X10 Community Forum
💬General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: IPS on December 04, 2020, 10:33:14 AM
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Hi guys. Hopefully you all are safe and healthy.
Two things have happened since my last post.
1. I have received the Harmony P2. and
2. out of no where,I see all the devices, including X10, on the device list of Alexa. However they do not respond.
Now question for and help from brobin. I have installed the device but it is not discovering and devices. Insteon USB adapter came with the device. shouldn't it be X10 adapter?
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The Insteon 2412U PLM handles X10 as well Insteon so you have the correct unit and can use both, plus ZigBee devices from the built in radio in the P2. Have you enabled the Smartenit Skill in your Alexa App? Also check that you have the latest firmware which, at this point, is 3.15.0-14. If the Alexa skill is enabled already then let me know and we'll go from there. When I discovered devices with the skill enabled they worked right away with commands like "Alexa, turn on office lamps."
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Yes it is same update and it is enabled in Alexa app.
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Can you turn modules on and off from the Smartenit app? If so, then I'd try clearing all the devices in the Alex app and doing the discovery again. When you give an Alexa command what is her response?
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There are no devices in Smartenit app. what need to done to discover devices in smartenit app?
It only has the hub and another device that i physically added. pressing on it turns the bulb on, only on the iphone and not in reality.
In Alexa app, response is OK but nothing happens.
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Add a device by tapping the + sign in the upper right hand corner to add a device. Tap Switches/Outlets then scroll down to X10 Appliance Modules or X10 Dimmers and select one of those as appropriate. Tap "Add Now" Put in the Name you'd like and the House and Unit Code then tap save. Go back to Devices and it should be there. Tap the big circle with the switch or outlet icon and it should turn on and you should see a green ring around the icon. Now tell Alexa to discover devices and it should be discovered and work. If at some point in the process this doesn't work let me know where it's hanging up.
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BTW, for testing, plug the X10 module into the same outlet as the PLM. and verify the USB between the PLM and P2 are plugged in OK.
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When I select X10, pop up say "Interface Needed" Your Gateway does not have a X10 Interface to add this device.
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Seems like the P2 isn't seeing the PLM. Is the PLM plugged into the USB port and into an outlet? Is the LED on the side of the PLM on? If everything is plugged in OK try pulling the power on the P2, wait 15 seconds and plug it back in. To reset the PLM, unplug it, press and hold the SET button for at least 10 seconds while plugging it in.
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I reset the device and now I can add devices.Alexa discovered the devices but nothing happens.
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Do you have local control - module turns on when you tap the circle? When you ask Alexa to turn on a device does the PLM LED flicker. Do you see the green circle turn on? If you'd like, I'm happy to have a look at your P2's web portal to see if the devices are there. I'll PM you.
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No local control. Nothing flickers when I ask Alexa. Only the circle turns green but nothing happens.
I have sent you login info.
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Just got a email from smartenit saying that Insteon PLM does not work with X10. so have to order on for X10.
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The 2413U or 2412U PLM do X10 fine.
Though the Smartenit P2 with a PLM may not be able to do Alex10.
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Re: Alex10 (x10 control with Amazon echo, dot or tap)
« Reply #253 on: Today at 03:51:03 PM »
ReplyQuote
The 2413U or 2412U PLM do X10 fine.
Though the Smartenit P2 with a PLM may not be able to do Alex10.”
What are 2412U or 2413U ?
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Brobin
Did you get the info?
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No
What info?
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IPS;
2412U and 2413U. Are the Smarthome part numbers for the USB version of their PLM.
2412U is USB power line only PLM. 2413U is the USB Dual Band PLM.
Smartenit gets their base PLM from Smarthome. The PLM I got with my P2 kit PLM was labeled with the Smarthome 2412U label on it.
Some of their other modules. Are built on the base Smarthome PLM main board with a custom daughter board replacing the normally found serial port or USB board.
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Thanks Brian H.
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The 2412U or 2413U are Insteon PLMs that handle both X10 and Insteon. When you ordered the P2 that was the one to select and hence the $60 price. You should return the Insteon Stick and have them send you the 2412U PLM. I have a P2 and 2412U PLM and it works perfectly. Once you plug in the 2412U everything you've set up on the P2 will work.
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Sounds like you got a 2448A7. Insteon USB portable PLM.
Smarenit is correct. It does not do X10 and is Insteon 915MHz RF only.
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That's exactly what he got. In doing some troubleshooting with him yesterday I assumed he had the 2412U and suggested that he try a different USB cable. That's when he mentioned he had an Insteon stick and sent me a photo. -:) As soon as he gets his 2412U he'll be up and running.
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Just to be clear for anybody looking to buy a Smartenit Harmony P2 (or G2), you want to buy it with the "Add Insteon/X10 with powerline only PLM" option ($59.99 for the P2 and PLM bundled) as pictured below unless you already have a 2412U or 2413U on hand. If you have a a 2412S/2413S that'll work too with a serial to USB adapter.
https://smartenit.com/product/harmony-p2/
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I purchased a Smartenit Harmony P2 with the x10 PLM module about a month ago.
I bought this to use for controlling my x10 devices with Alexa via the Alexa Skill.
It works, however the unit - not sure if it's the Harmony P2 or the PLM - seems to freeze up once every day or two.
By freeze, I mean it stops responding to commands from Alexa and in the android app it's not showing activity. I've noticed here and there also that the light on the P2 is red and eventually goes back to green, not sure if that is related or not. I have the internet cable for the P2 plugged into an 8 port network switch, and all the other devices on that switch work with no problems.
I have 2 other x10 receivers (RF version) that are working fine.
If I unplug the usb cable from the back of the P2, wait about 15 seconds, and then plug it back in it seems to go back to working until the next time it freezes.
Not sure what the problem could be - any suggestions for a solution would be most appreciated.
Thanks
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A couple of questions to help diagnose the problem:
1. Can you verify that you are running 3.15.0-14 software? On the Dashboard the first device is the Smartenit-HarmonyP2. Tap the '>' to the right of that and you'll see the software version. Tapping 'UPDATES' will verify that you're running the latest version or offer an update. If you don't have the latest there may be multiple updates to get to 3.15.0-14.
2. When you tap a device on the app or tell Alexa to turn something on or off do you see the LED on the PLM flicker?
3. Just for fun, try a different Ethernet cable and, since unplugging the USB cable seems to help, a new USB cable (you may have one from a printer lying around).
Let me know what you find and we'll go from there.
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Good morning.
Good questions, I should have added some of that info. Yes, I checked the app and the software on the Smartenit P2 is 3.15.0-14. In regards to the led light on the PLM, when my commands from Alex or the app work, I can see the led light blink. When it does not work, the light does not blink - which is when I unplug the usb cable wait a bit and then plug it back in.
I am using the cat 5 cable and the usb cable provided with the unit, I believe there was something in the tech doc about the cat 5 cable being wired a certain way, which is why I am using the one they provided. I may have a different usb cable I can use, I will check and try that.
I'm wondering if there is something with the P2 and the other x10 receivers I have causing issues with each other - I recall there being some sort of issue with the x10 TM units if you had more than one of each house code or something like that. Not sure, just a thought. I also have an X10 PLM unit attached to my PiX10Hub, but that one seems OK / reliable as I can use the HomeGenie App to toggle devices even when the P2 is in its frozen mode.
The P2 unit and the Alexa app seem more reliable than the prior methods I have tried - I don't get the Alexa error that the device is not responding, things just seem to get bottlenecked on the P2 (or the PLM) is frozen.
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What might be an idea is to outline exactly what your setup is hardware and software wise. The fact that your issue is intermittent it is going to be a process of elimination to track this one down. It’s either a single or a combination of issues that’s causing this.
