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🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Help & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Dave G on December 03, 2006, 12:28:52 PM

Title: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 03, 2006, 12:28:52 PM
I am having problems using the Active Home Pro software to turn on my Christmas lites.  I have been doing this for quite a few years and have only encountered this problem this year.  (not sure of when I upgraded to the Pro version, but thinking it was earlier this year- after my last use for Christmas lites.)

The software will turn on about 75 % of the modules, and one specifically that doesn't work now, i thought worked the other night.  The remote WILL work to override this problem, but that's not how I need it to work.  I use 2 & 3 pin app modules as well as a few receptacles.  Combined, I probably have about 16-20 being used.

Any ideas??

I tried to add new modules thinking it could have been the 'conversion', but same thing.  Also, they are all the same house/unit code.

Thanks in advance..... 
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Tuicemen on December 03, 2006, 01:33:04 PM
Quote
I tried to add new modules thinking it could have been the conversion, but same thing.  Also, they are all the same house/unit code.
so you converted a ActiveHome file to a Activehome Pro one?
Chances is that was the problem usualy found in the macros , timers or room. The AHX file is probably corupt and you've just discovered where! ::) ;)
Create a new ahx file and just add those problem modules then test from AHP!  ;)
If they work then the problem was a corrupt AHX file and you need to rebuild from scratch :(
I know of very few users that have upgraded converted from AH to AHP without file problems!
Note: corrupt AHX files also occur when doing an update  
one draw back from internet installs this may also of been where the file was damaged! :(
*** ;) Always, Always,Always ;) ***
Keep a good back up copy of your AHX file
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 03, 2006, 04:06:28 PM
i tried to create a 'new' file when i opened ahp, created 1 new 3pin, 1 new 2pin and a new recept mod - all set to the same house/unit code.  turned them on and same thing, had problems with the same lites.

i will have to pay more attention later, but am pretty confident that it isn't working.  any other thoughts?  thanks...

Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: KDR on December 03, 2006, 04:40:06 PM
Could you give us some info on what House/Unit codes your using and which ones are giving you a problem? Are these modules set to come on with a Timer or Macro? How do you have AHP config as far as transceiver house codes? This info might help us narrow the problem down.

Another thought is, have you added anything to your home electronics since last year? New TV or computer? Maybe a game cube or something? You could be having a noise or signal loss due to a power supply or something.
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 03, 2006, 10:16:31 PM
I believe that since last year, when everything worked without a gliche, i bought my new computer and that is when i upgraded to the Active Home Pro. I believe I was able to 'transfer' over my previous macros/timers etc.

I currently am using the 'A' house code for my normal day to day living, but my Christmas lights are set up under the 'C' house code.  For the outside lights that I am having problems with, i am using '5' unit code.  This is used for many modules (2-pin appliance, 3-pin appliance and receptable modules).  I have 4 20-amp circuits running all my lights.  for each circuit, i built a box of outlets - each has 3 pairs of outlets - with one being an x-10.  the other normal outlets, i use appliance modules.  in 2 of the 3 boxes, ALL controls work thru the computer - there is ONE box that is having the problems.  I believe it is either 2 3-pin appliance mods or 1 3-pin app mod and a recept that are having the problems (consistently now).  Keep in mind that if i use my palm pad, it WILL control these lights, it's just the computer (Active Home Plus) that is having the problem controlling them.

** The problem occurs not only with the manual operation thru the Active Home Software, but also with downloaded timers.

I hope this answers the questions.  Thanks for taking the time to help me out... 

