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    Communication freeze

    Mark,

    I have a Vista 15P, and the system normally works well for weeks to months at a time. Then, for no apparent reason, it randomly stops communicating. The log entries stop and I lose control of the system. A PC restart remedies the problem. Disabling and re-enabling the Monitoring status does not remedy the problem, and the following error is issued:

    Error: System.UnauthorizedAccessException: Access to the port 'COM4' is denied. at System.IO.Ports.InternalResources.WinIOError(Int32 errorCode, String str) at System.IO.Ports.SerialStream..ctor(String portName, Int32 baudRate, Parity parity, Int32 dataBits, StopBits stopBits, Int32 readTimeout, Int32 writeTimeout, Handshake handshake, Boolean dtrEnable, Boolean rtsEnable, Boolean discardNull, Byte parityReplace) at System.IO.Ports.SerialPort.Open() at HSPI_VISTAALARM.VistaAlarm.OpenPort(Int16 Port) [1.2.5.0]

    Is this a FTDI driver problem? A A2DUSB firmware issue? I thought all my versions were up to date a few months ago. It happens so rarely that I have let it go, but now it is starting to bug me. What versions should these be that you have found to be most stable?

    Thanks in advance.

    -BD

    #2
    Originally posted by BrunDog View Post
    Mark,

    I have a Vista 15P, and the system normally works well for weeks to months at a time. Then, for no apparent reason, it randomly stops communicating. The log entries stop and I lose control of the system. A PC restart remedies the problem. Disabling and re-enabling the Monitoring status does not remedy the problem, and the following error is issued:

    Error: System.UnauthorizedAccessException: Access to the port 'COM4' is denied. at System.IO.Ports.InternalResources.WinIOError(Int32 errorCode, String str) at System.IO.Ports.SerialStream..ctor(String portName, Int32 baudRate, Parity parity, Int32 dataBits, StopBits stopBits, Int32 readTimeout, Int32 writeTimeout, Handshake handshake, Boolean dtrEnable, Boolean rtsEnable, Boolean discardNull, Byte parityReplace) at System.IO.Ports.SerialPort.Open() at HSPI_VISTAALARM.VistaAlarm.OpenPort(Int16 Port) [1.2.5.0]

    Is this a FTDI driver problem? A A2DUSB firmware issue? I thought all my versions were up to date a few months ago. It happens so rarely that I have let it go, but now it is starting to bug me. What versions should these be that you have found to be most stable?

    Thanks in advance.

    -BD
    please see the following thread. the same issue affects similar devices

    http://board.homeseer.com/showthread.php?t=147962

    i would start with the ftdi driver and don't mess with the ad2usb fw.
    Mark

    HS3 Pro 4.2.19.5
    Hardware: Insteon Serial PLM | AD2USB for Vista Alarm | HAI Omnistat2 | 1-Wire HA7E | RFXrec433 | Dahua Cameras | LiftMaster Internet Gateway | Tuya Smart Plugs
    Plugins: Insteon (mine) | Vista Alarm (mine) | Omnistat 3 | Ultra1Wire3 | RFXCOM | HS MyQ | BLRadar | BLDenon | Tuya | Jon00 Charting | Jon00 Links
    Platform: Windows Server 2022 Standard, i5-12600K/3.7GHz/10 core, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by mnsandler View Post
      please see the following thread. the same issue affects similar devices

      http://board.homeseer.com/showthread.php?t=147962

      i would start with the ftdi driver and don't mess with the ad2usb fw.
      Ok... Updated the driver, we'll see if that does it!

      -BD

      Comment


        #4
        Well, I continue to have the same problems. In fact, they are the identical problems that Tiki descibes in the "Another Lost Communications" thread.

        I have a new-ish mini-USB adapter connected to my Vista 15P. It works fine for a while (hours to days) then just quits. There is no error in the log until I try to communicate to it (Arm, Disarm, etc.) and then the error above is shown. Restarting HS does nothing because the port is locked, so only a re-boot fixes it. I think a plug/unplug does too.

        I have: the latest FTDI chipset drivers (4/12). I have changed the USB cable, I have moved the unit and wiring around to minimize noise/interference. I have tried every which USB port on my machine. All the power management options are turned off as described. The only thing I have yet to try is a USB hub.

        The one thing that gets me is I have a PLM plugged into the same machine, in fact, currently plugged into the USB port next to it and on the same Root Hub per Device Manager, using the same FTDI drivers, and IT NEVER FAILS.

        Any idea if changing any of the FTDI driver settings will help this POS? What about upgrading the firmware in the ADUSB? Any new ideas??

        -BD

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by BrunDog View Post
          Well, I continue to have the same problems. In fact, they are the identical problems that Tiki descibes in the "Another Lost Communications" thread.

