NewTech Posted May 18, 2009 Posted May 18, 2009 I just received my 3rd replacement RemoteLinc due to battery failure. This new RL seems to have extra links in it even after several factory resets. No matter which button I press, the LED blinks for several seconds indicating unused links after the button has been released. I've done everything I know to do with this thing and cannot get rid of the blinking LED. Any help is greatly appreciated! PS: Are these RemoteLincs all they're cracked up to be? I'm thinking about changing to the IRLinc. Any thought on that??? Thanks, Mike R.
MikeB Posted May 18, 2009 Posted May 18, 2009 Hi Mike - I haven't heard of any issues factory resetting before. Are you following the procedure in the manual? Are you getting the 2 quick beeps at the end of the procedure (per the manual)? An IRLinc could work for you, but remember that IR requires line of site from your remote to the receiver. The RemoteLinc is RF, so no need for pointing.
Brian H Posted May 18, 2009 Posted May 18, 2009 Yes the two beeps. I accidentally let go of the Bright Button too soon and I believe the reset didn't take.
NewTech Posted May 18, 2009 Author Posted May 18, 2009 Hi Mike - I haven't heard of any issues factory resetting before. Are you following the procedure in the manual? Are you getting the 2 quick beeps at the end of the procedure (per the manual)? An IRLinc could work for you, but remember that IR requires line of site from your remote to the receiver. The RemoteLinc is RF, so no need for pointing. I'm thinking I may have yet another defective RemoteLinc since I have followed the proper procedure for resetting the RL several different times. Each time, I get the two beeps after reset. Pressing ANY button after the reset but before programming any new links into the RL, I DO NOT get the blinking LED. The blinking LED is only after I program in a scene. The IRLinc is looking like a better option to me and the fact that it is line of sight will not make any difference to us. But, if I can get this RL to work I guess I'd rather just keep it since I purchased the RL in a basic start-up kit and would have to return two LampLincs and two access points along with the RL. Steve at SmartHome, any ideas? Thanks,
MikeB Posted May 18, 2009 Posted May 18, 2009 Do all your lights respond as expected after you press the button? Typically, a flashing LED on a RemoteLinc indicates a communication issue or otherwise unresponsive device (for example, an unplugged LampLinc). Steve could probably confirm, but my understanding is that when you press that RemoteLinc button, it sends out a group command. Any devices that are programmed to react upon that group command, that hear the command, react (they turn on, off, whatever you programmed them to do). The RemoteLinc then sends out a direct command to each device it thinks should be a member of that group, and waits for a confirmation to ensure they heard the command. If any of those devices does not respond, the RemoteLinc will re-send the command up to 5 times. If any of those devices does NOT respond after the 5 retries, the RemoteLinc LED will flash indicating something is wrong. If I were you, I would start with a fresh scene and add in 1 responder, then test. If that works, add in additional responders one at a time until you figure out which one is causing the issue.
NewTech Posted May 18, 2009 Author Posted May 18, 2009 Do all your lights respond as expected after you press the button? Mike, every light responds exactly as I have designed them to. This is why I'm thinking there are links stored in the RL that were there from the factory. I'm going to try the reset again tonight and I'll post my results. Thanks for the assistance!
MikeB Posted May 18, 2009 Posted May 18, 2009 If the lights respond as you expect them to, there's still the chance that your RemoteLinc is simply not hearing the acknowledgments. I think I'd still proceed the same as I mentioned above. I'd factory reset, test. Add to an empty scene, test. Add 1 responder to the scene, test. Add a 2nd responder to the scene, test..... I know it's time consuming, but it might help reveal what the issue is.
NewTech Posted May 19, 2009 Author Posted May 19, 2009 Hi, Mike! I did as you suggested but I still have problems with the LED blinking. I also confirmed that I did indeed successfully complete the factory reset procedure. When I pressed any of the buttons immediately after the reset the LED did not blink. But, as soon as I created ANY links doing as you suggested (one by one) when I pressed ANY button, even those that I did not try to link, I got the blinking LED. I’m not sure what to do now but I’m thinking I now have my third defective RemoteLink on my hands. I’m tired of sending these things back so I think I will just order the IRLink. Note: I have buttons 1-3 of the RemoteLinc directly linked through scenes to control three lamps in our great room. The other three buttons (4-6) are set to only control programs and have no direct links programmed. Mike R.