PS - i did a search and saw something about NOISE and to try it with the dryer running (doesn't make sense to me, but just so happens that I was testing while the dryer was on ).  Not familiar with what NOISE is....
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Tuicemen on December 04, 2006, 10:08:07 AM
Quote
PS - i did a search and saw something about NOISE and to try it with the dryer running (doesn't make sense to me, but just so happens that I was testing while the dryer was on ).  Not familiar with what NOISE is....
Your confusing or the poster was, phase issues  with noise issues.
The post may have concerned both as they are the most common issues facing users!
To see if it is your PC move your CM15A to another location and see if the timers/macros work for those problem modules.
Noise can sometimes be hard to weed out, but not impossible! ;) :D ;D
Is the CM15A in the same location as the CM11A was?  ???
If so look at any new devices on that circit (like your new PC) and unplug them,just turning them off won't work. ;)
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 04, 2006, 10:58:51 AM
Quote from: Tuicemen on December 04, 2006, 10:08:07 AM
Quote
PS - i did a search and saw something about NOISE and to try it with the dryer running (doesn't make sense to me, but just so happens that I was testing while the dryer was on ).  Not familiar with what NOISE is....
Your confusing or the poster was, phase issues  with noise issues.
The post may have concerned both as they are the most common issues facing users!
To see if it is your PC move your CM15A to another location and see if the timers/macros work for those problem modules.
Noise can sometimes be hard to weed out, but not impossible! ;) :D ;D
Is the CM15A in the same location as the CM11A was?  ???
If so look at any new devices on that circit (like your new PC) and unplug them,just turning them off won't work. ;)

the pc and interface are in the same spot as the old one.

question about some of the replies about moving things or the pc not working ...  do these recommendations hold true even though similar type modules are working right next to the ones that are not??  The software works for about 85% of the modules I am using - and like i said, the ones that are not working are on the same circuit , right next to the ones that ARE working.   ???
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Puck on December 04, 2006, 11:23:28 AM
Quote from: Dave G on December 03, 2006, 10:16:31 PM
Keep in mind that if i use my palm pad, it WILL control these lights, it's just the computer (Active Home Plus) that is having the problem controlling them.

** The problem occurs not only with the manual operation thru the Active Home Software, but also with downloaded timers.

By any chance, do you have a 2nd Transceiver in your setup?

If the CM15A is the only one, and your PalmPad is successfully controlling all lights thru it, then Phase & Noise are most likely not a problem.

It is very strange that manually selecting the lights in AHP has a problem where the remote does not. Is the remote set to trigger a macro or for directly addressing the modules?
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 04, 2006, 11:42:03 AM
Quote from: Puck on December 04, 2006, 11:23:28 AM
Quote from: Dave G on December 03, 2006, 10:16:31 PM
Keep in mind that if i use my palm pad, it WILL control these lights, it's just the computer (Active Home Plus) that is having the problem controlling them.

** The problem occurs not only with the manual operation thru the Active Home Software, but also with downloaded timers.

By any chance, do you have a 2nd Transceiver in your setup?

If the CM15A is the only one, and your PalmPad is successfully controlling all lights thru it, then Phase & Noise are most likely not a problem.

It is very strange that manually selecting the lights in AHP has a problem where the remote does not. Is the remote set to trigger a macro or for directly addressing the modules?


good question - i do have a tranceiver in my garage so that I can use the remote.  Is the interface capable of receiving the signal of the remote?  Should i try to unplug the tranceiver?  last year, i usually have 2 tranceivers set to the same house code ('C') - one in my L/R and the other in my garage so i can use the remote wherever i am in the house..   i still haven't put the one in the LR yet..

i think i may have addtl app mods, so i was going to try and replace them with diff ones.  i am also thinking of taking one that i know is working and plugging the lites in and see if i can't eliminate the module as being bad..
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Tuicemen on December 04, 2006, 11:44:10 AM
Quote
question about some of the replies about moving things or the pc not working ...  do these recommendations hold true even though similar type modules are working right next to the ones that are not??  

YES!!
Noise does do some strange things!
and can only effect certain house/unit codes.

