This article describes how to configure a RemoteLinc Insteon wireless remote control using the ISY-99i Home Automation Controller to manage other Insteon devices. I use it to control the lights around my home. More importantly, it’s an easy and convenient way for my family to control the lights. The “All On” button makes for a nice panic button if kept by the bedroom nightstand.
The RemoteLinc makes a pleasant beep and the LED illuminates when a button is pressed.
RemoteLinc #2440 - Insteon Wireless Remote Control
The RemoteLinc is perfect for controlling Insteon scenes while seated comfortably on the couch in front of the TV.
The RemoteLinc package includes the remote control, a one sheet Quick Start Guide and four AAA batteries.
RemoteLinc 2440 Remote Control Kit
The RemoteLinc has four rubber feet on the bottom, a nice touch so it doesn’t slide around on the table when you press a key. The Insteon device address is inside the battery compartment.
RemoteLinc 2440 - Rear View
Linking a RemoteLinc: ISY-99i Administrative Console
You don’t need an ISY-99i Home Automation Controller to link and control other Insteon devices with the RemoteLinc. Just follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide and you’ll be ready in minutes.
I happen to have an ISY-99i controller by Universal Devices, Inc. and the setup is easily done via the Administrative Console. The Universal Devices Wiki page is very helpful, too.
Follow these steps to link a RemoteLinc and control scenes:
Step 1: Click Link Management → Link a RemoteLinc on the Admin Console menu.
Step 2: Put the RemoteLinc in Communications Mode by pressing and holding the Dim and Bright buttons for 10 seconds or until the RemoteLinc LED starts flashing.
Step 3: Enter the RemoteLinc address in the “New Insteon Device” dialog box. Click OK.
The ISY-99i will add the RemoteLinc to the My Lighting inventory, creating an instance for each of the six keypad buttons named [address].1, [address].2, …, [address].6 as illustrated here:
ISY-99i Admin Console - Link a RemoteLinc
Step 4: Rename each of six RemoteLinc Buttons
I prefer to name Insteon devices something more meaningful than the device address. Right-click on each of the six button instances and rename it to your liking. I simply named my buttons “RemoteLinc Btn N” where N is 1 to 6.
Rename the RemoteLinc Buttons
Step 5: Add a RemoteLinc Button to a Scene
Right click on a RemoteLinc button under My Lighting and then click Add to Scene…
Choose a scene from the popup dialog.
The Confirm Add dialog box is displayed with a progress bar.
Add a RemoteLinc Button to a Scene as a Controller
Step 6: Test the Button
The RemoteLinc button is shown as a controller in the scene. Click the RemoteLinc button to confirm the target device operates correctly.
Scene with RemoteLinc Button
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for the other buttons.
Create Custom Button Labels
It’s simple to create custom button labels using the Microsoft Word template at SmartHome.com. Just edit the template, print the page and cut out the new label with scissors. Gently pry off the dust cover, insert the new labels and snap the dust cover back in place.
RemoteLinc Custom Button Labels
The RemoteLinc is great because of it’s ease of use and portability.
Take care,
Bob Jackson
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:13 pm
This is a great guide for all those just getting into home automation! I love my ISY-99, although I’m considering having it take a backseat to a more advanced solution involving speach recognition.
Are you still using the ISY for your primary setup?
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:26 am
The ISY-99i is working great!
Speech recognition be interesting, wonder how it would avoid interference from the TV and other conversations?
October 8th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I believe the most common setup is to use a command word, something unique that triggers the system into a listening mode. You would say the word prior to any commands and it would wait for 3-5 seconds of silence following to process the command.
I’ll post again once I’ve had a chance to play with it a bit.
November 19th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
can this thing be used for other appliances such as both electric shades and lights, possibly projecter and electric screen for a conference room? and is it pretty much as simple as installing a receiver at the existing wallswitch?
November 19th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
The RemoteLinc can control Insteon devices for all of these applications. There is a wide variety Insteon relays, switches, dimmers and more that replace an existing wall switch or electrical receptacle. See the related articles on this site or surf over to http://www.smarthome.com for products and tutorials.
Thanks
Bob Jackson
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I came across your site somewhat by accident while trying to find out more about my RemoteLinc and my I99Y. Your descriptions are wonderful, but I am left with one question. When linking the RemoteLinc to my I99Y, how do I find the address of the RemoteLinc?
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:06 pm
I’m pleased you liked the website.
The RemoteLinc address is on the label inside of the battery compartment. The battery compartment accepts four (4) AAA batteries. The address label is behind the battery at the bottom of the case, on the sidewall. You have to “stand up” the RemoteLinc to see the address label. They didn’t make it easy to find, but it’s easy to see once you know where to look.
Thanks,
Bob Jackson
April 2nd, 2010 at 8:57 am
Thank you for all the information. I was wondering if I could train my HomeLink universal remote control system in my car with the RemoteLinc and turn on my outside lights from my car. There are three buttons in my car’s HomeLink universal remote and one of them controls the garage door. I was able to train that channel with the garage door remote. I am hoping to do that with the RemoteLinc. Do you know if RemoteLinc complies with HomeLink specifications?
Thank you very much,
Cory
April 3rd, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Hi,
I’ve not researched the HomeLink solutions by Johnson Controls, but I believe it’s not compatible with Insteon by SmartLabs.
X10 RF transceivers seem to be your best bet: http://www.smarthome.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=477
You could do just about anything if you have an ISY-99i Home Automation Controller, it’s Insteon and X10 compatible. The idea an Insteon / X10 compatible switch would receive your HomeLink / X10 RF commands and the ISY-99i would generate the corresponding Insteon (or X10) commands to control your lights.
Try posting your question to these forums:
* Universal Devices Forum
* SmartHome Forum
Thanks,
Bob Jackson