While Shion can use INSTEON controllers to communicate with unlinked devices, the controller must synchronously request state and other information from local devices. Shion uses a round-robin scheme and this approach will introduce delays between the times when a device changes state and when Shion becomes aware of it.

To address this issue, controllers and devices may be linked. By linking devices modules, you are establishing relationships where devices can inform each other about state changes as they occur. In a linked relationship, the INSTEON controller does not have to explicitly request that information. Linking also allows the controller to retrieve additional information, such as device models, that would remain otherwise inaccessible.

The following instructions describe how to link controllers with devices in order to achieve an optimal Shion experience. We strongly advise that you link every controllable device in your environment with the local INSTEON controller.

Placing the PowerLinc Controller in Linking Mode

Step 1: Shut down Shion or any other applications using the PowerLinc controller.

Step 2: Hold down the SET button on the controller for 10-15 seconds, and then release.

Step 3: If the device is in linking mode, the LED will blink steadily. If the LED is not blinking, repeat the previous step.

Step 4: Use the instructions below to link specific devices with the controller.

Step 5: Use the instructions below to link each device with the controller.

Repeat this process for every device in your environment.

Linking to the SwitchLinc

Step 6: Press & hold the switch in the "on" position until the light it controls flashes.

Step 7: Release the switch.

Source

Linking to the ApplianceLinc

Step 6: Press & hold the SET button for three seconds. The LED will blink once to confirm linking.

Source

Linking to the LampLinc

Step 6: Press & hold the SET button for three seconds. The lamp will blink twice to confirm linking.

Source

Linking to the Venstar Thermostat Module

Step 6: Press & hold the button on the side of the adapter for about 5 seconds. The thermostat will briefly display all its characters and then return to normal to confirm linking.

Source

Linking to Motion Detectors and Other Sensors

Step 1: Instead of putting the PLC in linking mode, place the sensor in linking mode first.

Step 2: As the sensor's LED blinks, place the PLC in linking mode as described above.

Step 3: The linking is successful when the LED ceases to blink on the sensor.

Source (SkyLink Motion Detector [2420])

Source (TriggerLinc Door Sensor [2421])