Universal Devices ISY-994i Series User manual

ISY-994i Series User Guide
October 29, 2015
V4.3.26
(Supporting Firmware Release 4.2.18 and above)

- i-
Table of Contents
1Introduction................................................................................................................................1
1.2 What's Included ......................................................................................................................2
1.3 Requirements & Recommendations............................................................................................2
1.4 The ISY Front Panel..................................................................................................................3
1.5 The ISY Rear Panel ...................................................................................................................4
2Installation..................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Hardware Installation...............................................................................................................5
2.2 Connecting to the ISY from a Local PC .........................................................................................5
2.3 The HTML Interface .................................................................................................................8
2.4 Launching the Administrative Console.......................................................................................11
3The Administrative Console......................................................................................................11
3.1 Basic Configuration................................................................................................................12
3.1.1 Setting the User ID and Password ..................................................................................12
3.1.2 Setting the Time and Location .......................................................................................13
3.1.3 Keyboard Navigation ...................................................................................................13
3.1.4 Themes.....................................................................................................................13
3.2 The Main Tab........................................................................................................................15
3.2.1 Adding INSTEON Devices ..............................................................................................15
3.2.2 Adjusting Settings on INSTEON Devices ...........................................................................18
3.2.3 Creating INSTEON Scenes ............................................................................................. 21
3.2.4 Organizing INSTEON Devices and Scenes .........................................................................24
3.2.5 Controlling INSTEON Devices and Scenes......................................................................... 25
3.2.6 Other Functions (Restore, Disable, Query, etc.) ................................................................26
3.3 The Programs/Details Tab ....................................................................................................... 27
3.3.1 The Basics of ISY Programs............................................................................................ 27
3.3.2 Creating Your First Program ..........................................................................................28
3.3.3 Building Your Programs................................................................................................ 32
3.3.4 Program Schedules...................................................................................................... 35
3.3.5 Program Conditions..................................................................................................... 36
3.3.6 Program Actions .........................................................................................................38
3.3.7 Program Folders .........................................................................................................41
3.3.8 Other Functions..........................................................................................................42
3.4 The Programs/Summary Tab ...................................................................................................43
3.5 Variables.............................................................................................................................. 44
3.5.1 Creating Variables ....................................................................................................... 44
3.5.2 Using the Status of Variables in Programs........................................................................45
3.5.3 Modifying Variables in Programs....................................................................................45
3.5.4 Using Variables in Notifications .....................................................................................46
3.6 The Integrated IR Receiver ...................................................................................................... 47
3.6.1 Using the 40 Default IR Codes .......................................................................................47
3.6.2 Using the IR Learning Mode ..........................................................................................48

- ii -
3.7 Notifications.........................................................................................................................49
3.7.1 Adding Recipients & Changing Server Settings .................................................................. 49
3.7.2 Custom Notifications ...................................................................................................50
3.8 Interfacing with the ELK..........................................................................................................51
3.9 Optional Modules..................................................................................................................54
3.9.1 Network Module ........................................................................................................54
3.9.2 Climate Module .......................................................................................................... 56
3.9.3 Electricity Module ....................................................................................................... 58
3.9.4 Open Auto Demand / Response Module..........................................................................59
3.9.5 ELK Security Module....................................................................................................59
3.9.6 X10 Module ............................................................................................................... 60
3.9.7 The Irrigation Module .................................................................................................. 61
3.9.8 Z-Wave Expansion Module ...........................................................................................62
Figure 77: ISY as a Secondary Controller.........................................................................................64
Figure 78: Synchronize Z-Wave Nodes............................................................................................67
Figure 81: Factory Reset .................................................................................................................68
Figure 82: Firmware Upgrade.........................................................................................................69
11.1 Diagnostics........................................................................................................................... 70
11.1.1 The Event Viewer........................................................................................................70
11.1.2 System Status............................................................................................................. 70
11.1.3 PLM Info/Status..........................................................................................................70
11.1.4 PLM Links Table .......................................................................................................... 70
11.1.5 Show Device Links Table...............................................................................................71
11.1.6 Show ISY Links Table....................................................................................................71
11.1.7 Scene Test .................................................................................................................72
11.1.8 Query INSTEON Engine ................................................................................................72
12 Glossary....................................................................................................................................72
Appendix A: Front and Rear Panel LEDs .........................................................................................77
Appendix B: Factory Reset..............................................................................................................79
Appendix C: Upgrading Your SD Card .............................................................................................81
Appendix D: Troubleshooting INSTEON Communication Issues.....................................................83
Appendix E: Assigning a Static IP Address to the ISY ......................................................................85
Appendix F: User Enhancement Details..........................................................................................87

