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| indigo_6_documentation:managing_insteon_devices [2013/08/12 21:39] – [Managing INSTEON PowerLinc Scenes] jay | indigo_6_documentation:managing_insteon_devices [2025/04/14 20:10] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1 | ||
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| + | ====== Managing Your INSTEON Network in Indigo ====== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Indigo provides a variety of tools for managing your INSTEON network - not only can you add/ | ||
| + | |||
| + | INSTEON is primarily a power line technology, and as such is susceptible to signal noise. Check out the [[: | ||
| + | ===== Adding and Managing INSTEON Devices ===== | ||
| + | Indigo uses Smart Link Syncing to quickly define and link INSTEON devices with the PowerLinc. This link syncing process will allow Indigo to control and see messages from the device. | ||
| + | |||
| + | First, make sure that Indigo has enabled communication with the interface. If Indigo is not online with the interface, then choose the **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | Additionally, | ||
| + | |||
| + | **<color green> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Here's the INSTEON device dialog: | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{: | ||
| + | |||
| + | The **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{: | ||
| + | |||
| + | This is how you initially add an INSTEON device to Indigo. The directions on this dialog are quite self-explanatory. When you click the **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | If the sync process fails or does not complete, then make sure that the device is correctly wired or plugged in, both Access Point RFs are installed and on opposite power legs, and that you do not have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or surge protector strip plugged into the outlet the PowerLinc is using. If syncing still fails and the device is portable (ApplianceLinc or LampLinc), then try plugging it directly into the pass through outlet on the PowerLinc. See our [[: | ||
| + | |||
| + | After the sync dialog is closed, some devices, such as the KeypadLinc, EZRain, Thermostat Adapter, Motion Sensor, and EZIO8SA, have additional custom settings shown in the main device dialog. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Replacing and Resyncing Devices ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{: | ||
| + | |||
| + | Use this dialog to resync a device when it's links have been altered outside Indigo. You may be asked to use this dialog by technical support when troubleshooting device problems. | ||
| + | |||
| + | To replace a device that's malfunctioned, | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Managing INSTEON Links ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The last button, **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | The INSTEON protocol has linking built-in as part of it's core functionality. The idea is that one device, a controller in INSTEON speak, can be linked to another device, a responder, then from that point forward the controller device sends its command directly to the responder device. So, for instance, you can link a KeypadLinc button to a SwitchLinc so that when you press the button on the KPL the SwitchLinc responds. That's normally done by pressing various buttons on each device in specific ways until the link is established. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The manual linking method is useful if you don't have a software-controlled environment. However, since you've decided to have Indigo automate your home, you do have software to help you manage your automation needs. We've worked very hard to allow Indigo to perform the majority of link management tasks remotely so you don't have to walk around pressing buttons. | ||
| + | |||
| + | For some background on INSTEON links, we have put together a separate page that discusses [[: | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Managing INSTEON Device Links ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The primary place that you'll manage links between devices is in the Manage INSTEON Device Links dialog. Select the **'''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{: | ||
| + | |||
| + | The dialog may look slightly different depending on the roles that the device selected in the popup at the top can play. As we mentioned earlier, devices that can control other devices are called " | ||
| + | |||
| + | For example, you can use Indigo to remotely program button #1 on a RemoteLinc to: set the thermostat to 68°, brighten the bedroom sconces to 75%, dim the bedroom overhead fixture down to 35%, turn off the hallway and bathroom lights. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{: | ||
| + | |||
| + | Indigo automatically creates the links to define the scene in most remote modules. This means you do not have to press-and-hold the set button or up paddle on most remote modules. Indigo will do it all remotely for you with a single press of the Sync Now button. See the Supports Remote Link Management column of the INSTEON module and Indigo 4 compatibility table for information on which modules Indigo can remotely manage. | ||
| + | |||
| + | You can also define Indigo initiated scenes to control multiple remote modules in unison. See the defining Indigo INSTEON scenes section for more information on this capability. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Responder Modules vs. Controller Modules === | ||
| + | |||
| + | Every INSTEON module is either a //responder module//, a // | ||
| + | |||
| + | * //Responder modules// respond to incoming INSTEON commands by controlling a load (light or appliance), a thermostat setting, sprinkler valves, low-voltage relays, etc. Examples of responder modules include: LampLinc, ApplianceLinc, | ||
| + | * // | ||
| + | * Some modules are both // | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Defining the Scene between Modules === | ||
| + | |||
| + | First, select the module you want to edit. You can choose to edit either the controller module in the scene (ex: RemoteLinc) or the responder module in the scene (ex: LampLinc). | ||
| + | |||
| + | - Select the **'' | ||
| + | - Select the module' | ||
| + | |||
| + | If the module you selected is a controller (RemoteLinc, | ||
| + | |||
| + | - If you want to add a new responder module to the scene, then press the **'' | ||
| + | - Choose the button or group number that identifies the scene you are defining in the controller (ex: RemoteLinc button #1) from the **'' | ||