Start by removing Alexa from the equation and continue the process in that manner. Maybe seeing your complete setup documented will help identify where the possible conflict lies. I’m thinking you’ve quite a few intermediaries involved passing an on/off command to your X10 devices.
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Good morning.
Good questions, I should have added some of that info. Yes, I checked the app and the software on the Smartenit P2 is 3.15.0-14. In regards to the led light on the PLM, when my commands from Alex or the app work, I can see the led light blink. When it does not work, the light does not blink - which is when I unplug the usb cable wait a bit and then plug it back in.
I am using the cat 5 cable and the usb cable provided with the unit, I believe there was something in the tech doc about the cat 5 cable being wired a certain way, which is why I am using the one they provided. I may have a different usb cable I can use, I will check and try that.
I'm wondering if there is something with the P2 and the other x10 receivers I have causing issues with each other - I recall there being some sort of issue with the x10 TM units if you had more than one of each house code or something like that. Not sure, just a thought. I also have an X10 PLM unit attached to my PiX10Hub, but that one seems OK / reliable as I can use the HomeGenie App to toggle devices even when the P2 is in its frozen mode.
The P2 unit and the Alexa app seem more reliable than the prior methods I have tried - I don't get the Alexa error that the device is not responding, things just seem to get bottlenecked on the P2 (or the PLM) is frozen.
There's nothing special about the Ethernet cable as I use my own with no problem. It appears there's something going on with the link between the P2 and the PLM. The other X10 devices you have in the house are not a factor... I have all manner of X10 stuff too and no issues. I'd try changing both cables first starting with the USB for the first test. You might also try clearing the memory in the PLM by doing this:
"To reset the PowerLinc Controller USB to its original factory setting, unplug it from the wall outlet and wait
10 seconds. Press and hold its SET button while plugging it back in and continue holding the SET button for 3 seconds
and release. After several seconds, the Status LED will turn on, indicating a reset is complete."
Another test would be to open the app and watch to see if the green circle around a device turns on and off in response to Alexa commands. If it does, but the PLM LED doesn't flicker, then that indicates that the P2 is connected to the internet correctly but can't talk to the PLM. Sometimes PLM's leave the factory with test programming embedded in their memory which has been known to cause issues. I'm hoping that clearing the memory and/or the USB cable is the solution.
So to summarize;
1) Reset PLM to factory defaults and test;
2) Change USB cable and test;
3) Change Ethernet cable and test;
4) Observe the green circle on a device in the app during each test.
Looking forward to hearing the results.
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Good morning.
Good questions, I should have added some of that info. Yes, I checked the app and the software on the Smartenit P2 is 3.15.0-14. In regards to the led light on the PLM, when my commands from Alex or the app work, I can see the led light blink. When it does not work, the light does not blink - which is when I unplug the usb cable wait a bit and then plug it back in.
I am using the cat 5 cable and the usb cable provided with the unit, I believe there was something in the tech doc about the cat 5 cable being wired a certain way, which is why I am using the one they provided. I may have a different usb cable I can use, I will check and try that.
I'm wondering if there is something with the P2 and the other x10 receivers I have causing issues with each other - I recall there being some sort of issue with the x10 TM units if you had more than one of each house code or something like that. Not sure, just a thought. I also have an X10 PLM unit attached to my PiX10Hub, but that one seems OK / reliable as I can use the HomeGenie App to toggle devices even when the P2 is in its frozen mode.
The P2 unit and the Alexa app seem more reliable than the prior methods I have tried - I don't get the Alexa error that the device is not responding, things just seem to get bottlenecked on the P2 (or the PLM) is frozen.
There's nothing special about the Ethernet cable as I use my own with no problem. It appears there's something going on with the link between the P2 and the PLM. The other X10 devices you have in the house are not a factor... I have all manner of X10 stuff too and no issues. I'd try changing both cables first starting with the USB for the first test. You might also try clearing the memory in the PLM by doing this:
"To reset the PowerLinc Controller USB to its original factory setting, unplug it from the wall outlet and wait
10 seconds. Press and hold its SET button while plugging it back in and continue holding the SET button for 3 seconds
and release. After several seconds, the Status LED will turn on, indicating a reset is complete."
Another test would be to open the app and watch to see if the green circle around a device turns on and off in response to Alexa commands. If it does, but the PLM LED doesn't flicker, then that indicates that the P2 is connected to the internet correctly but can't talk to the PLM. Sometimes PLM's leave the factory with test programming embedded in their memory which has been known to cause issues. I'm hoping that clearing the memory and/or the USB cable is the solution.
So to summarize;
1) Reset PLM to factory defaults and test;
2) Change USB cable and test;
3) Change Ethernet cable and test;
4) Observe the green circle on a device in the app during each test.
Looking forward to hearing the results.
I'm not a Harmony user but one thing that caught my attention was the OP mentioned the PiX10 hub formed part of his setup. I'd be interested to see exactly what role the PiX10 hub plays between Alexa and the actual X10 devices assuming a CM15 is being deployed here. You'd have more knowledge of how the Harmony hub interacts with a CM15. I'm assuming the harmony hub combined with an X10 controller would be a standalone X10 solution.
Maybe the OP could take a closer look at his PiX10 hub for possible conflicts with his setup. Testing the Harmony hub in conjunction with Alexa as a standalone setup could rule out problems with the harmony hub. Not knowing what the OP has installed on the PiX10 hub I can only hazard a guess at this stage.
Maybe a few more specifics on the setup would help here. Are you a PiX10 user yourself.
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Those are good thoughts petera. The only thing the P2 is doing is telling the PLM to send X10 commands. The PLM is like the CM-15a or a TW-523 in that it sends and receives X10 codes so, other than that, there's no interaction with the CM-15a or hub. It really wouldn't be any different from a mini controller's signals.
While I'm not using a PiHub, I do use a Stargate which does X10 through my XTB-IIR. In fact, the P2 doesn't control any X10 devices directly in my set up. It sends X10 signals that trigger the Stargate to run events. For example, I tell Alexa "It's dark in here," and Alexa tells the P2, which tells the PLM to send N1-On. The Stargate sees N1 go on and sends the appropriate codes to turn on four lamps with different codes and dim settings. When I tell Alexa to "turn off office lamps," The P2/PLM sends N1-Off and the Stargate turns off the four lamps. The Stargate can also control relays (to open and close garage doors) and send serial messages (to arm/disarm the alarm or talk to a Hunter-Douglas shade controller) all of which can be triggered by Alexa telling the P2 to send X10 codes to trigger the Stargate. I've set aside the entire N Housecode for this purpose and am using 14 unit codes presently. An example of "mixed protocols" is when I say "Alexa, good morning," when I wake up. That triggers the P2 to send N6-On which tells the Stargate to disarm the alarm and raise the blackout shades in the bedroom. Depending on time of day, it'll also turn on some X10 controlled lamps.
I'm looking forward to Soxfan1966's test results.
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Sorry, busy day and I did not get a chance to check any of the suggestions. Will try tomorrow.
One note, the PiX10 does not have any connection to exa (I don't use the Hub for that and the service is disabled). I only mentioned it in case the problem of a conflict with different x10 transmitter having collisions was possible.
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When you moved to the P2 for Alexa did you remove all the devices in the Alexa app and and then run Discover devices again? I had to do that when migrating from Alex 10 to the PiAlexaHub and then again when migrating to the P2. It's important not to have dual entries in the Alexa app. That said, I still think we're looking more towards the PLM or USB cable but look into that too.
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I’m convinced his Harmony hub is fine and Alexa is Alexa. A glorified microphone rofl I’ve a sneaking suspicion where his problem lies but I won’t commit either way till I know exactly what his setup is. Those hubs are generally bullet proof. Once they work they work.
