frustratednon-geek Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I'm having some comm issues with a 60+ device install (one of my first paying gigs!) on a 3k sq ft ranch house. All devices are <30 days old and with few exceptions, all dual-band. I'm trying to decide the best location for the ISY/PLM. Practically speaking there are only 3 possible locations: Guest Bedroom, Media Cabinet, or Hall Cabinet. Below logs from scene tests at each of the 3 locations. Please help me interpret results so I can determine best location... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frustratednon-geek Posted January 22, 2014 Author Share Posted January 22, 2014 HALL CLOSET: Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:42 PM : [GRP-RX ] 02 61 24 13 00 06 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:43 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.64.3D 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:43 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.64.3D-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:43 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.6A.2A 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:43 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.6A.2A-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:43 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.64.94 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:43 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.64.94-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:44 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.67.58 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:44 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.67.58-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:44 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.67.C4 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:44 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.67.C4-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:44 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.66.F8 2A.1D.E1 66 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:44 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.66.F8-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=2, Hops Left=1 ----- Hall MAIN On Test Results ----- [Failed] Hall Chandelier (24 69 20 1) [succeeded] KIT Sconces (24 64 94 1) [Failed] MBR Table Lamps (26 B5 C5 1) [succeeded] Tom's Bath-ROOM (24 67 C4 1) [succeeded] Dining Fireplace Lt (24 6A 2A 1) [succeeded] Dining Counter (24 64 3D 1) [Failed] Island kpl.B (29 40 EF 2) [succeeded] Dining Chandelier (24 67 58 1) [Failed] Foyer kpl.C (29 46 93 3) [Failed] Foyer kpl.B (29 46 93 2) [Failed] Island kpl (29 40 EF 1) [Failed] Foyer kpl.a (29 46 93 1) [Failed] Hall(Entry).C (2A 17 8D 3) [Failed] Office Desk Cans (24 68 D 1) [Failed] MBR Tom kpl.A (29 46 2C 1) [Failed] MBR kpl.D (2A 5 EC 4) [succeeded] Dining Flower Can (24 66 F8 1) [Failed] Hall(Entry).A (2A 17 8D 1) [Failed] LR kpl LAMPS (2A 14 FE 1) [Failed] Hall(Entry).B (2A 17 8D 2) ----- Hall MAIN On Test Results ----- Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:52 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.23 CF 11 00 06 LTONRR (00) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:52 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 00 00 23 CF 11 00 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:52 PM : [ 2A 17 8D 1] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:52 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.23 CF 11 00 06 LTONRR (00) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:53 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 00 00 23 CF 11 00 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:53 PM : [ 2A 17 8D 2] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:53 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.23 CF 11 00 06 LTONRR (00) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:53 PM : [ 2A 17 8D 3] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:53 PM : [ 24 68 D 1] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:54 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 00 00 23 CF 11 00 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:54 PM : [ 24 67 C4 1] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:54 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.23 CF 11 00 06 LTONRR (00) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:54 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 00 00 5A CF 13 00 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:54 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 00 00 23 CF 11 00 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:54 PM : [ 2A 14 FE 1] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:54 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.5A CF 13 00 06 LTOFFRR(00) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:55 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 00 00 23 CF 13 00 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:55 PM : [ 2A 5 EC 4] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:55 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.23 CF 11 00 06 LTONRR (00) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:55 PM : [ 29 46 2C 1] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:55 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.23 CF 13 00 06 