| + | - Choose the responder module' | ||
| + | - When responding to a scene command, most modules will control the main load (light or appliance) connected to that module. For these modules (SwitchLinc, | ||
| + | - Optionally turn on the **'' | ||
| + | - Repeat steps 1 through 5 for every new responder module that you want to add to the selected controller. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If the module you selected is a responder (LampLinc, Thermostat Adapter, KeypadLinc, SwitchLinc, etc.), then you can add or edit controllers: | ||
| + | |||
| + | - If you want to add a controller of the selected responder module, then press the **'' | ||
| + | - Choose the controller module' | ||
| + | - Choose the button or group number that identifies the controller scene for which you want the responder to listen (ex: RemoteLinc button #3) from the **'' | ||
| + | - When responding to a scene command, most modules will control the main load (light or appliance) connected to that module. For these modules (SwitchLinc, | ||
| + | - Optionally turn on the **'' | ||
| + | - Repeat steps 1 through 5 for every new controller module you want to add for the selected responder. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Lastly, to have Indigo write all of your link changes to the remote modules, press the **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Manually Creating Links between Modules === | ||
| + | |||
| + | In addition to using Indigo' | ||
| + | |||
| + | If you manually create or delete a link, then you must tell Indigo to [[# | ||
| + | ==== Managing INSTEON PowerLinc Scenes ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | INSTEON scenes (also called groups) can be used to control multiple INSTEON modules, such as light switch modules, lamp or appliance plug-in modules, and thermostat modules, all in unison. For example, you could create a //home theatre lighting// scene that turns off all lighting in your media room, except for a few sconce side lights which are set to 20% brightness. You can create lighting scenes for any activity you desire: //dining//, // | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{: | ||
| + | |||
| + | Indigo can remotely create scenes in the computer interface (PowerLinc) that control multiple remote modules. Indigo automatically creates the links to define the scene in both the PowerLinc and most remote modules. This means you do not have to press-and-hold the button on either the PowerLinc or most remote modules. Indigo will do it all remotely for you with a single press of the Sync Now button. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Once Indigo writes the links defining the scene to the PowerLinc and remote modules, you can execute the scene from any [[indigo_6_documentation: | ||
| + | |||
| + | Indigo can also remotely create and edit scenes between remote modules (ex: from a KeypadLinc to a LampLinc). See [[#Managing INSTEON Device Links]] for more information on this capability. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Defining the Scene === | ||
| + | |||
| + | First, specify which PowerLinc Group/Scene number you want to use: | ||
| + | |||
| + | - Choose **'' | ||
| + | - Select a **'' | ||
| + | - Optionally enter a **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | Next, create a new link for every responder module in the scene: | ||
| + | |||
| + | - If you want to add a new responder module to the scene, then press the **'' | ||
| + | - Choose the responder module' | ||
| + | - When responding to a scene command most modules will control the main load (light or appliance) connected to that module. For these modules (SwitchLinc, | ||
| + | - Optionally turn on the **'' | ||
| + | - Repeat steps 1 through 4 for every new module you want to add to the scene. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Lastly, have Indigo write all of your link changes to both the PowerLinc and the remote modules by pressing the **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | You can test the scene after the links are written by using the Send On and Send Off buttons. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Executing the Scene === | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Indigo scene can now be executed from any Trigger, Schedule, or Action Group: | ||
| + | |||
| + | - Follow the instructions to create a [[indigo_6_documentation: | ||
| + | - Select the **'' | ||
| + | - Select **'' | ||
| + | - Use the **'' | ||
| + | * **'' | ||
| + | * **'' | ||
| + | * **'' | ||
| + | * **'' | ||
| + | - Select the scene number defined previously (see above) from the **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | <color red> | ||
| + | ==== INSTEON Link Syncing ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Indigo' | ||
| + | |||
| + | If, after the device is initially created, a remote device has any additional controller links added (ex: LampLinc is controlled by a KeypadLinc), | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Re-Syncing a Single INSTEON Device === | ||
| + | |||
| + | Make sure the device is properly wired or plugged in. | ||
| + | Select Device List from the View menu. | ||
| + | Double-click the device you need to re-sync. | ||
| + | Press the Re-Sync Links... button. | ||
| + | Press the Start Synch button. | ||
| + | Wait for the Smart Link Syncing steps to complete and press the Close button. | ||
| + | The sync process can take a few minutes to complete. Lamp and appliance devices normally take less than a minute, but KeypadLincs and ControLincs can take a few minutes because of the additional link information needed for all the buttons. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Re-Syncing All INSTEON Devices === | ||
| + | |||
| + | In addition to syncing individual devices, you can also batch sync all of your INSTEON devices. Depending on the number of INSTEON devices you have, this process can take a significant amount of time to complete. Because control of your devices will be limited during the synchronization process, it is recommended that you start the synchronization process at night or before you leave the house. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Make sure all devices are properly wired or plugged in. | ||
| + | Select Start Sync INSTEON Device Links... from the Interface menu. | ||
| + | Press the Sync All Devices button. | ||
| + | Watch the Event Log window to see when the synchronization process is complete. | ||
