GENERAL

Does the i-LiNE System require a power supply?

Yes. The power for the i-LiNE is supplied by the i-PoWER-(x).   The i-PoWER requires a plug-in power supply, sold as an accessory.   The   i-PoWER module inserts the required power on to the CAT5E network communications cable.

What types of connections are required to connect the i-LiNE devices to a controller?

The i-LiNE devices are connected in series using a CAT5E cable with RJ45 connectors.  Since a majority of errors in installing the i-LiNE system are due to improper CAT5E cabling, it is very important to choose the right equipment and install it properly.  To ensure good electrical contact, make sure to match the cable with the connector.  That is, if you are installing solid conductor CAT5E cable, use RJ45 connectors designed for solid conductor.  Or if you are installing stranded CAT5E cable, used RJ45 connectors designed for stranded cable.  Also, use a good quality crimp tool such as the AMP 8-position hand crimper.  For more information on CAT5E cable termination, please read the following article: http://www.lantronix.com/pdf/appnotes/Recom-CAT5-Cable-Assemblies_AN.pdf  It is recommended to terminate the RJ45 connectors in a straight through configuration using either the T568A or T568B standards. Please see diagram below.

The beginning of the i-LiNE string connects to the  network port of the i-PoWER Network Interface Module.  The i-PoWER-M1(x) and i-PoWER-M4(x) have serial RS-232 connections. The RS-232 connection is a standard 9-pin female DB9 connector and will accept any standard serial cable.

Can I install the CAT5 communications cable in the same box as 120VAC electrical power wiring?

Yes, i-LiNE has been designed to comply with the National Electrical Code concerning the use of low voltage cabling in the same enclosure as 120VAC cable. The i-LiNE device network connecting cable MUST have a jacket insulation rating of 120VAC or greater and MUST be UL listed Type CMR/MPR according to the NEC code Chapter 3 Section 300.3(c)(1) which states:

NEC 300.3(c)(1) 

(C) Conductors of Different Systems.

(1) 600 Volts, Nominal or Less. Conductors of circuits rated 600 volts, nominal, or less, ac circuits, and dc circuits shall be permitted to occupy the same equipment wiring enclosure, cable, or raceway. All conductors shall have an insulation rating equal to at least the maximum circuit voltage applied to any conductor within the enclosure, cable, or raceway.

However, avoid running CAT5E cable alongside power lines and cross at right angles only when necessary to prevent introducing noise into the CAT5E cable.

What types of controllers can I connect to the i-LiNE system?

Any controller with a serial port (RS-232 or RS-485) can be connected to the i-LiNE system through the i-PoWER Network Interface Module/Bridge.

Some possible controllers to which the i-LiNE system can be connected include the following:

• Personal Computer (PC)

• Crestron Control System

• AMX Control System

• HAI Security Panel

• ELK M1 Gold

• ... and many additional controllers.

Why do the lights on the i-LiNE device continue to flash even after power is applied to the i-PoWER module?

When the power is first applied to the i-LiNE string, the i-LiNE devices commence a configuration sequence. During this initial configuration sequence the  i-LiNE devices assign their addresses and determine which device will be the master. During this time period the LEDs on the un-configured  i-LiNE devices will flash. The initial configuration sequence may take several minutes. Once configured, the LEDs will stop flashing. In the event that several minutes have passed and all of the  i-LiNE devices in the string still continue to flash, this will indicate a problem with that string. The string was unable to configure itself. This could have been caused by a faulty wiring connection or a miss wire in the cable.

Is the i-LiNE system designed for new construction only?

The i-LiNE system is primarily used in new construction because it requires CAT5E cable for communications.  Retrofitting existing structures is difficult but not impossible.

What is required to pre-wire a structure for i-LiNE lighting control?

CAT5E cable must be daisy-chained through all wall boxes which require i-LiNE devices.  In addition, i-LiNE load control switches require hot (120 VAC), neutral, switched leg, and ground wires.  Contact closures also need two or four conductor cable as necessary depending on specific application.

Are there 220VAC/50Hz products available?

Not at this time.  All load control switches currently available are 120VAC/60Hz.

Can I install standard snap switches in the same house with i-LiNE switches? 

Yes, but the snap switches cannot be controlled by the i-LiNE system; they must be manually switched.

Can I use a snap switch with an i-LiNE switch in a 3-way arrangement to control the same load?

No, you must use an i-LiNE load control switch with an i-LiNE slave switch to make a 3-way switch.

INSTALLATION

How do I configure a new system?

Configuration is done by chaining all the nodes in a system and then powering up the system with the i-PoWER-(x).  It is important that none of the configured nodes in the system are taken out of the system while adding new nodes.  If a configured node is not in the system upon configuration, it cannot defend its address, and it is likely that a new node might take its place. In short, follow these rules:

1. Don’t add new nodes to the system unless all configured nodes are up and working on the system.
2. If you test nodes separately know that you are creating a small system.  After testing be sure to reset the node so that it can properly acquire a new address when it is returned to the larger network.

Is it possible to configure these nodes at the office without connecting AC power to the load control devices?

Yes.  The nodes do not require AC power to program or operate.  Just make sure to label all programmed switches.  During installation, testing of partial strings is permitted as long as no new un-configured nodes are introduced to the system.

Which nodes can function as master in the system?