- iii -
Appendix G: Manually Upgrading Your Firmware..........................................................................89
Appendix H: INSTEON Device Notes...............................................................................................91
Appendix I: Sample ISY Programs...................................................................................................95
Appendix J: Event Viewer Log Details.............................................................................................99
Table of Figures
Figure 1: ISY Front Panel.........................................................................................................................3
Figure 2: ISY-994i Series Rear Panel ..........................................................................................................4
Figure 3: Login Window..........................................................................................................................7
Figure 4: Help/About Menu ....................................................................................................................7
Figure 5: My URL...................................................................................................................................7
Figure 6: ISY’s Home Tab ........................................................................................................................9
Figure 7: File Menu/ Set Userid/Password ...............................................................................................12
Figure 8: Setting the Clock ....................................................................................................................13
Figure 9: Change Theme Menu ..............................................................................................................14
Figure 10: Theme Samples ....................................................................................................................15
Figure 11: The Main Tab.......................................................................................................................15
Figure 12: The Link Management Menu ..................................................................................................16
Figure 13: Linking Options ....................................................................................................................17
Figure 14: New INSTEON/A10/X10 Screen ...............................................................................................18
Figure 15: File/Automatic Writes Options ................................................................................................19
Figure 16: Devices with Pending Changes ................................................................................................20
Figure 17: Write Updates to Device Screen .............................................................................................20
Figure 18: New Scene Screen ................................................................................................................21
Figure 19: Choose Scene Screen.............................................................................................................22
Figure 20: Cross-Linking .......................................................................................................................22
Figure 21: Multiple Responders with 1 Controller......................................................................................23
Figure 22: Controller Properties.............................................................................................................24
Figure 23: Scene Controls .....................................................................................................................25
Figure 24: Restore Confirmation Window ................................................................................................26
Figure 25: Creating a Program ...............................................................................................................28
Figure 26: Naming a Program ................................................................................................................28
Figure 27: If Statement ........................................................................................................................28
Figure 28: Schedule at Sunset................................................................................................................29
Figure 29: Adding to the If Statement .....................................................................................................29
Figure 30: Adding a Then Statement .......................................................................................................30
Figure 31: Entering a Then Statement .....................................................................................................30
Figure 32: Changing the If Statement ......................................................................................................31
Figure 33: Updating the Schedule...........................................................................................................31
Figure 34: Adding an Else Statement.......................................................................................................32
Figure 35: Enhanced Sample Program .....................................................................................................32
Figure 36: Additional Program Buttons....................................................................................................33
Figure 37: Grouping Conditions .............................................................................................................33
Figure 38: Adding Program Comments ....................................................................................................34

