More on Switchlinc v.35

[sanders2222]

Much was said about the necessity of replacing Switchlinc v.35 switches in a recent post as they have known defects that will cause major problems in the INSTEON network: http://forum.universal-devices.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=7666

 

I find I still have a Switchlinc v.35 in my kitchen. Every once in a while, my system suddenly behaves strangely and a couple of times, my ISY has even frozen or locked up. Then there are those annoying "Cannot communicate with" errors that also pop up. It could be this switch that is the root of my issues. I understand Smarthome will still exchange these so that is what I will do.

 

In the post it also references KPL 2A and 2D with the same defects. Where do I find the version information on a KPL? My ISY console shows I have a KPL that is v.35. Is that the same thing?

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello sanders2222,

 

KPL 2A and 2D will show up as 2A and 2D. So, v35 KPL is OK.

 

Now, back to the lock up: I doubt if the SWL is the cause for this. Can you tell me if you have DirecTV?

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[sanders2222]

Now, back to the lock up: I doubt if the SWL is the cause for this. Can you tell me if you have DirecTV?

Thanks for getting back to me Michel. No, I do not have Direct TV (Comcast cable).

 

To elaborate on my lock ups, one was caused by the v1 t-stat issue, another using a Home & Away application and you indicated my ELK may have been the reason for one. See post: http://forum.universal-devices.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=8749

 

My most recent lock up was noted in this post: http://forum.universal-devices.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=9136

 

You had looked at my error log then and concluded I had some communication issues with my EZxxx. I assume you were referring to my EZX10RF plug-ins. I have two of them that are carry-over devices for my X10 to Insteon transition.

 

I'm not sure what these devices do for my system. At $120 a piece, I think they were supposed to improve signals from other devices in the system, as well as convert Insteon devices to X10 addresses (not that I'd ever want to do that).

 

I only have a few X10 Switchlinc dimmers in my home that I no longer try to control. But hey, they also may be signal suckers or line noise generators of the bad kind that I should get rid of as well.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello sanders2222,

 

Thank you. I am very concerned about the lockup ... the link you sent was related to programs not running properly.

 

I do not think INSTEON/X10 contribute to the lockup unless you have programs that in tight loop and you also have communication errors. The other issue might be that one of the X10 devices is bombarding the network with traffic but I do not see that in your logs.

 

Finally, I see a lot of network errors:

1. What router are you using?

2. Are you using DHCP reservation?

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[sanders2222]

the link you sent was related to programs not running properly.

Technically, that time was not a complete lock up as I was able to control devices from my console. But it was weird behavior I've never seen before where none of the programs would run. Rebooting the ISY corrected that problem. And the first lock up was caused by a known issue with the t-stat. Another lockup was caused by the Home&Away program that, for some reason was bombarding the ISY with login requests. I stay away from using Home&Away.

Finally, I see a lot of network errors:

1. What router are you using?

2. Are you using DHCP reservation?

I have a Netgear WPN824N Wireless router that ties into a Netgear GS108 8-port switch. I presume I have the DHCP settings correct (see attached). Could the network errors be from accessing the ISY from my cell phone using Mobilinc or ISY Helper? I do use those quite a bit.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi sanders222,

 

Thank you. DHCP reservation means that the router tries to give the same IP address to the same device all the time.

 

There has been a major issue with DHCP reservation and Net Gear routers. If you have not already done so, please upgrade the firmware on your router.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[sanders2222]

There has been a major issue with DHCP reservation and Net Gear routers. If you have not already done so, please upgrade the firmware on your router.

Did a check yesterday and today, apparently I have the most recent firmware installed on my router (see attached).

 

However, I do not know what firmware I have on my 8 port hub. I also noticed a lot of traffic on the router log from the ISY address. I did not see a date/time stamp on the error log though.

[Michel Kohanim]

Thanks sanders2222,

 

You might want to connect directly to your router and see if you are still getting all those network errors.

 

Also, if you have DHCP reservation, you might want to try a static IP address.

 

With kind regards,

Michel