Points (although one of those would blink about 8 times, then pause solid green for a couple sec, then blink again). But again, I don't see how RF is my problem.

 

Given that I'm sometimes getting errors even with just outlet tester plugged in, how could it be anything other than a bad OutletLinc?

[Techman]

Have you tried doing a factory default reset on the OutletLinc?

 

Try the reset with the pumps unplugged and the water heater turned off, after the reset plug a lamp or some other small load into the outletlinc and give it a try. It's possible the pumps or water heater are creating noise on the circuit which may have corrupted the memory in the device.

[oberkc]

I don't understand Teken's comment about RF.

 

I believe that the point is that we cannot always rely on dual-band switches, buried in metal boxes, to properly communicate via RF and bridge the legs of our electrical system. Sometimes, two access points are, simply, the best approach. If, however, you have two access points, have performed the test and verified you have one on each leg of your electrical system, this should not be a factor. Unfortunately, I don't know what to think about your access points blinking, then not. Perhaps that is a sign of trouble, but I don't know.

 

BTW, there's apparently some leakage as the outlet tester works in the controlled outlet even when that outlet is off.

 

This could be from the load-sensing current.

 

In the always on outlet is a gas water heater (yes, it needs a bit of power).

 

I have an on-demand gas powered water heater plugged into one. I came to suspect it of giving my insteon system problems, so it is now on a filter. Don't assume that it is NOT a problem, and don't assume that the fact that it is in the non-controlled outlet will eliminate this unit from suspicion. Be sure to try things with this temporarily unplugged.

[LeeG]

There are some differences in this trace. The first difference is the Hops Left=x count is now 1 rather than the 2 it has been. This means more hops are now necessary to reach the OutletLinc.

 

Next there is a Query that was done a few seconds after the Off command. The OutletLinc did not respond to the three Query attempts. Was power cycled to the OutletLinc?

 

The next On command has the same Hops Left=1.

 

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:28 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 13 00

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:28 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 13 00 06 LTOFFRR(00)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:29 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.1B.71 28.CD.4C 27 13 00 LTOFFRR(00)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:29 PM : [std-Direct Ack] 25.1B.71-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=1

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:29 PM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ST 0

 

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:34 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 19 00

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:34 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 19 00 06 LTSREQ (LIGHT)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:43 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 19 00

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:43 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 19 00 06 LTSREQ (LIGHT)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:53 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 19 00

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:53 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 19 00 06 LTSREQ (LIGHT)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:16:56 PM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ERR 1

 

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:17 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 25 1B 71 0F 11 FF

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:17 PM : [ Time] 18:18:20 1(0)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:17 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 25.1B.71 0F 11 FF 06 LTONRR (FF)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:18 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 25.1B.71 28.CD.4C 27 11 FF LTONRR (FF)

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:18 PM : [std-Direct Ack] 25.1B.71-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=1

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:18 PM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ERR 0

Fri 12/13/2013 06:18:18 PM : [ 25 1B 71 1] ST 255

 

The fact that both APs are blinking Green means they are not coupling. They are on the same 120v leg.

 

With the conclusion the OutletLinc is defective, replace it. Either the new one works and your done or it does the same thing and you can move forward in a different direction.

[smorgasbord]

Reset on an OutletLinc is pretty weird. I tried the one-man instructions first:

(Tap SET to turn outlet ON; Hold SET for 3 secs; let go and wait 3 secs; tap SET 5 times fast, wait for load and LED to turn off, press and hold SET for 3 seconds), but the LED didn't behave like the instructions said it would.

So, I asked my wife to help out for the two-man:

(Hold SET and cut power; wait 10 seconds, Hold SET and restore power, Continue to Hold for 3 more secs) and again the LED didn't behave like the instructions said it would (LED turn on bright and sold, then turn off, then a few seconds later turn on solid). Heck, hard to know how "bright and solid" is different than "solid."

 

Just a really bad interface. I honestly don't know how hardware/firmware engineers think.

 

And, I did delete the device from the ISY beforehand, and adding it back in later, but I don't know if that was really necessary.

 

Any suggestions for me to retry the reset?

[smorgasbord]

The fact that both APs are blinking Green means they are not coupling. They are on the same 120v leg.

