New 994 - Linking Will Not Start

[jgcharlotte]

This a new 994 and new PLM.  PLM status appears to be ok, it is connected (per PLM Info/Status).

Linking will not start.  I click on Link Mgt>Start Linking, choose any link option > Finish, it just goes back to the same screen, does not present a 'linking in progress' dialog.

Ideas?

 

Thanks.

[LeeG]

Did you identify which device to add to the Linking in Progress popup?

 

The first popup should have been the Linking in Progress popup.

 

What does Help | About show for

 

Firmware?

UI?

[jgcharlotte]

Ok, I do get the 'linking in progress' with the 3 options.  But when I put the module in linking mode, nothing shows up, either before or after clicking 'finish'.  On my old 26, it would pop up a linking progress dialog.

Info attached.

[LeeG]

The device to be added has the Set button pressed for 3-5 seconds.  This should not leave the device in linking mode.  The PLM may not be in contact with device being added.   Are the 2 120v legs coupled?   If the PLM is put into beacon test (4 taps of PLM Set button, are the coupling devices responding with one on the opposite 120v leg?

[jgcharlotte]

I moved the ISY and PLM to the same location as my existing ISY and PLM.  I have virtually zero communication issues there.  Still no luck.  Some of these modules are pretty old.  I assume the new ISY is compatible?

[LeeG]

I have some pretty old Insteon devices that have not had problems.

 

Try using New INSTEON Device rather than Start Linking.   Enter Insteon address, Name of your choice, and leave Auto Discover. The newer Insteon devices have a different linking command sequence.  I have not seen the newer command sequence cause problems with older devices.  No need to press Set button on device being added unless a battery powered device which you would not be using with the 026.

 

What type device have you been trying to add to the 994i? 

 

Did you run the 4 tap beacon test?

[jgcharlotte]

I tried adding manually (I actually prefer it that way), I think I got a 'cannot determine Insteon device type' error or something like that. I'll try it again.  It's an old LampLinc 3 pin, 2456D3.  I tried another one, same result. I didn't do the test, just moved the PLM to a known good location, the same outlet that my old 26 and PLM are on and working fine.  It shouldn't matter  if there are two PLM's I wouldn't think.  The old one is working fine.

[larryllix]

There is no linking mode  needed on newer LampLincs. Pressing the link button may lock it out of co-operating??

[stusviews]

There is no linking mode  needed on newer LampLincs. Pressing the link button may lock it out of co-operating??

 

Interesting. Both the QSG and Owner's Manual describe using the set button to link the LampLinc.

[larryllix]

Interesting. Both the QSG and Owner's Manual describe using the set button to link the LampLinc.

Only to link to other Insteon modules. The user manual does not address ISY linking.

 

ISY doesn't require that technique.

[john410]

I tried adding manually (I actually prefer it that way), I think I got a 'cannot determine Insteon device type' error or something like that. I'll try it again.  It's an old LampLinc 3 pin, 2456D3.  I tried another one, same result. I didn't do the test, just moved the PLM to a known good location, the same outlet that my old 26 and PLM are on and working fine.  It shouldn't matter  if there are two PLM's I wouldn't think.  The old one is working fine.

Was the error "Cannot determine Insteon engine"? That's all I ever get. I can't add Insteon LampLincs.

[jgcharlotte]

Yes, I'm sure I got the 'insteon engine' error once, but I tried it again and got 'cannot determine device type'.

I tried 2 different modules, one Lamplinc and one Appliance (2456S3) and got both of them to link.  So I don't know what is going on.  They were in a different part of the house, so I need to try the one that would not link in those locations, but I'm not having any issues with my old system.

[jgcharlotte]

Interesting, I moved the Lamplinc that would not link to a location of one that would link, and it linked just fine.  Took it back to the location where it would not link and it responds to commands perfectly.  I have 4 new Lamplinc's on the way, I have a feeling there is some incompatibility with the old stuff.  Even though these are all 2456, some are v28, some are v33, so there are differences.  At least now I know the basic hardware is working, I'll just start rebuilding the system, using newer hardware when necessary.

[stusviews]

That's every indication of poor communication. The primary cause is that the opposite legs of the split, single-phase are not bridged. Other causes include signal stompers, those that put a lot of noise on the power line and signal suckers, those that clean the power line. Examples of the former are wall warts and (mostly older and/or generic) computer power supplies. Line conditioners and UPS are power line cleaners, as they should be.

 

In either case, it's the culprit, not everything that needs to be filtered.

[jgcharlotte]

Yeah, I had a bedroom lamp module that would not work at all, I installed a Filterlinc in front of the TV/sound bar/cable box and it hasn't failed once.  I have another one, I need to figure out the best place to install it. It should improve also once I get everything moved over to the new PLM.  At least I know that the hardware basically works.  I have a pair of range extenders installed also.

[stusviews]

The best place to install filter is on a known troublemaker. Unplug or disconnect the suspected device. Just turning it off is inadequate. If communication improves, then you've found the culprit. If communication does not get any better, then adding a filter there is a waste.

 

Just installing/plugging in Range Extenders is inadequate. You must also use the beacon test to ensure that they're communicating from opposite legs of the split, single-phase electric supply.

[jgcharlotte]

Yes, I followed the procedure to make sure they are on two different phases.  It took a few tries, but I got it.  Ended up being one upstairs, the other downstairs, which I guess makes sense.  Who knows how it's wired, though.