          I have a new-ish mini-USB adapter connected to my Vista 15P. It works fine for a while (hours to days) then just quits. There is no error in the log until I try to communicate to it (Arm, Disarm, etc.) and then the error above is shown. Restarting HS does nothing because the port is locked, so only a re-boot fixes it. I think a plug/unplug does too.

          I have: the latest FTDI chipset drivers (4/12). I have changed the USB cable, I have moved the unit and wiring around to minimize noise/interference. I have tried every which USB port on my machine. All the power management options are turned off as described. The only thing I have yet to try is a USB hub.

          The one thing that gets me is I have a PLM plugged into the same machine, in fact, currently plugged into the USB port next to it and on the same Root Hub per Device Manager, using the same FTDI drivers, and IT NEVER FAILS.

          Any idea if changing any of the FTDI driver settings will help this POS? What about upgrading the firmware in the ADUSB? Any new ideas??

          -BD
          BD,

          as far as the driver settings, I would make the settings for the ad2usb com port look like the settings for PLM com port. But i have never messed with them.

          you can try the fw upgrade, but that would be my last resort. The usb hub is a better bet.

          I wish we could determine the root cause of this, but it seems very mysterious.

          Keep me posted
          Mark

          HS3 Pro 4.2.19.5
          Hardware: Insteon Serial PLM | AD2USB for Vista Alarm | HAI Omnistat2 | 1-Wire HA7E | RFXrec433 | Dahua Cameras | LiftMaster Internet Gateway | Tuya Smart Plugs
          Plugins: Insteon (mine) | Vista Alarm (mine) | Omnistat 3 | Ultra1Wire3 | RFXCOM | HS MyQ | BLRadar | BLDenon | Tuya | Jon00 Charting | Jon00 Links
          Platform: Windows Server 2022 Standard, i5-12600K/3.7GHz/10 core, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by mnsandler View Post
            BD,

            as far as the driver settings, I would make the settings for the ad2usb com port look like the settings for PLM com port. But i have never messed with them.

            you can try the fw upgrade, but that would be my last resort. The usb hub is a better bet.

            I wish we could determine the root cause of this, but it seems very mysterious.

            Keep me posted
            Settings are identical. They look the same in device manager. Except the AD2USB stops working here spontaneously and the PLM doesn't. Call it an FTDI problem, but me thinks it is upstream (alarm, AD2USB, etc.).

            I don't have a hub so I need to buy one. My system is in my laundry room, so it is possible the washer and dryer (110V only as it is gas) have something to do with it. I turned off repeat message suppression, so I will know exactly when it crashes.

            -BD

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by BrunDog View Post
              Settings are identical. They look the same in device manager. Except the AD2USB stops working here spontaneously and the PLM doesn't. Call it an FTDI problem, but me thinks it is upstream (alarm, AD2USB, etc.).

              I don't have a hub so I need to buy one. My system is in my laundry room, so it is possible the washer and dryer (110V only as it is gas) have something to do with it. I turned off repeat message suppression, so I will know exactly when it crashes.

              -BD
              yes, keep a log of disconnects and when the washer/dryer run. Another user correlated these two events. Another alternative if you have a physical serial port on your box is to switch to a serial based ad2usb (ie the ad2serial)
              Mark

              HS3 Pro 4.2.19.5
              Hardware: Insteon Serial PLM | AD2USB for Vista Alarm | HAI Omnistat2 | 1-Wire HA7E | RFXrec433 | Dahua Cameras | LiftMaster Internet Gateway | Tuya Smart Plugs
              Plugins: Insteon (mine) | Vista Alarm (mine) | Omnistat 3 | Ultra1Wire3 | RFXCOM | HS MyQ | BLRadar | BLDenon | Tuya | Jon00 Charting | Jon00 Links
              Platform: Windows Server 2022 Standard, i5-12600K/3.7GHz/10 core, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by mnsandler View Post
                yes, keep a log of disconnects and when the washer/dryer run. Another user correlated these two events. Another alternative if you have a physical serial port on your box is to switch to a serial based ad2usb (ie the ad2serial)
                The serial port I have on the PC is taken by a Ztroller, though I could ultimately convert that to a serial-USB cable (probably using an FDTI chipset!!).

                Anyhoo, here is a start. As I mentioned, my system is in the laundry room. Notice how incoming messages occur every 10 seconds and then poof - nothing. My wife went in the room but said she did not start the washer or dryer. There is a Z-wave motion sensor in there that triggers an event to turn on the light via an Insteon SwitchLinc. It is a flourescent overhead light.

                I find it hard to believe that the light turning OFF would cause the problem, but fortunately I can test this easily.

