Intermittent operation of 3 appliance modules AM486|
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Posted by Rich on January 3, 2008, 5:47 pm
Please log in for more thread options
Christmas lights in season and just a couple of other lights during the rest of the year. I am having fits with it because of seemingly random control failures. Although I have read and extensively researched for trouble-shooting ideas on the web, I cannot seem to locate the source of the problems. Like many stubborn technical problems, I may have multiple causes. I hope someone can see my problem and suggest a trouble-shooting method that will help me. Specifically here is my system: (1) Sundowner Controller SD533 (1) CM11 Computer interface, programmed and disconnected from my PC (1) Wall Dimmer WS467 (1) Wall receptacle SR227 (8) Appliance modules AM486 (1) Phase Coupler/Repeater XPCR The program in the CM11 turns on all devices at 4:30pm and off at 11:45pm. This program worked fine last year, but this year I am having issues with three of the AM486's on one end of my house. The devices intermittently refuse to turn on and off. Usually they will turn on but not off, but sometimes they don't turn on either. One of the AM486 is more problematic than the others. Last year I had a simple phase coupler of a 0.1uf cap connected inside my breaker panel. In the course of trouble-shooting I discovered that the cap had failed. Instead of simply replacing the cap, I decided to install a Phase coupler/repeater - XPCR. This device was installed in a utility box with short connections into my breaker panel. My trouble-shooting actions: Swapped the intermittent AM486 modules with others- problem remained in the original locations. Changed address of the intermittent AM486 modules- no change I programmed the CM11 with two fast macros- one to turn everything on and the other to turn everything off. Set these to A5 ON and A6 OFF so I could test from my sundowner controller. When I issue the A5 ON and then the A6 OFF , the CM11generates the commands and everything USUALLY works as it should. There is a delay of several seconds from the A5 and A6 button-push and the actual device operations- I presume this is normal and due to the CM11 interface. All devices USUALLY turn off with the ALL UNITS OFF from the Sundowner controller. Since the CM11 and the Sundowner controller CAN control the devices, I conclude that the programming is done correctly and that the command signals are being transmitted properly. Is that a bad assumption? The problem is that at the programmed turn off at 11:45, three of the AM486 don't always shut off. At that time. the A6 OFF and the ALL UNITS OFF don't USUALLY work either. So I have a system that mostly works but intermittently fails. I have tested the system using A5 & A6 commands to the CM11 with various appliances on and off. I've tried my furness, TV, and all my CF lights around the house. I have not found any CF or appliance that is causing interference. Every time I trouble-shoot the system everything works. Later at the programmed times the devices fail (remain on). BTW, my entire house is filled with CF lights. Last year I did find one CF that was apparently causing interference but only when it was turned on. I replaced it with another CF light and the problem was gone. This year I can't find any CF lamps that are causing a problem. I don't have a signal level meter and really don't want to invest in one unless there is just no other way. Really, how much money do I have to spend just to control Christmas lights? TIA. I hope someone can help me. Rich | ||||||||||
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Posted by John J. Bengii on January 3, 2008, 8:43 pm
Please log in for more thread options been a long time for me since using a CM11 (sofwtare was too dumb) so I forget the exact details but I think you cannot leave the serial port unplugged for some reason or it goes nuts. | ||||||||||
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Posted by Neil Cherry on January 3, 2008, 9:04 pm
Please log in for more thread options On Thu, 3 Jan 2008 20:43:21 -0500, John J. Bengii wrote:
> The CM-11 sends out random codes if you leave it unplugged. It has
> been a long time for me since using a CM11 (sofwtare was too dumb) so > I forget the exact details but I think you cannot leave the serial > port unplugged for some reason or it goes nuts. The exact detail is that the CM11A needs to have the serial cable unplugged at the CM11A. If the cable is left in the CM11A but unplugged from the PC (hanging in the wind, so to speak) then the CM11A will begin to issue strange commands. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry@linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies | ||||||||||
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Posted by Rich on January 3, 2008, 9:13 pm
Please log in for more thread options The CM11A is disconnected from my PC and plugged into an outlet in a
