Indigo Domotics

I've been seeing a lot of these messages over the last month in my console log:

Code: Select all

   Error                           PowerLinc not responding -- attempting reset
   Power Failure                   possible power failure
   Interface Failure               lost connection with interface


When this happens, unplugging and re-powering the interlace doesn't help, I have to unplug it, and reboot the Mac Mini. Then it'll run for a few hours and die again. Indigo can still talk to my NEST thermostat, but my Insteon environment is dead (from Indigo's point of view), Alexa and an Insteon hub still let's me control the lights.

I've had this interface for quite a few years, so I figured I would just replace it.

But that leads me to the following question: I know the USB version creates issues almost every time I want to upgrade the OS, so is there a better replacement that would let me upgrade to Mojave on the Mini? I've held the Mini at Sierra (10.12.6) but would love to get things upgraded.

Thoughts on what I should do? (or a way to repair the existing PowerLinc 2412U?)

Thanks!

Steve

In terms of trying to avoid the High Sierra/Mojave bugs, there isn't any alternative since both currently shipping Insteon interfaces (2413U and USB Adaptor) use the FTDI chipset. It's worth reinforcing that not every Mac exhibits the problem (I have a late 2012 mini that works fine) so you may not run into the issue.

Thanks Jay. I'll hold the mini at Sierra for now and just order the 2413U.

Have a great 2019!

Steve

So I lied. I decided not to stop at Sierra. The 2011 Mini can only go to High Sierra, so I got a wild-hair and upgraded this weekend (after taking an image backup of the drive). It went fairly well with one exception.

Step 1 : Disk image backup of the mini using Carbon Copy Cloner
Step 2 : Run the High Sierra upgrade (~40 min)
Step 3 : Run the High Sierra updater (another 40 min or so)
Step 4 : Run all app updates in App Store (figured why not... )
Step 5 : Fire up Indigo (got this in my logs : "Interface Failure failed to establish connection with serial interface PowerLinc Modem on port usbserial-A6004soV"
Step 6 : Physically move the USB Cable to a different port on the Mini, stop the server, and relaunch it and everything started working
* sort of... Since I had upgraded from a PowerLinc 2412U to a 2413U, I had to re-sync everything from the Preferences panel, then resync each device.

But everything appears to be working right. We'll find out tonight when Indigo starts playing with the lights at sunset.

Steve

Hey Steve

I upgraded to Mojave, and had a similar problem. The fix for me was to just go into Indigo, and select the right port for the USB modem. Try that first!

jltnol wrote:

Hey Steve

I upgraded to Mojave, and had a similar problem. The fix for me was to just go into Indigo, and select the right port for the USB modem. Try that first!

The PowerLinc doesn't use the modem driver...