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If you can't find a solution for your problem in the FAQ, please contact us at: support@peoplepowerco.com
People Power Setup
Activation
Q. What countries does People Power 1.0 support?
A. United States & Canada. If you are in a different country, please select Other in the Create Account form. Don't worry - regardless of your location, all of the features are similar in this version of the app.
Q. What energy data sources do you support?
A. We currently support two data sources: Blue Line and The Energy Detective (TED). Blue Line and TED are only available in the United States and Canada. If you do not have a Blue Line or TED device, choose No Device (Demo) and the app will show you all features and functionality, but the data will come from our demo location in California. This demo location is an actual home and you will be able to monitor real time data this way.
Q. I have chosen No Device (Demo) but many fields have zeroes. Do I need to do something else?
A.Yes, you must complete a budget. This has been done to allow the user a a somewhat more real experience.
Q. How do I activate my Blue Line or TED device?
A. After registration based on your data source an email containing Activation information will be generated and sent your account email address for configuring your Blue Line or TED device to talk to the People Power server. If you don't receive the e-mail after creating an account check your spam box or you can have it resent via the Resend button.
Q. I finished the configuration of my data source and People Power but am not advancing from the Awaiting Activation screen, what do I do?
A.
If it still does not work or there was an error during device activation send email to support@peoplepowerco.com
Set Utilities
Q. Does People Power detect my utility rates automatically?
A. You will need to select your utility which will then populate default rates for you. You should check your utility bill to make sure the default rates are set correctly. Once a utility is selected People Power will detect the most common rate plan of that utility.
Q. Do I have to enter my utility information into People Power?
A. Our insights will be more applicable to your energy use if you enter your utility information but it is not mandatory for the application to work. Please note: Most utility billing cycles vary every month based on when your utility reads your meter. You can improve accuracy by setting the start day to the date of your last meter reading, as noted on your bill.
Q. I can't find my utility in the list, how do I get the correct rates?
A. Enter the name of your utility manually and save. We will contact your utility about your rate plan and update our system. In the meantime, you will be set a pricing of 12¢/kWh which you can change manually to fit your actual rate.
Q. I don't know which Rate Plan to choose, where can I find that information?
A. People Power provides you with a list of different rate plans that apply to your utility, and in most cases mark the most common rate plan for that utility, however, you will have to either study your bill or contact your utility to confirm what plan you are on.
Q. How do I enter cent values into the rate plan?
A. The rates are based on dollar amounts. So for 12¢ you would enter $0.12.
Monitor: Now
Q. Why do I see 0 values in Monitor, Control and Compare when I first use the app?
A. It's because you just activated the device and we are still gathering your data. Once we have enough data for at least an hour we can run billing algorithms to calculate values and then it will be reflected on the app.
Q. Is the gauge for current usage an average of my budget?
A. Speedometer shows the rate of consumption on energy in terms of $/month by default. It can be changed to show in units of watts. The numbers presented are how much you are using right now and how much it would cost you if your current usage remained the same for an entire month. For example:
Let's say hypothetically you have a 100 W bulb and a 400W speaker on in the house. So your house is consuming 500W of instantaneous Power. That means at a rate of 12 cents per kWh it consumes (500*720.48/1000)*0.12=$43.22 per month.
Q. If I swap a device or an appliance in my home will the gauge show that?
A. Yes, with this gauge, you can monitor the swapped out devices, or when you turn them on or off you can see the current and cumulative impact of your choices in the gauge.
Q. I see my usage in dollars in the gauge. I want to see watts, how do I do that?
A. You can switch between current power use in watts or in average dollars per month by tapping the gauge or via the Settings.
Q. The gauge is always at almost zero, so I can't tell how much power I am using. How can I change the gauge's max value?
A. Max values can be changed in Settings.
Q. What does the dollar amount for Current Billing Cycle mean?
A. This means your current total usage so far in your billing cycle which may span for months at a time depending on utility plan based on your rates plan and the billing start day you entered in Settings.
Monitor: History
Q. What are the buttons 1d, 1w, 1m, 6m, 1y above the graph for?
A. With these buttons you can toggle to see your energy consumption for the past 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months or 1 year, or as different aggregations within the graph.
Q. When I click for past 6 month's statistics, nothing happens, why?
A. Our server needs to have the historical data for all the features to work. Therefore, if you haven't had our service for more than 6 months, this data is not yet populated.