LTOFFRR(00) Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:55 PM : [ 29 40 EF 8] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:55 PM : [ 2A F 13 4] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:55 PM : [ 2A 5 EC 8] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:55 PM : [ 29 46 2C 6] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 09:38:55 PM : [ 2A 17 8D 8] ST 0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frustratednon-geek Posted January 22, 2014 Author Share Posted January 22, 2014 MEDIA CABINET: Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:24 PM : [ 26 B5 C5 1] ST 204 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:25 PM : [GRP-RX ] 02 61 24 13 00 06 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:25 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.64.3D 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:25 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.64.3D-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:25 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.6A.2A 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:25 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.6A.2A-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:26 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.64.94 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:26 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.64.94-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:26 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.67.58 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:26 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.67.58-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:26 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.67.C4 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:26 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.67.C4-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:26 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.66.F8 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:26 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.66.F8-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:27 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.69.20 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:27 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.69.20-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:27 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 2A.14.FE 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:27 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 2A.14.FE-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:27 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 29.40.EF 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:27 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 29.40.EF-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:27 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 29.46.2C 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:27 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 29.46.2C-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:28 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 2A.17.8D 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:28 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 2A.17.8D-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:28 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 26.B5.C5 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:28 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 26.B5.C5-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:28 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 2A.05.EC 2A.1D.E1 E1 13 FC LTOFFRR(FC) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:29 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.68.0D 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:29 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.68.0D-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:29 PM : [CLEAN-UP-RPT] 02 58 06 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:29 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 29.46.93 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:29 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 29.46.93-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 ----- Hall MAIN On Test Results ----- [succeeded] Hall Chandelier (24 69 20 1) [succeeded] KIT Sconces (24 64 94 1) [succeeded] MBR Table Lamps (26 B5 C5 1) [succeeded] Tom's Bath-ROOM (24 67 C4 1) [succeeded] Dining Fireplace Lt (24 6A 2A 1) [succeeded] Dining Counter (24 64 3D 1) [succeeded] Island kpl.B (29 40 EF 2) [succeeded] Dining Chandelier (24 67 58 1) [succeeded] Foyer kpl.C (29 46 93 3) [succeeded] Foyer kpl.B (29 46 93 2) [succeeded] Island kpl (29 40 EF 1) [succeeded] Foyer kpl.a (29 46 93 1) [succeeded] Hall(Entry).C (2A 17 8D 3) [succeeded] Office Desk Cans (24 68 D 1) [succeeded] MBR Tom kpl.A (29 46 2C 1) [Failed] MBR kpl.D (2A 5 EC 4) [succeeded] Dining Flower Can (24 66 F8 1) [succeeded] Hall(Entry).A (2A 17 8D 1) [succeeded] LR kpl LAMPS (2A 14 FE 1) [succeeded] Hall(Entry).B (2A 17 8D 2) ----- Hall MAIN On Test Results ----- Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:38 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.5A CF 13 00 06 LTOFFRR(00) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:38 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 