SUMMARY

This technical note discusses some of the issues that you be aware of when creating schedules and programs that you want to download to the SmartHome USB PowerLinc Controller (Model 1132CU) or the serial PowerLinc Controller.

Note: The older model PowerLinc 1132U is supported but is not downloadable as it has no on-board memory and processor.

Also Note: HCA 8 does not support downloading to the Insteon PowerLinc (model 2414U)

Limitations on download to 1132CU PowerLinc Controller

When you select programs and schedules for download to the PowerLinc Controller, the download wizard prevents you from selected some programs and some schedules.  The following list describes what type of things prevent a program or schedule from being selected for download.   All of these limitations are directly related to the instruction set the PowerLinc Controller makes available for the programs and schedules that reside in it's memory.  It is a simple processor that exposes a simple interpreter with an instruction set created by SmartHome.  Some of these limitations are minor and some are major.

1. Schedule entries for programs not downloaded are dropped
2. Schedule entries for groups may be changed to schedule each member
3. All 'Vary by" part of schedule entries are replaced by plus / minus 15 minutes
4. All times greater than 60 minutes plus / minus from sunset / sunrise are changed to 60 minutes.
5. At most two schedules can be selected for download
6. Schedules entries that attempt to control hardware the PowerLinc Controller doesn't have, for example, Magic Module relays or MTHT thermostat, can't be downloaded.
    

Programs with these elements can't be downloaded

1. Repeat
2. WaitUntil
3. ChangeSchedule
4. Not Flag
5. RunProgram
6. Suspend
7. Resume
8. Speak
9. Stop
10. LynxRelay
11. LynxInput
12. LynxAnalog
13. LynxADCTest
14. LynxGroupAorB
15. Thermostat Test
16. Compute
17. Compute Test
18. MM Input Test
19. MM Speak
20. MM Caddx Test
21. MM Temp Sensor
22. MM Counter
23. PLC Firewall
24. Weather
     

These elements are dropped from download programs.  They are considered minor:

1. ChangeIcon
2. DailyMessage
3. ShowMessage
4. PlaySound
5. AddToLog
6. Export
7. ShowFloor
   
   

These elements have limitations:

1. On and Off
   Error if the element references a program, or a magic module relay.  It can reference a group but not a group containing a program.
2. Dim
   Can't use any devices or group members that use extended commands to dim.
3. Test: Testing for On/Off
   The test is made based upon the current state recorded in the PowerLinc Controller.  Even if the device supports status requests, no status poll is sent.  Only devices, and not programs or controllers can be referenced
4. Test: Testing for dim
   Testing for dim is changed to a test for On
5. Test: Testing for suspend
   Testing for suspend not supported
6. Test: Time tests
   Testing for the current time between two times is not supported
7. Test: Date tests
   Testing for weekday sequence (1st Monday, 3rd Tuesday, etc) not supported.
   Testing for the current date between two dates is not supported
8. Test: Started By
   When HCA executes a program, its starting trigger is always available for testing.  When downloaded to the interface the starting trigger  may be lost soon after the program starts.  Testing the start condition,  unless right after the program starts, may be unreliable.
9. Send X10
   The milliseconds delay between each command is ignored
10. Send IR
    The milliseconds delay between each command is ignored
11. StartProgram
    Error if the referenced program is not selected for download
12. Thermostat
    Supported for the RCS thermostat.  No special communications modes are supported for RCS thermostats.
13. No elements or schedule entries that reference UPB or Insteon devices can be downloaded