Issue adding keypadlinc with no load connection and more

[RBC]

I just tried to add a keypadlinc (6 button) to my existing My Lighting tree. The ON button on this kpl is not connected to a load. I end up with the red exclamation point on the tree and an error stating something like no communication established. To go further I also tried adding another 6 button (this one does have a load connected) and end up with the same red exclamation point problem.

 

So now I am guessing the problem has nothing to do with the no load switch but something else.

 

Questions 1: Prior to starting the "start linking" I have pulled out the reset switch on the kpl to clear the switch, then after "start linking" pushed in the switch for several seconds until the button light blinks, when returning to the admin screen, I see the switch listed, I accept the default of removing existing links, finish, and then see the linking taking place. I end up with either the green icon showing which eventually switches to the red exclamation icon showing next to the -1 button on the tree for the kpl. Am I going at this correctly?

 

Question 2: I normally control the isy with my main pc that is hardwired to the network. Today since I was hoping to add several kpls that are upstairs, I thought it would be easier to use my old laptop and wirelessly connect to the isy. The connection works and I see the admin console just fine. When I first tried to link the switches and had trouble (as described above) I started blaming the wireless router connection---now since I tried the switch linking with the hardwired computer downstairs and get the same results (described above) what I would like to know is "can I use the wireless laptop with the isy and expect good results?"

 

Question 3: I really see the need to organize the My Lighting layout tree naming conventions, etc. Using folders looks to be part of the plan. Am I correct that the old ISY 26 (which I am using) is unable to handle this and if so would you suggest upgrading?

 

Thanks

[oberkc]

Questions 1: Prior to starting the "start linking" I have pulled out the reset switch on the kpl to clear the switch, then after "start linking" pushed in the switch for several seconds until the button light blinks, when returning to the admin screen, I see the switch listed, I accept the default of removing existing links, finish, and then see the linking taking place. I end up with either the green icon showing which eventually switches to the red exclamation icon showing next to the -1 button on the tree for the kpl. Am I going at this correctly?

 

You may (a good idea, in my mind) perform a factory reset prior to adding to the ISY-99. The instructions for this, from the wiki:

 

Resetting KeypadLinc to Its Factory Default Settings

 

"The factory reset procedure can be used to clear the KeypadLinc memory and restore its factory default settings. This procedure will clear the unit of all INSTEON Links, and any programmed X10 addresses. 1.Before resetting a KeypadLinc that has been Linked to an INSTEON Controller, be sure to Unlink it from the Controller first. See Unlinking KeypadLinc from an INSTEON Controller.

 

 

2.If you are using KeypadLinc to control any INSTEON devices, Unlink those devices from KeypadLinc. See Unlinking a Controlled INSTEON Device from KeypadLinc.

 

 

3.Gently pull the Set button at the bottom of the keypad out as far as it will go (about 1/8"). This "air gap" removes all power to KeypadLinc.

The KeypadLinc LEDs and the load will turn off

 

 

4.Wait 10 seconds, and then push the Set button all the way down until it beeps (3 seconds) and release A few seconds after you release the Set button, KeypadLinc will double-beep and its LED will turn on solid If KeypadLinc is a dimmer model, it will turn on its load

 

Factory reset is now complete. KeypadLinc has been reset to all the factory default settings and is ready for fresh programming and use."

 

After this, you can add the device to the ISY-99. Put the ISY into linking mode, then do so for the KPL. For the KPL, I did this by pressing and holding the ON button. I believe that this is consistent with the instructions, also. Once linked, expect the ISY to recognize the device and add all the buttons to your "my lighting" tree.

 

Question 2: I normally control the isy with my main pc that is hardwired to the network. Today since I was hoping to add several kpls that are upstairs, I thought it would be easier to use my old laptop and wirelessly connect to the isy. The connection works and I see the admin console just fine. When I first tried to link the switches and had trouble (as described above) I started blaming the wireless router connection---now since I tried the switch linking with the hardwired computer downstairs and get the same results (described above) what I would like to know is "can I use the wireless laptop with the isy and expect good results?"

 

Since you are using the laptop on your LAN, you should expect the same results as your desktop. I do this regularly. If you are outside your LAN (WAN), you can also enable internet access on the ISY and perform system programming anywhere else you have internet access with your laptop.

 

Question 3: I really see the need to organize the My Lighting layout tree naming conventions, etc. Using folders looks to be part of the plan. Am I correct that the old ISY 26 (which I am using) is unable to handle this and if so would you suggest upgrading?

 

Folders are a relatively recent addition. I have lost track of when this came in, but I would not be surprised if it was an update that was not compatible with the ISY-26. I like the folder option. If someone does not come along to confirm, you can check out the thread on latest software and look at the history of each version.