MikeB Posted May 19, 2009 Posted May 19, 2009 If you get the flashing LED immediately after adding a factory reset RemoteLinc to an empty scene, I would guess that the RemoteLinc is not able to get confirmation from your PLM. Do you have an AccessPoint on your PLM? Does the ISY recognize when you press your RemoteLinc buttons (does the status change in the Admin console)? If you want to double-check your link tables, you can show your device links table and compare it to what the ISY thinks it should have: http://www.universal-devices.com/mwiki/ ... e_Database Make sure you put your RemoteLinc into linking mode before trying to read its links table. While anything's possible, a flashing LED doesn't typically indicate a bad RemoteLinc. I've never seen one fail in that manner.
NewTech Posted May 19, 2009 Author Posted May 19, 2009 Do you have an AccessPoint on your PLM? Does the ISY recognize when you press your RemoteLinc buttons (does the status change in the Admin console)? Mike, I do have an AP plugged into the PLM and the PLM is only about 15 feet away from where the RL sits most of the time. I keep getting communications failures now and after several tries last night I was only able to link one device to the RL. If you want to double-check your link tables, you can show your device links table and compare it to what the ISY thinks it should have:http://www.universal-devices.com/mwiki/ ... e_Database) I get constant error messages whenever I try this. I have never been able to get through the entire links table to be even able to compare- it always gives me errors. Make sure you put your RemoteLinc into linking mode before trying to read its links table. While anything's possible, a flashing LED doesn't typically indicate a bad RemoteLinc. I've never seen one fail in that manner. While the flashing LED doesn't really bother me I am concerned that I cannot even program a simple controller and responder scene. I'm at work right now and can't send you a copy of the error message(s) I receive but if memory serves me correctly I think it says "Failed writing device link table" and this happens for ANY combination of responders and/or RemoteLinc buttons. Thanks
MikeB Posted May 19, 2009 Posted May 19, 2009 Ahh, I didn't realize you were having issues reading link tables and creating scenes. This makes more sense in conjunction with yuor flashing LED.
NewTech Posted May 19, 2009 Author Posted May 19, 2009 Ahh, I didn't realize you were having issues reading link tables and creating scenes. This makes more sense in conjunction with yuor flashing LED. So... what do you suggest? Return the third RL for an exact replacement or give up and go with the IRLinc? I'm at a loss but I don't have much faith in these RemoteLincs because every one I've had has had problems. I need something along these lines because it's the only method we have for turning on/off the lamps in our great room other than going to my laptop. We really want the ease of a remote. Thanks, Mike R.
MikeB Posted May 19, 2009 Posted May 19, 2009 I would be surprised if you had 3 bad RemoteLincs in a row, and I've never seen a failure like that. Are communications to/from your other devices in the house, adding/removing from scenes, etc., fine?
NewTech Posted May 19, 2009 Author Posted May 19, 2009 I would be surprised if you had 3 bad RemoteLincs in a row, and I've never seen a failure like that. Are communications to/from your other devices in the house, adding/removing from scenes, etc., fine? After spending several hours (on different days) with Michel K. My system is working FLAWLESSLY I'm pleased to say. I know having three defective RemoteLincs doesn't seem right but I really do think I have another one. This is why I'm thinking the IRLinc might be a better fit. I don't think I'm doing anything wrong with this RL but I might be wrong. I follow the linking instructions very carefully each time I attempt to link. I think these RL's have it in for me!!!!!!!
MikeB Posted May 19, 2009 Posted May 19, 2009 That's good to hear. I'm not sure what to suggest at this point. If you think the IRLinc might fit your needs, give it a try!
