HLC UPB Initial Setup

[torque]

Hi all.

I've decided to try and give UPB a go on my Omni Pro II system. I am starting off with one switch (front porch), just to get the hang of it.

I can't seem to get the switch recognized. I've tried configuring in PCA using the "Configure HLC device" I get the message: "ERROR: No Module In Setup" even though I have the switch in setup mode (by tapping the switch 5 times and the LED is blinking)

I have also tried at the console itself (6, 1, #, #) and it says "No module found".

Here is what I've done:

1. Installed the switch as per the instructions. (HAI 35A00-3) ...the home is a new construction, new wiring.
2. Plugged the PIM (HAI 36A00-1) into the Serial #3 port on my OmniProII and plugged it into a wall outlet near the Omni Pro II. (I have also tried using an extension cord to plug it into outlets around the house)

I don't have Upstart, nor do I have the cable (HAI 36A05-2) that I would need to connect it to my PC. I was hoping I could program it from PCA and not have to use Upstart, since it's only one switch.

The only thing I don't have installed is the Phase Coupler on the circuit panel. Is this required?

 

[Desert_AIP]

PIM and Switch may be on separate legs.

You can't do much troubleshooting without UPStart.
UPStart is a free download, you just need to be able to hook a PIM to it.

 

[torque]

Update: I hadn't noticed it before, but I do hear a buzz at the switch while it is in "setup" mode and I am using PCA to attempt to configure it. It buzzes three times, but I still get the message "ERROR: No Module In Setup". I am also seeing the PIM LED change while sending the signal.

I have also moved the switch around to diferent locations in the house. Stiil, all it does is buzz three times and back to the error message when I try to configure it.

This is extremely frustrating.

 

[Jrock]

You must also make sure Serial Port 3 is set to UPB. I don't remember if I had to change them or not but there are also some UPB settings in the dealer version of PCA.

If you have an electric dryer turn it on and try finding the switch again. If it works you need a phase coupler. I am not an electrician but I assume turning on the dryer bridges the two legs. I have found this to work in both X-10 and UPB installs when there was communication issues.

Good luck with your journey into UPB. You can do a not of cool stuff.

 

[torque]

Thanks Jrock, Serial Port 3 was alread set to UPB. I will try the dryer trick, but since it's a gas dryer (120v) not sure if this will bridge the legs.

I ordered the cable so I can run Upstart, it will be here in a few days. Will Upstart diagnose the problem and let me know if I need a phase coupler?

I find it quite odd that I can hear the switch buzz three times as if it is recieveing a signal when I try to configure it using PCA or the Console method. That would lead me to believe the switch is getting the signal from the PIM....maybe it's a bad switch?

 

[Desert_AIP]

Upstart will tell you which phase the units are on (but it has to know they are there).
It will also perform a noise a signal test.
You can run "Network Discovery" and it will find all switches on the network and tell you wahat their default progamming is.

It's possible the switch is faulty.
I've had 2 (out of 60) that worked as light switches, but would not communicate over the UPB network.

The best way to trouble shoot if the switch will not communicate is to wire the switch to a 3 wire electric cord, capping all the unused wires (especially the ouput) and plug it into the same outlet as the PIM.

 

[torque]

Thanks Desert. I am anxiously awaiting my cable in the mail.

Do you recall if your two faulty switches would buzz as if they were recieving a UPB signal during setup?

 

[torque]

I figured out the problem. I had a bad cable.

Once I got the cable that comes with the PIM to PC (HAI 36A05-2) and I used it to connect the PIM to the Omni Pro II it was recognized.

Now I am off to the programming forum to figure out how to get this thing to come on at dusk, off at dawn!