Insteon Communication Unstable

[jeffstahl]

Hey folks... I have been reading a lot of the communication issues in this forum and still have not found any real solutions. I have typically about 5 different lights that run erratically. I have done the following:

1) Deleted swtich and refound it.

2) Reset my ISY and PLM

3) Replaced switch

4) Unplugged all known sources of noise that I could think of

5) and various other tricks...

They are all included in the "all lights" scene, including several other stable switchs. I am running mostly relay since I do use mostly fluorescent lighting, but my problem affects both.

I also have an Elk System and the Elk PLC also behaves the same, just slow. Any ideas because I am losing my patience?

[oberkc]

My next step would be to run a scene test on your "all lights" scene, and see if there is any indication of communication difficulties. If so, then you can focus your effort on finding your source of communication problems.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello jeffstahl,

 

In addition to suggestions by oberkc, would you be kind enough to let me know if you have any SwitchLinc v.35s in the list of devices that have communication problems?

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[jeffstahl]

I am not a big forum user, so I don't know if my message got to you. I am sorry for my delayed message as well since I travel alot. javascript:emoticon(':cry:')

 

I verified that all my switchlincs are v35. I also run some diagnostics on scene test (all lights). I would have attached the results, but I couldn't figure out this reply process. Sorry, I am a little green with forums. javascript:emoticon(':oops:')

I ran it three times. First time it failed really bad. The second and third time, passed with varied results with a few lights.

 

I don't know, but I bought a batch of refurbished switches, and wondering if they are all bad (even the ones I used to substitute with). The quality control can't be that bad, could it?

 

BTW... Don't know if this is another possibility... I also cannot upgrade my ISY very well. It takes about 50 times (seriously) before I can complete the update. I too have isolated this down to the isy after days of experimentation. It was me with 2 different computers, 2 different routers, direct link, no memory resident applications (including virus) and it still would update. Could this be a timing issue with my ISY?

 

 

Appreciate your incite and experience...

[oberkc]

The failure (even a few devices) of the scene test confirms, to me at least, communication difficulties. There has been a lot of talk about how v35 devices could also contribute to this, but I can't help here. Assuming that it is not a device problem, then it sounds like you get to join many of us and figure out what, in your house, is causing your communication problems. There are many topics about this....how TVs, wall chargers, applicances, CFLs, etc. can cause this. Hopefully, you can find them.

 

Having said this, I would wait until you get a response with regards to the potential for your v35 devices being a problem.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi jeffstahl,

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

I personally think the problem is your SWL 3.5s because they exhibit all the symptoms that have been discussed many times before in conjunction with using v35.

 

As far as your ISY and upgrade, please do be kind enough to try this:

1. Reboot your ISY

2. Use https://your.isy.ip.address/admin

 

Please note that we are using https and not http. If this works, then release 2.7.10 will solve some of these issues (related to how different firewalls add enough delay for ISY to think that the client has dropped off).

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[jeffstahl]

Regarding my Insteon devices... I had purchased most of them less than a year ago. You are suggesting that there was a major flaw with the communication of these devices? Is it only with ISY communicating with them? If it is a flaw, will Smarthome replace these devices?

 

Regarding my ISY...

I forgot to mention that I had rebooted several times and that didn't work. I even erased my isy and reloaded it with a older backup that appeared to be the most stable. I have tried both http and https. As I mentioned, I also swapped my router to no avail.

 

After repeated attempts (and this is no joke) about 50 times, it finally finished a clean update. I have plenty of patience, but enough is enough. Has 2.7.10 been released yet? If so, I would love to try it.. But still, you don't think there is a chance of a timing problem with my ISY?

[jeffstahl]

Oh... before you say it, I also cleared my Java cache a million times (ok, that one was a bit of an exaggeration...

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi jeffstahl,

 

If you have proof that your SWLs are v35s, there's a good chance that SH will replace them.

 

The problem might be ISY related especially since you have tried so many times and variety of techniques. But, I would still like to know if your upgrade proceeds without any problems if you use httpS (not http) again (now).

 

Also, I would like to know if you have any firewall software (not anti virus). I understand that you do not have any memory resident software ... I just need to make sure.

 

2.7.10 should be available shortly (hopefully in the next couple of days).

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[jeffstahl]

Again... reasonable questions and logical responses.

At this point, based on experimentation, I believe I have 2 issues hampering me at the same time. V35 communication and ISY timing. I will contact Smarthome and attempt replacements. What version are they shipping today? Or is there a specific version you recommend?

 

I have been almost exclusively using HTTPS. I will vary from time to time in modify the order just to try any sequence of events to get the upgrade to complete. If you knew all of the tricks and paring down to the obsolete minimum requirements, I think you would be amazed. SO, disabling the firewall on my routers was one of my first steps before attempting an upgrade. Also remember that I have tried 2 routers and 2 computers. My main computer has been recently reloaded so it has the bare minimum software loaded with a clean registry. I use tweakall to disable ALL memory resident apps at startup, including Norton that also has a firewall. There is me, my isy and my router with nothing else.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi jeffstahl,

 

As far as SWL versions, I am not sure what are the shipping versions now but I do know that they are not v35!

 

I believe you and I do not wish to make you go through more testing before trying another ISY. Please do be kind enough to email a copy of your invoice to sales@universal-devices.com and request for an RMA.

 

With kind regards,

Michel