NewTech Posted May 20, 2009 Author Posted May 20, 2009 Mike- Here is the error message I receive whenever I try to do a links table on my RemoteLinc: [-200000] Failed reading device link [RL- Recliner] [-10011] SSL request not authenticated [n/a] Any ideas??? I'm going to try a factory reset one last time before I decide what to do. Anyone else having (or had) issuses like these? Thanks!
NewTech Posted May 20, 2009 Author Posted May 20, 2009 Mike- I did another factory reset then attempted to do a links table but got the same error messages. Then I tried to remove the RL from the ISY and here is the code I received: 2009/05/19 22:07:34 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:07:37 : [RL- Recliner] Start : Removing from scene '! Link- Recliner' 2009/05/19 22:07:37 : [RL- Recliner] Removing PLM group 19 as Controller 2009/05/19 22:07:37 : [MNG-LNK-RSP ] 02 6F 80 E2 13 0A 2E B1 00 05 00 15 2009/05/19 22:07:37 : [RL- Recliner] Removing 'GR- Recliner Lamp' as Responder 2009/05/19 22:07:37 : [RL- Recliner] Using engine version i1 2009/05/19 22:07:37 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:07:44 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:07:51 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:07:53 : [GR- Recliner Lamp] Using engine version i1 2009/05/19 22:07:54 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0F.68.58 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:07:54 : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 0F.68.58 0F.D7.83 2B 28 0F SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:07:54 : [standard-Direct Ack][0F.68.58-->ISY/PLM Group=0] Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2 2009/05/19 22:07:54 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0F.68.58 0F 2B B8 06 PEEK (B8) 2009/05/19 22:07:54 : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 0F.68.58 0F.D7.83 2B 2B A2 PEEK (A2) 2009/05/19 22:07:55 : [standard-Direct Ack][0F.68.58-->ISY/PLM Group=0] Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2 2009/05/19 22:07:55 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0F.68.58 0F 29 22 06 POKE (22) 2009/05/19 22:07:55 : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 0F.68.58 0F.D7.83 2B 29 22 POKE (22) 2009/05/19 22:07:55 : [standard-Direct Ack][0F.68.58-->ISY/PLM Group=0] Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2 2009/05/19 22:07:55 : [RL- Recliner] Finish : Removing from scene '! Link- Recliner' was Incomplete 2009/05/19 22:07:55 : [RL- Recliner] Using engine version i1 2009/05/19 22:07:55 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:02 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:09 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:12 : [RL- Sofa East] Start : Removing from scene '! Link- Sofa East' 2009/05/19 22:08:12 : [RL- Sofa East] Removing PLM group 27 as Controller 2009/05/19 22:08:12 : [MNG-LNK-RSP ] 02 6F 80 E2 1B 0A 2E B1 00 05 00 15 2009/05/19 22:08:12 : [RL- Sofa East] Removing 'GR- Sofa East Lamp' as Responder 2009/05/19 22:08:12 : [RL- Sofa East] Couldn't retrieve the root node for . Reverting to i1 2009/05/19 22:08:12 : [RL- Sofa East] Using engine version i1 2009/05/19 22:08:12 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:19 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:26 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:28 : [GR- Sofa East Lamp] Using engine version i1 2009/05/19 22:08:28 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0F.6C.3E 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:29 : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 0F.6C.3E 0F.D7.83 2B 28 0F SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:29 : [standard-Direct Ack][0F.6C.3E-->ISY/PLM Group=0] Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2 2009/05/19 22:08:29 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0F.6C.3E 0F 2B C8 06 PEEK (C8) 2009/05/19 22:08:29 : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 0F.6C.3E 0F.D7.83 2B 2B A2 PEEK (A2) 2009/05/19 22:08:29 : [standard-Direct Ack][0F.6C.3E-->ISY/PLM Group=0] Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2 2009/05/19 22:08:29 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0F.6C.3E 0F 29 22 06 POKE (22) 2009/05/19 22:08:30 : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 0F.6C.3E 0F.D7.83 2B 29 22 POKE (22) 2009/05/19 22:08:30 : [standard-Direct Ack][0F.6C.3E-->ISY/PLM Group=0] Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2 2009/05/19 22:08:30 : [RL- Sofa East] Finish : Removing from scene '! Link- Sofa East' was Incomplete 2009/05/19 22:08:30 : [RL- Sofa East] Couldn't retrieve the root node for . Reverting to i1 2009/05/19 22:08:30 : [RL- Sofa East] Using engine version i1 2009/05/19 22:08:30 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:37 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:44 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:46 : [RL- Sofa