XTB-II Options

Jeff Volp · 2006-08-18T14:36:35+00:00

I finished initial schematic capture for the XTB-II. It will not be areplacement for the present XTB, which will remain the convenient plug-inbooster for just about any X10 transmitter.The basic XTB-II will include two output coupling networks to drive bothsides of a 240V distribution panel. It will be in a larger case with aterminal strip to connect to the AC line. The receive amplifier and ACfilter network will be able to drive several X10 transmitters connected toits X10 input receptacle. This version will cost about $20 more incomponents than the present XTB.The printed circuit board will also accept optional components for theXTB-II to emulate a TW523 interface. This will add about $30 in componentsto the present XTB cost.A 240V version for the European market will just require a few componentchanges. There will be plenty of room for the higher voltage capacitors.The terminal strip should make it easy to install whatever line connectionis necessary for that particular country.Fully populated, the XTB-II has almost double the number of components thatare in the present XTB. The European version will be offered strictly as akit.I will be working on the layout over the next week. Most axial-leadcomponents will again mount vertical to keep overall size down. A DIPversion of the op-amp will be used this time, and the PIC for TW523emulation will be socketed. Suggestions anyone?Jeff

Aug 18, 2006 22 Replies

Rate this thread:

Dave Houston 19 years ago

Not likely, but possible. Each RF code takes about 105mS to transmit. I haven't tested all the various transceivers but the RR501 starts to transmit PLC after that 105mS. It takes 367mS to transmit and most RF codes result in both an address and ON or OFF. There's an apparent bug in the RR501 firmware as it reacts to the first and third copy of the RF always sending a longer DIM sequence than does a TM751 in response to a 5 copy code burst.

If your spouse sinks RF, you definitely want to avoid Z-Wave with its complex router tables that must adjust on-the-fly to such disruptions. ;-)

They transmit as long as the button is down. You should remember that, having tracked down stuck buttons.

formatting link

snipped-for-privacy@yahoogroups.com

Vote

Robert Green 19 years ago

I ruled Z-wave out a while back. (-: All I knew is that when the collisions began, they had to be stopped in a hurry. They had as much negative SAF as a stuck PalmPad. Collisions would either cause total non-responses or worse, still, unintended responses.

One thing that might have been an issue is that early on, I had TM751's of various firmware versions (PG0485, P10081D and some others). When I finally acquired enough of them from Ebay to use a united (and most recent, according to date codes) firmware P10485B across the board, some of the collisions disappeared. Now I very, very rarely see any BSC/BBK codes from the Monterey. What I *do* see is nice big fat signal levels, four or five times greater than before implementing the XTB's.

In the very beginning I was also using Radio Shack RR-501 look-a-likes with a RS 61-2675 stock number. Some had four position slide switches, others, two. They worked well with the old pager-style belt clip transmitter but not so nicely with the newer keyfobs.

Duh. I knew that!

-- Bobby G.

Vote