00 00 23 CF 11 00 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:38 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.23 CF 11 00 06 LTONRR (00) Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:38 PM : [ 2A 5 EC 4] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:38 PM : [ 29 46 2C 1] ST 0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:01:39 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.23 CF 11 00 06 LTONRR (00) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frustratednon-geek Posted January 22, 2014 Author Share Posted January 22, 2014 GUEST BEDROOM Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:42 PM : [GRP-RX ] 02 61 24 13 00 06 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:43 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.64.3D 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:43 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.64.3D-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:43 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.6A.2A 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:43 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.6A.2A-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:43 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.6A.2A 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:43 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.6A.2A-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:43 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.64.94 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:43 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.64.94-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:44 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.67.58 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:44 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.67.58-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:44 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.67.C4 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:44 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.67.C4-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:44 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.66.F8 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:44 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.66.F8-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:44 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.69.20 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:44 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.69.20-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:45 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 2A.14.FE 2A.1D.E1 E1 13 FC LTOFFRR(FC) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:45 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 29.40.EF 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:45 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 29.40.EF-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:45 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 29.46.2C 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:45 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 29.46.2C-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:46 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 2A.17.8D 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:46 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 2A.17.8D-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:46 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 26.B5.C5 2A.1D.E1 61 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:46 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 26.B5.C5-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=1, Hops Left=0 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:46 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 2A.05.EC 2A.1D.E1 E1 13 FC LTOFFRR(FC) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:47 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 24.68.0D 2A.1D.E1 62 13 24 LTOFFRR(24) Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:47 PM : [std-Cleanup Ack] 24.68.0D-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=2, Hops Left=0 ----- Hall MAIN On Test Results ----- [succeeded] Hall Chandelier (24 69 20 1) [succeeded] KIT Sconces (24 64 94 1) [succeeded] MBR Table Lamps (26 B5 C5 1) [succeeded] Tom's Bath-ROOM (24 67 C4 1) [succeeded] Dining Fireplace Lt (24 6A 2A 1) [succeeded] Dining Counter (24 64 3D 1) [succeeded] Island kpl.B (29 40 EF 2) [succeeded] Dining Chandelier (24 67 58 1) [Failed] Foyer kpl.C (29 46 93 3) [Failed] Foyer kpl.B (29 46 93 2) [succeeded] Island kpl (29 40 EF 1) [Failed] Foyer kpl.a (29 46 93 1) [succeeded] Hall(Entry).C (2A 17 8D 3) [succeeded] Office Desk Cans (24 68 D 1) [succeeded] MBR Tom kpl.A (29 46 2C 1) [Failed] MBR kpl.D (2A 5 EC 4) [succeeded] Dining Flower Can (24 66 F8 1) [succeeded] Hall(Entry).A (2A 17 8D 1) [Failed] LR kpl LAMPS (2A 14 FE 1) [succeeded] Hall(Entry).B (2A 17 8D 2) ----- Hall MAIN On Test Results ----- Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:55 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 00 00 24 CF 13 00 Tue 01/21/2014 10:05:55 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 00.00.24 CF 13 00 06 LTOFFRR(00) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xathros Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I'd