- iv -
Figure 39: Temporarily Disable a Program................................................................................................34
Figure 40: Disabled Programs ................................................................................................................34
Figure 41: Unsaved Programs with Changes .............................................................................................35
Figure 42: Schedule Screen –Time Range ................................................................................................35
Figure 43: Schedule Screen –Time & Day ................................................................................................36
Figure 44: Status Condition –100% Bright ...............................................................................................37
Figure 45: Status Condition –Any Brightness............................................................................................37
Figure 46: Fast On Condition .................................................................................................................38
Figure 47: X10 Condition ......................................................................................................................38
Figure 48: Wait Action .........................................................................................................................40
Figure 49: Random Action ....................................................................................................................40
Figure 50: Flash Lights ON and OFF.........................................................................................................41
Figure 51: Folder Conditions .................................................................................................................42
Figure 52: ISY Toolbar ..........................................................................................................................43
Figure 53: Counter Variable ..................................................................................................................45
Figure 54: Increment a Variable by 1.......................................................................................................46
Figure 55: Set a Variable’s Initial Value....................................................................................................46
Figure 56: Email Based on Motion Sensor Trigger ......................................................................................46
Figure 57: Email Recipients Screen .........................................................................................................49
Figure 58: Motion Sensor Email .............................................................................................................51
Figure 59: Scheduling an Email ..............................................................................................................51
Figure 60: ELK Configuration Screen .......................................................................................................52
Figure 61: ELK Status Screen .................................................................................................................52
Figure 62: Import Lighting Data .............................................................................................................53
Figure 63: Networking Actions...............................................................................................................55
Figure 64: Weather Stations..................................................................................................................56
Figure 65: HAM Weather Configuration ..................................................................................................57
Figure 66: Local Weather Information.....................................................................................................57
Figure 67: Using Climate Conditions .......................................................................................................58
Figure 68: Electricity Meter Settings Screen .............................................................................................58
Figure 69: Electricity Conditions.............................................................................................................59
Figure 70: ELK Resources ......................................................................................................................59
Figure 71: Using ELK Conditions .............................................................................................................60
Figure 72: ELK Actions..........................................................................................................................60
Figure 73: Adding an X10 Device ............................................................................................................61
Figure 74: Ham Weather Settings...........................................................................................................62
Figure 75: ISY as the Primary Controller and the Z-Wave network is empty ....................................................63
Figure 76: ISY as the Primary Controller and the Z-Wave network is not empty...............................................63
Figure 77: ISY as a Secondary Controller ..................................................................................................64
Figure 78: Synchronize Z-Wave Nodes ....................................................................................................67
Figure 79: Synchronize one Z-Wave Node ...............................................................................................67
Figure 80: Antenna .............................................................................................................................68
Figure 81: Factory Reset .......................................................................................................................68
Figure 82: Firmware Upgrade ................................................................................................................69
Figure 78: Sample Log File ....................................................................................................................99

- 1-
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Universal Devices, Inc. ISY Series device. The ISY provides
central control of home automation devices in a residence and is designed to play the role of
home automation device controller in any domestic UPnP network.
When properly accessorized, automation devices controlled by the ISY include: INSTEON
lighting devices, ZigBee devices, Z-Wave devices, X10 lighting and power devices, relays,
fans, curtain sweeps, thermostats, motion sensors, intruder alarms, power consumption
monitors and many others. ISY interfaces securely to both wireless and wire line local area
networks and the internet. Controlled systems can be managed via a browser interface
from any smartphone or other internet browser from any location with internet access.
The user guide concentrates on INSTEON functionality in it’s examples. Depending on your
device’s options INSTEON may or may not be installed, however examples are
interchangeable with other devices and protocols.
With the ISY, you can:
Program, configure and manage your INSTEON, Z-Wave and X10 devices
Automate your home using sophisticated timers, triggers, and macros
Conserve energy in your home
Remotely control your home using the ISY’s web interface
And, MUCH more!
This User Guide will help you install and configure your ISY and will provide links to
additional resources that you may find helpful. Please read through this guide before
beginning installation.
1.1 Lighting and Power Overview
In order to make the most of the capabilities of the ISY, the user will find that a basic
understanding of the devices to be controlled is helpful. This section contains a review of the
salient characteristics of the types of device that the ISY can control.
When lights or power outlets are automated, the devices involved will almost always use Z-
Wave, INSTEON, or X10 protocols. Such devices include light switches, power sockets, wired
and remote controllers and IR receivers. Although INSTEON or X10 protocols can coexist in the
same device (often referred to as dual-band), the way each of the protocols operates is quite
different. The ISY controls both together so they can form a managed lighting solution that is
simple to operate and easy to enhance.

