re-booting / re-starting

[barrygordon]

My ISY is on a UPS and runs very reliably. However I just lost all Z-Wave communications.  Insteon Communications works fine.  I decided to try a reboot.  Whenever I reboot the system (power Cycle, as that is the only way I know how) the system restarts but is very sluggish. simple operations take seconds.  I then do a second re-boot and when the system comes back up all is normal (Z-Wave is not fixed but that is probably a separate issue and I have started a thread in the z-wave section)  This boot behavior is very regular. Whenever I do it, normally on a firmware change, the same thing happens.  Two re-boots to get things back to normal.  Can someone advise me as to what might be wrong, or is this normal?  

 

The only problem I normally have with the ISY is that it is so reliable that I forget how to do things like troubleshooting and repairing a problem.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi barrygordon,

The first thing would be to look at your programs especially those with Run at startup enabled.

With kind regards,

Michel

[barrygordon]

I have no programs with run at startup enabled.  All my programs run due to some event.  This issue, requiring a double reboot, has always been with me as long as I can remember. It is rare I require a reboot (software quality very high), or a reboot occurs due to a power failure as the system is on a UPS with a fully automatic backup generator.  I am having Z-Wave issues and that is why I thought a reboot might help. I have 4 Z-wave devices, two thermostats and two sensors. I believe the thermostats are communicating but not the sensors.  The sensors were working reliably up until a few days ago.  I am running ISY 4.6.2. ,  Z-Wave 4.55.  I have tried to exclude Z-wave devices.  A listening for Z-wave devices status box appears but it never sees any devices to exclude. I am good with Insteon, but not that familiar with Z-wave.  I believe I have a valid backup, perhaps I should reload it?

 

What do you suggest. 

[larryllix]

Bad Zwave board or even those Molex connectors I saw on the edge of the board oxidising? People using SS-50 bus (SWTP) computers years ago, would lose their stuff seeing those used again. If the firmware constantly tries to access the Zwave board unsuccessfully this may explain the sluggishness.

Take the board out, wipe the pins down with good alcohol or contact cleaner, and plug back in.

EDIT: LOL.  I just noticed your location...salt water atmosphere? If the above works, wipe a very fine thin silicone grease (spray on a clean rag) on the pins before re-insertion

 

EDIT2: Do NOT hot plug or unplug this board!!

[barrygordon]

Larry,  That sounds like a good suggestion. Could you point me to the page that covers the installation of the Z-wave board as I have not done that in a while and my memory is not that good. I am sure that with the installation instructions I can figure out how to proceed.

[larryllix]

38 minutes ago, barrygordon said:

Larry,  That sounds like a good suggestion. Could you point me to the page that covers the installation of the Z-wave board as I have not done that in a while and my memory is not that good. I am sure that with the installation instructions I can figure out how to proceed.

No idea there. I do not have one (yet?). but I see the Molex connector pins and they just pull straight out. Pry one end with a plastic tool until it moves slightly. The danger here, is you pull straight up and one end lets go, bending the pins on the opposite end. Crack the bond at both ends first and then pull straight up.

 

Actually, to prove the problem you can just left each end 1/32" and then push back down, wiping the contact surfaces. If it works, this is the problem. Less risk and should prove the process before getting too technical. Keep your body and hands static discharged, without wool or nylon clothing. I usually ignore that advice and use equipotential techniques. That means one hand is kept in contact with the PCB ground plane at all times. No differences in voltage can be present = no static zaps of the electronics. Then let go of the big PCB foil on the edge last. I assume you are somewhat electronics experienced.