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Unreliable programming

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am
by PaulMcGowan
I have a bunch of HE302 units (UK model).

They program easily with the Home Easy remote control and the Home Easy SMS base unit.

When I try to program them using the TellStick (it's a standard TellStick, batch 7) it can take 20 to 30 attempts to get the unit to accept the TellStick as a remote, one unit refuses to respond to the programming. When the unit is programmed they respond first time, everytime to the on/off command.

I'm running Telldus Centre 2.1.1 on a Windows 7 Professional machine.

I have tried using the 'learn' button, the ON button, and even using 'tdtool' on the command line.

Does anyone have any idea what is going on ?

Thanks.

Re: Unreliable programming

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am
by PaulMcGowan
UPDATE

If I press the programming button on the unit, the LED will flash around 12 times before it drops out of programming mode. This would appear to be the default timeout.

If I press the programming button on the unit and use the 'tdtool --learn 10' or 'tdtool --on 10' command, the unit flashes 4 or 5 times then drops out of programming.

This behaviour is consistent and repeatable.

This hints to me that there is a problem with the data being transmitted with 'tdtool'. It would seem to show that the unit is receiving data from the tellstick, but doesn't understand it.

Does anyone from Telldus read this forum, and have any suggestions ?
Does anyone at all have any idea what the issue is ?

Thanks.

Re: Unreliable programming

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am
by stefan.persson
If it only flashes 4-5 times when trying to learn it from tdtool, it indicates of course that something has happened. When it is successfully programmed, what is the behavior then?

When trying to learn units, the distance to the units may have to be much closer than when using them. May the distance be an issue in your case?

Have you tried to clear the memory of the units first?

Re: Unreliable programming

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am
by PaulMcGowan
Hi Steffan,

As I said, when programmed, the switches work perfectly, reacting to every ON/OFF command.
It is just the programming they struggle with.

I have tried having the unit 20cm from the Tellstick, and a couple of metres away. This makes no difference. When programmed they work from a distance of around 15m

I have tried resetting the units, and have the same issue. They respond straight away to programming via the remote, and the SMS unit but won't accept the Tellstick.

It's all very strange.....

Re: Unreliable programming

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am
by stefan.persson
Some HomeEasy-devices has proven hard to program, especially with earlier TellStick batches like yours. But after programming, it works ok?

There is also a range issue with some TellSticks from batch 7-10. From our FAQ:

Code: Select all

A few TellStick from Batches 7 - 10 are having range problems. If you are experiencing range problems then send an email with your address, batch number, and place of purchase to rma@telldus.se in order to exchange your TellStick. 

Re: Unreliable programming

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am
by PaulMcGowan
Hi Stefan,

When the switches are programmed they work perfectly, two of them are in a separate garage some 15 metres away through a couple of brick walls. The switch first time every time.

ON/OFF switching is perfect with all devices via the TellStick.

It is the programming that is the issue. I have tried programming from as close as 15cm to 15m. It still takes dozens of attempts to program the switches, and I have one that refuses to be programmed. I know it can 'hear' the TellStick, as when I send the 'learn' or 'on' command it drops out of listening mode immediately, however, it ignores the request to learn the remote. The switch learns the Home Easy remote and SMS unit immediately.

The stick I have was purchased from a well know auction site, and, as it's a batch 7, it's clearly quite old.
Is there anyway I can flash a new piece of code to the onboard PIC ?
I have a Microchip PICKit, so I'm happy to flash a new HEX file.

Reading through the FAQ, I don't think device this will be covered under your returns policy. (Unless you know differently ?)

Thanks.

Re: Unreliable programming

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am
by stefan.persson
Sorry about the very late answer. If you want to have it replaced, we can exchange it to one modified with an antenna for better range. That could probably help with the programming issue as well. Just send us a support ticket, and we'll fix it.

Re: Unreliable programming

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:45 am
by PaulMcGowan
Hi Stefan,

I have raised a support ticket as requested.

Many thanks for the help.

Paul.