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Good afternoon (almost said morning) - this lockdown has me
messed up with days of the week etc, but I digress ...
Here is my update:
I replaced the cat 5 cable, and switched the port on the network switch I was using for the P2 (swapped with my desktop computer).
I do not have another USB cable right now so could not swap
that.
I then reset the PLM as instructed.
I gave it a few minutes to get synched up to the network.
One thing I also did is in my HomeGenie setup I disabled all the x10 programs I had that essentially repeated a PLM command for a device as an RF command (I had originally had issues with some x10 commands not reaching things on the opposite phase, and this approach worked).
There is nothing specific connected from the P2 to the PiX10Hub other than they both send / receive X10 commands.
I tried a few Alexa commands and they worked with no lockups but need to let things run for a bit, especially later today when outside lights get triggered to go on to see how things are going.
Will report back later today or tomorrow.
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If/when you have the problem again, before doing anything else, open the Smartenit app and see if the green circle goes on and off for a device you're asking Alexa to operate and look for the PLM LED flicker.
If the green circle goes on and off in response to Alexa then the internet side is good.
You can also try tapping the device in the app and look for the PLM flicker.
If the PLM doesn't flicker then it's likely the cable or the PLM.
If it DOES flicker then it may be a powerline issue and try retesting with a lamp plugged in to the same outlet.
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One thing I also did is in my HomeGenie setup I disabled all the x10 programs I had that essentially repeated a PLM command for a device as an RF command (I had originally had issues with some x10 commands not reaching things on the opposite phase, and this approach worked).
There is nothing specific connected from the P2 to the PiX10Hub other than they both send / receive X10 commands.
I think this action may well have resolved your issue. Definitely sounds like X10 signal duplication/collision. Not sure what you have installed on that PiX10 hub as there's a number of different "versions" circulating, some with HA Bridge, some without and others with various other items installed.
A straightforward install of HomeGenie should happily coexist with your setup. You've basically two X10 controllers operating on your setup, the CM15 on your Raspberry Pi and your Harmony hub and it appears they are duplicating the same tasks each time you issue an X10 command. Bearing in mind that the Harmony hub allows your setup to interface with Alexa that should be your main focus. I'd be surprised if you're not getting lockups on your CM15 too but they are not as obvious as the ones on the Harmony hub.
What ports are currently in use on your network. Have you checked what port Harmony hub uses. Have you HA Bridge installed. Is that conflicting with either the Harmony port or the HomeGenie port. Can you see the possible conflicts in your system. I've no doubt that your Harmony hub is fine, it's just all the other elements on your setup I couldn't be sure of. You've definitely got conflicts here. It's just knowing how your system is configured would help eliminate the conflict.
As you say let it run with the changes you made and report back. Do bear in mind @brobin uses the Harmony hub but not the PiX10 hub. I use HomeGenie but not the Harmony hub
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Well, my timers in HomeGenie ran for my outdoor lights but as I expected they did not turn on. So I enabled my HomeGenie x10 RF programs and turned them on manually in HG and they worked again.
I have not tried the P2 via Alexa since this morning but I will.
I usually do not use Alexa to turn on / off my exterior lights (but occasionally do) so I could try disabling the x10 RF programs for those items I use Alexa for most and see what happens but if it's an issue with the PLM units flooding / colliding with each other not sure that would work.
I have not had an issue using my PiX10Hub with those programs enabled and I do not have HA Bridge running on my PiX10Hub (it's not even installed).
My home was.adding the P2 would provide a reliable, trouble free option for using Alexa and X10 so hopefully whatever the hangup I am running into is fixable and I get my wish.
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I suggest using the setup @brobin has. Just eliminate your Raspberry Pi HomeGenie from the equation for the moment so you can confirm all is well with the Harmony hub. Once that’s confirmed working from there you can start troubleshooting your Raspberry Pi HomeGenie setup. Just for clarity could you confirm what X10 controller you have connected to your Raspberry Pi.
You refer to your “HomeGenie X10 RF programs” Why do you refer to them as X10 RF programs if you are using a CM15 X10 controller. As I mentioned as much info as possible on your HomeGenie setup would help troubleshoot your problem. Did you install HomeGenie from official sources or was it from an image you downloaded here.
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I'm not sure how the other X10 signals could be causing a problem and why RF would enter into the equation. The P2/PLM does not have any X10 RF capability. When RF is sent from a remote or a CM19A it is received by an X10 transceiver that sends X10 signals. The P2 would see the X10 signals like any other controller but I don't see how it would prevent the P2/PLM from transmitting or cause it to lock up.
When it does lock up it would really be helpful to run the tests in my earlier posts to help isolate the issue. It could be that doing the factory reset on the PLM cured the problem but it's hard to tell as other changes were made simultaneously. It's best to try one thing at a time, evaluate, and move on to the next step. At this point, it would be interesting to see what happens if the HG configuration was put back the way you want it either before or after you do as @petera suggests.
Resetting a new PLM to factory defaults to clear test programming is a well known cure for PLM issues.
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I'm not sure how the other X10 signals could be causing a problem and why RF would enter into the equation. The P2/PLM does not have any X10 RF capability. When RF is sent from a remote or a CM19A it is received by an X10 transceiver that sends X10 signals. The P2 would see the X10 signals like any other controller but I don't see how it would prevent the P2/PLM from transmitting or cause it to lock up.
When it does lock up it would really be helpful to run the tests in my earlier posts to help isolate the issue. It could be that doing the factory reset on the PLM cured the problem but it's hard to tell as other changes were made simultaneously. It's best to try one thing at a time, evaluate, and move on to the next step. At this point, it would be interesting to see what happens if the HG configuration was put back the way you want it either before or after you do as @petera suggests.
Resetting a new PLM to factory defaults to clear test programming is a well known cure for PLM issues.
That's what's puzzling me too. I'm assuming a CM15 is being used on the Raspberry Pi/Homegenie combo which obviously combines rf/plc commands. I know nothing about the Harmony hub but I'm assuming X10 commands end up transmitted down plc as does the CM15 if I'm not mistaken.
Now say, for instance the harmony hub and the CM15 are executing the same X10 command to the same address is there likely to be a collision and lockup.
Once it's confirmed that the Harmony hub is functioning correctly as per your setup the OP can go to the next troubleshooting point.
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I'm not sure how the other X10 signals could be causing a problem and why RF would enter into the equation. The P2/PLM does not have any X10 RF capability. When RF is sent from a remote or a CM19A it is received by an X10 transceiver that sends X10 signals. The P2 would see the X10 signals like any other controller but I don't see how it would prevent the P2/PLM from transmitting or cause it to lock up.
When it does lock up it would really be helpful to run the tests in my earlier posts to help isolate the issue. It could be that doing the factory reset on the PLM cured the problem but it's hard to tell as other changes were made simultaneously. It's best to try one thing at a time, evaluate, and move on to the next step. At this point, it would be interesting to see what happens if the HG configuration was put back the way you want it either before or after you do as @petera suggests.
Resetting a new PLM to factory defaults to clear test programming is a well known cure for PLM issues.
That's what's puzzling me too. I'm assuming a CM15 is being used on the Raspberry Pi/Homegenie combo which obviously combines rf/plc commands. I know nothing about the Harmony hub but I'm assuming X10 commands end up transmitted down plc as does the CM15 if I'm not mistaken.
Now say, for instance the harmony hub and the CM15 are executing the same X10 command to the same address is there likely to be a collision and lockup.
Once it's confirmed that the Harmony hub is functioning correctly as per your setup the OP can go to the next troubleshooting point.
