Insteon Lamp Linc Dimmer 2457D2 Review

[Teken]

INSTEON LAMP LINC DIMMER:

 

 

On December 19, 2014 I received my second set of (2457D2) Dual Band Lamp Linc Dimmers and wanted to provide an over view of the latest features and attributes. This will be a reference link for the most common questions and answers that may be asked about this current product.

 

Ultimately, this information is being provided to the forum members in hopes of keeping the most relevant information in one spot.

 

More details including the users manual can be located at the vendors site here:http://www.smarthome.com/lamplinc-insteon-2457d2-plug-in-lamp-dimmer-module-dual-band-2-pin.html

 

Current Users Manual: http://cache.smarthome.com/manuals/2457D2-en.pdf

 

1. Dual Band: Transmits over both RF and Power Line. Effective line of site RF range is stated as 150 feet.

 

2. Controller: This latest version can be used as a controller / responder. 

 

3. Minimum load is indicated as 5 watts to a 300 watts max. Supported loads are only incandescent

 

4. Power Consumption: <0.75 - 0.84 Watts

 

5. Surge Rating: Indicates a surge resistance of over 1000 volts.

 

6. LED Indicator: This release will blinks when Insteon traffic is seen.

 

7. Error Detection: This device will bink Red if one or more Insteon devices do not respond. It will blink Green if the receiver devices Acks the message.

 

8. Phase Coupling: This device can be used to confirm proper coupling / bridging. This is one of the few devices that do not have a 4 minute timer. It will remain in the phase (beacon) detection test mode until the end user presses the set button.

 

This is the new packaging for the dual band lamp lincs:

 

 

This is the front face of the latest 2457D2 units:

 

Back View: This version uses a bar code with a new adhesive sticker for the Insteon I.D. Historically these labels would simply fall off after a year. The one that has the ID appears to me like it will remain on for the duration of the product. The one of the left unfortunately appears to be using the same terrible sticker which in this case literally was not stuck on when received it.

 

Best practices is to apply some clear tape to ensure the hardware revision stays on.

 

 

 

Side view:

 

Bottom View: 

 

This is a comparisons of a early 26 week of 2010 model vs a 38 week of 2014 model. The one on the left is the 2010 which has raised embossed Smarthome lettering vs the 2014 with the stenciled Insteon name plate.

 

What may not be apparent (my apologies for the terrible pictures) are the color differences. The older style was a more frosted white. The newer 2014 model leans toward a cream / egg shell white.

 

 

Side view of the two units the one on the left is the 2010 and has the (set) button labeled vs the newer 2014 has no markings at all?

 

Saving some ink cost?

 

 

This is a comparisons of the back side of the two devices. As you can see from past years the hap hazard approach of sticking on multiple stickers upon each other has been abandoned and now only use two stickers.

[Teken]

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

 

Q: Does this unit make any noise when turned on / off?

A: No, it does not make any noise when turned on / off.

 

Q: Will this device act like a Access Point (AP) Range Extender (RE)?

A: Yes, this device will help couple / bridge the two sides of the electrical feed in the home. 

 

Q: Does this device meet the energy consumption rating stated by Smartlabs?

A: Yes, based on a few quick measurements and data logging this device does indeed consume less energy than previous generations of devices.

 

The stated energy consumption is <0.75 -0.84 watts and I was able to measure and detect similar readings on three of four of the units. 

 

One unit was just a shy under 1 watt as can be seen in this data capture:

 

 

In this graph there are three lines the first line is when the device was first plugged in showing a 1.2 watt rise in wattage. Once it settled down the (middle) line (I know its hard to tell) it settled back below <0.85 watts. The third last line is when I pushed the on button to see if the unit would spike back up which it did to 1.1 watts then went back to approx <0.85 watts.

 

Q: Does this device remember the last known state after a power outage or when plugged back in?

A: My hardware release of 3914, Rev 3.6, ISY firmware v.43 upon loss of power returned to a off state.  In hardware release 2610, Rev 1.23 it returned to the previous known state of either on / off.

 

Q: Is this new release built better and will it last longer than two years?

A: A quick look under the hood indicates several upgrades to the components. The primary (green) capacitor has been increased in size and uses a different brand.

 

The heat sink has a large (black ) isolation pad mounted to the rear. The green choke also has a black isolation pad placed underneath.

 

The newer 2014 model also has an added capacitor under the metal heat sink which was not part of the original design.

 

  

This is the older 2010 model with a close view of the internals.

 

This is the back side of the older 2010 model. The newer model has 2-3 more components added in but I was unable to identify what they were given the cramp view from underneath. My guess (based on size) is there are a few more resistors in place and a zener diode.