Q. How can I see the difference of my power usage between certain points of time?
A. Tap one point on the graph to view your usage at that time. Tap two points to view the change between those times. You can also turn your device sideways to view a larger graph to make this easier.
Monitor: Projection
Q. I'm always on red even though I've changed a lot of my appliances and electronics, how can I change that?
A. The traffic light shows the projected cost of energy usage for the current billing cycle and compares it to budget. There are three-color indicators:
So, if you are always on red, consider changing your budget to be more realistic to your actual energy usage.
Control
Q. When I set my own annual budget why are monthly budgets all different?
A. If you edit the annual budget, it will be distributed across the months. The default monthly budgets are from statistics and hence will take seasons into consideration (i.e. heating for cold months and cooling for hot months).
Q. If I change the annual budget after setting different monthly budgets, will that spread evenly on the monthly budgets?
A. Yes, the amounts will be reflected evenly on all the monthly budgets.
Compare
Q. When I click beyond a couple of months, I can't see how my home stacks up against national averages, why?
A. Our server needs to have the historical data for all the features to work. Therefore, if you haven't had our service for more than a month or so, this data is not yet populated. When you begin using the service you will start with the current on-going month, so usage will be projected and that value will be used in comparisons.
Q. Why I don't see any data in my compare screen?
A. Our server needs to have the historical data for all the features to work. For compare to begin to work the server needs at least an hour's data.
Q. In Compare my usage is compared to locations similar to mine. What is the purpose of having a number of graphs on this page?
A.The first graph is your projected usage for the current month. We offer the user the choice to compare that value locally, state-wide, nationally or internationality.
Q. On Compare screen there are arrows that seem unresponsive to the left and right of the "Based on Monthly averages for" field. Could you explain?
A.Our server needs to have the historical data for all the features to work. You probably do not have data in any time period other than the present.
Q. Why does the projected value on the Monitor Now page (the per month value) differ from the projected value on the Compare screen?
A.The Monitor Now page projection is based on a snapshot of your usage at this moment. The Compare page projection is based on your total consumption so far this month.
Compete
Q. Is there a limit to how many times I can play?
A. No, there is no limit.
Q. If I share on Facebook, do people have to get the app to see my score?
A. No, you can post your score on your wall and it will be visible to everyone.
Blue Line
For installing the People Power app with Blue Line:
For installing Blue Line PowerCost Monitor & WiFi:
- WiFi Pre-Installation Checklist
- Troubleshooting FAQ's
- If there was an internet provider technician, or an independent/third party installer, they may also be asked to help get your wireless router working properly.
- If you installed it yourself, please go back through any documentation or install guides you may have kept.
- If you have nothing else to go on, please search for your router type on the internet and utilize any install or user guides available.
- If you do not have a wireless router, then one would need to be installed in order to utilize the PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Gateway.
- Remove the power plug
- Press and hold the "SYNC" button on the top of the device
- Insert the power plug and continue to hold the "SYNC" button for five seconds
- Release the "SYNC" button
- Click the red highlighted "Certificate Error" indication at the top of your web browser
- Click "View Certificates"
- Click "Install Certificate"
- Click "Next", "Next" and "Finish
- Click "Yes" to confirm that you wish to install the PCMWiFi certificate then click "OK" and "OK"
- Download the PowerCost Monitor set up program from http://www.bluelineinnovations.com/Downloads/PCMWiFi/ppwizard/publish.htm
- Run the setup.exe on your computer and follow the instructions
- Check that the black wire from MTU is connected to a 15 or 20 Amp cir-cuit breaker in the panel. Pull on wire to ensure it is tightly connected.
- Check that the red wire from the MTU is connected to a breaker on the opposite phase. Pull on wire to ensure it is tightly connected.
- Check that the white wire from MTU is connected to the neutral bus in the panel. Pull on wire to ensure that it is tightly connected.
- Check that the circuit breaker is turned ON.
- If you have a voltmeter, check the AC voltage between the black and red wires. It should be between 220V and 245V. The AC voltage from the black wire to the white wire should be 110V to 125V.
- Turn the breaker off for 10 seconds then on again.
- Verify there is a solid green LED on the front of the Gateway.
- Verify the black Ethernet Cat5 patch cable that came with your TED5000 is firmly connected from the Gateway to your Network router. There should be a green LED on the Ethernet connector when the cable is connected.