To keep it simple, the Harmony P2 acts like the PiX10Hub in that it's a controller. The PLM acts like the CM15A in that it handles the powerline interface and sends the commands.
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As you are likely aware, one of the limitations of x10 is that power line signals from one phase do not cross to the other phase of a 220 volt circuit breaker panel. So when you have some x10 devices on each phase there can be issues.
There is device (forgot the model /name) that is supposed to allow the signals to pass over to the other phase, and uses the dryer plug. I used to have one but it didn't prove all that reliable.
So what I have is a CM15 (I believe that's what I have) attached to my PiX10Hub and plugged into an outlet on one phase. Then I have a TM15 (again, I think that's the model) plugged into an outlet on a different phase.
So in HomeGenie I have programs defined that are triggered when a power line commands are received it sends an RF signal for that same device. That RF signal is picked up by the TM15 on the other phase and the signal makes.it down the power lines on the other phase.
Note:. I think I actually have 2 TM15 units one on each phase, which may be something I can fix to remove one.
So that's what I am referring to by my HomeGenie RF programs.
So my hunch is that the PLM device attached to the P2 may be suffering from x10 collisions, but it's just a hunch.
I will see how things go after resetting vthe PLM device this morning.
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A lot of X10 controller and RF transceiver equipment operating in the same area. I can’t make any suggestion on what can be done with the Harmony equipment as I don’t own it but I am very familiar with the Raspberry Pi/CM15/HomeGenie setup and I’m guessing that’s the source of your problem. You know how to eliminate the Harmony hub as a source of your problems. Once you’ve done that it’s on to the Raspberry Pi/CM15/HomeGenie setup.
I’m assuming you have your macros/timers cleared off your CM15 and your ports are correctly configured for each individual piece of hardware you have attached to your network.
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Yes, I remember you mentioning that and appreciate the greater detail. Using two TM751's can be problematic if they're both receiving from the CM15a transmitter at the same time. The fix would be to install a proper coupler like an XPCP at the breaker panel or, better yet, an XTB-IIR amplifier/coupler or one of the others available. If you want to continue with the way you're doing it, you could program a 1 second delay on repeating the command via RF.
I still don't think that the collisions are the cause because the PLM would have already finished transmitting. I assume it's been stable since resetting the PLM so fingers crossed that it stays that way!
For signal issues the gold standard is the XTB-IIR at http://jvde.us/xtb/xtb-iir.pdf
Other options are here: https://www.x10.com/x10-pro/specialty-devices/couplers-repeaters/xpcr-coupler-repeater-amplifier.html
and https://www.x10.com/x10-pro/specialty-devices/couplers-repeaters/xpcp-ratio-passive-coupler.html
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Things with the P2 have been good since Saturday - I used it a few times yesterday and also this morning. In all cases the devices responded and worked as expected. Will monitor how things go the rest of the week and update here, but so far an improvement.
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Things with the P2 have been good since Saturday - I used it a few times yesterday and also this morning. In all cases the devices responded and worked as expected. Will monitor how things go the rest of the week and update here, but so far an improvement.
So other than resetting your Harmony hub everything else is connected to your network as it was before you noticed the problem. Is that correct.
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Only other thing was changing out the cat-5 cable from the P2 to the network switch, and changing the port on the network switch nit is connected to.
That and the reset of the PLM.
Other than that, everything nis the same.
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Only other thing was changing out the cat-5 cable from the P2 to the network switch, and changing the port on the network switch nit is connected to.
That and the reset of the PLM.
Other than that, everything nis the same.
Ah. So effectively you replaced your Cat 5 cable and swapped to a different port on your network switch. Hopefully that’s resolved your problem but unfortunately you haven’t isolated the actual cause of your original problem. I doubt your cable was the cause. More likely the resetting of the Harmony equipment or the swapping over ports resolved your issue.
Just be mindful you have quite a few sources of RF and PLC control in the mix together which can cause undesirable side effects. I’ve one single CM19 in my setup but that clearly wouldn’t suffice in your situation.
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Only other thing was changing out the cat-5 cable from the P2 to the network switch, and changing the port on the network switch it is connected to.
That and the reset of the PLM.
Other than that, everything is the same.
That's great news! :)% My money's on the PLM reset as as it's a well documented solution among Insteon users. It's analogous to clearing the CM-15A when repurposing it for the PiX10Hub. If you were able to connect to the P2 from the app before switching the cable & port, that was not likely the problem. If it was, it wouldn't have been solved by just unplugging the USB cable. I'd just take what is hopefully the win and move on but if you want to pin it down you could put the old cable and port back in play and evaluate.
A word about Insteon PLM's. In addition to the 2412U there is also a 2413U version that adds Insteon RF (NOT X10!) to the mix. I use that because I added an Insteon RF Open/Close Sensor to a package drop box so that a delivery triggers a text message, flashing light and chime. The 2413U has a high failure rate, unlike the 2412U which is rock solid. The fix is to replace the 7 electrolytic capacitors with more robust values. Mine failed on Saturday. Knowing that eventually it would, I had the caps on hand and it's back in service.
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Only other thing was changing out the cat-5 cable from the P2 to the network switch, and changing the port on the network switch it is connected to.
That and the reset of the PLM.
Other than that, everything is the same.
That's great news! :)% My money's on the PLM reset as as it's a well documented solution among Insteon users. It's analogous to clearing the CM-15A when repurposing it for the PiX10Hub. If you were able to connect to the P2 from the app before switching the cable & port, that was not likely the problem. If it was, it wouldn't have been solved by just unplugging the USB cable. I'd just take what is hopefully the win and move on but if you want to pin it down you could put the old cable and port back in play and evaluate.
A word about Insteon PLM's. In addition to the 2412U there is also a 2413U version that adds Insteon RF (NOT X10!) to the mix. I use that because I added an Insteon RF Open/Close Sensor to a package drop box so that a delivery triggers a text message, flashing light and chime. The 2413U has a high failure rate, unlike the 2412U which is rock solid. The fix is to replace the 7 electrolytic capacitors with more robust values. Mine failed on Saturday. Knowing that eventually it would, I had the caps on hand and it's back in service.
I'm fortunate as my CM19 is the Euro version 433mhz and covers both standard RF/X10 standard codes/and X10 security codes.Thankfully I don't require any additional X10 equipment to pass the signal around the premises. Of course I don't need to consider 2x110v supply entering the premises at the board,just one single 220v supply to consider.
I'm assuming the OP has the Harmony equipment installed to facilitate the use of Alexa. I'm not a big user of Alexa but when I do need it HomeGenie looks after that.No messy bridges installed either. I tend to keep the setup as simple as possible. Less sources to cause similar symptoms to the OP.
I was however interested to read how the Harmony equipment integrates into a system like this.
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I was however interested to read how the Harmony equipment integrates into a system like this.
I look at the P2 as an HA "Swiss Army Knife" as it bridges multiple systems. I can use not only Alexa, but X10, Insteon and ZigBee devices interchangeably as needed even controlling one with the other. The Insteon Open/Close sensor turns on an X10 chime and could turn on a ZigBee (Ikea or Hue) bulb.
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I was however interested to read how the Harmony equipment integrates into a system like this.
I look at the P2 as an HA "Swiss Army Knife" as it bridges multiple systems. I can use not only Alexa, but X10, Insteon and ZigBee devices interchangeably as needed even controlling one with the other. The Insteon Open/Close sensor turns on an X10 chime and could turn on a ZigBee (Ikea or Hue) bulb.
It was really the X10 side of this that interested me. I’ve all the other protocols sorted out. Am I correct in saying that the Harmony hub is doing X10 via IP in this case.