- 2-
Following is an overview of the INSTEON, Z-Wave and X10 protocols. Please refer to 12
Glossary for a detailed description of each of these protocols.
INSTEON: An integrated network protocol that combines wireless radio frequency (RF)
with the home's existing electrical wiring. This dual-mesh network approach means
INSTEON is faster and more reliable than X10. INSTEON is a peer-to-peer network - its
devices do not require network supervision. For straightforward applications an INSTEON
network can operate effectively without a central controller.
Z-Wave: is a wireless communications protocol designed for home automation, specifically to remotely
control applications in residential and light commercial environments. The technology uses a low-power
RF radio embedded or retrofitted into home electronics devices and systems, such as lighting, residential
access control, entertainment systems and household appliances.
X10: A protocol that primarily uses power line wiring for signaling and control. X10 switches
operate by responding to the physical control (switch) on the device itself or by responding to an
X10 control signal addressed to that switch from an X10 signal source elsewhere in the
residence’s electrical system. Typically, X10 devices are either controllers that generate X10
signals or light switches or electrical sockets that respond to X10 signals. Although, as a
protocol, X10 lacks the capabilities and operational reliability of INSTEON, X10 switches
remain the preferred way to control devices that may create surges at power-on such as
traditional fluorescent lights and general-purpose electrical sockets.
1.2 What's Included
Depending on the package you purchased, you received at least the following:
ISY-994i Series device
Two (2) Standard Category 5e Ethernet patch cables
Quick Start guide
1.3 Requirements & Recommendations
In addition to the ISY package, the following are required:
PowerLinc Modem (PLM): a Smarthome 2412S (now discontinued) or 2413S is required
to communicate to and from your INSTEON devices. The 2413S can be purchased at
Smarthome as follows: http://www.smarthome.com/2413s.html
A Java-enabled web browser (such as Internet Explorer or FireFox): is required to
launch the ISY’s Administrative Console. The latest version of Java can be downloaded
from: http://www.java.com/getjava
A DHCP-enabled router or other DHCP-enabled network: is recommended for
installation and configuration ease. If using a non-DHCP-enabled router, or a direct
connection to a computer that is not a DHCP server using an Ethernet cross-over cable (not

- 3-
included), you must have a micro USB cable and available USB port on your computer to
configure the ISY's network parameters.
1.4 The ISY Front Panel
The ISY’s front panel has several elements with which you should become familiar:
Figure 1: ISY Front Panel
The LEDs on the front of your unit show the current status of your ISY. They can also
assist with troubleshooting any issues you may be having. For more information on the
ISY’s front panel LEDs, please see Appendix A: Front and Rear Panel LEDs.
A Reset button is located on the front of your ISY. To simply reboot your ISY, use a
sharp object to briefly press the ISY’s recessed Reset Button. To factory reset your ISY,
please see Appendix B: Factory Reset.
Certain ISYs include an integrated IR receiver located on the front of the unit. This IR
receiver can be used to control your home using an RC-5-capable universal remote
control.
Your ISY may also include an externally accessible SD card slot. Please DO NOT
remove the SD card while the ISY is running. ISY’s without an external SD slot must be
opened in order to replace the SD card. For instructions on replacing your SD card,
please see Appendix C: Upgrading Your SD Card.

- 4-
1.5 The ISY Rear Panel
The rear panel of the ISY features the following:
Figure 2: ISY-994i Series Rear Panel
The Power port is used to provide power to the ISY with an AC adapter. This may not be
necessary if using a 2412S PLM, but is required when using a 2413S PLM. Please use an AC
adapter that provides 5V DC, a minimum of 300mA, and is center terminal positive.
Even if using a 2412S PLM, there are several reasons why you may want to use a separate
AC adapter instead of power provided by the PLM:
An AC adapter can be plugged into a UPS to help protect the ISY from power outages
and power surges. The PLM cannot be plugged into a UPS.
Powering the ISY using a separate AC adapter may help improve (by a small amount)
the signal strength of the INSTEON PLM.
Port A is an RJ-45 connector used to attach your INSTEON PLM to the ISY. This allows the
ISY to communicate with your INSTEON devices. Please use a standard Category 5e
network patch cable (included) to connect your ISY to the PLM. WARNING: DO NOT use
this port to connect to an Ethernet router or switch.
The Monitor port is a micro USB port used for initial configuration for users without a
DCHP-enabled network, or for advanced troubleshooting. Please use a standard micro USB
cable to connect your ISY to an available USB port on your PC.
The Network jack is used to attach the ISY to your Ethernet network. Use a standard
Category 5e network patch cable (included) to plug your ISY into an available network jack
on your router or switch. If connecting directly to a PC for programming, please use an
Ethernet cross-over cable (not included). WARNING: DO NOT use this port to connect to
an INSTEON PLM.