2.1 Type TED5000 into your Internet browser, (Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Safari, etc.)
2.2 If Footprints does not open, your router may not have recognized the TED5000 name. Determine from the list of devices connected to your router, the IP Address that your router has assigned to the Gateway. The MAC Address associated with the Gateway is 00:25:FF:XX:XX:XX (XX:XX:XX is the Serial Number).
2.3 If you are using a PC (this utility will not work with MAC), download the following utility: http://theenergydetective.com/media/MCHPDetect.exe Run the program and it will return the Gateway IP address.
Type the Gateway IP address into your Internet Browser. If you are still experiencing problems connecting through your router, contact your router manufacturer or IT Professional. You may choose to see Footprints Setup Instruction, Appendix A to see instructions on connecting directly to the Gateway. - Once the Footprints page is open, the MTU ID and Display ID must be saved in the System Setup. For System Setup Details, refer to Foot-prints Setup Instruction.
- After reviewing Footprints setup, go back into System setup and verify the MTU ID and Display ID had been saved correctly.
- DO NOT plug the Gateway into a plug strip. The Gateway should be plugged directly into the wall outlet, preferably isolated from the other electronic devices in the room. If you have equipment in the room on a UPS backup power supply, temporarily remove the UPS. If you have done this, the following will explain a little about how the TED system communicates and how to best optimize TED communication in your home.
- TED communicates over the existing power lines in your home using Power Line Carrier Technology. TED digital communication signals are imposed over a carrier frequency of 132 kHz which is transmitted during the zero crossing of the power line 60 Hz signal.
- The blinking LED on the MTU, (device in the panel), indicates a signal is being transmitted. There is an LED on the side of the Gateway, (device plugged into the wall outlet), that flashes when a transmission from the MTU has been received. This LED will flash quickly when the Gateway is initially plugged into the outlet, then it should begin blinking steadily every couple of seconds. A steady blink indicates the Gateway is receiving the signal from the MTU.
3.1 Locating the signal LED on the Gateway: The signal LED is not the solid green LED on the face of the Gateway. With the TED logo facing right-side-up, the signal LED is on the right side, near where the plastic case comes together.
- Temporarily unplug the Ethernet cable from the Gateway, and plug the Gateway directly into an outlet in a room closer to the electrical panel. The best signal will be on the following circuit:
4.1 No noise producing electronic devices are on the circuit.
4.2 The circuit is connected to same phase as the black wire of the MTU.
4.3 The circuit is close to the electrical panel. - TED 5000 is coupled across both phases of your house wiring, how-ever, the signal is slightly stronger on the phase that is connected to the black wire of the MTU. Locating the Gateway on this phase will produce the best communication.
- Communication problems are usually caused by one or more of the following causes:
6.1 Faulty wiring which can cause large resistance in the power lines between the Gateway and MTU. This problem is frequent in older homes, homes with aluminum wiring, and homes where the wiring path from the MTU to the Gateway is long.
6.2 Noise on the power line. Today's homes usually contain nu-merous devices capable of producing noise on the power line. These include fluorescent lights and ballasts, halogen lights, UPS backup power supplies, unfiltered dimmer switches, and fan speed controls and A/C - D/C power supplies for fax machines, computers, televisions, printers, WiFi devices, and nu-merous other electronic products. You can also receive noise on your incoming power line from your utility.
6.3 Devices on the power line that absorb communication signals. These include filtered plug strips, TVSS devices, power factor correction capacitors, and power supplies containing large capacitors. - Considering the factors affecting PLC communication, if the Gateway is still not receiving a signal, do the following:
7.1 Connect the black wire of the MTU to the circuit on which the Gateway is connected.
7.2 Remove the red wire from the circuit in which it is connected, and put a wire nut onto the red wire.
7.3 In Footprints System Setup Wizard, select System Layout. Change MTU Connection type to 120V (BK, WH)
7.4 Turn off as many of the other breakers as possible.
7.5 Once the Gateway begins to blink indicating PLC communication, turn on other breakers until the communication is interrupted. - If you have an unusually large home or an unusually long distance between MTU and Gateway, and you believe the line is clean from noise interference., complete the following:
8.1 Go to System Setup Wizard/System Layout.
8.2 Uncheck the boxes under MTU and Gateway noise blanker.
8.3 Go to the Write to Device tab and update settings. - Verify you are still receiving a consistent signal on your Gateway, as is indicated by the flashing LED on the side every 2 to 5 seconds. If not, review steps to optimize your PLC communication in Step 3.
