Talk About the Latest in Home Automation/Home Electronics
Home Automation Forum

Smarthome Forum
Shop All INSTEON Products
Login or Register
 
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Search | FAQ | Smarthome
 All Forums
 General Discussion
 INSTEON
 Problem Linking
 New Topic  Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  

wkibbler
New Member

Canada
17 Posts

Posted - 07/04/2012 :  1:46:49 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have one SmartLinc Controller V2.0 2412N and 4 SwitchLinc 2476S that I am trying to get communicating. I have got 2 of the 4 switches to link to the controller but I cannot seem to get the last 2.

So far I have configured the controller software added the room, selected the scene and selected add and held the switch for 10 seconds as described. Nothing. I've also tried to link on the device set button on the controller, and hold the switch for 10 seconds. This produces a fast blink and a beep.

Any ideas, almost ready to reset factory defaults and start over.

Thanks

Tfitzpatri8
Administrator

USA
6886 Posts

Posted - 07/04/2012 :  2:09:17 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
This doesn't sound like a problem that would be helped by a reset.

Power is delivered to most homes in a 240 volt split-single phase arrangement. About half the outlets and fixtures in the house are connected to one 'leg' of 120 volts, about half are connected to the 'opposite' leg, and high-voltage heaters/ovens/pumps are connected to both. Power line band equipment may have trouble communicating with other gear on the opposite half of your electric feed until you install two dual-band devices to couple signals between them.

Volunteer Moderator & Home Automation Enthusiast
Go to Top of Page

wkibbler
New Member

Canada
17 Posts

Posted - 07/04/2012 :  8:52:49 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks, I have tried moving the Smartlinc to see if this could be the problem. I was able to locate it on the same circuit as one of the problem SwitchLinc devices. Still unable to connect.

If I was to use the 2477S I would assume this issue would not exist? And the 2412N is compatible with RF devices correct?

Is there a list of troubleshooting steps one can take? The fast blinking of the switch seems abnormal. The two I was able to link were somewhat odd in the way I accomplished. I tried to establish a connection with the controller and the switch without being at the computer using the set button on the controller and the toggle on the switch and got a beep that seemed to indicate a connection, then I worked from the web interface to link after.

Thanks
Go to Top of Page

BLH
Advanced Member

3759 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  03:05:22 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The 2412N can talk to the 2477S over the power lines as it is not Dual Band. The 2477S modules are Dual Band so they could couple the homes two phases as well as resend power line messages. If they are with in RF range and on opposite phases.

Just read the 2477S's specifications. They are larger than the 2476S and have #12 wires for the Line; Load and Ground. Making wire routing more of a challenge if you have small electrical boxes. Like me.

Edited by - BLH on 07/05/2012 03:24:04 AM
Go to Top of Page

wkibbler
New Member

Canada
17 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  05:05:00 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have confirmed that I am able to configure to configure an additional device by moving the controller and in doing so I cannot touch the other two I had previously configured. So that appears to confirm the split phase issue.

Is there a controller I can use to get around this or an alternate means to do this?

Thanks all this has been a great help so far.
Go to Top of Page

wkibbler
New Member

Canada
17 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  05:56:57 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Little search looks like a Phase Coupler 2443 or 2 are needed.
Go to Top of Page

jdale
Advanced Member

USA
1013 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  06:38:39 AM  Show Profile  Visit jdale's Homepage  Reply with Quote
You need two dual-band devices, one for each phase. They could be the 2443 Access Point or they could be the 2477 dual-band version of the SwitchLincs, or you could use one of each.

The advantage of the 2477 dual-band switchlincs is that you were going to put switchlincs in anyway. The advantage of the access points is you can move them around to find the best location.

Insteon FAQ: http://goo.gl/qNTNr
Go to Top of Page

wkibbler
New Member

Canada
17 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  07:03:44 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks again, I have the switches already, If I was adding more I understand. Adding the 2443s at this point will link the phases I have no real need for additional switches with my needs at this point.

Great help from everyone very much appreciated.

Thanks
Go to Top of Page

stusviews
Advanced Member

USA
8461 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  11:40:16 AM  Show Profile  Visit stusviews's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by wkibbler

Thanks again, I have the switches already, If I was adding more I understand. Adding the 2443s at this point will link the phases I have no real need for additional switches with my needs at this point.

Great help from everyone very much appreciated.

Thanks


Adding more dual-band devices does not automatically bridge the two legs of the split single-phase electric supply. In order to accomplish coupling, there must be at least one device on each leg. The 4-tap test is used to verify that condition exists.

Stu's Views is Education and Fun. What do YOU want to VIEW today?
MathLandia High school mathematics fun and learning.
Both Stu's Views and MathLandia are free websites that do not sell anything.
Saving energy is not always free. Be a world saver.
Go to Top of Page

wkibbler
New Member

Canada
17 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  12:58:24 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:

Adding more dual-band devices does not automatically bridge the two legs of the split single-phase electric supply. In order to accomplish coupling, there must be at least one device on each leg. The 4-tap test is used to verify that condition exists.



