Hello.  I did a number of Google searches before posting this and was unable to find the answer.  I just recently went through all my Insteon devices and added links between them so for example the button on a 6 button Switchlinc labeled living room lights up when I turn on the main living room switch.   (and vice versa)   I also replaced some Switchlincs that were defective and added new ones.   I added all these to the Insteon app on my android phone as well

When I recently fired up the ISY admin console trying to add the replacement module for my stairs, it said error adding it due to unknown Insteon engine.  (no luck solving that one either, I tried multiple times)   Anyway during this process ISY wiped out all the links between my Switchlinc devices.   I picked the 3rd option when adding the new device.  (something like preserve existing links)

 

How do I stop ISY from wiping out my existing links again?

 

TIA!

 

Where the Switchlinc modules linked with the manual set button method or did you use the ISY994i to do the linking?

The ISY994i should be used to do all the linking between modules. Manual set button links maybe corrupted or over written.

Many here recommend a factory reset on any system that was manually linked. To start fresh with no possible half links in modules.

Edited January 12, 20214 yr by Brian H

I never use the ISY for linking.  I just use it for programs and interfacing into my Elk alarm.   Ok, I guess need to redo all the links in ISY.  Yuck.   Thanks!

Factory reset all the Switchlincs?

 

Edited January 12, 20214 yr by irata1967

5 minutes ago, irata1967 said:

I never use the ISY for linking.  I just use it for programs and interfacing into my Elk alarm.   Ok, I guess need to redo all the links in ISY.  Yuck.   Thanks!

Factory reset all the Switchlincs?

 

Yup. It's easy with ISY. Takes about 60 seconds to factory reset each device and click restore in the A/C to replace what ISY already knows. Then add your extra links in ISY. easy-peazy!

 

Thanks.  I have 45 devices and multiple programs/scenes, so it may take a whole day to redo everything.  I'll do it so then the ISY stops erasing my links.   I hope the Insteon app remembers all the devices.

 

Keep in mind, the isy will not be aware of anything you do with the hub. Depending on how you set it up, that can impact your system. 

If you factory reset the modules and are using a HUB with an ISY994i.  The reset will clear out all of the links in the module including the HUBs Insteon ID and links it wrote to the module. So the HUB will not control them.

The ISY994i and HUB will not know each other or see changes made. So they could over write unknown links from the other interface in the modules.

Edited January 13, 20214 yr by Brian H

You can also use one of the ISY apps (UD Mobile, Agave, Mobilinc) for lighting control instead of the Insteon apps. This will allow for more interaction when wanted with all ISY nodes.

Thanks.  I usually don't control my lights with my phone.  I use Alexa with the Hub to do that.  It looks like there may be a way to tie Alexa to the ISY, but it costs a monthly fee?

7 minutes ago, irata1967 said:

Thanks.  I usually don't control my lights with my phone.  I use Alexa with the Hub to do that.  It looks like there may be a way to tie Alexa to the ISY, but it costs a monthly fee?

You would need a subscription to the UD portal. Here is some information:

https://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=ISY_Portal_Installation_Instructions

 

the cost of a portal subscription isn't listed at @DennisC link... but it's very minimal, basically $1.00/month.

$23.00/First Two Years

$12.00/Year thereafter

Looks like it might cost $12/year which seems very reasonable.

23 minutes ago, irata1967 said:

Looks like it might cost $12/year which seems very reasonable.

Yes, and you also get the Network Module included. The portal will also allow easier connection from apps to your ISY without having to port forward.