Test for bad PLM vs ISY?

[ncarney]

Have been using the current configuration since around the beginning of the year without issue. Suddenly communications have essentially stopped. I also have an Insteon SmartLinc controller adjacent to the ISY/PLM and it communicates fine.

 

On the event viewer when I do a query of any device it shows an INST-ACK command with no response. PLM Info/Status dialog shows normal Connected status.

 

How can I test whether the problem is with the ISY vs PLM?

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi Neal,

 

Unfortunately, in your case, the best test would be to replace the PLM and see if the other PLM exhibits the same issue. Or, if possible, simply swap the PLM's location with that of the SmartLinc.

 

Have you recently added anything else to your electrical system?

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

Have been using the current configuration since around the beginning of the year without issue. Suddenly communications have essentially stopped. I also have an Insteon SmartLinc controller adjacent to the ISY/PLM and it communicates fine.

 

On the event viewer when I do a query of any device it shows an INST-ACK command with no response. PLM Info/Status dialog shows normal Connected status.

 

How can I test whether the problem is with the ISY vs PLM?

[Brian H]

Does the SmartLinc have an LED that flashes when a signal is on the line. If it does not flash when the PLM is sending. Then I also would suspect the PLM. That would not be a 100% indication as you may have them on the same circuit and even a real weak [bad PLM] could still make the other LED flash.

 

Since the SmartLinc works and the PLM doesn't. The PLM may have failed.

[ncarney]

1. Swapped SmartLinc and PLM locations; no change.

2. Can't recall adding anything to electrical system.

3. Observed LEDs on PLM, SmartLinc, and ISY:

a. Issued query command from ISY interface.

b. INST-ACK command appears in event viewer.

c. Green LEDs on ISY immediately flash (seems like both Tx and Rx), as do LEDs on side of PLM and SmartLinc.

d. SmartLinc and PLM continue to have 3 or 4 successive flashes, but no corresponding flashes by ISY green LEDs, and no events in viewer.

e. After a second or two, another INST-ACK command appears in event viewer with same results and process repeats one more time after that.

4. Configuration info in case it helps:

a. Hardwired bridge installed on a dedicated circuit. Also re-mounted two AccessPoints just in case hardwire bridge having problem; no change.

b. PLM and SmartLinc are also each on dedicated circuits.

c. All equipment is installed immediately adjacent to main electric panel (no more than 2' circuits).

d. Not experiencing any communication problems device-to-device, nor with SmartLinc-to-device.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi Neal,

 

I must conclude that you have a defective PLM: the fact that you see INST-ACK in the event viewer means:

a. ISY did send the command

b. The PLM responded with an ACK

 

The problem is that the PLM is not hearing any device responses back from the powerline.

 

Please do be kind enough to order a replacement PLM and keep me posted.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[ncarney]

Just to close the loop...I received and installed the replacement PLM, and did a few test queries to verify two-way communications were working again. I initiated a PLM restore and it finished with no issues, so I trust that all is working fine. Thanks for your help.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi Neal,

 

Thanks so very much for the update. Please do keep us posted ...

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

Just to close the loop...I received and installed the replacement PLM, and did a few test queries to verify two-way communications were working again. I initiated a PLM restore and it finished with no issues, so I trust that all is working fine. Thanks for your help.