different room. There is no "hanging cable" issue. Rich On Thu, 3 Jan 2008 20:43:21 -0500, "John J. Bengii" >The CM-11 sends out random codes if you leave it unplugged. It has
>been a long time for me since using a CM11 (sofwtare was too dumb) so >I forget the exact details but I think you cannot leave the serial >port unplugged for some reason or it goes nuts. > >>I have a system in my 2600 sq ft home that I use for controlling my
>> Christmas lights in season and just a couple of other lights during >> the rest of the year. >> >> I am having fits with it because of seemingly random control >> failures. >> Although I have read and extensively researched for trouble-shooting >> ideas on the web, I cannot seem to locate the source of the >> problems. >> Like many stubborn technical problems, I may have multiple causes. >> >> I hope someone can see my problem and suggest a trouble-shooting >> method that will help me. >> >> Specifically here is my system: >> >> (1) Sundowner Controller SD533 >> (1) CM11 Computer interface, programmed and disconnected from my PC >> (1) Wall Dimmer WS467 >> (1) Wall receptacle SR227 >> (8) Appliance modules AM486 >> (1) Phase Coupler/Repeater XPCR >> >> The program in the CM11 turns on all devices at 4:30pm and off at >> 11:45pm. This program worked fine last year, but this year I am >> having issues with three of the AM486's on one end of my house. >> >> The devices intermittently refuse to turn on and off. Usually they >> will turn on but not off, but sometimes they don't turn on either. >> One >> of the AM486 is more problematic than the others. >> >> Last year I had a simple phase coupler of a 0.1uf cap connected >> inside >> my breaker panel. In the course of trouble-shooting I discovered >> that >> the cap had failed. Instead of simply replacing the cap, I decided >> to >> install a Phase coupler/repeater - XPCR. This device was installed >> in >> a utility box with short connections into my breaker panel. >> >> My trouble-shooting actions: >> >> Swapped the intermittent AM486 modules with others- problem remained >> in the original locations. >> >> Changed address of the intermittent AM486 modules- no change >> >> I programmed the CM11 with two fast macros- one to turn everything >> on >> and the other to turn everything off. Set these to A5 ON and A6 OFF >> so I could test from my sundowner controller. When I issue the A5 >> ON >> and then the A6 OFF , the CM11generates the commands and everything >> USUALLY works as it should. There is a delay of several seconds >> from >> the A5 and A6 button-push and the actual device operations- I >> presume >> this is normal and due to the CM11 interface. >> >> All devices USUALLY turn off with the ALL UNITS OFF from the >> Sundowner >> controller. >> >> Since the CM11 and the Sundowner controller CAN control the devices, >> I >> conclude that the programming is done correctly and that the command >> signals are being transmitted properly. Is that a bad assumption? >> >> The problem is that at the programmed turn off at 11:45, three of >> the >> AM486 don't always shut off. At that time. the A6 OFF and the ALL >> UNITS OFF don't USUALLY work either. >> >> So I have a system that mostly works but intermittently fails. I >> have >> tested the system using A5 & A6 commands to the CM11 with various >> appliances on and off. I've tried my furness, TV, and all my CF >> lights around the house. I have not found any CF or appliance that >> is >> causing interference. Every time I trouble-shoot the system >> everything works. Later at the programmed times the devices fail >> (remain on). >> >> BTW, my entire house is filled with CF lights. Last year I did find >> one CF that was apparently causing interference but only when it was >> turned on. I replaced it with another CF light and the problem was >> gone. This year I can't find any CF lamps that are causing a >> problem. >> >> I don't have a signal level meter and really don't want to invest in >> one unless there is just no other way. Really, how much money do I >> have to spend just to control Christmas lights? >> >> TIA. I hope someone can help me. >> >> Rich >
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Posted by BruceR on January 3, 2008, 9:58 pm
Please log in for more thread options Rich, Sounds like a noise problem to me. As posted here a few months
ago, my wife's cellphone charger caused several units to stop working. Plugging it into a Plug-In Noise filter did the trick. Think about what new items you may have plugged in - particularly lightweight electronic power supplies/chargers. The coupler you installed is useful in bridging signals but in a home of 2500+sf you really should have a signal amplifier or repeater. The Leviton Decora Control Manual (Leviton line of X10 products) makes the same recommendation. There are several repeaters/amplifiers available but the best - by FAR - are the ones from Jeff Volpe at http://jeffvolp.home.att.net/xtb_files.htm. His products raise the signal level higher than any others and at no premium in price. It's all about signal relative to the noise. You can shout louder or turn down the noise or a combination of both. With thte CM11A Plugged into an XTB or XTB-II you'll have a strong signal throughout the house. You still need to pick off any culprits like noisey chargers or other wall warts with filters but you'll need far less or maybe even none of them. Of course if you want to start fresh, look into Insteon, UPB or Z-Wave. Rich wrote: > The CM11A is disconnected from my PC and plugged into an outlet in a
