My biggest X10 issue ever... Please help...!

Apr 24, 2006 6 Replies

Hi everyone!



The craziest thing I have ever seen is going on how, and I truly need some assistance!



For the past several months, everything has been working beautifully. Three housecodes, ActiveHome Pro, etc.



A few hours ago, all hell broke loose!



I am receiving an RF signal of N11 OFF NON-STOP... 5 times each second.



It is blocking every other signal.



I shut down every circuit breaker in the house (minus one power bar I was using to test) I removed the batteries from every cordless phone I use. I put my PocketPCs into Flight Mode. I removed the batteries from every X10 remote/active-eye/etc. sensor.



I am able to replicate on ever transceiver.



As a matter of fact, when I plug in one of those old transceivers (CM11A, I THINK) it keeps on acting up, until I unscrew the antenna. Then it stops.



So it's definitely an RF issue, not generated by any AC powered device in my house.



I am trying to think about any other X10 remotes I own, but I cannot think of any.



I am using ESM1 signal meter to test it. The red bars just don't stop.



I've tried every transceiver, as well as the CM15A... same thing...



Non-stop N11 OFF's being generated. And I don't even use N11.



It's been over an hour now, and I am simply stumped.



Does anyone have any ideas? Dave, are you still around? :)



I hope we can solve this!



Thanks!!



Mike



Which three housecodes do you use?

Is "N" an in-use housecode?

You're not likely to be unscrewing an antenna from a CM11A. What's the label say?

What stops? No more N11's flooding the line?

If you use the "N" house code, it sounds very much like a stuck transmitter. Palmpads get wedged under things and keychain remote buttons stick.

I assume these are "GOOD" X-10 signals. If so, put a transceiver like the TM751 set the housecode N with the antenna collapsed and the ESM1 on the end of a 50' extension cable and walk around the house. Search hardest in the area where you see a signal.

But do you use the N house code?

Just an hour? You've got to spend 12 hours to get the X-10 merit badge!

-- Bobby G.

Hi there.. just to follow up... I went outside my house and plugged in an SR731 repeater behind my house. Sure enough, same problem. The red light stays lit, meaning a constant signal. Darn.

I am thinking of writing a note to my neighbors... Can someone tell me what frequency X10 uses? I would like to write as explicit a note as possible.

I think I will go for a drive in my car. I have an inverter in there. I can bring along the tester and a transceiver set to N, and I'll see if it's the whole neighbourhood.. one side of my house, etc.

I am so annoyed.....!

I look forward to any words of wisdom!

It could be an RF remote that a neighbor has that's stuck but the range is usually pretty limited. Let us know what you find out. This is very curious.

Hi guys!

Thanks for the prompt replies!

Just a few clarifications...!

1 - Of the transceivers I used to test, the TM751 was the one from which I removed the antenna. Funny thing was that aside from the basement, anywhere I went in the house (and yes, even outside), I kept receiving the signal.

2 - I do use Housecode N. I will keep looking for other remotes or transmitters.

3 - I seem to have lost my inveterter, so I cannot drive around, doing my tests.

4 - With the ESM1 signal meter, depending on how far it is from my test receiver, I can easily get Green dots. (Interestingly enough, when I am testing it, it's right near my transceiver, so those red bars are off the chart! (As an aside, I have a signal bridge /amplifer attached to my dryer's 220V... So, it was interesting how the bars diminished when I turned off that circuit breaker... (just an FYI.. not related to the issue).

5 - I am using a V572A +PSC05 whole house transciever, as well as the CM15A. (Which of course, I unplugged for the tests). If these were the "old days", I need only plug in three old transceivers, on three NON-"N" housecodes, and I'd be fine. However, now it's impossible, since the V572A picks up every code, as does the CM15A.

6 - I must say, this must be a POWERFUL signal. I say that because not only am I picking it up my backyard (outdoor plug), but to top it off, I don't even have an antenna on my CM15A! I merely have a BNC connector flopping down (as I tried the eggbeater antenna mod last year). So, for something to hit my Smart repeater while I am across my backyard AND for it to ALSO hit a CM15A in my BASEMENT with no antenna... We must be dealing with one crazy signal. The usual slimline remotes and keychain remotes have pretty horrendous ranges, and I usually have to hold them under my chin to get them to work all over the house.

So yes, Robert, it happens in every room, and even in the backyard. I will search for more remotes and remove those batteries, too. I will also make sure all ActiveEyes also have their batteries removed, too. (Although, those never reach the backyard)

I may drive to my father's house to borrow his inverter. I really want to drive up and down the street and see where it stops/starts. Of all days to lose my inverter! :)

Keep the posts coming! Too weird!

Thanks again!

Hi again!

Well, the problem seemed to have resolved itself... Just like that.

I never had a chance to go for a drive with that inverter and the Transceiver in my car.

I hope this never, ever happens again.

Now I have to put back the batteries (and reprogram!) all my 3 dozen remotes and sensors... ARGH!

I am glad it resolved itself. I never saw anything like it in 15+ years of X10 use.......

Thanks!

Sounds like a button became unstuck or the batteries powering the offending device finally died.

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