INSTEON Thermostat Adapter

About the Thermostat Adapter

The INSTEON Thermostat Adapter allows you to control your home's temperature remotely using the INSTEON home automation system. It enables recalling stored set points and mode settings from any INSTEON Controller, helping to maintain comfort and save energy.

Key Thermostat Adapter Features

• Installs and links to other INSTEON devices in minutes.
• Saves energy and money by remotely controlling your thermostat.
• Communicates wirelessly over radio frequency (RF).
• Compatible with Totaline/Venstar T1700, T1800, and T1900 thermostats.
• Powered through your thermostat – no batteries needed.
• Automatically controls remote INSTEON devices when the thermostat switches A/C, heat, and fan on or off.
• Reports changes in thermostat modes, temperature, and humidity to compatible automation controllers or software.
• Allows fine-tuning of thermostat set points by single degrees from any INSTEON controller with specific Bright and Dim buttons.
• Stores setup state in memory, preventing loss of settings during power outages.
• Comes with a two-year warranty.

What is Included with Thermostat Adapter

• Thermostat Adapter – INSTEON and Totaline/Venstar Compatible
• Quick-Start Guide

What is INSTEON?

Since its inception in 2005, INSTEON has become a leading home-control networking technology, offering high reliability and flexibility. INSTEON systems are designed to be simple, reliable, and affordable. Each device installs in minutes, and every INSTEON device acts as a network repeater, ensuring commands are not lost. The system can be integrated into any number of devices at a low cost, enhancing convenience, safety, and enjoyment.

How Does INSTEON Work?

INSTEON utilizes a dual-mesh network, combining radio frequency (RF) signals with the home's existing wiring for communication. Every INSTEON device functions as a repeater, strengthening the network by relaying messages. No central controller or complex setup is required; devices are linked through simple button presses. In the INSTEON ecosystem, devices are referred to as "Controllers" (which send commands) and "Responders" (which react to commands). An INSTEON device can act as either or both. INSTEON networks are also secure, with each device having a unique INSTEON ID.

Installation

Installing Thermostat Adapter

Before installing, ensure a compatible Totaline/Venstar thermostat is properly installed.

1. RF-only devices require at least one dual-band INSTEON device (e.g., Access Point #2443) for communication. For optimal performance, install at least two dual-band devices.
2. Plug the Thermostat Adapter into the jack on the bottom of your thermostat. The Thermostat Adapter Status LED will turn solid green.

Uninstalling Thermostat Adapter

1. Open the front cover of your thermostat by gently pulling the right edge towards you.
2. While pressing firmly on the small round button (located on the bottom center of the thermostat), gently pull down on the Thermostat Adapter. The Thermostat Adapter Status LED will turn off.

Controlling Thermostat Adapter from an INSTEON Controller

Linking an INSTEON Controller to Thermostat Adapter

This feature allows linking individual commands to the On and Off buttons on your Controller. For example, you can link the heat to turn on with the On button and the fan to turn on with the Off button.

Note: Each button must be linked separately. If only the On button is linked, the Off button will have no programmed action unless specified.

The following steps work for most common INSTEON devices:

1. Set the Controller to Linking Mode (typically by pressing and holding an On or Scene button for 10 seconds, or the Set button for 3 seconds). You have 4 minutes to complete the linking process.
2. To Link to an On button:
   • Set your thermostat to the desired mode (e.g., Heat/Cool, Fan On).
   • Tap the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter.
   • Press and hold the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter for 3 seconds. The thermostat display will flash all LCD characters twice.
3. To Link to an Off button:

   Note: Not all INSTEON devices support linking to an Off button.

   • Set your thermostat to the desired mode (e.g., Heat/Cool, Fan On).
   • Double-tap the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter.
   • Press and hold the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter for 3 seconds. The thermostat display will flash all LCD characters twice.
4. Test linking by changing the thermostat mode and pressing the linked buttons on the Controller.
5. Different set points can be linked to different buttons for more flexibility.
6. For multi-scene controllers, repeat steps 1-4 for additional scenes and set points.

Unlinking Thermostat Adapter from an INSTEON Controller

It is important to unlink the Thermostat Adapter from controllers if you discontinue its use to prevent repetitive command retries that slow down the system.

Note: Unlinking from a single button of an On/Off pair erases all linked commands for that controller.

The following steps work for most common INSTEON devices:

1. Set the Controller to Unlinking Mode (typically by pressing and holding an On or Scene button for 10 seconds twice, or the Set button for 3 seconds twice). You have 4 minutes to complete the unlinking process.
2. Tap the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter.
3. Press and hold the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter for 3 seconds. The thermostat display will flash all LCD characters twice.
4. Confirm unlinking by tapping the previously linked buttons on the Controller.
5. Re-link any desired commands with prior settings if necessary.

Remotely Controlling your Thermostat

Recalling Mode / Set Points

Once linked, you can recall programmed mode and set point settings by tapping the On button on the Controller.