- Do you have a voltage reading of 110Vac to 140Vac? If not, review MTU connections from Step 1. It is possible the black and red wires are on the same phase.
- If you turn on a 240Vac device like your air-conditioning or electric oven and your real-time kW readings decrease, don't increase at all, or seem very low, one of your CTs may need to be simply flipped over. Try this even if they appear to be correct. (These are the clips that are around your incoming power in your electrical panel.)
- Verify CT connections:
4.1 Check that the CTs are clamped over the two power wires (black or colored wires, not the white, green or bare wire). See Appendix A of Installation and Operations Manual.
4.2 Check that the jaws of the CTs are firmly closed and mated.
4.3 Check that the CTs-to-MTU connector is correctly seated and that none of the pins are bent.
4.4 If you have a voltmeter you can check to see if the voltage across CT pins 1 and 2 is somewhere between 0 and 6 Volts AC. When the current through both CTs is 200 Amps then the voltage will be 6VAC. For 100 Amps it will be 3 VAC, etc.
4.5 You can also verify the readings with a clip-on ammeter/multi meter. Turn off any large inductive loads (motors, compressors, AC, etc.) Turn on some large resistive loads (electric heat, hot water tank, oven, clothes dryer). Measure the current in both phases and the voltage from phase to neutral. (From one of the phases to the neutral bus). The TED reading should be KW = (I1 +I2) * V./1000. For example: If the ammeter reads 10 Amps in Phase A and 20 Amps in Phase B and the voltage be-tween Phase A and neutral is 120V, then the display should read: KW = (10+20)*120/1000 = 3.6 kW
KW 3.600 should be displayed - Do you have a backlight when the Display is in the stand? If no, verify that the AC adapter is firmly plugged into the wall outlet and the con-nector from the adapter is firmly plugged into the charging cradle.
- Firmly re-seat the Display into the charging cradle.
- Hold down the button on your Display for 20 seconds to display the Settings page. Verify the Display ID matches the ID number saved in System Settings Wizard.
- Bring your Display and charging cradle into the same room as your Gateway. The LED in the center of the button should flash green to indicate wireless communication with the Gateway.
- Go to Footprints/Help/About. Verify the Daughterboard revision is 1.0.27 or higher. If not, this may indicate a problem with the Gateway.
- Do your readings agree with those on the Footprints page?
6.1 If the answer is "yes" or "I'm not currently using Footprints", see Step 4, Accurate Readings Troubleshooting.
6.2 If the Display readings do not agree with Footprints, verify that the LED in the center of the button is still blinking green every second. If not, move closer to the Gateway to determine the range of the wireless communication between the Gateway and the Display. - Battery Life
7.1 The Display needs to be seated firmly in the charging cradle for four hours to be fully charged.
7.2 The battery should last for approximately one hour of continuous use while fully charged. - If Display backlight doesn't come on:
8.1 Verify that the Display is in range of Gateway, (Green LED should be flashing.).
8.2 Display may be sleep mode, Press button. - Display is blank. It has backlight, but no text. Reset by undocking and re-seating Display in charging cradle.
If you're unable to find an answer to your question, please go to Blue Line's Customer Service page for full support and documentation: here. You may also e-mail Blue Line support: support@bluelineinnovations.com
Blue Line WiFi Pre-Installation Checklist
CHK1. Is there a wireless router in the house, and is it functioning correctly right now?
If Yes, proceed to CHK2.
If No: If the router is installed but not working (Ex. You have to plug in a wire instead of using it wirelessly) then please contact your internet provider and see if there are settings that they can help you through successfully initiating wireless setup.
CHK2. Do you have a Windows based, Microsoft PC/Laptop?(Or a MAC?)
If Yes, MS PC or laptop with Windows proceed to CHK3.
No and Mac: No at this time the software and hardware are compatible only with Microsoft based PC applications in the Windows operating system.
CHK3. Is the SSID (Network Name) being Broadcast? (I.e. Is the name visible?)
If Yes, proceed to CHK4.
If No: When searching for available networks, your network name should appear in the list. If it does not then it may be hidden even though the settings already entered in your computer may allow you to connect to it. The PCM WiFi gateway will however need this network SSID to be visible= Broadcast to connect.
