Having trouble setting up my ISY-99i to Insteon network

[stevemeadows]

Hello,

 

I am a new ISY-99i user and am trying to link 6 Insteon ApplianceLinc V2 #2456S3 modules. I have tried using 'Start Linking' under Link Management and 'New Insteon Device'. I click 'finish' and nothing happens.

 

When I try 'New Insteon Device', I don't know what to type in for 'Name' and Address' of the device. I have read through a number of the sections and the Wiki. My Airport firewall is accepting ISY traffic.

 

I previously used these ApplianceLinc modules with an Insteon 2414USB controller and they worked fine. The only thing that is different on my powerline grid is I am running Netgear Powerline modules. Would that be interfering with the ISY-99i powerline linking to the ApplianceLinc modules.

 

thanks

[LeeG]

The other powerline usage could be an issue. Unplug it and see if things get better.

 

Use New INSTEON Device. Address is the Insteon address of the ApplianceLinc. Name is your choice. It is the Name you want the device known as. Leave the Device Type as the default Auto Discover.

 

You did not mention phase coupling. What is being used to couple the two 120v legs?

 

Plug one of the ApplianceLincs into the same outlet as the ISY PLM. That will eliminate the coupling for now. If the ApplianceLinc adds successfully when plugged into the PLM location it can be moved to some other location. If it does not work at the new location there are powerline or coupling issues.

[Xathros]

Just want to make sure you understand how "Start Linking" works. Select Start Linking from the menu (Don't click finish). Go to each device and press the set button for 3-5 seconds (Till it beeps or blinks). At that point, you should see the devices address appear in the console. After you have added each new device, click finish.

 

As for the Insteon address, each device has an address on a label that looks something like: 11.2B.36 V41 (Bogus for example only. xx.xx.xx is the address and Vxx is the hardware version)

 

-Xathros

[oberkc]

My initial reaction was the same as Xathros. Make sure you understand how to "start linking". In addition to his guidance, I offer the instructions from the wiki:

 

http://www.universal-devices.com/mwiki/index.php?title=ISY-99i/ISY%2026_INSTEON:Link_Management_Menu#Start_Linking

[pemoller]

I am also having trouble linking ApplianceLinc 2456S3.

 

I've tried "Start Linking" and "New Insteon Device".

I get "New Device Errors...The following devices could not be added...1F.46.2B....cannot determine Insteon engine".

 

I've had the ISY 99i (firmware v.3.3.5) for several years and I currently have several ApplianceLincs 2456S3 (v.38, v.28, v.00) linked up.

 

I just purchased and am trying to add two ApplianceLinc 2456S3 v4.9 units.

I have 4 repeaters and have moved the ApplianceLincs around the house including plugging them into the same outlet as the ISY-99i, so I don't think this is a communication problem.

 

I upgraded the ISY 99i firmware to v.3.3.5 - no benefit for this problem

 

I'm no expert, but from the log it looks like the ApplianceLinc is responding but then failing to link.

Is this a response message from the ApplianceLinc " [std-Direct Ack] 1F.46.2B-->ISY/PLM " ?

 

Here is the log.

Can anyone confirm for me that the unit is responding?

Better yet can anyone suggest why the unit is not being added?

 

Thanks for you help

Automation is supposed to make life simpler!!

====================================

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:02 PM : [1f 46 2b ] Added to list of devices to link to IS

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 1F 46 2B 0F 0D 00

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 1F.46.2B 0F 0D 00 06 (00)

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 1F.46.2B 12.9E.48 2B 0D FF (FF)

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [std-Direct Ack] 1F.46.2B-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [iNST-TX-I2CS] 02 62 1F 46 2B 1F 09 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 F6

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [iNST-ACK ] 02 62 1F.46.2B 1F 09 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 F6 06 LNK-ON (01)

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [iNST-SRX ] 02 50 1F.46.2B 12.9E.48 2B 09 01 LNK-ON (01)

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [std-Direct Ack] 1F.46.2B-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [LNK-BGN ] 02 64 01 00 06

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [sET-BTN ] 02 54 02

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:07 PM : [1F 46 2B 0 ] Failed to add device

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:07 PM : [LNK-END ] 02 65 06 : : Unexpected, ignored (65)

Wed 12/05/2012 04:01:41 PM : [ Time] 16:01:42 0(0)

[LeeG]

This sequence looks like the Set button on the ApplianceLinc was pressed which should not happen when using New INSTEON Device. After the outbound 02 64 01 00 06 the ApplianceLinc should have responded with a 02 53 message that includes the device type and firmware level. Instead the PLM presented a Set button message [sET-BTN ] 02 54 02.

 

 

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [LNK-BGN ] 02 64 01 00 06

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [sET-BTN ] 02 54 02

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:07 PM : [1F 46 2B 0 ] Failed to add device

 

This is what should have happened after the 02 64 01 00 06 outbound message. A 02 53 should have been received. If the ApplianceLinc Set button was not pressed suggest do a factory reset of ApplianceLink and try again being sure not to press Set button.

 

Mon 12/03/2012 03:33:24 PM : [LNK-BGN ] 02 64 01 00 06

Mon 12/03/2012 03:33:25 PM : [LNK-STAT ] 02 53 M(01) gid=00 20.29.E8 013A 42

Mon 12/03/2012 03:33:25 PM : [iNST-TX-I1 ] 02 62 20 29 E8 0F 0D 00

Mon 12/03/2012 03:33:25 PM : [LNK-END ] 02 65 06

[pemoller]

Thanks for your rapid reply.