                -----------
                6/1/2012 2:50:00 PM Event Running script in background: ElectricCostCalc.vb
                6/1/2012 2:50:00 PM Event Event Trigger "Power Cost Calculator"
                6/1/2012 2:49:53 PM Device Update Device: Power Energy Monitor Electric Meter kW Hours value set to 276052 (2760.516 kW Hours)
                6/1/2012 2:49:53 PM Device Update Device: Power Energy Monitor Electric Meter Watts value set to 1338468 (13384.68 Watts)
                6/1/2012 2:45:28 PM Device Control Device: Laundry Room Lights (\38) OFF
                6/1/2012 2:45:28 PM Event Event Trigger "Laundry Light OFF"
                6/1/2012 2:45:28 PM Device Update Device: Z-Wave Interface Motion Sensor 2 - Occupancy value set to 0 ()
                6/1/2012 2:45:26 PM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                6/1/2012 2:45:26 PM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                6/1/2012 2:45:16 PM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                6/1/2012 2:45:16 PM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                6/1/2012 2:45:06 PM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                6/1/2012 2:45:06 PM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                6/1/2012 2:44:56 PM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                6/1/2012 2:44:56 PM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                6/1/2012 2:44:46 PM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                6/1/2012 2:44:46 PM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1

                -BD

                Comment


                  #9
                  Interesting...

                  Not sure if twice is a pattern yet...

                  -------
                  6/2/2012 3:15:40 PM Insteon Received \30 (Master Bedroom Closet 1 - Occupancy Sensor) Go ON
                  6/2/2012 3:15:03 PM Device Update Device: Power Energy Monitor Electric Meter kW Hours value set to 289037 (2890.367 kW Hours)
                  6/2/2012 3:15:03 PM Device Update Device: Power Energy Monitor Electric Meter Watts value set to 1102644 (11026.44 Watts)
                  6/2/2012 3:15:00 PM Event Running script in background: ElectricCostCalc.vb
                  6/2/2012 3:15:00 PM Event Event Trigger "Power Cost Calculator"
                  6/2/2012 3:14:20 PM Device Control Device: Laundry Room Lights (\38) OFF
                  6/2/2012 3:14:20 PM Event Event Trigger "Laundry Light OFF"
                  6/2/2012 3:14:20 PM Device Update Device: Z-Wave Interface Motion Sensor 2 - Occupancy value set to 0 ()
                  6/2/2012 3:14:13 PM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                  6/2/2012 3:14:13 PM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                  6/2/2012 3:14:03 PM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                  6/2/2012 3:14:03 PM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                  6/2/2012 3:13:53 PM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                  6/2/2012 3:13:53 PM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                  6/2/2012 3:13:43 PM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                  6/2/2012 3:13:43 PM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1

                  Comment


                    #10
                    And again...

                    OK, I think this is now legit. I spoke with Nutech, and they think the noise is much more likely to come from the alarm power rather than the computer power. The overhead light is powered by the same circuit as the alarm power (directly) and the computer power (through a UPS).

                    For some reason, when the overhead flourescent light goes off, it must induce some noise spike (from the ballast?) into the circuit which causes the AD2USB to lock-up. I found that plugging and un-plugging the USB cable and restarting the Monitor gets things working again.

                    Per Nutech's recommendation, I am going to plug the alarm power into the UPS and see if that filter prevents the lockups. It will take a couple of weeks to be certain this is a solution.

                    Here is the log from the latest lockup. Note that my family took a brief 3 day vacation so on one was home to trip the light on/off over the last few days - and it worked without lockups. As before, a new message every 10 seconds until the light turns off:

                    6/6/2012 10:25:00 AM Event Running script in background: ElectricCostCalc.vb
                    6/6/2012 10:25:00 AM Event Event Trigger "Power Cost Calculator"
                    6/6/2012 10:23:24 AM Device Control Device: Laundry Room Lights (\38) OFF
                    6/6/2012 10:23:24 AM Event Event Trigger "Laundry Light OFF"
                    6/6/2012 10:23:24 AM Device Update Device: Z-Wave Interface Motion Sensor 2 - Occupancy value set to 0 ()
                    6/6/2012 10:23:17 AM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                    6/6/2012 10:23:17 AM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                    6/6/2012 10:23:07 AM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                    6/6/2012 10:23:07 AM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                    6/6/2012 10:22:57 AM Vista Alarm [1000000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008001c28020000000000]," DISARMED CHIME Ready to Arm "
                    6/6/2012 10:22:57 AM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1

                    Comment


                      #11
                      ok. thanks for posting this. Hope it helps....my guess it will based on what i've seen with others.

                      btw, is the plm plugged into the same circuit as the panel and light?
                      Mark

