X10 signal problems...
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Posted by on October 18, 2005, 10:48 am
Please log in for more thread options I have a leviton 6308 X10 photocell controlling 2 landscape lighting transformers in my garage. Ever since this was installed, it has never had a problem receiving the "on" command at dusk. About 2 days a week, the lights won't turn off at dawn. At first, I thout it was the photocell at fault, and replaced it, only to have the same problem with the replacement. Then I figured that since the transformers always turn on but have trouble turning off, that the transformers may be causing line noise. They aren't suppose to since they are the coil type but I plugged them into filterlincs anyway to check, and a few days later, same problem. Then I attached filterlincs to the 2 computer strips in the house, which actually improved the signal to some other modules, but again, the transformers didn't turn off this morning. The only other electrical devices that are on overnight into morning are 3 portable heaters, 2 oil filled radiators and an older electric element type. Do these cause line noise? What else can I try? I've thought about just getting a Powerlinc (1132CU) and just configure it to send a repeated off command multiple times at dawn to increase reliability. What do you guys think? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by Dave Houston on October 18, 2005, 7:07 pm
Please log in for more thread options While "line noise" gets blamed for many X-10 woes, I suspect that signal attenuation is more often the culprit. Have you added any electrical devices recently? Have you tried turning the heaters off before dawn to see if they are a factor? You may actually have to unplug devices to find a signal attenuator which may be due to a capacitor across the mains. mike2711@yahoo.com wrote: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by on October 18, 2005, 1:16 pm
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I haven't added anything new... It has never reliably turned off the transformers from the very first day of installation. I do have some additional surge protectors, along with a big screen tv that are still unfiltered though. BUT my main concern was the heaters, since the "on" commands are being received, then the heaters are turned on later in the night. Then in the morning, with the heaters still on, the "off" command has trouble. I just got off the phone with Smarthome and the tech guy said that they have heard of "off" commands having trouble even with around the clock line noise. I've never had this trouble with X10 before, I even worked at Radio Shack in the 80's (when I was a kid!) and was familiar with it back then, with no troubles... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by BruceR on October 18, 2005, 9:26 pm
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If you're running the lights from dusk to dawn consider eliminating the X10 component and just put the photocells on the transformers. Some transformers are already provisioned with photocell terminals or you could use this $13 item from Amazon (buy two and get free shipping!): http://tinyurl.com/dxnk9 The only reason to stick with X10 would be if you want to turn the lights off earlier. Even then, there are transformers at Home Depot (and on ebay) that have a photcell to turn it on and a selectable switch setting to turn off after "X" hours. From:mike2711@yahoo.com mike2711@yahoo.com > I haven't added anything new... It has never reliably turned off the
> transformers from the very first day of installation. I do have some > additional surge protectors, along with a big screen tv that are still > unfiltered though. BUT my main concern was the heaters, since the "on" > commands are being received, then the heaters are turned on later in > the night. Then in the morning, with the heaters still on, the "off" > command has trouble. I just got off the phone with Smarthome and the > tech guy said that they have heard of "off" commands having trouble > even with around the clock line noise. I've never had this trouble > with X10 before, I even worked at Radio Shack in the 80's (when I was > a kid!) and was familiar with it back then, with no troubles... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by on October 18, 2005, 2:36 pm
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Hi Bruce! Thanks for the reply. The reason I don't use the transformer photocells is because the transformers are mounted in my garage. I also wanted them to both turn on at the same time time... These are more expensive "multi-tap" transformers (designed for longer wire runs), and much better quality than anything sold at the local home improvement store. It seems like there should be a solution... They always turn on, but sometimes don't turn off. I might have to invest in one of those X10 line testers! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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>transformers in my garage. Ever since this was installed, it has never
>had a problem receiving the "on" command at dusk. About 2 days a week,
>the lights won't turn off at dawn. At first, I thout it was the
>photocell at fault, and replaced it, only to have the same problem with
>the replacement. Then I figured that since the transformers always turn
>on but have trouble turning off, that the transformers may be causing
>line noise. They aren't suppose to since they are the coil type but I
>plugged them into filterlincs anyway to check, and a few days later,
>same problem. Then I attached filterlincs to the 2 computer strips in
>the house, which actually improved the signal to some other modules,
>but again, the transformers didn't turn off this morning. The only
>other electrical devices that are on overnight into morning are 3
>portable heaters, 2 oil filled radiators and an older electric element
>type. Do these cause line noise? What else can I try? I've thought
>about just getting a Powerlinc (1132CU) and just configure it to send a
>repeated off command multiple times at dawn to increase reliability.
>What do you guys think?