Since you say every thing works with remotes just not with the AHP software I'd tend to be looking at the PC.
more things to try :
Try removing the USB cable from the CM15A and test a timer I've heard of problems with thouse. also ceck to make sure all connections to the PC are tight ;)
Do you have a tv tunner in the PC if so swap out the cable with a newer one I've heard on noise comming from bad ends.
Try swaping modules out that are right next to each other (change each ones house/unit code to that of the other)
Do an Advanced Search  (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?action=search;advanced) on "power line noise" you'll find over 5 pages of post on this.
As Puck stated
Quote
By any chance, do you have a 2nd Transceiver in your setup?
if so this maybe the problem! Ahp needs to be configured properly for those to work!
depending on the OS you are using you may then need to add "send RF" comands in your macros/timers
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Tuicemen on December 04, 2006, 11:47:20 AM
Chances is the module isn't bad if the remote controls it!
Try removing the other tranciever
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 04, 2006, 01:14:56 PM
Thanks for the info - i will try this stuff tonite and report back....   
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 04, 2006, 05:16:39 PM
Quote from: Dave G on December 04, 2006, 01:14:56 PM
Thanks for the info - i will try this stuff tonite and report back....   

well - as i was walking in from work, i grabbed the transeiver out of the outlet and come 5pm - the lites came on, so it must have been that.

Now that you guys helped me identify where the problem was - is there anyway i can use the tranceiver?  I think i still need it for when i want to control the lights manually, right?

Thanks again...
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Puck on December 04, 2006, 05:28:43 PM
Quote from: Dave G on December 04, 2006, 05:16:39 PM
I think i still need it for when i want to control the lights manually, right?

You should be able to control it with the remote thru the CM15A. Just make sure you have the CM15A set to Transceive house code "C".
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 07:49:40 AM
Quote from: Dave G on December 04, 2006, 05:16:39 PM
Quote from: Dave G on December 04, 2006, 01:14:56 PM
Thanks for the info - i will try this stuff tonite and report back....   

well - as i was walking in from work, i grabbed the transeiver out of the outlet and come 5pm - the lites came on, so it must have been that.

Now that you guys helped me identify where the problem was - is there anyway i can use the tranceiver?  I think i still need it for when i want to control the lights manually, right?

Thanks again...

GRRRR !!!   >:(

I hope this ends soon ....

Ok, they came on no problem, but come the end of night - problem occurs again ..  I look outside and sure enough, all the lights that I was having problems with are still lit.  I used the remote and they turned off fine.

I believe I have another tranceiver in my shed, but i highly doubt it's the same house code - could this be a problem? 

Sorry all - this stuff has been working trouble free for me for the past MANY years, now these little annoyances are popping up and driving me nuts..
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Puck on December 05, 2006, 08:56:00 AM
Quote from: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 07:49:40 AM
Ok, they came on no problem, but come the end of night - problem occurs again ..  I look outside and sure enough, all the lights that I was having problems with are still lit.  I used the remote and they turned off fine.

I believe I have another tranceiver in my shed, but i highly doubt it's the same house code - could this be a problem? 

They didn't turn off with the Timer but did with the Remote...

...double check the timer settings, if ok, then your remote might have been going through another Transceiver.

It appears the signal to the problem module(s) is weak coming from the CM15A, and when the lights are turned on, the signal gets degraded enough to prevent the module from seeing the OFF signal from the CM15A.

Have you mapped out your circuits?
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Tuicemen on December 05, 2006, 09:03:58 AM
Dave G :
As stated before AHP Must be configured properly in order to use extra transceivers! You can have more than one.[li]Under tools click hard ware configuration in there make sure the house code you have another transceiver on is unchecked you may need to check "specific" for this to stick.[/li]
[li]Next click "update interface" and click on the icon in the bottom right of the AHP window.[/li]
[li]Next find the modules in AHP and make sure they are set as RF Transmiters[/li]
[li]Save to the interface[/li]
[li]If you are using XP no other steps are needed if your using 2000 you need to add "send RF' to the modules controlled by the additional Transceivers in macros and timers[/li][/b]
[/list]
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 09:26:35 AM
Thanks for your patience ...

I will give this a shot tonight.

