I've have had a ISY99i running in my house for a long time now. In the past few weeks I keep getting "Cannot Communicate With XXX "errors. Any ideas why this would start happening?

Possibly a bad XXX

 

What is XXX?

the name of the device. there are many error messages like this with different device names. 

How old is your PLM? Since all device roads lead to the PLM, and PLMs are known to have a limited shelf life, it might be there.

In addition Paulbates's comment, have  you recently added any new devices? The now discontinued 99i does not support some of the newer modules.

 

The problem could also be caused by interference from electrical devices. Have you added any new electronics?  Do you have any CFL bulbs, if so the ballasts sometimes go bad injecting noise into the power line which can interfere with the Insteon signal.

the PLM is about 2 years old. Hydro Quebec installed a smart meter recently, could it be that? I can't think of anything else. 

Both the PLM and meter are suspect. Two years seems to be the lifespan of the PLM. It's certainly easier to replace than the meter

It's possible that the meter is interfering with the Insteon signal. Do you have any dual band devices and/or access points installed. If not you may want to add access points to improve the Insteon signal ( assuming that the 99i will support them)

No hardware nor software is required to support Range Extenders/Access Points. Range Extenders don't need support at all. These devices work simply by plugging them in. Range Extenders also have a Beacon test to ensure that the opposite legs of the split, single-phase electric supply are bridged.

i do have many dual band and also access points. i'll buy a new plm and let you know....

I changed my plm and everything seems good now. Thank you!

Richard.

 

Glad you're back up and running!

 

(Note to self, get that backup UDI PLM as soon as its available!)

 

Paul

Edited January 6, 201510 yr by paulbates