Temperature Set Point Adjustments

Some devices (e.g., RemoteLinc #2440) have specific Dim and Bright buttons to adjust the current thermostat set point by single degrees.

1. Recall a mode/set point by tapping an On button from a Linked Controller.
2. Tap the Bright button to increase or the Dim button to decrease the temperature by one degree per tap.

Note: While holding On or Off buttons may dim/brighten other INSTEON devices, the Thermostat Adapter ignores these commands to prevent unintended temperature changes.

Controlling INSTEON Responders from Thermostat Adapter

Linking Thermostat Adapter to an INSTEON Responder

The Thermostat Adapter can control INSTEON Responders based on the thermostat's A/C, heat, and fan status. This synchronizes your thermostat with other INSTEON-compatible equipment like booster fans or dampers.

• A/C: Responders turn on when the A/C is on and off when it's off.
• Heat: Responders turn on when the heater is on and off when it's off.
• Fan: Responders turn on when the fan is manually controlled or via thermostat timer, and off when the fan is turned off.

Note: The fan function for Responders is active only when the fan is controlled manually, by a Controller, or via thermostat timer, even if the fan is used during heat/A/C modes.

The following steps work for most common INSTEON devices:

1. Set the thermostat to the desired mode (A/C, Heat, FanOn). For FanOn mode, also set the thermostat to Off mode.
2. Press and hold the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter for 3 seconds. The Status LED will begin blinking, and the thermostat display will flash all LCD characters once.
3. Press and hold the Responder's Set button for 3 seconds. The Status LED will stop blinking, and the thermostat display will flash all LCD characters once.
4. Confirm linking by manually changing the thermostat mode; the Responder should respond accordingly.

Unlinking an INSTEON Responder from Thermostat Adapter

If you stop using an INSTEON Responder linked to the Thermostat Adapter, it's crucial to unlink it to prevent repetitive command retries that slow down the system.

The following steps work for most common INSTEON devices:

1. Press and hold the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter for 3 seconds. The Status LED will begin blinking, and the thermostat display will flash all LCD characters once.
2. Press and hold the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter for another 3 seconds. The Status LED will continue blinking, and the thermostat display will flash all LCD characters once.
3. Press and hold the Responder's Set button for 3 seconds. The Status LED will stop blinking, and the thermostat display will flash all LCD characters once.
4. Confirm unlinking by manually changing the thermostat mode; the Responder should no longer respond.

Reporting Changes to Compatible Automation Controller/Software

The Thermostat Adapter reports changes (Temperature, Humidity, Thermostat mode, Fan mode, Set points) to an INSTEON-compatible home automation software after a change has "stabilized" for at least 2 minutes.

Note: Changes are reported only to the last device it was linked to. To change the reporting interface, follow the "Enable" instructions with the new interface as the Responder.

Check the automation software's documentation for compatibility with this feature.

Enabling Change Reports

1. Set the thermostat to Off mode.
2. Press and hold the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter for 3 seconds. The Status LED will begin blinking, and the thermostat display will flash all LCD characters once.
3. Press and hold the Responder's Set button for 3 seconds. The Status LED will stop blinking, and the thermostat display will flash all LCD characters once.

Disabling Change Reports

1. Set the thermostat to Off mode.
2. Press and hold the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter for 3 seconds. The Status LED will begin blinking, and the thermostat display will flash all LCD characters once.
3. Press and hold the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter for another 3 seconds. The Status LED will continue blinking, and the thermostat display will flash all LCD characters once.
4. Press and hold the Responder's Set button for 3 seconds. The Status LED will stop blinking, and the thermostat display will flash all LCD characters once.

Advanced Features

Restoring Power to Thermostat Adapter

The Thermostat Adapter stores all settings (including INSTEON device links) in non-volatile memory, ensuring they are not lost during power failures. Upon power restoration, the adapter automatically returns to its previous state.

Resetting Thermostat Adapter to its Factory Default Settings

This procedure clears all INSTEON Links and set points from the Thermostat Adapter's memory.

1. If using a Controller, unlink it from the Thermostat Adapter (see "Unlinking Thermostat Adapter from an INSTEON Controller").
2. If controlling Responders, unlink them from the Thermostat Adapter (see "Unlinking an INSTEON Responder from Thermostat Adapter").
3. Unplug the Thermostat Adapter from your thermostat.
4. Open the thermostat cover.
5. While pressing and holding the small round button on the thermostat's bottom center, gently pull down on the Thermostat Adapter. The Status LED will turn off.
6. Wait 10 seconds.
7. While pressing and holding the Set button on the Thermostat Adapter, plug it back into the thermostat. Do not release the Set button.
8. Continue holding the Set button for 3 seconds, then release. The Status LED will remain off for about 20 seconds, then turn on. The thermostat display will flash all LCD characters three times and return to normal operation. The Status LED will flicker briefly and then turn solid.

About INSTEON

Using Dual-Band INSTEON Devices to Upgrade Your Network

What are phases?

