First Time ISY994i ZW/IR PRO Setup: Finding Insteon Devices I Don't Own

[NFLnut]

Set up the ISY994i ZW/IR PRO tonight and upon adding Insteon links, it found the Insteon devices that I DO own but it also "found" about 37 Insteon devices that I don't. Now, it failed on all of the extra devices but I am curious why it thinks it found those and it took an awful long time to set up because it went through them all one at a time. Is this normal behavior?

[Teken]

Set up the ISY994i ZW/IR PRO tonight and upon adding Insteon links, it found the Insteon devices that I DO own but it also "found" about 37 Insteon devices that I don't. Now, it failed on all of the extra devices but I am curious why it thinks it found those and it took an awful long time to set up because it went through them all one at a time. Is this normal behavior?

 

My first guess is you selected add new device and save *Existing* links. If so that might explain why the system found devices and hardware that aren't present. Unless you mean you literally have only five Insteon devices in your home and never used another controller before.

 

Yet the system found 37 unknown devices?

[stusviews]

Is the ISY used? Do you mean the Alexa app?

[NFLnut]

Bought it from Quantum via Amazon, so I was expecting it to be new and unused. And yes, I did do the "save existing links" because I was thinking that if I didn't that the existing settings in each of the Insteon devices would be cleared out which I don't really want to do. Still, each of the extra 37 devices had discrete ID's.

[stusviews]

Each and every Insteon device has a discrete ID. If you already had an Insteon network setup and you added and/or deleted devices at anytime before installing the ISY, then you can expect errant devices if you didn't factory reset the devices and kept existing links.

[Teken]

NFLnut,

 

Just to be clear are you seeing 37 Insteon devices on the left hand side of the device tree? Meaning if you have only five devices the device tree shows 37 more which you don't own or have?

 

That is the first part that needs to be qualified and answered. 

 

If there are no extra 37 devices listed in the tree to the left my humble suggestion is to first delete your devices from the ISY Series Controller. Next hard reset your devices following the full users manual for what ever specific hardware you have. As some unique devices have their own steps to do so.

 

Lastly, I would hard reset the ISY Series Controller to ensure the system is in a default state. If you affirm the controller does indeed show devices in the tree to the left its obvious the product was pre owned.

[NFLnut]

No. They showed up in the popup of devices to be added, but then failed. Thus, they were not added to the device tree. But I was puzzled as to why they showed up as devices to be added in the first place. I have a mix of Insteon and X10 devices from a HA project that began in the late 90s. I am slowly replacing X10 devices with Insteon (which brings me to my next question: how do I add X10 devices to the tree? Do I have to have the X10 addon for that? I have four X10 thermostats that still work well in my setup that I would like to add to the ISY)

 

One other problem that I am having is that I have tried repeatedly to add an 8-scene Remotelinc keypad without success. It can't even find it 3 out of 4 times. I have searched the forum and followed various discussions and sugggestions, including making sure it is fully charged (the Remotelinc has an internal, non-accessible battery that is charged via USB).

[Teken]

No. They showed up in the popup of devices to be added, but then failed. Thus, they were not added to the device tree. But I was puzzled as to why they showed up as devices to be added in the first place. I have a mix of Insteon and X10 devices from a HA project that began in the late 90s. I am slowly replacing X10 devices with Insteon (which brings me to my next question: how do I add X10 devices to the tree? Do I have to have the X10 addon for that? I have four X10 thermostats that still work well in my setup that I would like to add to the ISY)

 

One other problem that I am having is that I have tried repeatedly to add an 8-scene Remotelinc keypad without success. It can't even find it 3 out of 4 times. I have searched the forum and followed various discussions and sugggestions, including making sure it is fully charged (the Remotelinc has an internal, non-accessible battery that is charged via USB).

 

Hello NFLnut,

 

Some quick feedback and perhaps this will help resolve a few issues.

 

- X-10: You do not need the X-10 module you can simply go to the programs tab and select the house / unit code. The X-10 module simply allows the device to be represented in the device tree. Its on sale now so purchasing it is a good way to have the same global view!

 

- Remote Linc: Please ensure you try both methods to add the device. One is using the auto detect where you have to add in the MAC address of the device. Always be cognoscente of the B vs 8, 0 vs o, etc as this has tripped a few people up. To completely avoid this always bring the remote to the 2413S PLM because it is indeed a dual band device and this is how it communicates via RF.

 

Once there select the two whirling arrows and follow the prompts. All you need to do is press and hold the remote until it flashes indicating its in program mode. Once the system sees this it will auto add the device to the controller. Also note if you go and look at the very top there is a option to select 4 vs 8 button and sometimes its required to use that selection.

 

- 37 Devices: So these devices are NOT present in the device tree? If not I would simply hard reset the controller and start from scratch. Keep in mind you must delete your devices first to avoid any future issues! 

[Michel Kohanim]

NFLnut,

 

At this point - and unless you want to remove those devices one at a time - it's best to factory reset ISY:

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

2. Log back in and do File | Restore Modem (PLM) ... if your ISY is factory reset, this will factory reset the PLM

3. Click on Link Management | Start Linking ... MAKE SURE YOU USE THE FIRST OPTION (remove existing links)

 

For your RemoteLinc, it has to be put I programming mode. Please follow ALL the instructions here: http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=ISY-99i/ISY-26_INSTEON:Link_Management_Menu#Link_a_RemoteLinc2

 

With regards to X10, if you want to add them to the device tree, then you need: http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=ISY-994i_Series_INSTEON:Enhanced_A10/X10. Most people don't and just use programs to control X10. Please checkout: http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=ISY-99i/ISY-26_INSTEON:How-To_Guide#X-10

 

If you are still having problems, please do not hesitate to contact our tech support.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[edgar]

I have followed all the instructions and still not able to  link it. The ISY never starts adding nodes; sometimes it says: "incorrect address format or something like that. The address I'm using is 3E.F4.FBV2.0S 1619. Does it look like a correct address format? Not sure if there is a space between the B and the V., and the dot between 3E.F4.FB is "in the air", not the same dot you get when you type on computer.  I'm sitting 4-5 ft from the PLM. I'm going to charge the unit. Any ideas?

[Brian H]

Only use the six digit Insteon ID 3E.F4.FB.

The V2.0S is the hardware revision and 1619  the date code.

[edgar]

Only use the six digit Insteon ID 3E.F4.FB.

The V2.0S is the hardware revision and 1619  the date code.

Thanks a lot Brian, it worked. I'm still amazed as how "things" work when you do it correctly. I should have compared it to the others modules address. Thanks again.