Garage door kit (i/o linc) status not updating

[Guy Lavoie]

I thought I'd start this thread after another user (oberkc) mentioned a problem similar to one I've been having, where the status of the door closure detector doesn't seem to be updating. In my case, it seems that the status of the door detection remains On (ie: the door is closed) even after opening the door. The result is that a command to then close the door doesn't do anything. In testing it, I would issue a Query from the admin console and that seems to update the status. In response, I've added a few Query commands, spaced with Wait statements after opening the door. This hasn't been implemented for long enough to know if it's a viable workaround, but I'd like to know if others have experienced the same thing with this module?

[paulbates]

I've run into this. The io module is a power line only module and my belief is that the door motor line noise is preventing the signal from making it to the plm.

1. I did the query program a second or 2 after door travel time and it worked.
2. I first added an access point to the garage (it would need to be a plug-in module today). This helped, but the query program seemed to fix it for free  it could be added later if you continue to have problems

[Guy Lavoie]

Interesting. I did think about motor noise interference, but hadn't looked up the fact that the i/o linc is powerline only, which would certainly make the problem more likely. I also have a separate closed door sensor and Insteon thermostat in the garage (which is detached from the house but close by). Maybe adding an unused lamplinc might be an idea for signal strength.

[paulbates]

The insteon thermostat is a little different than other insteon devices. It's not getting powerline signals so I didn't know how it would repeat local traffic. I'm not certain it would repeat wireless traffic, just don't know.

If the thermostat is protecting something including the garage itself, I'd look at putting a module out there that can reach the house.

[paulbates]

Something else that's proven to help me when powerline only devices are on my Insteon network; add the components of the old signallinc bridge to your power panel. This gives powerline signals a direct path across the the legs.

[oberkc]

I, too, have assumed that motor noise is a problem.  I am also becoming convinced that insteon devices fail gracefully…as they get old, they dont fail copletely, but communication performance is not as robust as when new.  It probably does not help that I plugged the opener into the same outlet as the I/O linc. I am midway through the process of moving the IOLincs to another circuit and to new IOLincs.  I have also feplaced a couple of older switches with dual band, thinking it might imrpove the comm environment.

[paulbates]

Plugging the GDO motor into a filterlinc would help as well.

[larryllix]

I had years of minor troubles with my Champain GDO causing Insteon interference. However it was minor and I always thought it would be my PV inverter system.

Years later I installed another GDO system with a battery backup inside and my Insteon comms went to about 10% successful, even though it was further away.

After unplugging one and then the other I ordered two Insteon FilterLincs and it solved  my Insteon noise problems. It wasn't the motors, but rather their cheap power supplies. When the motors ran it didn't bother the Insteon comms, only the power supplies plugged in.

Edited 22 hours ago by larryllix

[Brian H]

I have also see some openers manufactures say they had some brand LED bulbs cause their openers to get very touchy. Not surprised the power supplies caused issue. They also have caused many X10 issues over the years. I saw an X10 tutorial where a cell phone charger. Spewed out noise on the X10 power line frequency.

The I/OLinc is also power line only so line issues can effect its operation. Some have added a dual band module on the same circuit. I personalty have an extra 2457D2 Lamplinc just doing dual band functions with no load. I did open a Range Extender and it was a 2457D2 with the dimmer parts removed. I/OLinc also has a switching supply so capacitors can also be considered. I have seen the old Smarthome try different capacitors as the revision levels changed.

Edited 14 hours ago by Brian H
Add information