Weird Insteon behavior

BruceR · 2006-07-07T05:25:47+00:00

I have an Insteon switch that when pressed turns on it's own load and one other switch that it is crosslinked to. Been working fine for the month or two it's been installed. We went away for 3 weeks and upon our return we now find that after the switch is turned on and the crosslinked switch turns on as it should, two other switches also turn on about 3 seconds later!. It's as if they linked themselves while we were gone. No one was here to play with them. At least for me, Insteon is turning out to be just as buggy as X10. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet but I may be selling a load of Insteon stuff for half price pretty soon.

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Robert Green 20 years ago

If I hit TBR once, the dial tone drops. If I hit it three times, I hear a rapid busy signal. WTF?

Thanks for finding the model number. I was tempted to open the case but I'm worried it might not close because some barbarian has weakened one of the edge clips. No, wait: that was me!

The amount of triple channel gasketing on the units really make me wonder. I've only seen that sort of care taken on marine electronics. It may not be submersible, but it's highly water resistant. Their PE945 unit is waterproof and floats as well. Don't ask me why I am obsessed with whether it's dunkable!

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:Vqo3eJHgdeYJ:

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I found an Ebay listing Item number: 280002557888 for one that claims it's waterproof, but it's Ebay, so . . .

"Up for auction is a Used Progressive Electronics Model 385 linemen's telephone butt set. It has a Tone or Pulse switch, a talk or monitor switch, last number redial, continuous line polarity indication, waterproof shock-resistant case, belt clip and Mueller/ JS Popper alligator clips with red and black insulating boots."

No info yet on TBR - they seem to use the convention LNR for "Last Number Redial" so it may be for some other function. Highly possible that it's non-functioning, hence the low cost. I'll keep looking.

-- Bobby G.

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Robert Green 20 years ago

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Is their current butt-set.

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The data sheet above calls it a "Timed Break Recall" which they call "Flash!"

Sounds as if these units may provide overvoltage warning and protection, as well.

The question is do I drown it first, or hook it up the 110VAC to test my hypotheses? ;-)

-- Bobby G.

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BruceR 20 years ago

Timed Break Recall! I would never have guessed that but that's what it is. 110vac won't hurt it since ringing can go almost that high - but not with as much current. As for "waterproof" I'd say more like splash resistant, IOW it's OK to work in the rain but I would'nt take it swimming.

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