- 5-
2 Installation
Installation of the ISY is completed in several easy steps. The following instructions
assume that you are installing the ISY on a DHCP-enabled network (true in the vast
majority of cases) and are using a Windows-based PC to connect to the ISY.
If you do not have a router or other DHCP-enabled network to plug the ISY into and plan on
using a direct connection to a PC, or if you are using an OS other than Windows, please see
our online Wiki for more advanced installation instructions: http://wiki.universal-
devices.com
2.1 Hardware Installation
Installation of the ISY hardware is completed in three easy steps:
1. Connect your ISY into your home network. Plug one end of an included Ethernet cable
into the ISY Network jack. Plug the other end of the cable into your router or network
switch/hub.
2. Connect your ISY with the INSTEON PLM. Plug one end of an included Ethernet cable
into ISY Port A. Plug the other end of the cable into your PLM.
3. Apply power to the PLM and ISY by plugging it into a standard power outlet. Do not
plug the PLM into a UPS or surge protector of any kind. If possible, avoid plugging the
PLM into an outlet on the same circuit as other electronic devices to ensure optimal
communications with your INSTEON devices. For information on troubleshooting
INSTEON communication issues, and tips on creating a reliable INSTEON network, see
Appendix D: Troubleshooting INSTEON Communication Issues.
Once power is supplied to your ISY, it automatically boots up. The RX, TX, and Memory
LEDs may flash briefly, and the POWER LED should be on steady. The two small green
LEDs on the ISY’s Network Jack should be on (indicating a good network connection) and
may flash (indicating network activity). Please refer to Appendix A: Front and Rear
Panel LEDs for further details on the front panel.
2.2 Connecting to the ISY from a Local PC
There are several requirements for connecting to your ISY from a PC on your network:
Web Browser: Please ensure your PC is running a Java-enabled web browser, such as
Internet Explorer or FireFox.

- 6-
Java: Please ensure that the latest edition of Java is installed on your computer. The
latest Java downloads may be found at: http://www.java.com/getjava
As shipped from the factory, the ISY is configured to obtain an IP address via DHCP. There
are a few easy ways to connect to your ISY and find its local URL:
Option1: In most cases, the quickest and easiest way to connect to the ISY for the first time
on a Windows PC is to open a web browser and type in the following URL: http://isy. If you
have a MAC, please use Option 2 or 3 (below).
Option 2: If the above options are not working for you, or if you are on a non-Windows
platform, please visit the following URL: http://isy.universal...com/994i/4.2.30 . (This
link may not work with Chrome)If you have a MAC 10.6, please use Option 3 (below).
This launches a UDI-hosted version of the ISY’s Administrative Console and attempt to
locate the ISY on your network.
Option 3: To install the ISY’s Java application on your PC and create an icon on your
desktop, visit the following URL: http://isy.universal-devices.com/994i/admin.jnlp . If you
have a MAC 10.6, please use http://isy.universal-devices.com/994i/admin16.jnlp . The icon
allows you to get to the Admin Console without the need for a browser. - If you have MAC
Yosemite and Java 1.8.40, please do make sure to follow the instructions here.
Option 4: You can also double-click the My Lighting icon that you’ll find in your PC’s My
Network Places (in Windows XP) or Network (in Windows 7 or Vista).
The My Lighting icon requires that Windows is configured to discover UPnP devices on
your network. If you do not see a My Lighting icon, look for an option on the left-hand pane
called “Show icons for networked UPnP devices”. Please click this option to allow Windows
to automatically find the ISY on your network. In Windows 7 and Vista, please be sure
Network Discovery is turned on.
Once you launch the Administrative Console, you will be presented with a login window
asking you to authenticate your ISY. The default login information is:
Username: admin
Password: admin

- 7-
Figure 3: Login Window
Please refer to 3.1.1 Setting the User ID and Password to change these values.
To find your ISY’s login URL, click the HELP -> ABOUT pull down menu:
Figure 4: Help/About Menu
Then look for the address listed after “My URL.”
Figure 5: My URL
Type this into your web browser to quickly connect to your ISY in the future. Feel free to
add this URL to your web browser’s Favorites.