| + | The batch synchronization process can be canceled at any time. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Select Stop Sync INSTEON Device Links from the Interface menu. | ||
| + | Watch the Event Log window to see when the synchronization process is canceled. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Resetting your PowerLinc ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Sometimes, customer support will ask you to reset your PowerLinc. Here's the process: | ||
| + | |||
| + | - In Indigo 5 or above, select the **'' | ||
| + | - Unplug your PowerLinc and wait about 15 seconds | ||
| + | - Press and hold the black set button on the side | ||
| + | - While holding the button, plug it back in and continue to hold the button for about 15 seconds | ||
| + | - Release the button | ||
| + | - In Indigo, select the **'' | ||
| + | - Select the **'' | ||
| + | - Click the **'' | ||
| + | - Click the **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | The last step will take a while, so watch the Event Log window for progress. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Replacing Your PowerLinc ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | If your PowerLinc is ever replaced, then you must re-sync all of your devices. This will ensure that all devices have their internal links updated to reflect the new PowerLinc' | ||
| + | |||
| + | Once you have the driver installed, just connect the PowerLinc to your Mac. If you're switching from a 2414 to one of the current ones, you'll need to select it in the [[indigo_6_documentation: | ||
| + | |||
| + | <color red> | ||
| + | ===== Other INSTEON Features in Indigo (Pro Only) ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | The **'' | ||
| + | ====Send Raw INSTEON Command==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This action will allow you to send a raw INSTEON command to any INSTEON device. You can send standard messages (2 bytes) or extended messages (16 bytes). You can also have the results of the command inserted into a variable for later processing. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Set Motion Sensor LED Brightness==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This action will set the brightness of the LED that flashes inside the motion sensor when motion is detected. While the brightness value is between 0 and 255, 0 does not mean the LED is completely off - it's just very dim. Note: only revision 2 Motion Sensors with jumper 5 set can be configured. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Set Motion Sensor Timeout==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This action will set the timeout value between the time the motion sensor stops detecting motion and when it sends the OFF command. The timeout values work like this: 0 is equal to 30 seconds and 255 is equal to 2 hours. Values in between are proportional to those values. Note: only revision 2 Motion Sensors with jumper 5 set can be configured. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Set Motion Sensor Day/Night Sensitivity==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This action will set the sensitivity for when the motion sensor detects changes from dawn to dusk and vice versa. The sensitivity values work like this: 0 will make the sensor register day all the time and 255 is equal to night all the time. Values in between are proportional to those values. Note: only revision 2 Motion Sensors with jumper 5 set can be configured. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Set LED Brightness==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This action will set the brightness of the LEDs on certain devices. Newer KeypadLincs are supported as well as some SwitchLinc models. Unfortunately there isn't really a way to tell you which devices are supported so you'll just have to try it and see if it works. | ||
| + | |||
| + | You can script this action from Python: | ||
| + | |||
| + | < | ||
| + | insteonPlugin = indigo.server.getPlugin(insteonId) | ||
| + | if insteonPlugin.isEnabled(): | ||
| + | actionProps = dict() | ||
| + | actionProps[" | ||
| + | actionProps[" | ||
| + | actionProps[" | ||
| + | insteonPlugin.executeAction(" | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | ====Set KeypadLinc Auto-Off Button Group==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This action will allow you to specify what buttons will go off automatically when you press any other button. Useful in conjunction with Toggle Mode below for creating "radio groups" | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Set KeypadLinc Button Toggle Mode==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This action will allow you to specify whether a button toggles (alternates between ON and OFF when pressed) or whether it sends a single command anytime it's pressed (can send either ON or OFF). Useful in conjunction with Auto-Off groups above for creating "radio groups" | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Turn On/Off KeypadLinc Buttons==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This action allows you to turn on/off groups of buttons. Why not just have multiple actions using the built-in Turn ON/Turn OFF LED actions? Because each of those requires a lot of INSTEON traffic - and if you need to set several buttons at once this action will do it in one (or two if you want to maintain some buttons) action(s). It's more efficient and easier to configure (one action versus potentially seven actions). Select the action you want to take for each button: **'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | Note: using this action, which is sending raw INSTEON commands through the IndigoServer, | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Configure SynchroLinc==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This action will allow you to configure the Trigger Watts, Threshold Watts, and Delay Seconds in a SynchroLinc. Here are the details of those settings: | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Trigger Watts (0 to 1800 watts in 0.5 watt steps): the wattage needed before the SynchroLinc broadcasts. | ||
| + | * Threshold Watts (aka hysteresis, 0 to 127.5 watts in 0.5 watt steps): tolerance before on/off toggle is sent. | ||
| + | * Delay Seconds (0.15 to 38.25 seconds): prevents message flooding if thresholdWatts is too low. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Set I/O Linc Momentary Mode==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | This action will allow you to set the momentary mode of an I/O Linc to A, B, C, or None (the built-in UI only sets A or None). | ||
| + | |||