What's Going On With This Switch?

[johnmsch]

I have a 2466DW (Rev 6.4/1516) controlling 4 lights, but the lights will not turn off.  When I turn the switch on or it is switched on by a scene its a member of, the LED goes out.  However, turning the switch off, the LED comes on but the lights stay on.  I tried air-gapping the switch letting it sit for a few minutes, but as soon as I pop it back in place the lights immediately come on and will not turn off.  I then tried the factory reset and restored the switch from the admin console.  Still can't turn the lights off.  Is there anything else I could try?

Assuming this switch is bad, I have a couple new switches and can replace this one with a new one, which brings me to my second question.

This switch is part of a scene which is controlled by a program and also controlled by a key on a keypad.  After replacing the switch, is it possible to name the new switch the same as the old one so that I don't have to manually update any programs/scenes?

 

[Teken]

6 minutes ago, johnmsch said:

I have a 2466DW (Rev 6.4/1516) controlling 4 lights, but the lights will not turn off.  When I turn the switch on or it is switched on by a scene its a member of, the LED goes out.  However, turning the switch off, the LED comes on but the lights stay on.  I tried air-gapping the switch letting it sit for a few minutes, but as soon as I pop it back in place the lights immediately come on and will not turn off.  I then tried the factory reset and restored the switch from the admin console.  Still can't turn the lights off.  Is there anything else I could try?

Assuming this switch is bad, I have a couple new switches and can replace this one with a new one, which brings me to my second question.

This switch is part of a scene which is controlled by a program.  After replacing the switch, is it possible to name the new switch the same as the old one so that I don't have to manually update any programs/scenes?

 

If the switch is the same just add the new switch and than click on the old one and right mouse click and select replace with. Obviously, you will select the new switch you just added to the system and all of the settings will transfer.

[johnmsch]

Thanks so much Teken.  The replacement worked perfectly.  Can't believe that after all these years, I never noticed that functionality existed.

Kinda curious that the admin console shuts down and has to be restarted after the replacement is done.

[Teken]

Thanks so much Teken.  The replacement worked perfectly.  Can't believe that after all these years, I never noticed that functionality existed.
Kinda curious that the admin console shuts down and has to be restarted after the replacement is done.

Now, here’s another feature you should know or be using. Select that new switch in the device tree. Right mouse click and select notes.

Populate that field with the previous hardwares information such as location, purchase date, install date, hardware revision, firmware, and problem issues. Once done add a new line entry adding for the new hardware so you can track past and historic issues.

Use the same notes field to track any battery operated devices listing out battery install, brand, and service life.

Ensure you make a few backups of the ISY Series Controller. One local to the main computer, one on a USB drive, and one for cloud storage.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[johnmsch]

I've noticed that notes field many times before, but just wasn't sure what it could be used for.  Now it makes sense.  I'm in the process of updating them for all the items I have receipts/dates/comments for.

Regarding the switch I just replaced, if I had notes on the switch being replaced, I'm assuming that when I swapped it out with the new one, the old notes would still be there?

Can't thank you enough for all you do for this community.  This is one of your best tips!

[Teken]

7 minutes ago, johnmsch said:

I've noticed that notes field many times before, but just wasn't sure what it could be used for.  Now it makes sense.  I'm in the process of updating them for all the items I have receipts/dates/comments for.

Regarding the switch I just replaced, if I had notes on the switch being replaced, I'm assuming that when I swapped it out with the new one, the old notes would still be there?

Can't thank you enough for all you do for this community.  This is one of your best tips!

The notes for the existing switch would remain once you completed the swap. A few things which throw people a slight curve are these:

- New Hardware: People will accidentally input data into the *Notes* field for that new hardware. Doing so will (during a swap / replace with) will cause you to lose that information because that new hardware was literally removed and takes on the identity of the old hardware.

- Multi-Node: Another thing that throws people off is forgetting where the notes were inserted. If a device has more than one node like say a KPL. A note can be placed in any of the 5-8 nodes. So, if you insert a *Note* into say button (G) and forget its location thinking its in button (A). One would think the notes disappeared when in fact they simply inserted said notes in the wrong node. It's obviously easy enough to just right mouse click and view what's present in each of the nodes. This is why out of best practice I always use the first node for the notes entry unless there is a specific reason say for programming as to what the button does?

EXAMPLE: Just going off memory but this is what the entries generally look like.

2477D Switch Linc Dimmer Dual Band - Location: Kitchen

Insteon ID: XX.YY.ZZ, Hardware: v1.2, Firmware: v.93

Purchased: Smarthome March 22, 2020 New, Used, NOS, Installed April 01, 2020

Problem: All On, KPL Blinking, No Load Control

Replaced: 2477D Switch Linc Dimmer - Single Band

==============================================

For battery operated devices I do all of the above but as stated make an extra line entry like.

Battery Replaced: October 15, 2019 Duracell

Battery Replaced: January 15, 2020 Energizer 

==============================================

Leak Sensor: This device requires a manual reset upon wet detection. This device auto resets upon a dry condition, etc

Hidden Door Sensor: This device has been set to report in at 8 hour heart beat interval.

[Teken]

Another tip in case you have not done so is to generate a *Topology Report*. Doing so will literally show you all of the associations and various metrics about your Insteon network. This will really help you in case a complete rebuild is in order where a back up fails and you have no clue what is linked to what.