User guide

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Appendix H: Troubleshooting INSTEON Communication
Issues
It is important to have a pair of INSTEON AccessPoints or other INSTEON RF devices
(or an INSTEON-compatible hardwired coupler) installed to ensure good
communications between both legs of power in your home. See Smarthome’s
documentation for ensuring your AccessPoints are installed on opposite legs of power.
We recommend placing them as close to your electrical panel as possible.
An AccessPoint (or other INSTEON RF receiver, such as their 2413S Dual-Band PLM)
is also required to communicate with INSTEON RF devices.
Most INSTEON devices use powerline technology to communicate with one another.
Some devices on in your home may interfere with device communications. Some
known offenders are:
- Low voltage lighting
- Fluorescent lighting
- CFLs
- Desktop computers and notebooks
- Surge protectors
- UPSs
In many cases these devices can exist on your powerline with no problem. But, if you
are experiencing communication issues, we highly recommend unplugging any devices
you have on the above list. Once you establish reliable communications, add the
devices back in one at a time to find the cause. Most troublesome plug-in devices can
be filtered using FilterLincs from Smarthome.
Because the ISY sends and receives all INSTEON signals through the PLM, we highly
recommend plugging it in to an outlet away from potentially noisy electrical devices,
such as PCs and UPSs, and as close to your electrical panel as possible. DO NOT
plug your PLM into a surge protector or UPS. We also highly recommend installing an
AccessPoint as close to your PLM as possible.