INSTEON and Indigo today

Here are some things to try when the INSTEON devices do not always respond to commands and some things to know when purchasing INSTEON devices.

Troubleshooting

• Enable "Report error on all NAKs" in Indigo PowerLinc 2414U Interface Options. It will help identify problem modules that are responding intermittently to Indigo commands.
• Enable "Always send group/scene cleanup messages" in Interface Options to help troubleshoot intermittent INSTEON devices. Cleanup messages dramatically slow down the INSTEON process so it should be turned off if there are no operational problems.
• Know what side of the 240VAC power system the INSTEON devices are on. Its a good idea to have a panel schedule and mark it for ready reference when troubleshooting. It helps to quickly look and see if the troublesome device is on the same or opposite leg from Indigo or the device sending the command.
• Use a 50 foot extension cord to try modules and controllers on other circuits to solve the problem.
• Read Perceptive Automation's troubleshooting tips
• When linking a RemoteLinc from Indigo, put it in listen mode by holding the Bright and Dim buttons for 10 seconds. Do not put it in program mode by holding down a key for 10 seconds.
• You may need to configure triggers to listen for "On" and for "Instant On". Its common for the on paddle to bounce on a SwitchLinc relay causing it to send an instant on instead of a plain on.

Purchasing

• Only purchase the V5.2 or later SwitchLinc Relay wall switches. They just work better.
• Purchase the newesst power line interface, currently the 2412U. It might have the improved circuits that the v5.2 SwitchLinc Relays do.
• Purchase only the 6 button KeypadLinc Relay (no dimmer). They can handle the extended command set and it is assumed they have the improved circuits that the SwitchLinc Relays have. The 6 button KeypadLinc can be converted to 8 button with a button kit.
• Purchase KeypadLinc button kits with the devices to save shipping costs later.