say the media cabinet is the best location of the three tested. In general, it is best to locate the PLM as close to the service cabinet as possible to keep it as central to the electrical system as possible. It is also a good idea to locate 2 access points near the service cabinet one on each phase to bridge the electrical phases centrally. From there, it will be a matter of isolating noisemakers and signal suckers with Filterlincs. -Xathros Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frustratednon-geek Posted January 22, 2014 Author Share Posted January 22, 2014 Thanks Xathros. After I posted my results last night I ran 8-10 more Scene Tests back-to-back, all from the Media Cabinet, and got vastly different results from one to the next. Nothing changed, no fridges cycled on, etc. yet on one test I'd get all success and on the next more than half would show 'failed'. What does success/failure mean on the device list in the middle of the log? What does max hops/hops left mean? The actual scene still seemed to execute even on devices showing as failed... Do I really need access points when I have 40+ Dual Band switchlincs & keypads? Some of the devices failing the scene test were within 10-12 feet of the Dual-band PLM and in j-boxes with 2-3 other devices that didn't fail. If powerline noise is excessive, why isn't the RF just taking over? Thanks again for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xathros Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 In theory a network of all dual band devices should work over RF but... There is some indication that noise on the powerline can cause issues with RF because it can make a device think there is insteon traffic when there isn't. Access points tend to have better RF range characteristics than in the wall dual band devices many of which have their antennas located at the rear of the device. Some dual band devices have shown very directional RF patterns giving them large blind spots. In general, I feel it is best to provide a solid powerline based network and use dual band devices to supplement the powerline and provide local coverage for wireless only devices. I will let others more qualified than I respond to the hops count question. -Xathros Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeG Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 "What does success/failure mean on the device list in the middle of the log?" The Scene Test message sequence starts with a Group Broadcast message that all Scene Responders should react to at the same time. No device sends an ACK to this message because many devices could react to the Group Broadcast message. Following that the PLM sends a Group Cleanup Direct message to each device, one at a time. This message must be ACKed by the individual device. The PLM will send multiple Group Cleanup Direct messages until an ACK is received or the max retries have been attempted. For older pre I2CS devices the retry count is three. For I2CS devices the retry count can be adjusted using the Advanced | PLM Communication. A failure to receive a correct ACK after all retries have been attempted is a failure. "What does max hops/hops left mean?" Insteon devices repeat messages that are received. This is one of the Insteon protocol features that makes Insteon better than X10. As each device receives a message and repeats it the Max Hops count is reduced by 1 which is Hops Left. The fewer Hops used the faster the Insteon network runs. One Hop is always used. "The actual scene still seemed to execute even on devices showing as failed..." A device that reacted to either the Group Broadcast message or one of the Group Cleanup Direct messages but the ACK did not make it back to the PLM is a failure. That is a comm issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frustratednon-geek Posted January 22, 2014 Author Share Posted January 22, 2014 Awesome post, thank you Xathros. That makes perfect sense about the RF actually. A 3000 sq ft house doesn't seem that large but this is a high-end Ranch style horseshoe arrangement on a concrete slab, all-metal j-boxes & cabling, 400 amp main + 2 sub-panels. Lots of low-voltage track & can lighting, probably w/magnetic suckers on them... I've got a spare set of access points I'll give a try tonight or tomorrow... BTW, what's your take on wired-in phase bridges? There's already a whole-house surge protector w/2-pole breaker so install would be easy. I know it's passive and doesn't tx RF so obviously wouldn't be a replacement for Access Points. I think I'm confused but thought I read on here that passive couplers can deteriorate comm in some cases due to some echo or whipping?? Disregard if not. Thanks again for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frustratednon-geek Posted January 22, 2014 Author Share Posted January 22, 2014 Thank you LeeG. I tried to search for an explanation but just couldn't get the gyst. Perfect explanation. I noticed the advanced button and early on set a few problem devices to 3 retries that weren't playing well. I take it the best approach is to leave all at 1 retry and attempt to solve the root(s) of the comm issue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian H Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Passive couplers can pass noise from one phase to the other phase or couple the signal to a signal absorbing device on the other phase. Sometimes effecting communications. