Trouble linking on/of 2473s

[bmiller]

I just hooked up my new isy, plm, keypadlinc with an access point module and a remotelinc. I installed a 2473S on/off switch. I used the keypad link and access point to link the phases ok. The keypad and remotelinc are working ok. I had the switch recognized by the isy, but when i updated the firmware, communication with the switch stopped. I tried for 20 minutes to re-establish communication it to no avail. I then deleted it and tried to relink for 30 minutes. Still not working. I need some help.

Thanks for any assistance.

Brad

[LeeG]

The 2473S is an OutletLinc. Regardless of whether and OutletLinc or a switch of some kind being a Relay device means 3.2.6 is required. Verify that Help | About shows 3.2.6 for both the Firmware and UI lines. The OutletLinc cannot be added to the ISY unless UI indicates 3.2.6

 

Suggest moving the Access Point to the always On outlet (assuming the 2473S is accurate) and see if that helps. With a new installation there are several possible issues. The PLM plug point could have PC/UPS equipment on the same circuit which could attenuate Insteon signals. I am always suspicious about phase coupling in a new Installation.

[bmiller]

The 2473 was linked initially with firmware 3.1.17 which came with the isy. When i upgraded the firmware to 3.2.6 it can no longer link the 2473. I'll try and move the access point

and see if that helps. I have more devices to instal, but i'd like to solve this first. The keypadlinc and the remotelinc are both linked ok.

[LeeG]

If the OutletLinc was purchased after March 2012 it is an I2CS device which requires 3.2.6. If I2CS it only appeared to install at 3.1.17. Please run Help | About to verify the Admin Console UI line shows 3.2.6. It is easy to upgrade the ISY firmware but not get to the correct Admin Console code if the Java cache did not clear or the incorrect URL is being used. We need to be sure the base code, ISY and UI, are where we think they are.

[bmiller]

The firmware indicates 3.2.6. I moved the access point from the basement to a plug upstairs where the rest of the devices are at this point. I found a receptacle that responded the same way as it did in the basement, and added the 2473 using the address with no problem. It's odd it works now, but not when the access point was in the basement. The phases appeared to be couple in both cases. I believe there is a phase coupler that can be hooked up right at the electrical panel. That's what i may do in the future. Onward to the programing part, which looks a little daunting. I'll look for some sample programs to get the jist of it.

Thanks again for the clue about the access point, although i can't see the reason why, it works, and that's what matters.

Brad

[Brian H]

You may have had power line communications issues between where the Access Point was originally and where it is now. With respect to the 2473S's location, but power line and RF communications was OK in both locations to pass the dual band communications tests.

 

Thing like TVs, Computers, UPS units, cell phone chargers to name a few can absorb Insteon Power Line signals or make Power Line Noise.

 

Since Insteon modules resend messages. As you add more Insteon devices you may find communications improving.

[bmiller]

Well i finally got everything working, and one light programed, the keypad link programed for the light as well as the remotelinc. I then added a switchlinc 2476 and now i have lost all communication with

the isy. The console doesn't communicate with anything, and i can't add my switchlinc. The isy has only the blue light on, no error light. What a pain.

[LeeG]

Unfortunately the ISY has no control over the quality and reliability of the Insteon mesh network.

 

Can you clarify the situation. No device functions from the ISY and this happened when the SwitchLinc (Dimmer or Relay?) was physically installed or when the SwitchLinc was added to the ISY. Does the Admin Console come up and does it show the Current State of the devices but they cannot be controlled?

 

When things stop working for un-expectantly sometimes an appliance that was not On before has been turned On. Some Cell Phone charges will wipe out Insteon communication.

[bmiller]

There is still control over the existing installed devices, so i gather the isy is still working. Since my last post i was able to add the new switchlinc relay, using the address, but there was no communication with the existing devices. I waited a while and reopened the console, and now the keypad appears to be communicating, as i can see it's current state, and the only error is no communication with the outletlinc. I can still see it's program enabled and ready to run, and the light turns on/off with either the remotelinc, or keypadlinc. It appears that letting the system sit, is slowly getting all the devices in communication mode. I'ts not what i expect, and i'll be curious to see if the outletlinc is eventually restored.

[LeeG]

The Insteon mesh network does not require time to settle in. There are sources of interference (noise) or sources of signal attenuation (signal suckers) that have not been identified. These needs to be cleared up quickly as every change you make will likely lead to another disappointment until those other issues are resolved. It is very true that each wired Insteon device is a repeater so the more devices installed often the overall performance will improve.

 

Start with the PLM location. Are there other electronic devices (PC/UPS/AV) on the same circuit as the PLM. These are well known sources of Insteon signal attenuation or noise. Some CFLs (not all), some florescent ballasts (not all) are sources of noise. It is a “best practice†to isolate other electronic equipment with a FilterLinc at the PLM plug point. Also powering the PLM from a generally central location is a good idea. If the PLM is plugged into an outlet on the end of a busy circuit far from the power panel is can be more difficult to for the powerline signals to get to other devices on the same phase.

 

Remember that the powerline exists to provide 120V/240V to appliances. Insteon is sharing the wire and as such many devices can cause interference. It is well worth the time to clean up the powerline before going to far down the road.

[bmiller]

Now everything has shown up on the console. The plm is close to the electrical panel, but is in the same circuit as some electronics. I think i'll run a separate circuit from a spare breaker for the plm as you recommend closer to the center of the house, and just use a long ethernet cable to to Apple router where it exists now. I'll see later this week how that works out. Thanks for the help. Much appreciated. It's slowly coming together, but as you say, it's the initial setup and location which dictates how the whole system will work. Hopefully this will settle this issue. I'm thinking of installing a signal linc coupler at the panel. That may help with communication.

Brad

[LeeG]

The wired coupler may help, particularly with the PLM close to the power panel. The problem with the wired SignaLinc is it is passive, no amplification when bridging the Insteon signal on the other 120v leg.

[bmiller]

I moved the plm and isy close to the center of the house on it's own dedicated line. We'll see how it reacts when i add some new devices.

[LeeG]

You will find that a reliable Insteon network is a collection of right choices rather than a single change correcting all problems. There will be more difficulties as the Insteon network expands into other circuits with new sources of interference. May not happen but I would plan for.