Trying to resurrect isy994 after long break - cannot log in

[pjb01]

Hi,

Long time isy994i user here, trying to resurrect an Insteon setup.

I installed a new micro SD card, and powering up the ISY has the Error light flashing (as expected).

However, the device is not receiving a DHCP address from the network (network lights are active on the port).

I tried resetting - holding the reset button in for several flashes of all lights, followed by lights moving in a pattern then extinguishing one by one - however same issue.

I then tried connecting via the monitor port - 115,200 N81, and when pressing the reset button briefly I get the following:

Username:Waiting 2sec to start 'A' to abort
Configured IP = 0.0.0.0
Configured Mask = 0.0.0.0
MAC Address= 00:21:b9:XX:XX:XX

--- Product : (1130) ISY 994i 256 IR ---

 Serial port 0 : Insteon
 Max Nodes: 256
 Build 5.3.0 2020-10-01-14:39:56 (Insteon_UD994)

 Starting ISY
 Config File System
 File System Init Failed
 Starting the She▒
                  Please Log in

Username:admin
Password:*****
Authentication failed

Please Log in

Username:

However I am unable to log in with the default admin, admin credentials, or the credentials I used when the isy994i was last active.

Any thoughts?

Thanks -- Peter

[MrBill]

from the wiki:

• Only Error light blinking: ISY cannot communicate with the SD Card. Please ensure:
  • The micro SD Card (on the front) is seated properly. Unplug ISY, remove the rubber cap, using a sharp object, push the micro SD Card in so that it pops out. Push it back in so it clicks in. Apply power to ISY
  • If reseating the micro SD Card does not work, you probably have a defective SD Card. Please consult Replacing/Formatting SD Card

So your new card is bad or the wrong type, or not seated correctly.   you need 32gb or less (look for the newer A1 rating for better wear, the ISY doesn't have the hardware for A2 to be effective).  To be clear, the error light should NOT be blinking with a fresh card installed.

Second, the first think you must do after a new card is installed in "help" -> "manually upgrade ISY" and load the full firmware file that you'd like to use.  The burned in bootloader that fires up the ISY with a new SD card installed is NOT a full version of the firmware, and what's there is very out of date.

[pjb01]

Thanks... Turns out I had to format the (new) SD Micro card... Then I was able to log in with admin/admin via the monitor port, reinstall firmware, etc.

[MrBill]

13 hours ago, pjb01 said:

Thanks... Turns out I had to format the (new) SD Micro card... Then I was able to log in with admin/admin via the monitor port, reinstall firmware, etc.

interesting... i've not had to format new cards before.  glad it worked.