RemoteLinc2 Outdoor Range

[io_guy]

Is anyone getting decent range out of their RemoteLinc 2s?

I picked up one today and installed a dual band device 15' from the back wall (brick) of my house. The RL2 will not work at all outdoors, terrible range. The only real option I have left is to add an access point, which would be directly on the inside of the exterior wall.

 

I'd like to use this RL2 to control audio from my hottub which is 10' from the exterior wall. Am I asking too much? Any tips?

I don't get > 15' from my nearest dual band, no chance of the advertised 50'.

[Brian H]

Shooting RF through the wall will decrease the range. Especially if the wall has things like metal backed insulation in its center.

The 50' is direct line of sight no obstructions in between.

 

If the Dual Band Device you are trying to use is something like a Dual Band SwitchLinc. What it is mounted in and its antenna orientation will also effect range.

[io_guy]

It is a dual band dimmer installed in a metal wall box.

I'm thinking I'll try picking up an access point for the wall outlet. That's as close as I can put one.

[io_guy]

So I added an access point and the range was still terrible.

I then removed the RL2 from the ISY and re-linked. After that, range is much better (usuable). Not sure why it would have made the range "marginal" by improper linking.

 

Question... My RL2 shows up in the ISY as v.00. Is this normal or should I actually see a value?

[LeeG]

That is normal when the Device Type is specified. It may be possible to use New INSTEON Device with Auto Discover. Some RF devices will add that way. The ISY queries the device for the device type which includes the device firmware level in the response. I've not tried adding an RL2 that way so no direct experience with an RL2 and Auto Discover. The RL2 still must be putting into linking mode manually.

[Brian H]

All three RL2 types are in the special list in the Link Management Tab.

Looks like it picks the Cat and Sub Cat IDs from what you choose on the list.

 

I wounder if anyone has used Auto Discover with any success?

[LeeG]

I've added a Motion Sensor with Auto Discover. It shows v.41 firmware level. Did not go back and delete/readd other RF device types to see if they work.

 

EDIT: I should note that the Motion Sensor is an I2CS device. The path for I2CS devices may support Auto Discover where older devices may not work.

[Brian H]

I added an original v1.0 RemoteLinc with Auto Discover. It was found but since we where told not to do that. I removed it after the test.

[LeeG]

Curiosity got the best of me. Deleted and added with Auto Discover an 8 Scene RL2. Added successfully and status changes are reported. Shows firmware v.36