Reliable system

[jwarner964]

Hi Everyone

 

Hope everyone out there is having a great holiday weekend !

I have been installing switches and use a ISY in my home over the past year and haven't had many problems. I read the posts every couple of day for new ideas and to learn how every thing works. Just wondering if there is a place to read how to set a reliable system up. I've read about different things like bridges, access points, filterlincs, I dont really have any trouble with my system so far but dont want any problems later either

 

I have 

14 dual band dimmers

4 outletlincs

1 garage controller

1 leak detector

ISY 994

use mobilinc

 

What things should every set up have to have a good set up

 

Thanks

Jeff

[paulbates]

Hi Jeff-

 

The basic "infrastructure" list for me is:

• Locate the PLM right at the panel if at all possible. giving it the most likely coverage on any circuit
• Whole house power surge protector. It keeps power spikes from damaging my HA investment.
• The signalinc phase coupler in the panel to bridge. It allows insteon signals to travel directly between phases. Its proven valuable to my setup

I use filter things that cause problems. If something stops working after I put in a new computer, TV, etc, I get a filter at that point.

 

Not sure how many of your devices are dual band. Its seems more are coming as dual band.  I try to have phase couplers or dual band devices on each floor and with a clear path to at least one other dual band device or phase coupler.

 

Paul

[oberkc]

1.  PLM on isolated circuit

2.  Access points confirmed coupling phases

3.  Filters where needed.

[jwarner964]

Thanks Paul, oberkc

 

I will for sure put in a surge protector, and phase coupler 

oberkc did you mean a dedicated circuit ? 

 do I need to move my modem and PLM , the modem is  on my desk next to my computer and the PLM is on the same circuit as the computer, I could move both to the basement next to the panel and install a new circuit  for them 

 

Thanks for the help

Jeff

[paulbates]

Jeff

You might have to move your ISY with the PLM, it depends how far away the desk is from the electrical panel. That means running an Ethernet line to where the panel is so the ISY can connect in. I would plan this one, and weigh how big of a project it is. Since you indicate everything works for you, it may not be worth it if means a lot of cost or time to get the wire there.

 

If you decide to do it, the phase coupler goes in a box on the panel and gets 2 new breakers. I made it a double gang box and added an outlet that connected on one of the breakers. That made it a dedicated/isolated circuit, and I plug my PLM in right there on the bridge.

 

I would suggest going ahead with the surge protector and the signalinc.

[oberkc]

 

oberkc did you mean a dedicated circuit ? 

 do I need to move my modem and PLM , the modem is  on my desk next to my computer and the PLM is on the same circuit as the computer, I could move both to the basement next to the panel and install a new circuit  for them

 

Yes, I meant dedicated circuit.  I ran one specially for the ISY.

 

Certainly you need to filter the modem, computer, UPS, etc that are on the same circuit as the PLM.  The PLM is the heart and brain of the system.  There is no need to risk communication to and from the PLM due to other devices on the circuit. 

 

My perceptions are that there are a couple of common causes of poor insteon performance: failure to couple legs of your electrical system, and plugging in the PLM to the same outlet and circuit as your computer stuff without filters.

[Brian H]

You don't have to move the PLM though getting it off the computers circuit to prevent noise and signal absorption. Should be done.

 

Many do find closer to the breaker panel works best for them.

 

In my case. I have a 1626-10 FilterLinc on my UPS that is powering all the computing equipment and the 2413S PLM in its unfiltered front pass through outlet.

http://www.smarthome.com/filterlinc-10-amp-plug-in-noise-filter.html

[larryllix]

Basically ditto the above.

 

I installed a double breaker 3 wire circuit into the first box, as close to the distribution panel as possible, containing an old X10  phase coupler bridge that is supposed to handle Insteon signals also.

 

From there I ran one phase to three more surface mount receptacles, creating a power bar arrangement, where my PLM, ISY and my older alternative energy system monitoring computer and monitor is plugged-in. My ISY is perched atop one surface mount receptacle facing semi-upwards.

 

I have another panel run by a UPS system with two 120 Volt phases that are all Insteon device signal repeated to. No signal bridges connect these to the main panel other than Insteon plug-in devices. When the power is out ISY is dead anyway so I have never tested if the signal transfer is successful when on UPS. Any backed up lights are all manually switched on.

[Dale T]

Has anyone used a wireless extender with Ethernet ports as an option to plug their plm into in order to get it closer to their breaker box?

 

At the moment my internet drop is in my roommates closet as it is in a central location in the house. My breaker box is in the front corner of the house in the kitchen pantry.

 

My current plan is to relocate my internet drop to the garage and move everything there (giving me more room and not having to bother my roommate if I need to tweak things).

 

I do have a whole house surge protector in the panel. Also have a sub panel in the garage.

 

Since installing my ISY a few days ago and installing a few insteon devices my x10 wall outlets that I previously couldn't reach (even though I have the phase coupler in the main panel) are now functional! Yea!

 

Any recommendations?

 

Thank you.

[apnar]

Not sure exactly what you're suggesting but the communication between the ISY and PLM is not Ethernet.  You could potentially use a wireless extender to connect your ISY to your home network though.

[jwarner964]

Thank every one for the advice. I'm going to install a surge protector, just got one and am ordering the phase coupler with the sale 20% off today and am going to move everything to a location near the panel on a dedicated circuit

 

Thanks, Jeff

[larryllix]

Thank every one for the advice. I'm going to install a surge protector, just got one and am ordering the phase coupler with the sale 20% off today and am going to move everything to a location near the panel on a dedicated circuit

 

Thanks, Jeff

As you add dual band Insteon devices the signal usually gets more reliable also.