- 8-
When using DHCP, in some cases your ISY may receive a new IP address from your router
(or other DHCP server). If this happens, you may not be able to use the old address to
connect to your ISY. To find your ISY’s new address, simply double-click your My Lighting
icon or visit the following URL to automatically find the ISY (and its new address) on your
network: http://isy.universal...com/994i/4.2.30
If you wish to assign your ISY a static IP address, please see Appendix E: Assigning a
Static IP Address to the ISY.
Once you find your URL, you are ready to start using the ISY. To connect to the ISY, launch
your web browser and type the URL into the address bar. You will then be asked to
authenticate. Again, the default login information is:
Username: admin
Password: admin
Once you login you will be presented with the ISY’s HTML interface.
2.3 The HTML Interface
The ISY’s HTML interface provides an easy way to interact with your ISY. The HTML
interface does not require Java, and is accessible from just about any web browser –
including mobile phones and other devices!

- 9-
Figure 6: ISY’s Home Tab
You won’t be able to do much until you start configuring your ISY, but here is a summary of
what you can do with the HTML Interface:
Home Tab:
My Devices & Scenes –This is where you will find a list of all INSTEON devices and scenes
you have on your ISY. You can control your devices and scenes as well as check their
current state. Use this page to turn lights and other devices on or off, adjust your
thermostats, and much more.
My Devices –Same as My Devices and Scenes, but this shows only your devices.
My Scenes –Same as My Devices & Scenes, but this shows only your scenes. You will
learn more about Scenes in the section entitled 3 The Administrative Console.
My Weather (only available if the optional Climate Module has been installed on your
ISY) –This item is where you can see weather information available to your ISY. More
information is available in the section entitled 3.9.2 Climate Module.

- 10 -
My Programs –By clicking this item you can view the status of any Programs you have
stored on your ISY and also control them. You will learn more about Programs in the
section entitled 3.3 The Programs/Details Tab.
Networking Resources (only available if the optional Network Resources Module has
been installed on your ISY) –This section is where you can view and control any network
resources you may have configured on your ISY. More information is available in the
section entitled 3.9.1 Network Module.
Networking WOL (only available if the optional Network Resources Module has been
installed on your ISY) –This section is where you can view and control any Wake-On-LAN
entries you may have configured on your ISY. More information is available in the section
entitled 3.9.1 Network Module.
Cameras–This section is where you can add and view network bases IP cameras.
Elk (only available if the optional ELK Security Module has been installed on your
ISY) –This section is where you can view and control any resources available from your
ELK security system. More information is available in the section entitled 3.9.5 ELK
Security Module.
Variables –This section is where you can view and control any Variables you have
configured on your ISY. More information is available in the section entitled 3.5
Variables.
Settings tab:
SubDevices –This option allows you to show or hide SubDevices. SubDevices are typically
secondary buttons, such as non-load controlling buttons on KeypadLincs, etc.
Controllers –This option allows you to show or hide Controller-only devices, such as
RemoteLincs and ControlLincs.
Disabled –This option allows you to show or hide disabled devices. Devices can be
disabled through the Admin Console, refer to 3.2.6 Other Functions (Restore, Disable,
Query, etc.) for further details.
Max Width –This option sets the width of the HTML interface.
Local Caching –Enabling this option tells the HTML interface to cache the node list to your
system, potentially improving performance. If this option is enabled, however, you will
need to periodically hit Clear Cache (see below) to refresh the interface and see changes to
your node list.