West] Couldn't retrieve the root node for . Reverting to i1 2009/05/19 22:08:46 : [RL- Sofa West] Using engine version i1 2009/05/19 22:08:46 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:53 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:54 : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 0A.2E.B1 0F.D7.83 27 28 0F SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:08:55 : [standard-Direct Ack][0A.2E.B1-->ISY/PLM Group=0] Max Hops=3, Hops Left=1 2009/05/19 22:08:55 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 2B E8 06 PEEK (E8) 2009/05/19 22:09:01 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:09:04 : [RL- Watch Movie] Couldn't retrieve the root node for . Reverting to i1 2009/05/19 22:09:04 : [RL- Watch Movie] Using engine version i1 2009/05/19 22:09:04 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:09:11 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:09:18 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/19 22:09:20 : [RL- Watch Movie] Start : Removing device from ISY 2009/05/19 22:09:20 : [RL- Watch Movie] Finish : Removing from ISY was Incomplete Anything look wrong? Thanks, Mike R.[/code]
NewTech Posted May 20, 2009 Author Posted May 20, 2009 Mike- Here is what I got after I removed the RL from the ISY then attepted to reinstall it back into the ISY. 2009/05/19 22:24:13 : ---- Initializing the linked devices ---- 2009/05/19 22:24:13 : ---- All Linked Devices are now initialized ---- 2009/05/19 22:24:13 : ---- Add remaining devices ---- 2009/05/19 22:24:13 : [ A 2E B1 1] Removing all links 2009/05/19 22:24:29 : [A 2E B1 1] Failed getting engine version. Reverting to i1. 2009/05/19 22:24:45 : [ A 2E B1 1] ** Not added ** Remove Device Links failed 2009/05/19 22:24:45 : ---- All Remaining Device Added ---- 2009/05/19 22:27:28 : ---- Initializing the linked devices ---- 2009/05/19 22:27:28 : ---- All Linked Devices are now initialized ---- 2009/05/19 22:27:28 : ---- Add remaining devices ---- 2009/05/19 22:27:28 : [ A 2E B1 1] Removing all links 2009/05/19 22:27:44 : [A 2E B1 1] Failed getting engine version. Reverting to i1. 2009/05/19 22:28:00 : [ A 2E B1 1] ** Not added ** Remove Device Links failed 2009/05/19 22:28:01 : ---- All Remaining Device Added ---- Now it doesn't work at all... Am I doing something wrong???
Michel Kohanim Posted May 20, 2009 Posted May 20, 2009 Hello NewTech, I can't help to wonder if the problem is with the AccessPoints. I keep noticing all those ACKs which are not followed by SRX messages. This basically means that ISY keeps trying 3 times but the RL never responds back. Do you have any other RF device such as Motion Sensors? If so, how are they behaving? I cannot believe that all your RLs would exhibit the same defect and thus we have to look for another source for these issues. I would start by removing ALL your Access Points except ONE hooked up to the PLM. I would try the experiment with the RL next to the PLM/Access Point (make sure to factory reset your RL first). If it fails again, I would swap the AccessPoint with another one. If it fails again, then I would assume that the problem is not the Access Point either. But, let's start from there and then we'll slowly figure out what could be causing these issues. With kind regards, Michel
NewTech Posted May 20, 2009 Author Posted May 20, 2009 Hello NewTech, I can't help to wonder if the problem is with the AccessPoints. I keep noticing all those ACKs which are not followed by SRX messages. This basically means that ISY keeps trying 3 times but the RL never responds back. Do you have any other RF device such as Motion Sensors? If so, how are they behaving? I cannot believe that all your RLs would exhibit the same defect and thus we have to look for another source for these issues. I would start by removing ALL your Access Points except ONE hooked up to the PLM. I would try the experiment with the RL next to the PLM/Access Point (make sure to factory reset your RL first). If it fails again, I would swap the AccessPoint with another one. If it fails again, then I would assume that the problem is not the Access Point either. But, let's start from there and then we'll slowly figure out what could be causing these issues. With kind regards, Michel Michel- Yeah it's me again and this time it isn't a problem with the ISY which I'm pleased to say is working like a dream come true! Last night after I was too tired to contine troubleshooting the RemoteLinc I began to wonder if I do have a defective access point or two. I have no plans for tonight so I will try what you suggested. Point: I do still have the phase coupler installed on our dryer (which I will remove first thing tonight) and I'm wondering if that is where my phases are being coupled and NOT through the access points. I'll let you know what I find. I also received a response from Steve at SmartHome over on their forum and he is planning to call me tonight. Thanks!!!