All nodes may function as master in the system, but only one at a time.  It is suggested that an I-ON-MB be master for indication and diagnostics purposes. 

Which node is the master?

If the system is powered with the i-PoWER-M4(x), it automatically assumes master status.  For the i-PoWER-M1(x), the master is generally the first node connected in the branch.  This is determined when the system is powered up.

Must this be the same node all the time?

No, for testing purposes you may power the string from any point as long as there are no new un-configured nodes.

I keep getting errors, and I just want to start over. How do I reset the nodes to factory configuration?

Enter system mode and press the “Reset All Button”   THIS WILL RESET ALL NODES IN THE SYSTEM TO OUT OF BOX STATE.  To reboot, cycle power to the system.  If any errors appear on the system, check wiring and diagnose nodes which report errors.  A majority of errors occur due to improper CAT5E wiring.  Check your connections first.

These nodes seem to take a long time in configuring. Is that normal?

1. New nodes in the system must clear out their non-volatile memory before acquiring an address this can take up to 45 seconds per node.  This delay is apparent only upon configuration for the first time.

2. If it is apparent that the system is taking much longer than anticipated, check all other nodes to make sure there is no other error.  Errors are generally reported as rapidly flashing LEDs.

Ok, power is on, and LEDs are not flashing any more.  How do I know if a node is working?

Push a button!  The LED should toggle on and off.

All lights are off, and nothing toggles.

Check power connections and wiring.  If nothing else appears wrong, take the node out and perform the diagnostics test outlined below.

How do I test and diagnose these nodes?

Use the following procedure:

1. Reset the node, and plug in to an i-PoWER-(x) by itself with a known good CAT5E cable.

2. If there is an error flash consult EDT.

3. Test the node by pressing all the buttons.  The LEDs should toggle on and off

4. Repeat step 1 with the cable plugged into the other port.

5. If there are no other error flashes, replace the node in the system.

6. If problems persist, consult EDT.

How do I clear the entire system of programmed settings?

One way is to enter system mode through any i-ON-MB, then press and hold the bottom left button (button 5) and continue holding as the LED flashes faster and faster.  After several seconds the system will go offline, and you must reboot by removing the system power supply (and battery if connected).

How do I enter System Mode?

Simultaneously press the four corner buttons on any i-ON-MB until all the LEDs (including the middle ones) light up.  At this point all other nodes should go into an offline mode.

When can I enter system mode?

You can enter the system mode at any time except when the node is flashing a hardware or system failure.

PROGRAMMING

I programmed a scene, and now the button will toggle on and off, but there is no scene.  Why doesn't the scene work?

Check to make sure that none of the other nodes is in programming mode.

How do I initiate programming mode?

Press and hold the desired button while pressing and releasing another button.  Hold for at least 8 seconds or until the button begins to flash.

How do exit programming mode?

Press the flashing button once.  It should stop flashing.

I cannot enter programming mode. What is wrong?

The system programming is disabled and must be enabled.  To do this enter System mode, and press the appropriate button to enable programming mode.  You may also enable programming using the i-LiNE Installer software.

How do I prevent people from entering programming mode?

Enter system mode on any i-ON-MB, and press the appropriate button to disable programming.  Or disable programming through the i-LiNE Installer software.

How do I include a light in a scene?

First put the scene button in programming mode, and then toggle the light at least once, leaving it in the intended position for the scene. Finally, press the button of the scene being programmed to exit programming mode.

How do I exclude a light or button from a scene?

Same as above except when programming the position of the light or button, hold the button down until it begins to flash rapidly in rhythm with the programming led.  This is called deprogramming.  The deprogrammed switch or button will no longer respond to the scene.

How do I "bind" two buttons together so that they act as one?

Put each of them in programming mode.  When the second one is put in program mode it will acquire the macro of the first.  Press either button to exit programming mode.

Which should be done first: bindings or scenes?

Bindings should be done first.  If this is not done, there is a risk of losing scene information.

I have already programmed my system with scenes.  Can I bind extra buttons together which are already part of other scenes?

This is possible, but strongly discouraged.  First bind the buttons together, and then reprogram all the different scenes which include those buttons.  If those buttons control scenes or give feedback to other devices, one scene will be lost (the second button programmed, because it loses its macro).  Reprogram buttons to achieve desired results.

I tried to program a scene, but only part of it worked.

Retry the programming sequence, changing the lights that were not responding correctly while programming.

SERIAL PORT PROGRAMMING

What is the format of the serial string?

It is SxxyyyyyyPzz

Where xx and zz are the length of the message (repeated)

And yyyyy is the message. For example S06M01B00P06

The length is 6 bytes, and the message is “M01B00”  which translated is “Set Macro 01 to 00 by a button”

How do I tell which button is connected with a macro?

Press a button and watch the string. There should be 2 strings transmitted. The String With the “M” in it is the press information. The string with the “R” in it is the release information.

Now that I have the macro number, how do I turn on and off the led?

Send out the same exact Press string (as above)  except, change the data to the desired value.

Can I make a scene that is not executed by buttons in the system?

Yes, first select a macro that is not being used by the system.  If there are relatively few buttons in the system, it is a safe bet that the upper macros are not being used, so start at macro 0xFE and work down.  First issue a watch command for that macro, change the scene to what is desired, and then issue the learn command.  When that macro is issued by the controller, the scene is executed.