 

This might explain the new 1000 volt surge protection rating as I could not see any MOV's unless these are them?

 

 

Just another view of the older 2010 model for historic purposes:

 

 

Q: Why does the new manual indicate a flow chart to complete some steps but don't work when applied to the model I have?

A: I am unsure why this manual exists explaining how to perform the various steps or calls out new features which clearly do not apply?

 

The hardware 3914, Rev 3.6 ISY Firmware v.43 does not seem to follow the diagram or even have the options of turning off the following features via software: The manual indicates the beep can be turned on / off the ISY has no options listed.

 

Disable local programming, this option does not exist in the ISY. Blink on traffic, again there are no options to enable / disable. Error blink, this feature does not exist in this model or is not available in the ISY?

 

This device has an option to set the device communications retries from 0 to 9. I am unsure what this is intended to do as it would go against the 3 max hop count outlined by Smartlabs. More details about how retries are used and applied in the iCS2: http://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/11690-understanding-retries-in-isy/?hl=%2Bdevice+%2Bcommunication+%2Bretry&do=findComment&comment=109040

 

 

Q: What is the default ramp rate of this device?

A: The default value is set to 0.5 seconds but can be reduced to 0.1 seconds.

 

Q: What kind of dimmer technology does this model use?

A: Leading edge triac dimmer

 

Q: Does this model support the X10 protocol?

A: No, this model has removed all native support for X10. 

 

Q: Does this device leak current which causes low consumption LED's to glow?

A: Yes, based on historic feed back from users this model does leak a small amount of current. The solution is to place a small load (night light) to the end of the LED string to turn off the LED lights.

[Teken]

This is the older Lamp Linc 2456D3 for those just getting into Insteon:

 

 

Side View:

 

 

Bottom View:

 

 

Back View: 

 

 

Comparisons of the two models together:

 

 

Internal view of the board and component layout:

 

 

 

The massive heat sink used in the early models:

 

 

I wanted to see how the older units energy readings were inside of this power supply. To my surprise this hardware produced in the 18 week of 2009, Rev 4.4 with ISY firmware consumed only 1 watt.

 

Below is the initial plug in of the unit which you can see started to consume 0.82 watts.

 

 

After a few minutes the energy level climbed up while under normal (idle) operations. As it can be seen the energy consumption is 1 watt or 0.08 amps. I am a little surprised this version was almost as efficient as the newer style releases.

 

I understand during the initial release of this product the PSU was redone and deployed a completely different design. This particular unit may be the first batches which used the new design and hence why its more efficient then the Appliance Links which I have.

 

Those range in 1.00 to 1.46 watts for the different hardware releases I have on hand.

 

[Brian H]

Do yours new ones follow the set button flow chart?

There the earlier revision of the 2457D2 that does not follow the flow chart. My v.41 firmware does not follow the flow chart.

[k5map]

Have you by chance tested the new device with LED lights to see if there is any leakage?

[Teken]

Have you by chance tested the new device with LED lights to see if there is any leakage?

 

No, I have not but have read numerous times that they do indeed leak a small amount of current. So, your only solution is to place a small load on to the end of the string like a night light to keep the LED string off.

[Teken]

Do yours new ones follow the set button flow chart?

There the earlier revision of the 2457D2 that does not follow the flow chart. My v.41 firmware does not follow the flow chart.

 

Brian H,

 

I won't lie to you.

 

I am having a real hard time understanding and following the new flow chart. I really have no clue what I am reading or what steps to perform.

 

Any insight or help in this regard and I shall give it a try.

[Brian H]

My refurbished 2457D2 was of an earlier firmware revision. v.41
I downloaded the Users Manual from the sales page and it was for the firmware with the flow chart.
I was trying to use the communications test.
Flow chart says. Hold set till green flashes, hold set till red flashes, hold set again till green flashes.
Mine would only do the first flashing Green {Linking}, flashing Red {Unlinking} but holding the set button again. Just got a double flashing Red [multiple unlinking}.
I did find an older 2457D2 Full Users Manual and it used the old four tap communications and not the hard to understand Set Button Flow Charts.
Guess owners of the older firmware may not find the needed information as the manuals pages only have present model 2457D2 manuals.

[MustangChris04]

Hi Teken,

 

According to your Q&A you state it has a triac dimmer. Just want to confirm your findings because I am purchasing a LED driver that is compatible with leading and trailing edge triac dimmers.

 

http://www.meanwellusa.com/webapp/product/search.aspx?prod=PCD-25

 

Thanks,

Christopher

[Teken]

Yes Sir, that is correct!

 

 

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The highest calling in life is to serve ones country faithfully - Teach others what can be. Do what is right and not what is popular.

[MustangChris04]

Great, thanks!