Need input: Wierd Powerflash behavior

I figured out the problem--it's a data collision. When the preamp powers up, there's a 1-second delay between the A & B trigger outputs so everything turns on. However, when the power goes OFF, there's no delay. Both PSC01s send a code-specific off command and they collide--thus nothing gets turned off.

There's no adjustment in the preamp to delay the trigger outputs on power off, so how could I implement a power delay for the input voltage on one of the PSC01s? Would an electrolytic cap across the inputs give enough delay? And, when I install a thrid PSC01 later I'll need to delay it's power off even longer...

| I figured out the problem--it's a data collision. When the preamp | powers up, there's a 1-second delay between the A & B trigger outputs | so everything turns on. However, when the power goes OFF, there's no | delay. Both PSC01s send a code-specific off command and they | collide--thus nothing gets turned off. | | There's no adjustment in the preamp to delay the trigger outputs on | power off, so how could I implement a power delay for the input | voltage on one of the PSC01s? Would an electrolytic cap across the | inputs give enough delay?

Yes, possibly, but this all seems unnecessarily complicated. Why not use a single PSC01 and handle any sequencing (do you really need it at all?) on the far side.

If you do try a capacitor you should probably add a blocking diode.

Dan Lanciani ddl@danlan.*com

There's a current sensing AC outlet for use with stereo systems, etc. called "CCS-4". Following is a link to a store that sells them. I don't know this company so due diligence but the product looks suitable and the price isn't much.

Hi Dan, and thanks for the reply.

Yes, sequencing is necessary. I have four stereo amps to handle the seven channels (and will probably add a fifth amp to the stack for the sub). Depending on the peramp's mode I wanted to switch amps on and off to conserve power. Each amp at max output pulls 8 amps.

I thought I might have to build some sort of power sequencing box at the amp end, set off by a trigger from the preamp. However I didn't want to get into that (every one of my projects seems to involve some sort of jerry-rigged solution these days!) and thought X10 might be the least-expensive but reasonable solution. I've looked at some off-the-shelf triggered outlets (like Mr. Bass recommended) but these are typically > $150.00 and only do one or two outlets.

Robert,

Thanks for the suggestion. I'd looked into similar products but was turned off by the price. I think these are > $150.00, and I'd need three to start.

It sounds like the power supplies of the amps are jamming the signal from the PF module. That would account for why they turn on but not off. Have you tried different house codes or unit codes? Also don't let the fact that a handheld does shut them off. I have had that problem many times when my CM11 would not activate something yet my RF transceiver will. Also if your equipment includes an LCD or Plasma set those Power Supplies are extremely troublesome to X10 signals. Actually I have that condition with a lamp module close to me Samsung LCD.

Hope this helps, Ron

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I decided to try the capacitor approach and (Thanks Dan!) added a blocking diode. A 2200 uF gives me an ~ 22 second delay, eliminating the X10 signal collision. I'm going to try using a smaller cap for a shorter delay and I think that'll do it. MUCH simpler than writing a program for the HCS to watch for the off signal, then sequence the turn off of the amps via software. :)