> different room. There is no "hanging cable" issue. > > Rich > > > On Thu, 3 Jan 2008 20:43:21 -0500, "John J. Bengii" > >> The CM-11 sends out random codes if you leave it unplugged. It has
>> been a long time for me since using a CM11 (sofwtare was too dumb) so >> I forget the exact details but I think you cannot leave the serial >> port unplugged for some reason or it goes nuts. >> >>> I have a system in my 2600 sq ft home that I use for controlling my
>>> Christmas lights in season and just a couple of other lights during >>> the rest of the year. >>> >>> I am having fits with it because of seemingly random control >>> failures. >>> Although I have read and extensively researched for trouble-shooting >>> ideas on the web, I cannot seem to locate the source of the >>> problems. >>> Like many stubborn technical problems, I may have multiple causes. >>> >>> I hope someone can see my problem and suggest a trouble-shooting >>> method that will help me. >>> >>> Specifically here is my system: >>> >>> (1) Sundowner Controller SD533 >>> (1) CM11 Computer interface, programmed and disconnected from my PC >>> (1) Wall Dimmer WS467 >>> (1) Wall receptacle SR227 >>> (8) Appliance modules AM486 >>> (1) Phase Coupler/Repeater XPCR >>> >>> The program in the CM11 turns on all devices at 4:30pm and off at >>> 11:45pm. This program worked fine last year, but this year I am >>> having issues with three of the AM486's on one end of my house. >>> >>> The devices intermittently refuse to turn on and off. Usually they >>> will turn on but not off, but sometimes they don't turn on either. >>> One >>> of the AM486 is more problematic than the others. >>> >>> Last year I had a simple phase coupler of a 0.1uf cap connected >>> inside >>> my breaker panel. In the course of trouble-shooting I discovered >>> that >>> the cap had failed. Instead of simply replacing the cap, I decided >>> to >>> install a Phase coupler/repeater - XPCR. This device was installed >>> in >>> a utility box with short connections into my breaker panel. >>> >>> My trouble-shooting actions: >>> >>> Swapped the intermittent AM486 modules with others- problem remained >>> in the original locations. >>> >>> Changed address of the intermittent AM486 modules- no change >>> >>> I programmed the CM11 with two fast macros- one to turn everything >>> on >>> and the other to turn everything off. Set these to A5 ON and A6 OFF >>> so I could test from my sundowner controller. When I issue the A5 >>> ON >>> and then the A6 OFF , the CM11generates the commands and everything >>> USUALLY works as it should. There is a delay of several seconds >>> from >>> the A5 and A6 button-push and the actual device operations- I >>> presume >>> this is normal and due to the CM11 interface. >>> >>> All devices USUALLY turn off with the ALL UNITS OFF from the >>> Sundowner >>> controller. >>> >>> Since the CM11 and the Sundowner controller CAN control the devices, >>> I >>> conclude that the programming is done correctly and that the command >>> signals are being transmitted properly. Is that a bad assumption? >>> >>> The problem is that at the programmed turn off at 11:45, three of >>> the >>> AM486 don't always shut off. At that time. the A6 OFF and the ALL >>> UNITS OFF don't USUALLY work either. >>> >>> So I have a system that mostly works but intermittently fails. I >>> have >>> tested the system using A5 & A6 commands to the CM11 with various >>> appliances on and off. I've tried my furness, TV, and all my CF >>> lights around the house. I have not found any CF or appliance that >>> is >>> causing interference. Every time I trouble-shoot the system >>> everything works. Later at the programmed times the devices fail >>> (remain on). >>> >>> BTW, my entire house is filled with CF lights. Last year I did find >>> one CF that was apparently causing interference but only when it was >>> turned on. I replaced it with another CF light and the problem was >>> gone. This year I can't find any CF lamps that are causing a >>> problem. >>> >>> I don't have a signal level meter and really don't want to invest in >>> one unless there is just no other way. Really, how much money do I >>> have to spend just to control Christmas lights? >>> >>> TIA. I hope someone can help me. >>> >>> Rich | ||||||||||
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> Christmas lights in season and just a couple of other lights during
> the rest of the year.
