Problems with new ISY 994i

[Clif]

I got a new ISY994i for Christmas. I am having all sorts of problems. First, when I log in, it says it is in SAFE MODE, because the PLM is missing. What is a PLM? My unit did not come with anything. Is this something else to buy?

 

Next, the program keeps throwing errors. Is this because it is in safe mode?

[arw01]

So do you have zwave or insteon in the house?

 

Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk

[paulbates]

Hi csdunaway, and welcome!

 

To say arw01's comment another way, the isy is a controller that works with specific home automation technologies. It works with Insteon, which requires a PLM controller to send signals to insteon switches and devices. 

 

It can also work with another home automation technology called zwave. Zwave is another home automation technology. There is a special zwave card you need to by and install in the isy to control zwave type devices.

 

An ISY can control either zwave or insteon, or many users have both.

 

Lets start with this.

 

- There should be a sticker on the case of the ISY that says what model it is. Can you report back with what model it is (ISY 994i, ISY 994i Pro)

- What are your goals for your new ISY, what would you like to do? (Fiddle and learn is a good answer)

 

Paul

[Brian H]

Yes you normally need a 2413S PLM. The Zigbee ISY994iZS has a different firmware that does not use a PLM.

http://www.smarthome.com/powerlinc-modem-insteon-2413s-serial-interface-dual-band.html

[Clif]

Thank you, everyone! My ISY is the 994i model. Itt did not come with a PLM module. I checked the link above, ad see it is a Serial interface. There is also a USB model.  With that work as well?

[oberkc]

No.  Use the serial interface version.

[Brian H]

The ISY994i communicates with the PLM by a serial connection. So it has to be the 2413S serial one.

You may want to look at the UDI Wiki. It has many useful information pages and full users manual for the iSY994i.

 

http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

[LeeG]

They do not automatically come with a Serial PLM as some folks have the PLM from using HouseLinc, PowerLinc, etc.

 

Check with the distributor/seller, explaining it was a gift, as an ISY/PLM package is usually less expensive than purchasing the two items individually.  

[Clif]

Thank you. I just ordered the Serial PLM. Hopefully, my new toy will start to work!

 

I wonder why Smart Home would sell the ISY994i without the PLM, if it is required to get it working!

[LeeG]

There are many folks that already have a PLM from previous work with Insteon

[Brian H]

The sales page for the ISY994i alone. Has a note on it that a PLM is also needed.

There is also a kit with the ISY994i and a 2413S PLM. That has a lower price than ordering the two separate. Called a Starter Kit combination.

Side note. When you get the PLM note the labels on the back and let us know what they say. Also the firmware in it as reported by the ISY994i.

[stusviews]

Clif, you haven't responded to the query about what home automation devices you already have, if any.

[Clif]

stusviews,

My home automation has only been with X10 systems for 20 years. But, I also have a PLC that I have program to automate my christmas lights outside.

 

I asked for, and got the IS994i for Christmas. I am hoping to integrate it to control my X10 modules to start off with. Then, over time, add more and more INSTEON  modules. 

 

I am looking forward to using this forum to teach me all I can learn about my new controller.

[paulbates]

Clif

The PLM is the X10 powerline interface instead of the TW523/PSC05. It can support both X10 and Insteon at the same time, and is a way to bridge both technologies while you migrate from one to the other. You can also keep your existing X10 controller and migrate your x10 programs to the ISY at your own pace.

 

You might want to consider purchasing the ISY X10 module, depending how many x10 devices you have and how well you know them by HC/UC versus an assigned name. The X10 Module allows you to name them symbolically

 

My current work assignment is in Greenville, I fly down there weekly on non Holiday weeks.

 

Paul

[Clif]

Paul,

Good to hear from you. Thank you for the information. I also work in Greenville, SC. Maybe we can get together to transfer more knowledge. I am off work next week, though.