Agree I believe I have established where the two legs are in my home based on what I have found. The 4 tap test on the 2443 will definitely confirm.

One puzzling thing though with a last test. I have a switch inline with a receptacle and they are on the same breaker. I've tried to synch when the controller is plugged into that receptacle. When attempted the switch will beep and flash rapidly. Normally they link and go back to solid. This is the only switch I cannot link.

Edited by - wkibbler on 07/05/2012 12:59:27 PM
Go to Top of Page

stusviews
Advanced Member

USA
8461 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  3:18:51 PM  Show Profile  Visit stusviews's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by wkibbler
I have a switch inline with a receptacle and they are on the same breaker.


An Insteon switch? An Insteon receptacle? Does the switch control the receptacle?

Stu's Views is Education and Fun. What do YOU want to VIEW today?
MathLandia High school mathematics fun and learning.
Both Stu's Views and MathLandia are free websites that do not sell anything.
Saving energy is not always free. Be a world saver.
Go to Top of Page

wkibbler
New Member

Canada
17 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  3:50:00 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Yes an Insteon switch 2476S normal receptacle same breaker and the 2412N was plugged into it and I could not get it linked. I moved the same switch to another box / light on the same leg and worked like a charm. Checked wires etc all are good really odd.
Go to Top of Page

stusviews
Advanced Member

USA
8461 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  4:05:47 PM  Show Profile  Visit stusviews's Homepage  Reply with Quote
If you link the SmartLinc and SwitchLinc in a different box and then return it to the "problem" box, then the should still be in place. Can you try that?

But that, if it works, solves the problem, it doesn't get at the cause.

Stu's Views is Education and Fun. What do YOU want to VIEW today?
MathLandia High school mathematics fun and learning.
Both Stu's Views and MathLandia are free websites that do not sell anything.
Saving energy is not always free. Be a world saver.
Go to Top of Page

wkibbler
New Member

Canada
17 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  4:08:45 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Yes I have tried that as well. I cannot see the status of the device nor operate it from withing the controller. It works perfect at the switch.. Must be something in the wiring perhaps not sure how though.
Go to Top of Page

stusviews
Advanced Member

USA
8461 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  4:52:58 PM  Show Profile  Visit stusviews's Homepage  Reply with Quote
1. Which two dual-band devices are you using to test for bridging?
2. On which device did you initiate the test?
3. What did the other device indicate?
4. What is the result if you initiate the test from the second device?
5. How have you determined that the switch and controller are on the same circuit?

Stu's Views is Education and Fun. What do YOU want to VIEW today?
MathLandia High school mathematics fun and learning.
Both Stu's Views and MathLandia are free websites that do not sell anything.
Saving energy is not always free. Be a world saver.
Go to Top of Page

wkibbler
New Member

Canada
17 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  5:27:56 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Answers in line

quote:
1. Which two dual-band devices are you using to test for bridging?


I am using powerline only at this point 2412N and 2476S. Will look at purchasing 2443 to bridge. I am testing this particular circuit.

quote:
2. On which device did you initiate the test?


No test just a link initiation done between the controller and the switch.

quote:
3. What did the other device indicate?
4. What is the result if you initiate the test from the second device
5. How have you determined that the switch and controller are on the same circuit?


Same breaker, location is directly below the switch


Go to Top of Page

stusviews
Advanced Member

USA
8461 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  5:46:25 PM  Show Profile  Visit stusviews's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Location does not guarantee circuitry. From your results, it appears that they are not. Turn off power to the "problem" SwitchLinc only. Does the receptacle still have power.

How many wires are in the switch box. What are their colors? How are they grouped?

Stu's Views is Education and Fun. What do YOU want to VIEW today?
MathLandia High school mathematics fun and learning.
Both Stu's Views and MathLandia are free websites that do not sell anything.
Saving energy is not always free. Be a world saver.
Go to Top of Page

wkibbler
New Member

Canada
17 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  6:13:28 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Double switch
Receptacle does not have power when off
White, Red and Black with ground
two loads one hall light and one front door exterior (one I want to control)
One line in two out
Go to Top of Page

stusviews
Advanced Member

USA
8461 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2012 :  7:43:06 PM  Show Profile  Visit stusviews's Homepage  Reply with Quote
You answers are too vague. Be specific about the wiring.

Stu's Views is Education and Fun. What do YOU want to VIEW today?
MathLandia High school mathematics fun and learning.
Both Stu's Views and MathLandia are free websites that do not sell anything.
Saving energy is not always free. Be a world saver.
Go to Top of Page
  Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
 New Topic  Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Smarthome Forum © 2000-2012 SmartLabs, Inc Go To Top Of Page
Powered By: Snitz Forums 2000 Version 3.4.07