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So unfortunately the lockup issue just happened again. The Smartenit app appears to reflect what it thinks the action was and the state of the device, but nothing happens on the PLM. No led light flash or anything.
I unplugged the USB cable from the P2, waited 10 seconds and then plugged it back in. Used teh Smartent app and turned the same device on and then off and it worked (Smarenit app shows green circle aroung item when its on etc) and the led light on the PLM flashed too.
So back at step 1 I guess. Not sure what the deal is. Bad PLM maybe ?
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I was however interested to read how the Harmony equipment integrates into a system like this.
I look at the P2 as an HA "Swiss Army Knife" as it bridges multiple systems. I can use not only Alexa, but X10, Insteon and ZigBee devices interchangeably as needed even controlling one with the other. The Insteon Open/Close sensor turns on an X10 chime and could turn on a ZigBee (Ikea or Hue) bulb.
It was really the X10 side of this that interested me. I’ve all the other protocols sorted out. Am I correct in saying that the Harmony hub is doing X10 via IP in this case.
X10 (and Insteon) transmit & receive to/from the P2 is done through the PLM via USB essentially the same way as the PiHG uses a CM15A or as a Stargate/Ocelot/et al uses a TW523. The P2 also has a built in ZigBee radio for those devices. IP is used for cloud connectivity for Alexa and the Smartenit server for app connection and messaging. If the IP connection is interrupted programmed Automation Rules will still execute so my package drop scenario will still work without IP.
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So unfortunately the lockup issue just happened again. The Smartenit app appears to reflect what it thinks the action was and the state of the device, but nothing happens on the PLM. No led light flash or anything.
I unplugged the USB cable from the P2, waited 10 seconds and then plugged it back in. Used teh Smartent app and turned the same device on and then off and it worked (Smarenit app shows green circle aroung item when its on etc) and the led light on the PLM flashed too.
So back at step 1 I guess. Not sure what the deal is. Bad PLM maybe ?
That's certainly possible and would be covered under warranty but I'd like to see you try a new USB cable first just to eliminate that as a possibility. If you don't have one from a printer you can get one for $4 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/2YYZgjK
In the meantime, you could try another PLM reset. Was there any particular activity occurring when it locked up this time?
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BTW, I use this short USB cable between the P2 and the PLM as I have the two pieces strapped together with a zip tie.
HttpS://amzn.to/3rEI7rT
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I was however interested to read how the Harmony equipment integrates into a system like this.
I look at the P2 as an HA "Swiss Army Knife" as it bridges multiple systems. I can use not only Alexa, but X10, Insteon and ZigBee devices interchangeably as needed even controlling one with the other. The Insteon Open/Close sensor turns on an X10 chime and could turn on a ZigBee (Ikea or Hue) bulb.
It was really the X10 side of this that interested me. I’ve all the other protocols sorted out. Am I correct in saying that the Harmony hub is doing X10 via IP in this case.
X10 (and Insteon) transmit & receive to/from the P2 is done through the PLM via USB essentially the same way as the PiHG uses a CM15A or as a Stargate/Ocelot/et al uses a TW523. The P2 also has a built in ZigBee radio for those devices. IP is used for cloud connectivity for Alexa and the Smartenit server for app connection and messaging. If the IP connection is interrupted programmed Automation Rules will still execute so my package drop scenario will still work without IP.
This has me intrigued. Is this the unit you are using https://smartenit.com/shop/zbplm/ If not could you attach the link for the one you are.
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So unfortunately the lockup issue just happened again. The Smartenit app appears to reflect what it thinks the action was and the state of the device, but nothing happens on the PLM. No led light flash or anything.
I unplugged the USB cable from the P2, waited 10 seconds and then plugged it back in. Used teh Smartent app and turned the same device on and then off and it worked (Smarenit app shows green circle aroung item when its on etc) and the led light on the PLM flashed too.
So back at step 1 I guess. Not sure what the deal is. Bad PLM maybe ?
By any chance do you use an X10 security panel in your setup.
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Hopefully a little information. Though not reverent to your P2 problems.
The 2412U and 2412S use a linear transformer power supply and could supply unregulated +12 volts in the serial connector. Smartenit has the 2412U made just for them by Smarthome. The base 2412 main assembly is also used in some of their other products. With their own daughter board.
The newer 2413U and 2413S have a power line driven Switching power supply.
Smarthome did NOT use capacitors rated for switching supplies until recently. The 2413S and 2413U have a reputation of failing. Usually shortly after the two year warranty. There is a very long thread on the UDI forums on how we rebuilt ours.
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petera
The 2412U in the P2 kit. As a $20 option. It is made for Smartenit by Smarthome.
This module from what I can see. Is the base 2412 unit with their USB or Serial Daughter Board.
https://smartenit.com/shop/ezicomm/
The one you asked about looks like a 2412 Base Unit with some added features on its Daughter Board. Like ZigBee that can have a Serial or USB output added as an option.
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I was however interested to read how the Harmony equipment integrates into a system like this.
I look at the P2 as an HA "Swiss Army Knife" as it bridges multiple systems. I can use not only Alexa, but X10, Insteon and ZigBee devices interchangeably as needed even controlling one with the other. The Insteon Open/Close sensor turns on an X10 chime and could turn on a ZigBee (Ikea or Hue) bulb.
It was really the X10 side of this that interested me. I’ve all the other protocols sorted out. Am I correct in saying that the Harmony hub is doing X10 via IP in this case.
X10 (and Insteon) transmit & receive to/from the P2 is done through the PLM via USB essentially the same way as the PiHG uses a CM15A or as a Stargate/Ocelot/et al uses a TW523. The P2 also has a built in ZigBee radio for those devices. IP is used for cloud connectivity for Alexa and the Smartenit server for app connection and messaging. If the IP connection is interrupted programmed Automation Rules will still execute so my package drop scenario will still work without IP.
This has me intrigued. Is this the unit you are using https://smartenit.com/shop/zbplm/ If not could you attach the link for the one you are.
No, the one you linked to adds ZigBee to the PLM but is superfluous as the P2 itself has it's own ZigBee radio built in. So if all you want is ZigBee control you don't need any PLM and the $39.95 P2 is all you'd buy.
The PLM for X10/Insteon is the $20 upgrade which adds the Insteon 2412U or EZIOComm (their branding of the 2412U) which is an excellent price since they sell the EZIComm alone for $80! They also sell the 2412U on ebay: ebay.to/3a1cVNv
https://smartenit.com/shop/ezicomm/
So to recap: The P2 has ZigBee built in for $39.95. You select "Add Insteon/X10 with powerline only PLM" for X10 control for an additional $20.
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So unfortunately the lockup issue just happened again. The Smartenit app appears to reflect what it thinks the action was and the state of the device, but nothing happens on the PLM. No led light flash or anything.
I unplugged the USB cable from the P2, waited 10 seconds and then plugged it back in. Used teh Smartent app and turned the same device on and then off and it worked (Smarenit app shows green circle aroung item when its on etc) and the led light on the PLM flashed too.
So back at step 1 I guess. Not sure what the deal is. Bad PLM maybe ?
By any chance do you use an X10 security panel in your setup.
Nope. Also, I swapped the USB cable from my PiX20Hub (I forgot when I changed to the Pi 3b+ is uses a full usb cable and not the micro one) with the cable I had on the P2.
I tried a command for an x10 device from each and both worked so will see how things go over night and into tomorrow.
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Glad you found the cable. The next time it happens (hope it doesn't!) I'd start the RMA process with Smartenit. Since we don't really know if it's the PLM or the P2 you may as well request an exchange on both.
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petera
The 2412U in the P2 kit. As a $20 option. It is made for Smartenit by Smarthome.
