Just a simple question about device level programming

[mitch236]

I convinced a friend to try Insteon but he didn't want to spend much money. I decided to get him a starter bundle that doesn't contain the ISY (I figure I will give him my extra one when I finally order the ELK system). For now, I want to control his scenes with a KPL (which is included) and an irLinc (which is included as well). There are also three switchlinc dimmers. I was wondering if I could temporarily install his devices into my network and program all the scenes he would need using the ISY console, then uninstall the programmed devices (not from the ISY but from the electrical circuit) and reinstall them at his house. Would that work?

[oberkc]

I understand that this would not work, at least not without some broken links. I believe that, when programming scenes through the it, the ISY/PLM will be part of the scene just like any other insteon device. Subsequent relocation of devices without moving the ISY/PLM will result broken links and failed acknowledgements and general misbehaviour.

[mitch236]

Bummer. I have no clue how to program an Insteon network without the ISY! I've become very spoiled!

 

I want him to be as impressed with Insteon as I am so I can convince him to go all out with the ISY/PLM based system.

[oberkc]

Programming an insteon network without an ISY is not overly difficult in concept, but can surely take much more time and button presses. I found the intructions to be pretty clear...to create a controller/responder relationship, first put the controller in linking mode, then the responder. Putting a device into linking mode usually entails a press and hold of the switch.

 

Of course, as scenes become more complicated and with multiple controllers, one can spend a lot of time running around the house, cross-linking, and creating multiple controller/responder relationships. So, it is not at all difficult to learn the process but sure can take a lot more steps. In your case, with the devices all movable, you can avoid much of the running-around-the-house part.

 

Like you, I have become dependent on the ISY and would probably find it overly difficult to program my current scenes. Without it, my insteon system would have ceased growing many generations ago.

[Brian H]

Yes I have done it with the link buttons manually. Can get very tiring real quick.

 

As others have found. My ISY99i has spoiled me.

 

I almost abandoned Insteon due to early adopter issues. If it was not for the ISY26 that was then changed to an ISY99i. I most likely would be using a different protocol. Yes that can be taken as a vote for the UDI controllers.

 

One point. If you later get an ISY99i controller. Most recommend removing all the manually added links and start from 0 and build up.

[oberkc]

I also don't know which "starter bundle" you purchased for your friend, but if it does not have access points, and if they are not properly installed, you increase the risk of he being less impressed than you desire.

[Sub-Routine]

Hi Mitch,

 

The ISY can be used to create the scenes and then removed from the system.

 

Since you have a spare ISY do you have a spare PLM?

 

If so you should factory reset both devices. Install the ISY/PLM in his home. Link the devices and create the scenes. Create an ISY backup file.

 

Then select File | Remove Modem (PLM). This will delete all the links between devices and the PLM. You can then remove the ISY/PLM from his home with no broken links.

 

If he decides to use an ISY/PLM (or you wish to make changes to the system) he can Restore ISY from the backup, then Restore Modem (PLM) and you will be back in business.

 

Rand