Most North American homes have two 110-Volt phases (legs) in their electrical panels, distributing power throughout the house. Some parts of the home combine these to provide 220 Volts for large appliances.

Why do I need to bridge these phases?

Single-band power line devices communicate only on their specific phase. Commands sent to a device on the opposite phase may not be received. Installing dual-band INSTEON devices (like Access Points #2443) on each phase enables communication between them via RF.

Dual-band INSTEON devices leverage both power line and RF bands for a robust mesh network. They act as:

• Phase bridger: Receives and translates signals between power phases via RF.
• Signal repeater: Participates in the INSTEON network, repeating commands for other devices. Every device confirms command reception, and if confirmation is not received, the command is retransmitted up to five times.

While at least one dual-band device is required for RF-only devices, two are recommended for reliable communication across two-phase wiring. For larger homes (750-1000 sq ft), at least one dual-band device per area is advised.

Search for dual-band INSTEON devices at: www.smarthome.com/dualband

Important Note about INSTEON Networks; Split Single-Phase vs. 3-Phase Installation

For optimal performance, install at least two dual-band INSTEON devices. INSTEON is officially tested for split single-phase residential environments. While it may work in 3-phase systems (requiring one dual-band device per phase), the INSTEON Gold Support Line cannot provide support for 3-phase installations due to complexity.

Further Enhancing Reliability

Signal strength can weaken over distance. Increasing the number of INSTEON devices enhances mesh network coverage. Some audio-video equipment, computers, or power strips can attenuate INSTEON signals. Temporarily unplugging suspect devices can help diagnose issues. Filters may be available to permanently resolve such problems.

Additional Resources

Find home automation solutions, tips, demos, videos, and forums at the Smarthome Learning Center: www.smarthome.com/learningcenter.html

Troubleshooting

If you have tried these solutions, reviewed this Owner's Manual, and still cannot resolve an issue, please call the INSTEON Gold Support Line at 800-762-7845.

Specifications, Certification, and Warranty

Specifications

View specifications for Thermostat Adapter at: www.smarthome.com/2441V.html

Certification

This product has been thoroughly tested by ITS ETL SEMKO, a nationally recognized independent third-party testing laboratory. The North American ETL Listed mark signifies that the device has been tested to and has met the requirements of a widely recognized consensus of U.S. and Canadian device safety standards, that the manufacturing site has been audited, and that the manufacturer has agreed to a program of quarterly factory follow-up inspections to verify continued conformance.

FCC & Industry Canada Compliance Statement

This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15 and Industry Canada RSS-210 (Rev. 7). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Le present appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorise aux deux conditions suivantes:

1. l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
2. l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radiolectrique subi, mme si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

The digital circuitry of this device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause such interference, which can be verified by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to eliminate the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna of the device experiencing the interference.
• Increase the distance between this device and the receiver.
• Connect the device to an AC outlet on a circuit different from the one that supplies power to the receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.

WARNING: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Limited Warranty

Seller warrants to the original consumer purchaser of this product that, for a period of two years from the date of purchase, this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship and will perform in substantial conformity to the description of the product in this Owner's Manual. This warranty shall not apply to defects or errors caused by misuse or neglect. If the product is found to be defective in material or workmanship, or if the product does not perform as warranted above during the warranty period, Seller will either repair it, replace it, or refund the purchase price, at its option, upon receipt of the product at the address below, postage prepaid, with proof of the date of purchase and an explanation of the defect or error. The repair, replacement, or refund that is provided for above shall be the full extent of Seller's liability with respect to this product. For repair or replacement during the warranty period, call the INSTEON Gold Support Line at 800-762-7845 with the Model # and Revision # of the device to receive an RMA# and send the product, along with all other required materials to:

Smarthome, Inc.
ATTN: Receiving Dept.
16542 Millikan Ave.
Irvine, CA 92606-5027

Limitations

The above warranty is in lieu of and Seller disclaims all other warranties, whether oral or written, express or implied, including any warranty or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Any implied warranty, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, which may not be disclaimed or supplanted as provided above shall be limited to the two-year of the express warranty above. No other representation or claim of any nature by any person shall be binding upon Seller or modify the terms of the above warranty and disclaimer.

Home automation devices have the risk of failure to operate, incorrect operation, or electrical or mechanical tampering. For optimal use, manually verify the device state. Any home automation device should be viewed as a convenience, but not as a sole method for controlling your home.

In no event shall Seller be liable for special, incidental, consequential, or other damages resulting from possession or use of this device, including without limitation damage to property and, to the extent permitted by law, personal injury, even if Seller knew or should have known of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or the exclusion or limitation of damages, in which case the above limitations and/or exclusions may not apply to you. You may also have other legal rights that may vary from state to state.

INSTEON Technology Patent
U.S Patent No. 7,345,998, International patents pending

© Copyright 2011
Smarthome, 16542 Millikan Ave., Irvine, CA 92606, 800-762-7845, www.smarthome.com