IOLinc Relay Not Getting Juicy

[bktong]

Hi All,

I have two IOLincs v.33 controlling my garages. The controllers are a KPL and ControLinc on the same circuit. The garage circuit is on the same phase as the controllers. More than 50% that the CL can't open or close the garage doors. The KPL are more reliable to almost 95%. I have filters everything in the controlling circuit and have no other communication problems to other devices, even to the other devices in the garage circuit.

 

Facts:

1. I've done scene tests to both garage scenes with "succeeded" 100%.

2. The "Current State" always turn to "On" when press the CL no matter if the door react to the CL.

3. Then query the scene, the Relay would change from "On" to "Off".

4. The IOLinc sensor have no problem sending the signal to my KPL.

5. Wired to NO (Sensor On when the door is closed and Off when opened).

6. LED TX, Trigger Reverse, & Momentary C are checked.

7. Press CL On button to open and Off to close.

 

Questions:

1. Any known problems with v.33?

2. Should querying the Relay status be "Off"?

 

It looks if the IOLincs are not getting enough juicy to activate the relay to open/close the doors.

 

Thanks.

bktong

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello bktong,

 

Please note that if you are using any of the momentary modes, the IOLinc does NOT send a status update when the relay turns on (or off) after the timeout set for the momentary mode. This might explain one of the issues.

 

The other question is whether or not there's any pattern to that 50% of the time when your CL cannot control your IOLinc. i.e. it happens when the door is already open? it happens when the door is already closed? It happens when the KPL is on or off?

 

In short, we need to make sure your setup is correct before trying to figure out if there are any noise issues.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[bktong]

Michel,

Thanks for explaining the Momentary and the relay status.

 

The CL with 50% reliability happens at any situation. No matter whether the KPL is on or off; the garage opened or closed. I followed the UD instructions by putting the KPL, CL, and the Relay into a Control scene. Then put the sensor into another scene.

 

It could be noise but here is a thing I am do to go around it. I put the CL out of the Control scene and wrote the following program to turn Off (close the door) and another program to turn On (open the door).

If

Control 'Office ControLinc / Office ControLinc - 4' is switched Off

 

Then

Set Scene 'Large Garage Control' Fast Off

 

Else

- No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

Notice it is a "Fast Off' and "Fast On". For some reason, using "Fast Off/On", I get more better results. Same good results if press the On button twice (as Fast Off/On) when I didn't use the program. It seems like just On press does not have enough juice to trigger the relay.

 

The program only helps me by not have to press the button twice.

 

Thoughts?

 

bktong

[bktong]

Michel,

 

Forgot to mention that the On Level for the Control scene is set to 100%. So, it is not that I have set the On Level < 100% for the On press not to trigger the relay. Just want to clarify.

 

bktong

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi bktong,

 

Then I suspect the problem is noise related. The fact that scene test succeeds means that ISY communications to the scene is good. What we need to do is to take the CL and plug it right into the IOLinc and see if it helps. If it does, then we have to figure out what could be sucking up the signals on the path.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[bktong]

Michel,

I'm not ruling the noise out but why would "Fast On" work much better to a point of almost 100%. If it's noise, "Fast On/Off" would have the same issue.

 

That said, I have plug the CL elsewhere (even to the same circuit as my problem room) and it does help. I have same "noise" issue with a few SWLs but came to find out they were v.35. Just wonder whether I am on the same wild goose chase again.

 

bktong

[Michel Kohanim]

bktong,

 

Please bear in mind that SWL35s not only can exhibit communication errors themselves but also they cause communications problems for other devices. As such, before we spend too much time chasing the goose, I do recommend getting those SWL 35s replaced.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[bktong]

Michel,

 

Sorry to mention that I have gotten those SWL v.35 replaced a month ago.

 

I have move a LampLinc onto the same outlet as my garage opener where the IOLinc is. No problem controlling the LL using the same CL controlling IOL.

 

bktong

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello bktong,

 

Can you tell me what what version number does your CL report on the Admin Console? If not 00, then that might be the issue.

 

At this point I have to conclude that the problem is either the CL or the IOLinc since:

1. your LL can be controlled reliably

2. you moved your CL to the same outlet as the IOLinc and it still exhibited problems

 

With kind regards,

Michel

Michel,

 

Sorry to mention that I have gotten those SWL v.35 replaced a month ago.

 

I have move a LampLinc onto the same outlet as my garage opener where the IOLinc is. No problem controlling the LL using the same CL controlling IOL.

 

bktong

[bktong]

Michel,

 

1. It is reported on the CL v00.

2. Agreed w/ you that it is either the CL but most likely the IOLs.

 

If I send an "On/Off" or "Fast On/Off" from ISY console from the scene, does the signal go thru the CL? If it doesn't, it means it's the IOLs because I have the same results when I send from ISY console using "On/Off" and "Fast On/Off".

 

bktong

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi bktong,

 

If you have the same results from your ISY, then I would have to assume that it's in fact the IOLinc.

 

I am not sure if I ever asked whether or not you have any SWL35s ... they do cause communications problems on other devices.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[bktong]

Michel,

I had a few SWL v.35 and have replaced them. When I had them and did all types of trial & error methods. I put in a 2406H filter into my circuit box to bridge two phases. When I have it turned on, the IOLs become unreliable, < 50%. When I turn it off by turning off the two circuit breakers that the 2406H are connected to, I get better performance on my IOLs, 95%.

 

1. I have 4 APs and this 2406H. Can I have too many phase couplers in my house? The more is not merrier?

 

I will leave it turned off for a few days to check for reliability.

 

bktong

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi bktong,

 

Did you replace ALL of them??? The thing is that a faulty communications has never been reported on IOLincs and that's why I am a little hesitant declaring it the cause.

 

Too many Access Points are NOT merrier. Furthermore, if you still have one or more of those SignaLinc RFs, then I would remove them immediately.

 

For Access Points, if you have a device in about every 10/20 feet, you would NOT need Access Points except for bridging the phases (in which case you would need only two) OR communicating with RF devices.

 

The fact that plugging the IOLinc right on top of the PLM does not help is troublesome ...

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[bktong]

I do not have the old SignaLinc, only have the new Access Points.

 

can having too many APs and 2406H passive phase coupler have a negative effect to communication???? I guess I don't need the 2406H but wouldn't think that would hurt when turned on.

 

I have not tried to put an AP onto my PLM. Might try that later if turning off the 2406H does not help.

 

bktong

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi bktong,

 

Too many access points might in fact cause some comm errors. If you already have a phase coupler, may I suggest using the Access Points only next to devices that require RF only communications (except dual bands)?

 

With kind regards,

Michel