 

OK, so the instructions for the Access Points are confusing, but my interpretation is that blinking green means they're on different legs and all is good. From the manual (https://www.insteon.com/pdf/2443.pdf, Rev: 5/23/2012 11:46 AM):

 

"Installing the First Access Point

1) Plug the first Access Point into a convenient wall outlet. Don’t use an outlet controlled by a switch; if the switch is inadvertently turned off, Access Point won’t have power.

The Access Point LED will turn on dim green.

Tip: choose an outlet that is not near large metal objects that may absorb RF signals.

2) Put the first Access Point into setup mode by rapidly pressing the Set button four times.

Access Point will continuously beep and its LED will turn on bright green.

You will have 9 minutes to install the second Access Point before the first Access Point’s setup mode times out.



Installing the Second Access Point

Once you install the first Access Point, you will have about 9 minutes to perform these steps before the first Access Point’s setup mode times out. If the first Access Point times out, simply follow the steps above to put it back into setup mode.

1) Plug second Access Point into another unswitched outlet, preferably one located on the other side of your home.

2) Watch the LED on the second Access Point.

If the LED is blinking green, proceed to step 3.

If the LED is blinking red/green or shining solid red or green, unplug the second Access Point, plug into a different outlet and repeat steps 1 and 2.

3) Tap the Set button on the first Access Point to exit setup mode.

The first Access Point will stop beeping.

Both Access Points’ LEDs will turn on dim green."

 

So, blinking green means you're done. "Blinking red/green" I assume means that it alternates between red and green blinks, but heck, these instructions seem designed to confuse you - and that's compounded by the different versions of Access Points having different LED behaviors.

 

What I did was to do the quad-tap thing on the PLM and then look at each of my two Access Points. The first one was blinking green, so at that point I believe I have both legs covered. I use the second one out in the garage so that my remotes and motion sensor have a closer RF point, so I'm believing it doesn't matter which leg it's on.

 

Right?

[Brian H]

Blinking Green is communicating and on the opposite phase.

Blinking Red Communicating and on the same phase.

At least that is how my 2413S acts with 2443 Access Point on the same circuit. Blinks Red and the 2443 Access Point at the other end of the house blinks Green. As I have mapped every connection in the house. I know what is on each breaker and phase.

 

What you will find confusing is some Dual Band Devices have different patterns of LED flashing. Real old 2443 Access Points have a white LED and completely different blink pattern.

[Xathros]

It sounds to me like both access points or on the phase opposite the dual band PLM. This means that the phases are being coupled by the PLM to one or both access points. The fact that an access point starts and stops blinking during the test indicates that it is not reliably receiving RF from the PLM. I suggest moving one of the Access points to the same phase as the PLM and repeating the 4 tap test with an access point rather than the PLM to ensure that the pair of access points is providing reliable bridging. Then proceed from there.

 

-Xathros

[Teken]

It sounds to me like both access points or on the phase opposite the dual band PLM. This means that the phases are being coupled by the PLM to one or both access points. The fact that an access point starts and stops blinking during the test indicates that it is not reliably receiving RF from the PLM. I suggest moving one of the Access points to the same phase as the PLM and repeating the 4 tap test with an access point rather than the PLM to ensure that the pair of access points is providing reliable bridging. Then proceed from there.

 

-Xathros

 

^ This man has it. I would never use the PLM to bridge / couple the two sides of the electrical feed in a home.

 

Teken . . .

[smorgasbord]

Reset on an OutletLinc is pretty weird. ...

 

Just to circle round for posterity, after my reset(s), the outlet has worked flawlessly for several days now, and without using a FilterLinc anywhere (it hasn't arrived yet).

 

So, thanks for all the suggestions - this problem is fixed as far as I'm concerned.

 

---------

 

That said, as for the PLM/Access Point discussion, my topology prevents my second Access Point is located in my detached garage, which is why it doesn't get a good RF signal. So, rather than using it for bridging, I'm actually using it to enable use of a Motion Detector and a hand held remote in the garage. Since my PLM and first Access Point are definitely on different phases (and separated on different floors in the house), I believe I have solid bridging with those. I do have a Dual-Band Dimming Switch to install on the other side of the house (not near the garage), so I may get some additional benefit from that as well. At any rate, RF was never the problem with my OutletLinc, if only because it doesn't receive nor send RF!