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xathros Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I'd go with the Active access points for the phase bridge rather than the passive wired one. The wired one can pass noise and does not re transmit at full power to the opposite phase - access points retransmit and only insteon signals. If you have any X10, that may be an issue. Metal jboxes are death to the RF of a dualband device. Like putting them in a Faraday cage. -Xathros Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frustratednon-geek Posted January 22, 2014 Author Share Posted January 22, 2014 Ok so potential deleterious effect then with the wired-in. I have one on my house and... I just scene tested my all-off scene with and without the phase coupler online and I get perfect comm regardless--I knew there was a reason I live in a 1500 sq ft house Thanks for the info. Will report back w/results on Access Point(s) asap. Love this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeG Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Note that various 240v appliances will couple the phases when they are On. This can present false readings about how well coupling is working without active coupling provided by correctly positioned Access Points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frustratednon-geek Posted January 24, 2014 Author Share Posted January 24, 2014 WOW what an improvement!! ----- TOM'S kpl.e ALL LIGHTS ON Test Results ----- [Failed] Office Lamp2(plugin) (27 CF EC 1) [succeeded] KIT Sconces (24 64 94 1) [succeeded] MBR Table Lamps (26 B5 C5 1) [succeeded] Guest Lamps (23 C9 99 1) [succeeded] Garage kpl.a POOL LT (2A F 13 1) [succeeded] Landscape-KITCHEN (27 C2 71 1) [succeeded] Dining Chandelier (24 67 58 1) [succeeded] Office Desk Cans (24 68 D 1) [Failed] Hall(Entry).f POOL LT (2A 17 8D 6) [succeeded] LR kpl.b LAMPS (2A 14 FE 4) [succeeded] LR kpl.a TABLE LAMP (2A 14 FE 3) [Failed] Hall(Entry).a MAIN ON (2A 17 8D 1) [succeeded] LR kpl.a MAIN ON (2A 14 FE 1) [succeeded] Karen's Bathtub (24 6B 13 1) [succeeded] Sconces MBR (23 CB E5 1) [succeeded] BAR Chandelier (24 68 A5 1) [succeeded] Tom's Bath-ROOM (24 67 C4 1) [succeeded] KIT Pendants (23 CC A3 1) [succeeded] LR kpl.c LED UPLIGHTS (2A 14 FE 5) [succeeded] LR kpl.d PICTURE LT (2A 14 FE 6) [succeeded] Landscape-SUMP (27 C2 A3 1) [succeeded] KIT Entry (24 68 8B 1) [Failed] Side-Pool Pump (29 5A 4E 1) [succeeded] Foyer kpl.d POOL LT (29 46 93 4) [succeeded] Foyer kpl.c HALLWAY (29 46 93 3) [succeeded] Foyer kpl.b MAIN ON (29 46 93 2) [succeeded] Foyer kpl.a MAIN ON (29 46 93 1) [succeeded] Foyer kpl.f FRONT POST LTS (29 46 93 6) [succeeded] Foyer kpl.e OUTSIDE LTS (land (29 46 93 5) [succeeded] Dining Flower Can (24 66 F8 1) [succeeded] MBR Tom kpl.e ALL ON (29 46 2C 5) [succeeded] Landscape-FRONT (27 C2 AB 1) [succeeded] BAR Can (24 65 A1 1) [succeeded] Office Lamp1(outlet) (29 14 89 1) [succeeded] Hall Chandelier (24 69 20 1) [succeeded] Shower (24 6A FC 1) [succeeded] Guest Lights (23 C9 D7 1) [succeeded] Karen's Toilet (24 68 ED 1) [succeeded] KIT Patio-Trash (28 94 63 1) [succeeded] Dining Fireplace Lt (24 6A 2A 1) [succeeded] Tom's Bath-VANITY (24 6B 43 1) [succeeded] MBR Tom Paddle (23 CA 8A 1) [succeeded] Landscape-COURTYARD (27 C2 96 1) [Failed] LR Uplt LED (E) (27 CF E4 1) [succeeded] Dining Counter (24 64 3D 1) [succeeded] Front Post Lights (1D 5F 69 1) [succeeded] Office Lamp3(outlet) (29 14 7D 1) [succeeded] Office kpl.SCONCES (2A 15 94 1) [succeeded] Office Track (24 66 8D 1) [succeeded] Karen's Vanity (24 64 17 1) [succeeded] Office kpl.a BATHROOM (2A 15 94 3) [succeeded] LR LAMP2 (29 16 41 1) [succeeded] Dining Cabinet (28 93 BD 1) [Failed] Front Sconces (24 65 5B 1) [succeeded] MBR kpl.g ALL ON (2A 5 EC 7) [succeeded] Courtyard Lts (24 69 9D 1) [succeeded] MBR kpl.f BATHROOM (2A 5 EC 6) [succeeded] Sconces LIVING RM (23 CC 15 1) [succeeded] LR Picture Lt (26 E6 2D 1) [Failed] LR Uplt LED (W) (27 CE 86 1) [Failed] Island kpl.a HALLWAY (29 40 EF 1) [succeeded] KIT Cans (24 65 F0 1) [succeeded] Foyer Chandelier (24 68 14 1) [succeeded] Dining Track (24 6D 3C 1) [succeeded] Sconces SHOWER (28 F9 C4 1) [succeeded] Sconces BAR (24 6C 45 1) [succeeded] MBR kpl.b MAIN ON (2A 5 EC 2) [succeeded] MBR kpl.a MAIN ON (2A 5 EC 1) [succeeded] KIT Range (24 6A B4 1) ----- TOM'S kpl.e ALL LIGHTS ON Test Results ----- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frustratednon-geek Posted January 24, 2014 Author Share Posted January 24, 2014 Wow, great advice guys thanks again for your help. I didn't realize the new version dual-band switchlinc & kpl's all have red/green LEDs that flash in response to the access point linking. I started out thinking the 2 access points must be in range of each other but after running several dozen scene tests & moving access pair to various locations throughout this large house it occurred to me that straddling the dual/band PLM at the center with the 2 access points on each wing would cast the biggest net. On the North Wing I was still having mixed results with two groups of kpls until I realized the AP was plugged into the same phase as the entire North Wing. Great being able to see which devices are on which phase at a glance. Beautiful, thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.