Michel Kohanim Posted May 20, 2009 Posted May 20, 2009 Hello NewTech, Good to hear back from you! Please do test the AccessPoints and let me know what you find. With kind regards, Michel
NewTech Posted May 20, 2009 Author Posted May 20, 2009 Hello NewTech, Good to hear back from you! Please do test the AccessPoints and let me know what you find. With kind regards, Michel Michel, I tried what you suggested. This time I WAS able to link the RemoteLinc to the ISY but I still get the blinking LED (even after a confirmed successful factory reset). Here is the code I received when I tried to do a device links table: 2009/05/20 18:57:51 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/20 18:57:58 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/20 18:58:18 : [0A.2E.B1.1] Using engine version i1 2009/05/20 18:58:18 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/20 18:58:25 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/20 18:58:32 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/20 18:59:23 : [0A.2E.B1.1] Using engine version i1 2009/05/20 18:59:23 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/20 18:59:30 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) 2009/05/20 18:59:37 : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 0A.2E.B1 0F 28 0F 06 SET-MSB(0F) Steve from SmartHome said he would call to offer his assistance but it's now 7:00 PM in the Eastern Time Zone and I haven't heard from him yet. He said in an E-mail that he was working on a project and I didn't actually get a confirmation from him that he could call tonight. I'll let you know!
Michel Kohanim Posted May 21, 2009 Posted May 21, 2009 Hello NewTech, It seems that for some reason your RL stops responding. I still believe there's something that causing signal interference. Do you have any motion sensors or thermostats? If so, do you have the same problem with them? With kind regards, Michel
NewTech Posted May 21, 2009 Author Posted May 21, 2009 Hello NewTech, It seems that for some reason your RL stops responding. I still believe there's something that causing signal interference. Do you have any motion sensors or thermostats? If so, do you have the same problem with them? With kind regards, Michel Hello Michel, My RL is the only piece of RF equipment I have at this point. I did notice that buttons 4-6 that have NO DIRECT links (I use them only to control programs I've created with the ISY) also give me the rapidly flashing LED. I did another factory reset, verified that there were no links in the RL by pressing each button on then off and the LED did not blink. After I linked buttons 1, 2 & 3 to our great room lamps via the ISY but before I set up the programs for buttons 4, 5 & 6 I checked each lamp on buttons 1-3 and DID get the blinking LED. I also got the blinking LED with pressing buttons 4-6. Now the RL is working as it should but I still get the blinking LED after EVERY button press. Something I just thought of is to do another factory reset then try linking the lamps to the RL without the ISY and see what I would get. Do you think that's worth a try? I guess the blinking LED isn't an issue except that I know it isn't supposed to that and that does bother me I guess because I am so anal ablut these things!
jkraus Posted May 21, 2009 Posted May 21, 2009 Certainly no expert here, but the problem sounds vaguely familiar to my problem I had that when exiting the RL linking mode I pressed one of the key buttons, and this caused all sorts of problems. I was instructed to hit the "Dim" button on the RL to exit linking and it solved my problem. Hope that may help Joe
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