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How to best Expand RF Range

I have a dozen modules around the house controlling lights...all on the same phase, so I'm in no hurry to install a phase coupler.

What I would like is to expand the RF range within the house, and outside, as well.

I have the CM15A centrally located, and it works great as long as I'm within 20 - 25 feet, but beyond that, forget it.

What is the best way to extend the range? I have two floors + basement, and the house is about 75' from end to end.

By the way, this is a great forum and the information provided here is much appreciated by newbies like myself.

Regards, Joe

Reply to
JW
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The CM15A's RF circuitry is isolated from the mains so it's a fairly simple matter to replace the antenna if you can solder.

I recommend either a turnstile antenna (requires a matching transformer) or an eggbeater (requires a short length of 93-ohm coax). I prefer the eggbeater as it's a bit more efficient and doesn't require a matching transformer.

There are instructions for adding a connector here...

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I suggest using a 50-ohm coax connector (a better impedance match) rather than the F-connector shown. You can buy preassembled 50-ohm coax online.

There are instructions for building a turnstile antenna for the MR26A.

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You should also be able to find instructions for building an eggbeater although I'm not sure there are any specific to the CM15A or MR26A.

Put the antenna in a central location both horizontally and vertically.

Add>I have a dozen modules around the house controlling lights...all on

Reply to
Dave Houston

Dave... this is really excellent stuff! I'm a tinkerer/hack and these instructions are perfect for people like myself who know just enough to get into trouble.

I have a couple of quick questions...

  1. What kind of "average" range increase will this modification provide? If I have current range of 25', will this boost me to
50'...75'...more?

  1. This may be a really "out there" question but: I have a 30' tv antenna in the attic of the house (yes: I refuse to pay for television) and the house is wired with coax. There is also an amplifier mounted on the antenna mast.

Can I simply plug my modified CM15A into the existing antenna system and enjoy the desired results?

Thanks again! Joe

Reply to
JW

Sorry.. I just found your answer on the "page1.html" of your link...so I've answered my own question on 1.>

Here's what I'm really curious about...

Reply to
JW

I've had people tell me they got 150' or more with an unamplified turnstile and a bit more with unamplified eggbeaters. A preamp improves both. YMMV.

It's worth a try to use your TV setup. X-10 uses 310MHz which is UHF. You'll still need to add the c>Dave... this is really excellent stuff! I'm a tinkerer/hack and these

Reply to
Dave Houston

In soldering the ground to the VSS location, should the solder point be on the printed side? I assume this is true, but am reluctant to assume anything....

Thanks!

Reply to
JW

Okay.. sorry for asking first and thinking things through later. I figured this out myself, and the results are nothing short of stellar!

I'm running the coax directly to my antenna mast in the attic and am, so far, very, very please with the results.

I can now walk anywhere throughout 4,200 sq ft on two floors and activate any module in the house!

David... Thank you for sharing your great knowledge and for exhibiting patience with those of us learning about the possibilities of X10.

Regards, Joe

Reply to
JW

Reply to
Dave Houston

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