This module from what I can see. Is the base 2412 unit with their USB or Serial Daughter Board.
https://smartenit.com/shop/ezicomm/
The one you asked about looks like a 2412 Base Unit with some added features on its Daughter Board. Like ZigBee that can have a Serial or USB output added as an option.
Ok it's using ip protocol (over wifi) to control X10 locally. I'm assuming the power supply is of a power line transformer Class 2 I think.
I really do suggest the OP should strip back his installation to match yours so you can do a side by side comparison. A full list of X10 equipment, particularly equipment with RF capability including controllers, transceivers and sensors should be listed too, bearing in mind that the CM15 is a hybrid controller. A constant reset of the hub is not an ideal fix.
I had terrible trouble with the CM15 locking up at one stage. The CM15 was fine so I switched to a CM19 and haven't looked back
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So unfortunately the lockup issue just happened again. The Smartenit app appears to reflect what it thinks the action was and the state of the device, but nothing happens on the PLM. No led light flash or anything.
I unplugged the USB cable from the P2, waited 10 seconds and then plugged it back in. Used teh Smartent app and turned the same device on and then off and it worked (Smarenit app shows green circle aroung item when its on etc) and the led light on the PLM flashed too.
So back at step 1 I guess. Not sure what the deal is. Bad PLM maybe ?
By any chance do you use an X10 security panel in your setup.
Nope. Also, I swapped the USB cable from my PiX20Hub (I forgot when I changed to the Pi 3b+ is uses a full usb cable and not the micro one) with the cable I had on the P2.
I tried a command for an x10 device from each and both worked so will see how things go over night and into tomorrow.
I really don't think the cable is your problem but after a reset it's working again for the moment. When your Smartenit hub locks up are you still able to control your X10 devices via Raspberry Pi/Homegenie/CM15 combination or is that locked up too.
I do know unplugging the CM15 from the a/c source and plugging it back in clears the CM15 lockup and as you state resetting the Smartenit hub clears that lockup too. I imagine your controllers are being flooded with X10 commands hence the lockup. Once again, wait and see. The lockups won't happen immediately but over a period of time.
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I found this post and things are a little clearer. It's all that model numbering and lettering convention that was causing me confusion http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=30926.0
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So unfortunately the lockup issue just happened again. The Smartenit app appears to reflect what it thinks the action was and the state of the device, but nothing happens on the PLM. No led light flash or anything.
I unplugged the USB cable from the P2, waited 10 seconds and then plugged it back in. Used teh Smartent app and turned the same device on and then off and it worked (Smarenit app shows green circle aroung item when its on etc) and the led light on the PLM flashed too.
So back at step 1 I guess. Not sure what the deal is. Bad PLM maybe ?
By any chance do you use an X10 security panel in your setup.
Nope. Also, I swapped the USB cable from my PiX20Hub (I forgot when I changed to the Pi 3b+ is uses a full usb cable and not the micro one) with the cable I had on the P2.
I tried a command for an x10 device from each and both worked so will see how things go over night and into tomorrow.
I really don't think the cable is your problem but after a reset it's working again for the moment. When your Smartenit hub locks up are you still able to control your X10 devices via Raspberry Pi/Homegenie/CM15 combination or is that locked up too.
I do know unplugging the CM15 from the a/c source and plugging it back in clears the CM15 lockup and as you state resetting the Smartenit hub clears that lockup too. I imagine your controllers are being flooded with X10 commands hence the lockup. Once again, wait and see. The lockups won't happen immediately but over a period of time.
Just to keep the bits straight, he's not resetting the Smartenit Hub (P2) but simply unplugging the USB cable from the PLM. So neither the P2 nor the PLM are getting power cycled. He did do a factory reset on the PLM the other day.
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Some here that had CM15A lock ups. Found by adding 4 bypass capacitors.
That most manufacturers would have installed as part of the design.
On the Chips and main power supply capacitor. Fixed the lock ups we where seeing.
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Some here that had CM15A lock ups. Found by adding 4 bypass capacitors.
That most manufacturers would have installed as part of the design.
On the Chips and main power supply capacitor. Fixed the lock ups we where seeing.
The source of my lockups I tracked back to the use of X10 motion sensors and X10 security on the same network. As soon as I swapped out the CM15 for a CM19 the problem never returned. I did try a number of different CM15's but the problem still remained. I put this down to the repeating of RF and PLC commands on the same network. I wanted to use both types of X10 sensors plus any other 433mhz sensors without having these lockups.
I'm convinced the OP's problem relates to some form of signal flooding or collision on his network. I can't comment on the Harmony hub but there appears to be many possible sources this flooding/collision is coming from.
In order to troubleshoot this problem effectively the OP would have to give a full outline of his X10 setup so potential sources of his problem could be eliminated. Otherwise it's just a guessing game and constant resetting of the X10 controller is not a long term solution.
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So yesterday during some Google Meets the computer I was in was having serious lagging (video and audio cutting out, both sending and receiving).
That just happened to be the same computer I swapped the port on my network switch with the P2 and prior to that I have not had any issues with Google Meet.
It's possible it's not related but seems too much of a coincidence. I changed to a different open post on the switch today and had no issues. The switch is about 12 years old, it's an 8 port switch and I know at least 1 port does t work.
So I'm going to replace the network switch and see what happens.
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That's pretty old for a switch and they do go bad more often than you'd think. I've had to replace a couple just in the last year. Thankfully gigabit switches are dirt cheap now with an 8 port going for just 20 bucks with a lifetime warranty. https://amzn.to/3a9y1t3
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Funny, that's the one I was looking at. I have D-Link ones now but after doing some research was going to try the tp-link one.
Went to 2 stores hoping to pick one up - nope, very limited selection (walmart and staples). Will order online and see how that goes.
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I've had several Netgear switches fail over the years but never had a problem with TP-Link. I've had good luck with Tenda as well.
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I have been seeing slowdowns in some of my network but never thought to consider the switch. I have 3 installed in my setup and the power supply failed on one recently. Otherwise, I've had really good luck with my Linksys/cisco switches. That said, I have noticed that at least recently my wireless is faster than my wired connections. Perhaps I should move them around and see if the problem gets resolved. If so, new switches sounds like a cheap option these days!
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At this point I've pretty much replaced all my 10/100 switches with 10/100/1000 ones since I have 9 HD security cameras and various streaming devices running. The 9 cams were really bogging things down until I went with the gigabit switches and router.
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My new switches arrived today and I installed them. Will monitor things over the next few days and see how it goes.
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Does your router have gigabit ports too?
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Yup (I have the Eero Pro 6 Mesh Wifi so each hub has 1 ethernet port)
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It's been a few weeks since I got my new network switches and as of this morning everything is working good, no issues with the P2 locking up. Hopefully that was the problem and things will continue to work smoothly from here on out.
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Glad to hear that and thanks for updating. :)%
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I installed a Harmony P2 and USM X10 PLM today. Although the plug-in X10 appliance modules appear to be working, I have no control over my X10 WS469 Push Button Relay Wall Switches. There are only two X10 selections in the Smartinet app - great if you only have x10 appliance and light modules. Not good if you have other X10 devices.
Has anyone been able to access a WS469 light switch? Thanks.
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Glad you've got it set up and working!
For the WS469, XPS2, XPS3 and XPS4 switches, select 'X10 Appliance Module.'
As posted in the Smartenit thread:
Got a new P2? Here's how to get started.
Once you have the P2 and PLM connected and plugged in you can set up your account in the app. Don't forget to open your Alexa app and, under the 'Skills' tab get and enable the Smartenit skill.
Now let's add your X10 devices. In the upper right corner of your app screen tap the green '+' button.
