994 firmware update troubles

[DHouse02]

I'm a rookie at this so please be patient. 

Issue: I want to activate UD Mobile but my 994 has 4.9 firmware. How do I upgrade the latest? 

Bigger issue: I have an eisy that I want to upgrade to as soon as I figure out how to do it. Is my rationale correct re upgrading the 994 firmware first or is it unnecessary? 

[DHouse02]

Additional point re the planned eisy upgrade: the previous homeowner (who installed the 994) installed an Insteon EZ108SA I/O controller in the outside switchbox for the pool pump & light and landscape lighting. He also installed a PLM in the box as well. Since this is the core function that I want to maintain, does this not complicate the eisy upgrade? The PLM location is less than optimal since the unit is subjected to the vagaries of ambient temperature which necessitates rebooting the PLM fairly frequently (especially in the summer). If I move the PLM indoors (close to the eisy) then the CAT5 cable to the EZ108SA would be ~50 ft. I note in the PLM kit guide that the cable should be no longer than 10 ft. 

What should I do here?

[paulbates]

Need some clarity, your ultimate goal is to upgrade the 994 to eisy and sunset the 994?

If yes:

• Don't upgrade or make changes to the 994i
• Set up the eisy
• There are 2 PLM variants:
  • USB version can go ~10'
  • Serial can go ~50'... + UDI offers a serial > usb adapter 
• I would get a new USB PLM for the eisy
• Set up eisy with the new PLM
• How many programs do you have and how big are they?
  • If not a lot of programs and not that big, re-enter them into the eisy as you migrate devices, one room or one function at a time
• Come up with a plan to move one room or function of Insteon devices at a time to eisy
  • Delete a room or group/function of IInsteon devices from the 994
  • Add them to the eisy and verify
  • Add related scenes and programs
  • Give it time to verify everything works
  • Go to the next room or function
• Not clear on the wiring need of the ezio, but you should be able to get a 50' CAT 5 or greater cable to work

[Brian H]

You have two PLM's. One on the ISY994i and the other one is used on the EZIO8SA.

The one on the EZIO8SA is probably a 2412S PLM or their equivalent. It would be power line only communications.

[DHouse02]

18 hours ago, paulbates said:

Need some clarity, your ultimate goal is to upgrade the 994 to eisy and sunset the 994?

If yes:

• Don't upgrade or make changes to the 994i
• Set up the eisy
• There are 2 PLM variants:
  • USB version can go ~10'
  • Serial can go ~50'... + UDI offers a serial > usb adapter 
• I would get a new USB PLM for the eisy
• Set up eisy with the new PLM
• How many programs do you have and how big are they?
  • If not a lot of programs and not that big, re-enter them into the eisy as you migrate devices, one room or one function at a time
• Come up with a plan to move one room or function of Insteon devices at a time to eisy
  • Delete a room or group/function of IInsteon devices from the 994
  • Add them to the eisy and verify
  • Add related scenes and programs
  • Give it time to verify everything works
  • Go to the next room or function
• Not clear on the wiring need of the ezio, but you should be able to get a 50' CAT 5 or greater cable to work

Many thanks for the info. I'll double check the PLM. Also, I bought a new PLM some time ago but have not installed it. 

Currently, I don't have that many scenes. I tried to delete the unused ones (I replaced many of the Insteon light switches when our home remodel was done) but the system bogged down when it attempted to update. I think this was due to a lack of communication with the battery powered sensors in the crawl space (I need to check/replace the batteries). I was informed that I could bypass the battery-powered sensors but I don't know how.

I want to automate the pool pump & light and landscape lighting. Afterward I want to add the security system (ELK) then the surveillance system. Beyond that, I will wait to see what we need. 

18 hours ago, Brian H said:

You have two PLM's. One on the ISY994i and the other one is used on the EZIO8SA.

The one on the EZIO8SA is probably a 2412S PLM or their equivalent. It would be power line only communications.

Thanks Brian. I didn't know this. I'll check. 

[DHouse02]

On 1/20/2025 at 12:49 PM, Brian H said:

You have two PLM's. One on the ISY994i and the other one is used on the EZIO8SA.

The one on the EZIO8SA is probably a 2412S PLM or their equivalent. It would be power line only communications.

Thanks Brian. I didn't know this. I'll check. 

[DHouse02]

Clarified that, yes, the system has 2 PLMs. The one closest to the 994 is located on the other side of the wall where the backup battery is located. I have a serial PLM that I ordered some ago but I don't have the serial PLM kit. I've have to order.