- i am using windows XP
- i will have to check the timer again, but i believe they are all set correctly.  everything i have been talking about is set to C5 and it's only about 15% that are not working properly.
- besides plugging the modules in and using the remote and/or software, i am not very knowledgable about the 'other' stuff, so i will have to look into the 'mapping' of my 'circuits'
- i know i use different house codes (tranceivers) for different purposes and know that i took out my 'Christmas' one.  I know i have one in my shed for my motion sensor / chime.  i also normally have one in my L/R, but it was temporarily taken out a couple days ago and i didn't put it back in yet.

again - i will give all your suggestions a try tonight and see what happens..  Thanks...
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Puck on December 05, 2006, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 09:26:35 AM
...so i will have to look into the 'mapping' of my 'circuits'

This statement motivated me... see How to Map your Electrical Circuits (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=11117.new#new)
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 02:05:01 PM
Quote from: Puck on December 05, 2006, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 09:26:35 AM
...so i will have to look into the 'mapping' of my 'circuits'

This statement motivated me... see How to Map your Electrical Circuits (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=11117.new#new)


I have to apologize Puck - when i read your original question about mapping circuits, I wasn't even thinking about what you just CLEARLY described.

I do indeed have this mapping - and the circuit that I am having problems with is ONE of 4 dedicated circuits for my Christmas lights, so there is definitely nothing but Christmas lights on it.  Sorry I got so easily confused before - Tis the season where I work my butt off and can't keep track of my mind - LOL...
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 09:51:34 PM
Everything is looking as you all describe (with AHP).  I am  not sure how to tell if they are set as RF transmitters, but when i look at the log, i see receive RF, so I assume they are.

Is it possible that AHP is having problems when 2 different modules are set to the same house code and are both trying to be turned off at the same time ?  I am using 2pin & 3pin appliance modules and a few receptacle modules.

Sort of still confused....
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Puck on December 05, 2006, 10:04:16 PM
Quote from: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 09:51:34 PM
Is it possible that AHP is having problems when 2 different modules are set to the same house code and are both trying to be turned off at the same time ? 

No. AHP has the option to allow / disallow this... but in your case, you just have the one module representing all of them. And it doesn't matter to the modules because they just listen to the powerlines (as long as they are not 2-way modules).
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Tuicemen on December 05, 2006, 11:13:26 PM
Quote from: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 09:51:34 PM
  I am  not sure how to tell if they are set as RF transmitters, but when i look at the log, i see receive RF, so I assume they are.
Click on the module and select edit this will show if it is set as a RF receiver if it isn't change it! ;) :D ;D
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 11:34:29 PM
hmmm...  I don't have any of my tranceivers 'set up in AHP' ... Do I need to?

My total house isn't all that complicated, I have House Code A for my normal day to day living.  most are lamp modules and some are switches (the older push ones).  one is a tranceiver set to A.

i have a second tranceiver in my shed with a motion detector - remote chime in the house - these are set to house code B.

For my Christmas lites etc, i use House Code C in conjunction with lamp modules, appliance modules (2 & 3 pin), receptacles and i also have a tranceiver plugged in.

All house code A stuff works fine.  B is just the chime and i have no problems.  C is the only problem and ONLY for like 1 or 2 of the appliance modules.  i know i repeated some stuff, but this is beginning to drive me nuts.  i didn't get a chance to do anything outside with the modules tonight, but may try to make time tomorrow - if not def Thurs.
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Puck on December 06, 2006, 02:25:43 AM
Dave: Since your set up works with the PalmPad Remote and with the TM751 Transceiver in the garage, why not make what works work for you?  ;)


Trigger the Macros.... if the lights don't turn ON & OFF, then change the commands from turning that module ON & OFF to sending an RF Command ON & OFF for that House / Unit Code.