Tap 'Devices' then scroll down to 'Switches/Outlets' and tap it.
Scroll down to and select either 'X10 Appliance Modules' or 'X10 Dimmers' as appropriate. Anything that doesn't dim is an Appliance Module.
Then tap 'Add Now' and enter the name for the device (i.e. Porch Light) and enter the House and Unit code then tap 'Save'
Lather, Rinse, Repeat for each X10 device.
Now if you tap the menu bars in the upper left corner and select 'Devices' you'll see a list of your X10 devices and you can tap the circle to turn them on and off or or adjust brightness by turning the circle.
You'll now be able to see events as they occur.
If you've enabled the Smartenit skill in the Alexa app now would be a good time to tell Alexa to 'Discover Devices' after which you can control them by voice.
By pressing the '+' button you can select 'Automation Rules' and set up whatever schedules/events you like. It's pretty intuitive and very flexible.
Any questions, just holler.
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Thanks for the input, although the WS469's still cannot be controlled by it for whatever reason. They work manually, or with the HR12A remote sending a signal to the X10 Pro PAT03 transceiver just fine.
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Thanks for the input, although the WS469's still cannot be controlled by it for whatever reason. They work manually, or with the HR12A remote sending a signal to the X10 Pro PAT03 transceiver just fine.
Could be a signal issue from where the P2/PLM are plugged in. Try plugging it in at the same outlet as the transceiver for testing. Make sure the PLM is plugged directly into an outlet - NOT in a power strip as most have surge protection which can interfere with X10 signals.
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May have been. I moved the PLM 4' to a different outlet and now it's working. Thanks. Next is to see if the automation works!
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Glad to hear that! Use the context sensitive ? in the upper right corner to familiarize yourself with setting up an Automation Rule.
Feel free to ask qustions.
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Jeff has a good set of tutorials on X10 signaling and troubleshooting issues.
If you have not found them yet.
https://jvde.us/x10-troubleshooting/
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Hey guys, thanks so much for the information. It's quite helpful.
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I am back with another ghost issue. ;D My Alexa X10 commands stopped working yesterday. It looks like an issue with the Harmony P2. I have rebooted the P2 and did full reset of the PLM. When I execute an X10 command, the PLM LED blinks. But, I cannot login to the P2 from my app or from a PC web page. I can ping the P2 hub, so it is on the network. Help! B:( :)
PS I tried to reset my password and cannot get a reply from Smartenit.
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Starting sometime last night I noticed the same thing. That can only mean the server is down. Of course it happened on a Friday night! I'm sending a report to them at https://smartenit.com/contact_us/ and you should too. Hopefully someone will see it and they'll fix it before Monday. I have a couple of the engineers email addresses as well and will copy them.
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That makes me feel better. I started to think server when I could not get a response for a password change. Thanks.
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The evils of cloud based automation! :'
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I sent them a failure message as well.
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Server is back up & I just received this via email:
To our valued Smartenit app users:
Our app server on AWS has been restored after many agonizing hours. We apologize for the inconvenience this has created.
For those using our gateways, watch for a future release of the apps that will again use the local gateway server should the cloud server not be available.
Thank you for your support and patronage.
Al Choperena
President and CEO
Smartenit
1 Technology Drive, D405
Irvine, CA 92618
Tel: 949.429.3303 ext. 3
Web: https://smartenit.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/smartenit
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I am glad it is back.
I was going crazy because my devices stopped working and I had no clue why. I could not login to Smartenit account. Now all is back to normal.
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Teamwork. >!
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Although I don't use smartenit I do have more then one way to control X10 via Alexa and Google. It means having the same device in Alexa/Google twice with different names ofcourse but you have a back up option. >!
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Something to consider when you turn the keys to your HA setup to someone else. Not that a local HA server can't have its own problems, but at least you don't have to wait for the engineer to clock overtime or their next shift.
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Something to consider when you turn the keys to your HA setup to someone else. Not that a local HA server can't have its own problems, but at least you don't have to wait for the engineer to clock overtime or their next shift.
Agreed! That's why I still have my 20+ year old Stargate running the schedules. I do have a couple of Automation Rules running on the P2 and they still worked during the server outage as the schedules run locally. Interestingly, I still received email from the P2 during the outage. Just to let me know it's working, I have the P2 send me an email at sunrise every morning that says "Wake up Sunshine!" I still received it so apparently emails are sent through a different server. My primary use of the P2 is only for Alexa which is just an additional convenience.
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Although I don't use smartenit I do have more then one way to control X10 via Alexa and Google. It means having the same device in Alexa/Google twice with different names ofcourse but you have a back up option. >!
Very good point...While I do not use Google, I have Alexa and WM100 which are both based on cloud systems and fail during server or power outages, but also have CM15a which allows local control in the event of a server issue and also allows local control while running on genny in a power outage.
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Exactly why you should never rely solely on a cloud based solution and a 3rd party to resolve your issues. It makes no difference what hub you use, if it is 3rd party based it comes with its own caveats. Local control, local issues and local solutions provided by you. You are you’re own engineer.
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When I run the Smartenit app and look at Harmony P2, I click on the "Updates" tab. It responds that, "A software update is available:"
So, I click on the "Update now" tab.
A message pops up at the bottom of the screen saying, "The update has started successful." This messages disappears after a couple or three seconds.
Another message remains on the screen, "This device is updating, please do not unplug."
So, I wait and wait, and after about three minutes, we start all over with a message, "A software update is available:"
This is essentially an endless loop.
BTW, the light on the P2 remains green and there is no indication that an update is running. The software version remains 3.15.0-14.
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I just tried it and saw the almost the same thing as you described except it only tried for two seconds and stopped. About 5 minutes later I got a Smartenit notification on my phone saying that "This device could not be updated successfully, please try again."
It's not causing any problems so I think the best thing for us to do is report it here: https://smartenit.com/contact_us/
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I sent a message to support right after posting the above and received this reply early this morning:
"Please ignore the message. There is an issue with the updating service for our P2.
Thank you for bringing this up.
Sammy"
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Last couple of days, Alexa has not executed commands to change the state of X10 devices, i.e.: "Alexa, turn off porch lights" ... she dings like she's doe the command, but no action of the devices. Get no success using the Smartenit app on the phone either..no change in state of device.
I haven't had the time to crawl into the space where all the routers, etc, including the P2 are housed to reboot..just wondering if lack of response is due to needing a reboot of the P2?
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I have had that happen a lot. It almost always is the PLM not the P2. But the fix ix the same, unplug the PLM for a few seconds...
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Last couple of days, Alexa has not executed commands to change the state of X10 devices, i.e.: "Alexa, turn off porch lights" ... she dings like she's doe the command, but no action of the devices. Get no success using the Smartenit app on the phone either..no change in state of device.
I haven't had the time to crawl into the space where all the routers, etc, including the P2 are housed to reboot..just wondering if lack of response is due to needing a reboot of the P2?
I'm not having any issues so it's not a server issue. To troubleshoot, the first question would be "Can you see the state change in the Smartenit app when you tell Alexa to turn it on/off?" If the green ring doesn't turn on & off see below. If it does, try rebooting the PLM and if the problem still exists it could an X10 signal issue so try a mini controller in the same outlet to test.
Another question is "Can you control the X10 devices from the Smartenit app?" If not, reboot the P2 & the PLM. Other than an occasional power failure that would cause a reboot, I haven't had to do that. If you can control your devices with the app then I'd look at the Alexa app to ensure the Smartenit skill is still enabled and, either way, I'd disable it and re-enable it. I've had to do that for my iAqua-link skill.
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Thanks for the tips. As it turns out, I could not see a change in the app, so assumed it was a P2 reboot issue.
