Troubleshooting Insteon Communication Errors - Universal Devices ISY-994i User Manual

12.5 Troubleshooting INSTEON Communication Errors

12.5.1 Communication
The INSTEON protocol is a much more robust communication protocol than the older X10
protocol that it replaces. However, INSTEON users will sometimes find that while their
INSTEON devices seem to communicate reliably between themselves, the ISY-26 will
report "Communication Errors" on their power line network. There are multiple reasons
for this:
• The ISY-26 communicates to the INSTEON devices on a power line network via the
SmartHome PLM (PowerLinc Modem). The PLM can be less tolerant of weak
INSTEON signals and power line "noise" (interference) than the actual INSTEON
switch devices themselves.
• The PLM and ISY-26 require reliable "acknowledgements" of their "requests" to the
INSTEON devices. When these are not properly received for any reason, the ISY-26
will display an error. Sometimes this will prevent the completion of an ISY-26
function.
Due to these characteristics, a power line network must be as free as possible from
substantial interference or signal loss, in order for the ISY-26 to provide error-free
INSTEON device monitoring and control.
The following tips may be helpful if communication problems are encountered:
• Use two SmartHome AccessPoints to improve network communications. Place
these on opposite legs (sometimes called "phases") of the power line
mains. The AccessPoints provide their own internal utility (as described in their
enclosed instructions) to determine if they are on opposite legs of the power line
mains. (The older SignaLincs can also be used for the same purpose.)
• Place the two AccessPoints as close to the power line mains breaker or fuse
box as possible. This will give most signals the best chance of being propagated
back throughout the entire power line network. This can provide a dramatic
improvement in some cases. Again, be certain that the AccessPoints are placed on
opposite legs of the power line mains.
• Stack or "piggy-back" an additional AccessPoint on top of the PLM to improve
network communications. The use of a stacked AccessPoint can improve Insteon
signal strength to enable the PLM to better receive and send signals. Many users
have reported that this is an effective solution. It may help to add this as an
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Problems with INSTEON Devices
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