If you get this to work, change your Timer to Trigger this Dummy Module.
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Tuicemen on December 06, 2006, 11:11:53 PM
Quote from: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 11:34:29 PM
hmmm...  I don't have any of my tranceivers 'set up in AHP' ... Do I need to?
Yes you need to! :) I'm surprised you haven't had more problems  ??? as AHP will send a plc as well as the other trancievers causing signals to get lost or the other transceivers to lock up! Adding them to AHP will only improve your set up! ;) :D ;D
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: TakeTheActive on December 07, 2006, 12:56:22 AM
Quote from: Tuicemen on December 06, 2006, 11:11:53 PM
Quote from: Dave G on December 05, 2006, 11:34:29 PM

hmmm...  I don't have any of my tranceivers 'set up in AHP' ... Do I need to?

...you need to! :) I'm surprised you haven't had more problems  ??? as AHP will send a plc as well as the other trancievers causing signals to get lost or the other transceivers to lock up!

Adding them to AHP will only improve your set up! ;) :D ;D

I have 4 RR501 and/or HC50RX Transceivers in service:


AHP v3.204 doesn't know about any of them *AND* everything is working just fine (well, as fine as the CM15A can be, compared to the ROCK-STEADY service the CM11A provided ::) )!
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Tuicemen on December 07, 2006, 08:31:02 AM
Quote from: TakeTheActive on December 07, 2006, 12:56:22 AM
AHP v3.204 doesn't know about any of them *AND* everything is working just fine (well, as fine as the CM15A can be, compared to the ROCK-STEADY service the CM11A provided ::) )!
Maybe if AHP knew about them your WAF  would improve!  ??? ::);) :D ;D
as I stated: Adding them to AHP will only improve your set up!    
AHP has them listed in the configuration for a reason! ;) :D ;D
It's like a helping a newbie:  If all the info isn't provided we're just shooting in the dark as far as being helpful!
Given All the information provides a "Clearer Picture"!
Compared to the guys in the shop running CM11A's my CM15A is more than ROCK-STEADY  ;) :D ;D


Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: dave w on December 07, 2006, 12:16:40 PM
OK I'm being dumb here, but MY understanding of tranceivers and AHP, was that trancievers need to be identified in AHP only if AHP is used to send commands to the controlled outlet in the tranceiver. So if you do not use the controlled outlet in the RR501 or TM751, does AHP really give a rip?

I guess the real point is, do we really think transceivers not being identified in Dave G setup, the problem?

I keep going back to an early statement from Dave G: "Sorry all - this stuff has been working trouble free for me for the past MANY years, now these little annoyances are popping up and driving me nuts.."

Dave G - no new electronics in the house at all? 
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Puck on December 07, 2006, 12:42:06 PM
dave w: The OP stated that AHP and the CM15A is the new electronics that was not there in the previous years of operating the Christmas Lights.

Quote from: Dave G on December 03, 2006, 12:28:52 PM
(not sure of when I upgraded to the Pro version, but thinking it was earlier this year- after my last use for Christmas lites.)

 ;)
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Tuicemen on December 07, 2006, 01:20:13 PM
dave w: the problem isn't that transceivers weren't being identified in Dave G setup
Just one of the  problems was they were not configured properly! ;) :D ;D
And this wasn't all brought out in the OP! ;) :D ;D
Title: Re: Active Home Pro - some appl mods not working?
Post by: Dave G on December 09, 2006, 05:53:51 PM
just wanted to give an update...

I have been very busy and haven't had too much time to spend doing all the playing around that i wanted to, but...

i added a transceiver module to AHP for all my house codes (that have a transceiver).  That still didn't seem to make it 100% better, so i swapped out / moved around some modules.  I am not saying that it's working properly, but everything did come on tonight like it's suppose to.  I will have to see how the turning off part goes.

Over the last couple days, it seemed pretty inconsistent about what was or was not working.  If it starts fouling up again, i wonder if it could be that I am using some older modules / transceivers.  If i run into problems again, i will have to MAKE the time to try and figure it out.

Thanks again for all the responses, just sorry that I haven't been able to dedicate time to this and get back to you all quicker...