 

I did the factory reset of both units (I have two new ones). Am I correct that the set button is pressed and held while plugging in the unit. I held the button for about 10 seconds.

 

I get the same [sET-BTN] response from both units...so at least they are consistenst.

 

I wonder if the Smarthome units are bad or if the newest ISY firmware is to blame?

[LeeG]

That's what happens when doing something from memory. The [sET-BTN ] 02 54 02 indicates the PLM Set button is pressed. The PLM Set button is never pressed. What does Tools | Diagnostics | PLM Info/Status show for the PLM firmware level?

 

Could also try power cycling the PLM.

[pemoller]

PLM INfo/Status

12.9E,48 v85/connected

 

I've power cycled several times.

[pemoller]

I called Smarthome and had a chat.

 

Is it possible that even the newest ISY software does not recognize this new version of the ApplianceLinc? or is it more likely that the ApplianceLinc code is faulty?

[LeeG]

The ApplianceLinc does not identify itself so it is not a matter of the ISY not understanding how to process the particular cat/subcat for that ApplianceLinc. Where the message from the ApplianceLinc with the cat/subcat information is expected the PLM Set button press message appears. That is an older PLM but I have not heard of older PLM firmware not supporting I2CS devices.

 

Lets trace a Start Linking process with the Event Viewer at Level 3. Issue the Start Linking, while the PLM LED is blinking press the ApplianceLinc Set button for 3-5 secpmds. That should also generate the cat/subcat message from the ApplianceLinc but in a different sequence.

[pemoller]

Thanks for sticking with me / with this topic.

 

I have the ApplianceLinc plugged into the PLM so there should be no communications issues.

 

In the ISY I select LinkManagement/StartLinking, all lights on the various modules are solid/on.

I press the button on 3 different ApplianceLincs for 3 seconds, the lights start to flash, then eventually stop. Then I FINISH linking.

 

Here is the log... no messages from any ApplianceLinc devices show up.

 

Wed 12/05/2012 05:58:39 PM : Start Insteon Device Linking Mode

Wed 12/05/2012 05:58:39 PM : [LNK-BGN ] 02 64 01 00 06

Wed 12/05/2012 05:58:42 PM : [sET-BTN ] 02 54 02

Wed 12/05/2012 05:59:43 PM : Stop Insteon Device Linking Mode, Final processing to follow

Wed 12/05/2012 05:59:44 PM : [LNK-END ] 02 65 06 : : Unexpected, ignored (65)

[LeeG]

There is no physical comm problem. The following Hops Left = 2 from a previous trace is as good as it gets from a physical comm situation.

 

Wed 12/05/2012 04:00:03 PM : [std-Direct Ack] 1F.46.2B-->ISY/PLM Group=0, Max Hops=3, Hops Left=2

 

The problem is the PLM is not sending the expected messages. I'll look through my supply of PLMs to see if I can find one with the v.85 firmware. I know the v.72 PLM that I use with HouseLinc works with I2CS devices. Does not mean that v.85 works correctly.

 

Do you have any other new devices from Smarthome? Just about ever device coming Smarthome now is I2CS. I'm wondering if any I2CS device works with this PLM.

[pemoller]

Here is my "shopping list" of devices

 

2456D3 v.00

2856S3 v.28

2456D3 v.37

2456D3 v.38

2456D3 v.4.9 <<<< the new units

 

2876D v.27

2876D v.35

2876DB v.39

 

2466D v.38

 

2473 v.32

 

2475D v.2A

[LeeG]

Does not look like any of the devices are I2CS except the new ApplianceLincs. I do not have a v.85 PLM to actually verify this but I think the PLM is not handling I2CS devices correctly. It is odd because i did test the I2CS support for another product using my old v.72 2412 PLM with no problems

[pemoller]

Thanks again for your support.

 

Do you think it is possible and a good idea to just update the PLM? Would this cause any trouble with the ISY?

 

Would the 2413S PLM be appropriate?

[pemoller]

Do you think I should upgrade the PLM to the 2413 (from the 2412S v3.1)?

[LeeG]

I would install a new PLM. The 2413S is the only serial PLM now being marketed. The 2413 Dual Band PLM does not provide power for the ISY as the 2412S did so a small external power supply is also needed. Search the Smarthome web site for the ISY. Usually on the same search result page is listed the external power supply.

[pemoller]

I've ordered a new PLM.

 

I'm also going to return the appliance links since I just discovered that they are NOT dual band. I'll order dual band modules.

 

I was tempted to purchase a new ISY since they are advertising the "future" Zigbee option. I guess I'll wait until Zigbee is supported and their are power control modules readily available.

 

I've been doing X10 and Insteon for over 20 years and after all of the investments of time and money its just not reliable enough....maybe Zigbee or another technology will be more reliable.

 

Has anyone seen any system (controller and power modules) that just uses Wifi? Powerline control just seems outdated now that we have so much reliable and low cost Wifi infrastructure and low cost radios.

[Xathros]

LeeG-

 

FWIW, My PLM is 2412S v.85 and works just fine with I2CS.

 

-Xathros