>
> I am having fits with it because of seemingly random control
> failures.
> Although I have read and extensively researched for trouble-shooting
> ideas on the web, I cannot seem to locate the source of the
> problems.
> Like many stubborn technical problems, I may have multiple causes.
>
> I hope someone can see my problem and suggest a trouble-shooting
> method that will help me.
>
> Specifically here is my system:
>
> (1) Sundowner Controller SD533
> (1) CM11 Computer interface, programmed and disconnected from my PC
> (1) Wall Dimmer WS467
> (1) Wall receptacle SR227
> (8) Appliance modules AM486
> (1) Phase Coupler/Repeater XPCR
>
> The program in the CM11 turns on all devices at 4:30pm and off at
> 11:45pm. This program worked fine last year, but this year I am
> having issues with three of the AM486's on one end of my house.
>
> The devices intermittently refuse to turn on and off. Usually they
> will turn on but not off, but sometimes they don't turn on either.
> One
> of the AM486 is more problematic than the others.
>
> Last year I had a simple phase coupler of a 0.1uf cap connected
> inside
> my breaker panel. In the course of trouble-shooting I discovered
> that
> the cap had failed. Instead of simply replacing the cap, I decided
> to
> install a Phase coupler/repeater - XPCR. This device was installed
> in
> a utility box with short connections into my breaker panel.
>
> My trouble-shooting actions:
>
> Swapped the intermittent AM486 modules with others- problem remained
> in the original locations.
>
> Changed address of the intermittent AM486 modules- no change
>
> I programmed the CM11 with two fast macros- one to turn everything
> on
> and the other to turn everything off. Set these to A5 ON and A6 OFF
> so I could test from my sundowner controller. When I issue the A5
> ON
> and then the A6 OFF , the CM11generates the commands and everything
> USUALLY works as it should. There is a delay of several seconds
> from
> the A5 and A6 button-push and the actual device operations- I
> presume
> this is normal and due to the CM11 interface.
>
> All devices USUALLY turn off with the ALL UNITS OFF from the
> Sundowner
> controller.
>
> Since the CM11 and the Sundowner controller CAN control the devices,
> I
> conclude that the programming is done correctly and that the command
> signals are being transmitted properly. Is that a bad assumption?
>
> The problem is that at the programmed turn off at 11:45, three of
> the
> AM486 don't always shut off. At that time. the A6 OFF and the ALL
> UNITS OFF don't USUALLY work either.
>
> So I have a system that mostly works but intermittently fails. I
> have
> tested the system using A5 & A6 commands to the CM11 with various
> appliances on and off. I've tried my furness, TV, and all my CF
> lights around the house. I have not found any CF or appliance that
> is
> causing interference. Every time I trouble-shoot the system
> everything works. Later at the programmed times the devices fail
> (remain on).
>
> BTW, my entire house is filled with CF lights. Last year I did find
> one CF that was apparently causing interference but only when it was
> turned on. I replaced it with another CF light and the problem was
> gone. This year I can't find any CF lamps that are causing a
> problem.
>
> I don't have a signal level meter and really don't want to invest in
> one unless there is just no other way. Really, how much money do I
> have to spend just to control Christmas lights?
>
> TIA. I hope someone can help me.
>
> Rich