By default, the SSID is set to Broadcast but if in the settings (See below) it is not in Broadcast mode, please revert it back to Broadcast. If you are unsure how to make settings to the router, or if the router was configured by your internet provider, please call their support line. Alternatively, if a third party installed your router, please contact their technicians.
CHK4. Do you know the Network Key (aka. Login) credentials for the SSID wireless network?
If Yes, proceed to CHK5.
If No: This will not be available in your saved Wireless settings for security reasons so it should have been recorded during setup. If it has been lost or misplaced, your internet service provider may be able to provide it, or reset it for you.
Alternatively, you can reset your passphrase in your router settings by Opening an internet browser window and typing in 192.168.1.1. This will open your router configuration page where you can make changes to the SSID and passphrase. (Alternatively 192.168.2.1, 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.1.100 may also be the router setting page)
CHK5. Is the wireless router made by Linksys?
If No, proceed to CHK6.
If Yes: We may need to change the configuration settings from what are currently being used. Linksys is a commonly used router and in the setup the default "Auto" does not have the correct speed setting for the PCM WiFi Gateway.
In the router settings select "Basic Data Rate" and assign "1-2Mbps" to ensure communication is maintained. This should not affect the data speed for your computer as a whole.
CHK6. Are you able to download software on your computer?
If Yes, proceed to CHK7.
If No: While it should not be a requirement to be an "administrator" on your machine, you will need to install a small piece of software. If you previously have had issues downloading software, please revisit the permissions setup on the account that you are logged in under.
If you are using a work/network computer that is also a part of a network/domain, you may have to contact your network administrator to download the software, or allow you access to download it.
CHK7. Do you have the BLI-28000 installed on your outside meter and it is working?
If Yes, proceed to CHK8.
If No: No, the WiFi Gateway device requires the information form the sensor unit outside on the meter in order to facilitate updates to MS Hohm, and showing the usage in the utility applications.
A functioning BLI-28000 or Black and Decker Power Monitor needs to be in operation prior to installing the PCM WiFi Gateway device.
CHK8. Do you live in an apartment complex or condo where the meter is not physically close to your living unit?
If No, proceed to CHK9.
If Yes: Unfortunately the BLI-28000 sensor unit has to be mounted on the meter used for your individual living unit, and within 100 line of sight feet to the PCM WiFi Gateway device. Each wall or floor adds a perceived 10-15 feet distance, so many apartments, condo's, or MDU's (Multi Dwelling Units) have their meters much farther than 100 feet away, or too many walls/floors between the living unit and the meter.
CHK9. Do you have a digital meter made by Landis+Gyr or are having problems getting the BLI-28000 to install successfully?
If No, proceed to CHK10.
If Yes: The PowerCost Monitor™ sensor unit is compatible with approximately 90% of the electricity meters in North America, however there are some models that do not have a pulse to pick up, or where the disk is blocked.
The main digital "Smart Meter" that does not output a pulse is manufactured by Landis & Gyr and is called the "FOCUS" meter. Other Landis & Gyr models are also designed not to output a pulse at this time, included models starting with AS/AX/RS/RX, etc.
For more complete pictures and listings of these meters please refer to the Compatible and Incompatible sheets located on: www.bluelineinnovations.com/Products/PowerCost-Monitor/Meter-Match
CHK10. Do you have a digital meter made by Landis+Gyr or are having problems getting the BLI-28000 to install successfully?
If No, proceed.
If Yes: These devices if operating at 433MHz can interfere with the sensor transmission from the meter, and the usage will not be uploaded successfully.
It is recommended that any wireless weather station/thermometer be uninstalled, including all outside transmitters, so that the communication from the PowerCost Monitor™ components is uninterrupted.
Blue Line Troubleshooting FAQ's
Q. Where should I put my PCMWiFi (the donut)?
A. As close to your meter as possible without putting it outside. Once connected, it's more common for communication to breakdown between the Meter sensor and the PCMWiFi than from PCMWiFi to your WiFi router.
Q. I can't get my device to connect to my wireless network
A. The most likely cause is incorrect security parameters configured during device setup. Ensure that the settings of the PCMWiFi device match the setting of your wireless router. After setting the security type make sure that the Pass Phrase characters exactly match those for your router. To see the letters you type uncheck the "Hide Characters" option in the PCMWiFi Configuration Tool.