                      HS3 Pro 4.2.19.5
                      Hardware: Insteon Serial PLM | AD2USB for Vista Alarm | HAI Omnistat2 | 1-Wire HA7E | RFXrec433 | Dahua Cameras | LiftMaster Internet Gateway | Tuya Smart Plugs
                      Plugins: Insteon (mine) | Vista Alarm (mine) | Omnistat 3 | Ultra1Wire3 | RFXCOM | HS MyQ | BLRadar | BLDenon | Tuya | Jon00 Charting | Jon00 Links
                      Platform: Windows Server 2022 Standard, i5-12600K/3.7GHz/10 core, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD

                      Comment


                        #12
                        The PLM was not triggering the laundry light switch (powerline only) when plugged directly into the same circuit. It was very weird, so I plugged it into my UPS and it started working fine and did not impact communications elsewhere (I have a fair amount of dual band devices, so there are many bridge points).

                        On my first test of powering the alarm via the same UPS, the same error occurred, the same way (laundry light going off).

                        I am now running an automated event to turn the light on and off every 5 minutes rather than having the z-ware HSM motion sensor tell the lights what to do. Gotta figure this weird thing out...

                        -BD

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Have you considered changing the ballast in the light?

                          also, how about an x10 noise filter on the alarm power adapter, or maybe a new alarm adapter

                          good luck, sounds like you are headed in the right direction
                          Mark

                          HS3 Pro 4.2.19.5
                          Hardware: Insteon Serial PLM | AD2USB for Vista Alarm | HAI Omnistat2 | 1-Wire HA7E | RFXrec433 | Dahua Cameras | LiftMaster Internet Gateway | Tuya Smart Plugs
                          Plugins: Insteon (mine) | Vista Alarm (mine) | Omnistat 3 | Ultra1Wire3 | RFXCOM | HS MyQ | BLRadar | BLDenon | Tuya | Jon00 Charting | Jon00 Links
                          Platform: Windows Server 2022 Standard, i5-12600K/3.7GHz/10 core, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by mnsandler View Post
                            Have you considered changing the ballast in the light?

                            also, how about an x10 noise filter on the alarm power adapter, or maybe a new alarm adapter

                            good luck, sounds like you are headed in the right direction
                            Well, I created an event which turns the light on and off for 5 minute intervals, and sure enough, the lockups are still occuring (more frequently, as you may imagine). I wanted to rule out the HSM-100 Z-wave motion sensor, and this confirms.

                            What perplexes me is that I have tried plugging the alarm adapter into the power fed by the UPS. Per above, this was recommended by Nutech, as it filters the line better. This did not solve the problem. I then plugged it into an alternate circuit (room next door) using an extension cord. This did not solve the problem. I am now testing it with the extension cord plugged in many rooms away. Assuming this does not solve the problem, I will need to find a resolution, which seems to be unrelated to filtering the incoming alarm power.

                            I have not considered changing the ballast, but this may be a good idea. I am also considering a line filter that Smarthome sells for this purpose. I am also considering iron core yolks for the power and signal lines.

                            I have a scope, but its old and I am not sure I would be able to "see" the overloads. Besides, I don't need to figure out what is happening, I just need to make it go away.

                            Stay tuned!

                            -BD

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Hi, me again. Well, as I expected, the failure still occured with the alarm power plugged in to an entirely differenct circuit via an extension cord. My belief is the ballast is dumping an inductive charge backwards on power off, and this is causing the malfunction.

                              I am either going to try to replace the ballast, put in a line filter, or add chokes.

                              --------
                              6/8/2012 3:25:55 AM Device Update Device: Power Energy Monitor Electric Meter Watts value set to 706488 (7064.88 Watts)
                              6/8/2012 3:25:00 AM Event Running script in background: ElectricCostCalc.vb
                              6/8/2012 3:25:00 AM Event Event Trigger "Power Cost Calculator"
                              6/8/2012 3:24:47 AM Event Deleting event after run: "Delayed Actions Lights (delayed action)"
                              6/8/2012 3:24:47 AM Device Control Device: Laundry Room Lights (\38) OFF
                              6/8/2012 3:24:47 AM Event Event Trigger "Lights (delayed action)"
                              6/8/2012 3:24:44 AM Vista Alarm [0010000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008008c28020000000000],"ARMED ***STAY*** "
                              6/8/2012 3:24:44 AM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                              6/8/2012 3:24:34 AM Vista Alarm [0010000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008008c28020000000000],"ARMED ***STAY*** "
                              6/8/2012 3:24:34 AM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                              6/8/2012 3:24:24 AM Vista Alarm [0010000110000000----],008,[f700003f1008008c28020000000000],"ARMED ***STAY*** "
                              6/8/2012 3:24:24 AM Vista Alarm Processing msg on Partition 1
                              ------

                              -BD

                              Comment

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