Sigh, new user stuck trying to add devices

[dave4444]

Sigh, this isn't going as easially as I thought.

Have my new ISY994i up and running, connected with the java admin console fine, however I can't add any Insteon devices.

LEDs are fine (RX not on solid), ISY can detect the PLM, but I can't add anything.

PLM Info/Status: "xx.xx.xx v99 / Connected"

Link -> New INSTEON Devices:

PLM address:
Device is an old PLM, do Restore Modem and try again.

Another device:
Cannot determine Insteon Engine

 

Thoughts?

[Techman]

"Cannot determine Insteon Engine" indicates that the PLM is unable to communicate with the device.

What type of device are you trying to add?

What's the firmware and UI version of the ISY?

If you're trying to add the PLM to the ISY it's not necessary. The PLM is added automatically when you connect it to the ISY via the cable.  Not sure what you mean "Device is an old PLM, do Restore Modem and try again. "

 

 

[Michel Kohanim]

@dave4444,

1. You can NOT link a PLM into ISY
2. Cannot determine INSTEON engine means signal/noise issues OR that the address is correct. It's always best to use Link Management | Start Linking. Also, you might want to move the PLM to a different outlet and one which is not shared with other transformers/power supplies.

With kind regards,
Michel

[apostolakisl]

Sound like you tried to link your PLM as if it were a device.  As mentioned, that is not done.

Perhaps start out with a factory reset of the PLM.  I assume at this point your ISY is still "virgin".

Then link your first device.  I would start with something like a dual band lamplinc.  I assume you also have a dual band PLM (as all of the new ones are).  Plug the lamplinc in near the PLM.  Put ISY into linking mode by clicking the little swirly arrow button.  Push and hold the lamplinc button for a few seconds till it beeps.  You should see it pop up on ISY immediately.  Then click "OK" to let it get added.

If that works, then your plm and ISY are all fine.  If other devices around your house aren't working, then you have some sort of noise or com issue.  As mentioned, keep the PLM on a clean circuit if at all possible.  

[dave4444]

The only device I had at the time was a thermostat (rf only), I installed some light swithces (dual band) and now I can link the thermostat, so either RF is bust on my PLM or it was simply too far away.  Anyway I'm on my way now...

[apostolakisl]

3 hours ago, dave4444 said:

The only device I had at the time was a thermostat (rf only), I installed some light swithces (dual band) and now I can link the thermostat, so either RF is bust on my PLM or it was simply too far away.  Anyway I'm on my way now...

It was probably too far away.  If you want to know for certain, remove everything from your system except a single thermostat.  You can pull the hard disconnect on your dual band switches (the little piece of plastic hidden at the bottom of the rocker switch, use a butter knife to save your fingernails).  Move your PLM/ISY nearby to the thermostat.  If it works, then your rf on the plm works, if not then you either have a broken radio on the plm or you have a non-dual band plm.

[Techman]

Take a look at this link   https://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=INSTEON:_Troubleshooting_Communications_Errors

Insteon is a mesh network, all the non- battery operated devices communicate with one another and relay the commands.

It's important to make sure that both sides of your powerline are coupled. This can be done using dual band devices. The on/off modules, lamplinc dimmer, and range extenders will give you the best results.

The more dual band devices you add the more reliable and stable your Insteon network will become..