Q. I setup my PowerCost Monitor but am not seeing any readings on my PCMWiFi Status page.
A. Ensure that your PowerCost Monitor display unit is working properly and showing energy consumption before attempting to troubleshoot the PCMWiFi device. If your PowerCost Monitor sensor unit is successfully synchronized to the PCMWiFi device then you should see a signal strength value on the Status page. As well, the PCMWiFi Status LED should flash RED approximately every 30 seconds when it receives information from the sensor. Failure to receive data from the sensor can be caused by several things.
First, try to re-synchronize the PCMWiFi device and sensor unit. Start by pressing the SYNC button on the top of the PCMWiFi unit. The Status LED will turn AMBER and the device will listen continuously for transmissions from the sensor. When it receives one the LED will turn GREEN again. If within one or two minutes the Status LED is still AMBER then you may need to force a resynchronization of the two units. Click "PCM Settings" to go to the PCM Settings page. Click "Connect" to cause the device to start listening for the sensor unit. If you have a PowerCost Monitor display unit place it in SYNC mode at this time as well. Next, press the RESET button on your sensor unit. Check the PCMWiFi Status LED to ensure it is GREEN and that it flashes RED every 30 seconds or so. Note: It may take a few minutes for the synchronization to complete and the LED to begin flashing. If resynchronization fails it is possible that your PCMWiFi device is either out of range of the sensor or very close to the range limit. Try moving the PCMWiFi device closer to the sensor unit and repeat the steps above to try and re-synchronize your device.
Q. The last reading from the PowerCost Monitor sensor was 45 seconds ago, not 32. Is this a problem?
A. If your "Last Reading Time" is occasionally more than 32 seconds check the Signal Quality on the PCMWiFi Status Page. If it is less than 100% it is likely that your PCMWiFi is on the edge of its range limit. Move it closer to the PowerCost Monitor sensor unit. It is also possible that the batteries in your sensor unit are getting weak and may need to be replaced.
Q. Can I update the software in my PCMWiFi device while it is connected to my wireless network?
A. No. In order to install an update in your device you must attach it to your computer using a USB cable and use the PCMWiFi configuration tool. When you start the configuration tool it will automatically check for available updates and give you the opportunity to install them.
Q. I want to set my PCMWiFi device back to the factory defaults. Is that possible?
A. Yes. In order to erase all the settings in your PCMWiFi device follow these steps:
Your PCMWiFi device will now reboot with its factory settings. Any software updates will still be in place. However, you will need to reconfigure your device as outlined in Section 4 of the Installation and User Guide
Q. Is the PCMWiFi device secure? Can someone else see how much power I am using?
A. The PCMWiFi device is very secure. First, it can only be accessed by providing a password. Second, it only uses SSL for communications meaning that all data, whether to your browser or to Microsoft Hohm, will be encrypted. If privacy is important to you be sure to change the default password and do not reveal it to others. Also, protect your Windows Live ID the same way you would any other confidential information.
Q. How do I install my PCMWiFi certificate?
A. To install the SSL security certificate from your PCMWiFi device follow these steps. Note: These steps are for Internet Explorer. See www.bluelineinnovations.com for information about this process using other browsers.
Your browser will no longer display a warning message about connecting securely to your PCMWiFi device.
Q. How do I tell if my Blue Line is connected?
A. http://PCMWiFi/indexlinked.htm (Default name) If you changed the name during set up, you will need to use that instead of PCMWifi. If you don't remember the name and you have admin access to your wifi router, you can look at the list of connected devices and use the IP address that has been assigned to your Blue Line Gateway.
Q. I still cannot reconnect my Blue Line.
A. You can redo your initial setup without losing any data that was received by the People Power server.
TED - The Energy Detective
If you're unable to find a solution to your problem here, please go to TED's Customer Service page for full support and documentation: here. You may also find answers via TED's Support Forum: www.theenergydetectiveforums.com
If you're looking for TED1000 help, please refer to TED's Tech Support. People Power does not support TED1000.
TED 5000 Trouble Shooting Guide
Sources For RF Communication Devices
TED 5000 Trouble Shooting Guide
Download The TED 5000 Quickstart Guide
Which of the following best describes your technical issue?