- 11 -
Clear Cache –This button clears the disk and memory cache of the HTML interface
allowing you to see the latest changes to your node list.
Install Admin Console –This button installs a local copy of the Admin Console applet to
your system, creating a desktop icon so you can launch the Admin Console quickly and
easily.
Admin Console tab:
Launches the ISY’s Administrative Console (requires Java). The Administrative Console is
where you will configure your ISY - adding devices, creating Programs, configuring the
optional IR interface, and MUCH more.
There may be other items available in the HTML interface depending on how your ISY is
configured, and what optional modules you have purchased.
2.4 Launching the Administrative Console
The Administrative Console is where you will spend most of your time configuring and
tuning the ISY, programming your devices, etc.
The best way to launch the Admin Console is from the following URL (requires internet
access): http://isy.universal...com/994i/4.2.30
You can also install a copy of the Admin Console’s applet on your local PC (icon created on
desktop) by launching the following URL: http://isy.universal-devices.com/994i/admin.jnlp
Finally, you can also launch the Admin Console by clicking the link located on the ISY’s
HTML Interface.
Once launched, you will again be asked to authenticate to your ISY. The default login
information is:
Username: admin
Password: admin
In the future you may go directly to the ISY’s Administrative Console by appending /admin
to the URL. For example: http://192.168.0.101/admin
3 The Administrative Console
The Administrative Console is divided into several tabs, each used to configure different
aspects of your ISY. This section provides information to help you take advantage of the
powerful features of the ISY Administrative Console. There are, however, enhancements to

- 12 -
the user interface too detailed to include in this section –please refer to Appendix F: User
Enhancement Details for a description of these enhancements.
The ISY’s Administrative Console automatically checks for the latest firmware release.
When a new release is detected, the ISY provides a notification message and instructions on
how to perform the update. In some cases, however, you may want to manually download
and install a different firmware release. For example, some beta releases may contain
important features or device support that you may want to utilize. The Administrative
Console will not notify you of beta firmware releases. Please refer to Appendix G:
Manually Upgrading Your Firmware for instructions on how to manually install a
release.
3.1 Basic Configuration
Before getting started, it’s important to configure a few basic items on the ISY.
3.1.1 Setting the User ID and Password
For security reasons, please change the default User ID and Password used to connect to
your ISY. Choose the Set Userid/Password option with the Administrative Console’s File
pull-down menu as shown below.
Figure 7: File Menu/ Set User ID/Password
When choosing your new User ID and Password, please consider the following:

- 13 -
Both the User ID and Password must be entered
Both the User ID and Password are case sensitive
Both the User ID and Password must be between 3 and 10 characters
The following characters are NOT allowed: < > / ; &
3.1.2 Setting the Time and Location
Click the ISY’s Configuration tab, then the System sub-tab, to set your time (used for
Program schedules) and location (used to calculate sunrise/sunset times).
Figure 8: Setting the Clock
Please be sure to check the Daylight Saving option if applicable in your area.
Also feel free to check and configure the NTP Server option if your ISY is able to access the
internet. The ISY periodically syncs its clock with the specified NTP server to ensure
accurate time. We recommend syncing every 24 hours, as too frequent connection
attempts can result in the NTP server refusing the ISY’s request.
After adjusting your settings, please be sure to hit the Save button.
3.1.3 Keyboard Navigation
Please note that pull-down menus are accessible via keyboard shortcuts as follows:
Alt-F to access the File menu
Alt-L to access the Link Management menu
Alt-T to access the Tools menu
Alt-H to access the Help menu
Once a pull-down menu is opened, use your Arrow keys to navigate and the Enter key to
select a menu item. You can also enter letter keys to access many menu items quickly –
look for menu items that contain underlined letters. For example, within the File pull-
down menu, enter “b”to open the Backup ISY dialog box.
3.1.4 Themes
You can choose among several predefined color schemes to suit your preference. To select
a different theme click the File pull-down menu, then Themes, then Theme Color and

- 14 -
choose your scheme. Please note that the Administrative Console must be closed and re-
opened for your Theme change to take effect.
Figure 9: Change Theme Menu
Desert
Grey
High Contrast
Default

- 15 -
Figure 10: Theme Samples
3.2 The Main Tab
The Main tab is where you can add, configure, and manage your INSTEON devices.
Figure 11: The Main Tab
The left-hand pane displays a hierarchy of folders, devices, and scenes contained within
your ISY. The right-hand pane displays detailed information on the item you have selected.
3.2.1 Adding INSTEON Devices
Adding INSTEON devices to the ISY can be done via several methods. Some devices require
a specific method; other devices can be added to the ISY in multiple ways. For more
detailed information, see Appendix H: INSTEON Device Notes.