Lost communication

[SHM]

I have been using very stable insteon/PG3 system for some time.  Recently (after some nearby construction power outages) I have lost communication with 3 of my insteon devices (1 2-wire switch and 2 lamplincs).  I have gone thru the usual device delete/factory reset with no luck.  When I try to add the switch back, I get a "cannot determine insteon engine" alert after 10 seconds or so.  Under Tools, event viewer says switch failed to add, reason 3.  For the lamplincs, under device communication events, I get [inst-ack] 02 62 3E.5D.8F LTS req and LTONRR (FF).  

Interestingly, when I add the lamplincs to IOX in the location where the Polisy is, they work OK.  Any thoughts?  I am running 5.8.4.

[Techman]

"Cannot determine insteon engine" indicates that the PLM is unable to communicate with the device.

Being that you've tried factory reset / restore devices without success, yet they appear to work when you move them closer to the Polisy, I would focus on either noise on the power line and/or your powerline legs not properly bridged. The 2 wire switch is a powerline only device therefore I would focus on powerline issues. 

Take a look at these wiki articles:

INSTEON: Troubleshooting Communications Errors - Universal Devices, Inc. Wiki (universal-devices.com)

INSTEON Signal / Noise Troubleshooting - Universal Devices, Inc. Wiki (universal-devices.com)

Powerline noise.pdf 4 Tap test.pdf

[SHM]

Success!  after systematically switching off each switch at the electrical panel, I found the interference was coming from the circuit going to kitchen microwave.  Will put a Filterlinc there.

[Techman]

The filterlincs are rated at either 5  or 10 amps depending on the model. The micowave probably draws more than 10 amps. Be sure to check before using a filterlinc.

[Brian H]

I would also be careful with a microwave and a FilterLinc.

It has a fuse in it. So if I works for a while and then goes dead. The fuse has failed. They are soldered in but can be replaced.

[SHM]

Alternatives to Filterlinc?

[Techman]

The current model filterlinc is rated at 10 amps (1200 watts). I'm not aware of any other available options. How many amps does your microwave draw?

 

[SHM]

15

[SHM]

Maybe an electrician has such a thing

[paulbates]

Search google with "XPF X10", and also try "XPNR X10"

The XPF and XPNR are wire in filters for x10 but can work in some cases with Insteon. I used the XPNR for line noise from noisy electronic low voltage lighting transformers that affected insteon. The XPF is rated for 20amps but is kinda big.

Take a look at these. I can't guarantee results in your case, but there are limited things to try.

Edited 7 hours ago by paulbates

[IndyMike]

@SHM, I'm a little surprised that your microwave is causing a problem when it is off.  Is this a built-in model or countertop?

I ask because a countertop model would be on a GFCI and could be shared with other outlets while a built in would not.   If your lamplincs were on the same circuit, I could absolutely believe that the microwave would absorb the insteon signal and prevent them from communicating.

If your devices are on a different circuit from the microwave, I would suggest that you saw a "false positive" in your testing.  It's unlikely that the microwave could absorb signals on a different circuit.  Try unplugging the microwave to see I the devices still communicate.  If the microwave is indeed causing interference on a different circuit when it's off, it may be time for a new microwave.