My MTU does not appear to be working
The MTU is not blinking every second
The MTU does not appear to be wired into my breaker correctly
The Gateway is not communicating with the MTU
The Gateway is not working
The Gateway does not have a steady LED flash
The PLC (power line carrier) signal does not appear to be working
There are no accurate, real-time readings on my Footprints software
I cannot access my Footprints page
My Footprints page is showing all zeros
There are no accurate, real-time readings on my wireless display
My display does not work when removed from the charging stand
My TED display is not charging
My voltage readings seem incorrect
My kilowatt readings appear to be incorrect
Sources For RF Communication Devices
STEP 1. MTU (Measuring Transmitting Unit) Installation
Refer to the MTU Installation Guide for detailed wiring instructions.
Is the LED on the MTU now blinking once per second?
Answer: No. The LED on the MTU is still not blinking. There appears to be something wrong with the MTU. Please contact TED Tech Support for assistance.
Answer: Yes. The LED on the MTU is now blinking. Back to Top
STEP 2. Connecting to Footprints through your Internet Browser
The Footprints User Interface is running on the TED5000 Gateway Device. (There is no software to install into your computer.) Therefore, the first step to accessing Footprints is to verify the Network connection to the Gateway. It is also recommended that you load the latest updates to your Internet Brows-er, (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc.)
Do you now have the MTU ID and Display ID saved in Footprints Setup?
Answer: No, I could not complete one or more of the above steps. Please contact TED Tech Support for assistance.
Answer: Yes. Back to Top
STEP 3. Power Line Communication (PLC) Troubleshooting
Did you find an outlet where you get a steady LED flash on the side of the Gateway?
Answer: No - read 5. below for more information.
Answer: Yes - The reason the Gateway was not receiving a sig-nal in its original location is likely that there is a noise-producing device on that circuit. You can determine the noisy device by unplugging likely candidates, (see 6.2 below), on the circuit. Usually moving the devices across the room will improve communication. You may choose to temporarily use an alternate location for the Gateway to complete setup, then read 5 below to further optimize communication in the location you prefer. See sources for noise filters at the end of this section. Back to Top
Have you determined that you have signal noise to overcome for PLC communication?
Answer: No - read 8 below for more information.
Answer: Yes - I have found the source of the interference. - See sources below for obtaining a noise filter.
Answer: Yes, I have a device that absorbs communication signals like those mentioned above, it affects my entire panel. - If the device cannot be isolated from the panel, isolate the MTU from the panel with an isolation transformer.
Sources for noise filters: Smarthome.com, Radio Shack, and other electronic and home improvement retailers generally carry noise filters.
Note: To isolate a particularly noisy device, the noise filter is plugged into the wall outlet, and the noisy device (not the Gateway) is plugged into the filter. For installations where there are many noisy devices (as in a business environ-ment) an in-line filter would need to be connected between the MTU and the rest of the electrical panel. Back to Top
Do you now have PLC communication indicated by a blinking LED on the side of the Gateway?
Answer: No - Please contact TED Tech Support for assistance.
Answer: Yes - Back to Top
STEP 4. Accurate Readings Troubleshooting
Do the readings on the Footprints page now update correctly?
Answer: No - Please contact TED Tech Support for assistance.
Answer: Yes - Back to Top
STEP 5. Display Troubleshooting
Is your Display no longer blank - you now have a backlight and LCD characters on the Display?
Answer: No - Please contact TED Tech Support for assistance.
Answer: Yes - If you have correct values being displayed: Back to Top. If you have a backlight and LCD readings, but values are zero, continue to 3 below. If you have non-zero values, but they seem incorrect, go to 6 below.
Is the LED in the center of the button blinking green every second, and does the Display now begin to update with non-zero values?
Answer: No - Please contact TED Tech Support for assistance.
Answer: Yes - Your previous location may have been out of the wire-less range. If you now have a suitable location for the Display: Back to Top. The wireless range will vary depending on the home construction, however if you only have Display operation within the immediate vicinity of your Gateway, please contact TED Tech Support for assistance.
Answer: Yes, but readings don't appear to be correct. Continue to 6 below.
Do you now have correct readings on the Display?
Answer: No - Please contact TED Tech Support for assistance.
Answer: Yes - Back to Top
Other Display Issues
Do you now have correct readings on the Display?
Answer: No - Please contact TED Tech Support for assistance.
Answer: Yes - Back to Top
Sources for RF Communication Devices
Radio Shack - Your local dealer can help. - www.radioshack.com
Smart Home - 800-762-7846 - www.smarthome.com
X-10 Corp. - 800-675-3044 - www.x10.com
