Communication issue with PLM and I/O Linc

[pintu1228]

Hi everyone, I am a newbie at all this automation stuff.  I am having difficulty using the garage door kit (insteon).  Every time I send a signal from the ISY-994i, I get a message saying communication problem for the sensor.  I have the PLM connected in the basement where I have a equipment rack (there is only 2 plugs by the breaker where the rack is).  I also bought 2 Access points which I have placed 1 of them in the family room (about 20' from garage through a wall) and the other is on the 2nd floor bedroom.  I don't know if they are actually doing anything (how can I configure them to make sure they are actually working?).

 

The problem I am having is when I try to close my garage with the ISY-994i console, it keeps giving me a communication sensor error like the one below.  It has worked one time and then I kept getting the message.  

 

I have actually had to find a workaround that I found on youtube for my chamberlain garage door.  

 

 

Any help would be great,

 

Thanks

[paulbates]

Hi

Does the door ever move, or you just get that message? It sounds like the garage door opener motor is creating noise that is preventing the acknowledgement from the ISY completing.  Or the signal is not reaching the IOLinc connected to the door.

 

Here is an idea, plug one of the access  points in behind the IOLinc. My guess is that will make it work. This is not a long term solution, but give it a try to see if that helps. If it does, we can go from there (you are not supposed to "stack" Insteon devices, but you can try it to see if it solves the problem)

 

You'll want to look at the directions for the access points and see how to verify you have them set to bridge the two power phases of your house.

Edited September 3, 2014 by paulbates

[Techman]

Depending on what else you have plugged into the same circuit as the PLM, it's possible that something (in your rack?) is interfering with the PLM powerline signal.  A UPS or computer close to the PLM will have an adverse effect on your PLM signal. Try using an extension cord and plug the PLM into a different circuit if possible. Keep in mind that the I/OLinc is a powerline only device. If that resolves your issue then you need to isolate the device that's interfering with the PLM with a FilterLinc.

[pintu1228]

I thought I was not allowed to plug in the PLM into a extension cord.  I don't have a UPS but have a power conditioner for my equipment, don't know if that is the culprit.  I read on a post on this forum to use the two accesspoints and plug in near the junction panel, do you think that would work?

 

Paulbates:  The garage door doesn't move at all now, it initially moved to close the garage door but then kept getting that error.  Oh, forgot to mention that I get an error saying no internet access???

[paulbates]

So plugging the access point right in the inlinelinc didn't do it. I would say moving the access point causing a behavior change says that there is a noise problem on your powerline.

 

Make sure the PLM is close to the panel and not near noise sources like motors or UPS.

 

Unplug the access points and find the closest outlet you can close to the panel and on the opposite phase. Use linking mode as described in the document link below and make sure you have a good connection across phases. Then experiment with the location for other access point.

 

Metal furnaces, ducts, pipes, breaker panels, etc will block the rf signal. It will take some trial and error to get the signal right on your powerline. If you have a spare lamplinc, use it to go around your house and test signal as you try locations for your access points. Its a slow, not fun process, but eventually you figure it out

 

Kids with walkie talkies make this a lot easier if you have both. Mine thought this was fun.

 

http://www.insteon.com/pdf/2443.pdf

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[stusviews]

A power conditioner will definitely affect the INSTEON signal. That's what the conditioner is for, to remove any line noise. Mine's on a FilterLinc, made all the difference.

 

Also, although not recommended, I have bunches of stacked INSTEON devices with no communication nor heating problems. If heat is a problem for you, then simply insert a triple tap between the devices.

[Techman]

Paulbates

 

The extension cord would be for testing purposes only, just to try to isolate your issue by moving the PLM away from equipment that may be interfering with your powerline signal. Use a cord that has a ground.(3 prongs).