Just got in the 'mechanical space' ( a euphemism for 'the area under the stair landing accessed through an opening behind a table' ;-} )
Rebooted the P2 only, not the PLM and all is now working....took about a half hour to settle back to normal. When I first did the reboot and the P2 came back online, no love...but after dinner viola!
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That's odd that it would take so much time to come back unless it's a network issue. When I had my G2 using WiFi it would often need a reboot to reconnect after a router reboot but never again after I switched it to Ethernet. It would take about 3 minutes after a reboot to come back online. I had it set up to reboot remotely which, with your P2 in a hard to reach place, you might find convenient as well.
Plug the P2 and the PLM into a small, non filtered power strip like this one:
amzn.to/3PgHuS2
Then plug it into an X10 Appliance Module or an Alexa capable module and make the reboot easy from anywhere!
One thing I forgot to mention earlier is to try logging out of the app and then logging back in if the app doesn't see the P2.
To log out, tap the menu icon in the upper left corner, then tap on your name at the top and scroll down to the bottom to find the big red logout button.
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As luck would have it, mine quit late this afternoon too. I just unplugged the PLM for a few seconds and it was good to go again.
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I also have been having the same issue with the PLM. I was unplugging it about every 3 days, then I tried just pulling the USB cable from it for 5 seconds then reconnect. I found that works the same as a power cycle. So what really is going on with these modules?
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That's an interesting piece of info. If pulling & reinserting the USB plug clears the problem it could be something in the P2 that's causing the issue. That's actually good news since Smartenit might be able to fix it with a firmware update while the PLM is cast in stone. I've been using my P2 for over three years and have had never had that problem so I have no input other than to suggest you go to the site and contact support. They're pretty quick to respond.
Other thoughts...
1. Try a different USB cable. Maybe there's some oxidation or intermittent short. Don't skip this step! Cables always cause problems.
2. Try doing a factory reset on the PLM. To reset the PLM to its original factory settings, unplug it from the wall outlet and wait 10 seconds. Press and hold its SET button, plug it back in, continue holding the SET button for 3 seconds and release. After several seconds, the Status LED will turn on, indicating a reset is complete. https://cache-m2.smarthome.com/manuals/2412uqs.pdf
3. If the problem persists you could try the set up I described above and schedule a nightly reboot as a last resort.
Keep us all posted!
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As luck would have it, mine quit late this afternoon too. I just unplugged the PLM for a few seconds and it was good to go again.
Well, 6 days later and it quit again. I tried just pulling out the USB cable this time, for a few seconds, and that worked too.
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That's an important piece of information as it means that neither the PLM nor the P2 actually needs to be rebooted - only the USB connection.
Did you try a different USB cable?
I think a trouble report to Smartenit would be valuable particularly since they're working on a f/w update right now. They can look at the logs on the P2 to see if they can spot a problem. https://smartenit.com/contact_us/
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My Smartenit P2 PLM hung up again, twice about 3 days apart. The 2nd time, I had to pull the plug rather than just pull the USB. I have reported the issue to Smartenit.
This time though, I decided to swap in my new PLM and a new USB cable to see what happens. To get a spare, I bought a new P2 spare in order to get the accompanying PLM. That was cheaper than any direct source that I could find. They are out of P2's right now, but buying a G2 could get you a PLM.
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Hope that solves it. If it does, try it with the old USB cable to determine if that's the issue or if it's the PLM. Good move buying a spare.
Even a new G2 with a PLM @ $205 is a bargain now with PLM's selling for hundreds now on ebay. It makes the G2 essentially free!
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Good move buying a spare. Even a new G2 with a PLM @ $205 is a bargain now with PLM's selling for hundreds now on ebay. It makes the G2 essentially free!
My thoughts exactly. I was going to share this idea earlier, -:) but then they sold out of P2's. :(
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Well, it happened again, even with a new PLM and USB cable. Had to unplug the PLM this time, pulling USB did not help.
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Contact Smartenit support. IIRC, you're still under warranty.
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I have shared these last 2 events with Smartenit after my original report to their Support.
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I also contacted Smartenit support and received a request from Al there to send info on the PLM. He mentioned in his email that they were getting other reports of this same issue. I sent him a photo of the back on my PLM. Since that contact 3 weeks ago, my system has not needed a reboot.
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Any idea on the firmware in the 2412U PLM?
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I also contacted Smartenit support and received a request from Al there to send info on the PLM. He mentioned in his email that they were getting other reports of this same issue. I sent him a photo of the back on my PLM. Since that contact 3 weeks ago, my system has not needed a reboot.
Al is the CEO so you've got the attention of the right guy.
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Well of course when I say it has been working flawlessly, it goes south yesterday. But here is the interesting part. I use it for Alexa control mostly, and I asked her to turn on the bedroom lamps (code D10). Instead I noticed that my sprinkler pump (code E8) activated from that request. I believe it has happened another time as the sprinkler pump was running a couple days back and was not supposed to be on. I have also had some unexplained activations of other devices. So for those in the know, is there a similarity between E8 and D10 (one bit difference in packet?) that might point at something?
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E8 = 0001 1101
D10 =1010 1111
Both House and Unit codes are different so I don't think that's the problem. I suspect that the problem may be with the PLM firmware version as I've never had an issue with mine which are older. Since the PLM can't be updated perhaps Al will have a f/w upgrade for the P2 to solve it.
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E8 = 0001 1101
D10 =1010 1111
Both House and Unit codes are different so I don't think that's the problem. I suspect that the problem may be with the PLM firmware version as I've never had an issue with mine which are older. Since the PLM can't be updated perhaps Al will have a f/w upgrade for the P2 to solve it.
Thanks. Never did understand their "binary count" logic. I hope they can make a work around for the P2.
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Just a thought... turn the code wheels on those modules back and forth a few times to scrape off any oxidation that could cause an error.
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I will check in the Insteon Modem Developers Guide and see what the send X10 shows. I know it is a strange arrangement that didn't make too much sense to me either.
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Just a thought... turn the code wheels on those modules back and forth a few times to scrape off any oxidation that could cause an error.
I really doubt this was the issue (bad wheel connections) as two modules responded incorrectly to the command. I've seen no issues when commanding either from the WM100. This happened when I asked Alexa (via the P2) to turn on a light in the bedroom. Also, when I realized what had just happened, all I did was send two separate commands from my WM100 to turn the pump off and bedroom light on and those responded correctly. I really think the P2/PLM sent the wrong device address and I just happened to have a module on that code. I don't think it was an Alexa issue either as for those times it would not control my house, I was using the Smartenit app. Now was the PLM sending codes but not the right ones? I don't have a signal meter to know.
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I get the wrong light coming on or off a couple of times a week. My most common is A8 ON and A4 comes on with it. I have always chocked it up to noise. How many LED bulbs have you added in the last few years. -:)
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The 2412U uses two Hex commands to send the X10 address and then the X10 function.
Send X10 A4 (adddress)
02 63 6A 00
Send X10 A On (function)
02 63 62 80
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New issue for me...
Trying to add an X10 appliance module to Smartenit so I can have Alexa integration for control of a fountain pump. I've used the module for years every summer with a TM751 and slim switch by the door. Hoping to have Alexa remove the TM751 and switch from the loop.
In Smartenit, I go to add device, choose X10 appliance module and get "Interface Needed! Your gateway does not have a X-10 interface"
Well, I do have the PLM which is online and working perfectly. All commands in Smartenit to control registered devices work fine. Alexa control of all X10 devices registered in the Harmony works fine.
Any help appreciated, thanks
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Well that's bizarre! Try rebooting bot the P2 & the PLM and try it again.
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Can you add the device using the web portal? https://console.smartenit.io/login