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💬General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: bitman on January 27, 2009, 07:21:21 PM

Title: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: bitman on January 27, 2009, 07:21:21 PM
I attempted to extend the range of my CM15a by wrapping some solid wire around the antenna as per a suggestion by one of the elders here and by George that worked great!.

The CM15 is in the basement with me and all my modules. So I took the modified CM15a upstairs and plugged it into a socket and lo and behold the wireless remote was still taking to it and controls those basement modules when I was in the basement with even the door closed. So I moved the CM15a to the bathroom off the basement where a TM751 used to work and nada, except I could control 1 out of 6 modules. Wow!, well it is a GFI socket so I put the CM15 in a socket in the laundry room - no go! except I could control that same 1 out of six modules. So I moved it out to the garage where I originally ran a TM751 for years with AH and no Go! - except for that same one module.

Furthermore I can stand right next to the CM15a with my wire less remote and no control over the problem modules so it's not a range issue but a socket issue. The CM15a is not polarized so I can flip it upside down in the socket and end run a phase coupling issue (yes no?).
That changes nothing by the way.

In any case, my tm751 used to work as a basement module controller in all these sockets that the CM15a will not.
However I can take that CM15a and put it upstairs WAY away from me in the basement and control it wirelessly from the basement .

I wanted to put a BVC machine in the garage or laundry room off the basement but darn it, the CM15a won't work there, much.

BTW - the six modules under control are the same x10 appliance controllers and the one that turns on no matter what is plugged into a cheapo power strip. Others are on cheapo strips and some are directly plugged into the wall.

 ???

:Ron


Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: HA Dave on January 27, 2009, 08:02:18 PM
...........So I moved the CM15a to the bathroom off the basement where a TM751 used to work and nada, ........... So I moved it out to the garage where I originally ran a TM751 for years with AH and no Go!

This would tell me that the CM15A isn't transceiving.... at least not in all the House codes.
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: Knightrider on January 27, 2009, 08:17:38 PM
... The CM15a is not polarized so I can flip it upside down in the socket and end run a phase coupling issue (yes no?).
That changes nothing by the way.




Flipping the cm15a does nothing to help the phases.  A standard 240 volt setup consists of 2 120 volt lines that are "phased" with one another. As one side goes positive 170 volts, the other side goes negative 170 volts.  The neutral is the zero reference line.

A phase coupler can only be installed on a 240v lead.

PS:  I know that the above information will lead to much discussion.   ;)
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: dave w on January 27, 2009, 08:37:45 PM
... The CM15a is not polarized so I can flip it upside down in the socket and end run a phase coupling issue (yes no?).
That changes nothing by the way.




Flipping the cm15a does nothing to help the phases.  A standard 240 volt setup consists of 2 120 volt lines that are "phased" with one another. As one side goes positive 170 volts, the other side goes negative 170 volts.  The neutral is the zero reference line.

A phase coupler can only be installed on a 240v lead.

PS:  I know that the above information will lead to much discussion.   ;)

Yes it will.    You are absolutely wrong about the 170 volts.....it would be 169.68 volts.  :-*
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: Knightrider on January 27, 2009, 08:43:02 PM
  You are absolutely wrong about the 170 volts.....it would be 169.68 volts.  :-*

you're lucky that I didn't revert to my old ways and refer to 110 Volts  rofl

Thanks Dave
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: dave w on January 27, 2009, 09:01:10 PM
155.54?
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: bitman on January 27, 2009, 09:29:35 PM
...........So I moved the CM15a to the bathroom off the basement where a TM751 used to work and nada, ........... So I moved it out to the garage where I originally ran a TM751 for years with AH and no Go!

This would tell me that the CM15A isn't transceiving.... at least not in all the House codes.

Sorry I forgot to say, The units under control are on house code M. The cm51 is configured to transceive on house code M and the remote is  dialed to M as well. I can walk it around the house and yup, it does not like some sockets. Sockets that the tm751 works ok in.
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: Jsnlong on January 27, 2009, 09:32:54 PM
It seems like in your case and other post on here that the CM15 might have a weaker output then other transceiver?
MAybe
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: Charles Sullivan on January 28, 2009, 11:26:39 AM
It seems like in your case and other post on here that the CM15 might have a weaker output then other transceiver?
MAybe

As I recall the various plug-in controllers and transceivers transmit (or did at one time transmit) a signal voltage about 5-10V, whereas the computer interfaces are limited to 3-4V.

One posted comment about this asserted that European regulations limit the signal (apparently considered "noise" on the powerline) to 5V max, but I haven't verified that.

Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: steven r on January 28, 2009, 12:22:06 PM
...it would be 169.68 volts.  :-*
I got 169.705627 but that was of course assuming that the 120 V RMS was accurate to 6 decimal places and using my phone calculated value of √2 as 1.414214. If, however, the RMS voltage of 120 was only measured to the accuracy of 1 volt then the answer must be expressed as the rounded figure of 170 V. Your answer can never be more accurate than the least of the figures used in the computation. That's why you just said 170 V, Knightrider. Right?  ;)

For those that Knightrider lost and have run and stuck their voltmeters in the outlet and measured 120V, the formula is:

rms = Vp / √2   Where Vp represents the peak voltage.
[/list]

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_mean_square...

Because of their usefulness in carrying out power calculations, listed voltages for power outlets, e.g. 120 V (USA) or 230 V (Europe), are almost always quoted in RMS values, and not peak values. Peak values can be calculated from RMS values from the above formula, which implies Vp = VRMS × √2, assuming the source is a pure sine wave. Thus the peak value of the mains voltage in the USA is about 120 × √2, or about 170 volts. The peak-to-peak voltage, being twice this, is about 340 volts. A similar calculation indicates that the peak-to-peak mains voltage in Europe is about 650 volts.
[/list]
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: dave w on January 28, 2009, 01:03:12 PM
Rats, calculator needed new batteries.
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: Knightrider on January 28, 2009, 01:24:09 PM
Really, I was just bored due to the ice/snow storm socking me in around here and wanted to generate a spark at the forum.  Often times I
use an antique method of running my calculations around here (it's called a pencil, I think).  170 always works for my intentions.
I haven't been disappointed by my fellow x10-ers pointing out the fact that the whole 120 volt thing is a RMS value.  I just wish that someone out there with that high-fangled fast internet would post a graphic of the sine wave illustrating the the two sides of the service and the phase shift.
Maybe even some of you uber-geeks out there might drum up the whole 3 phase thing?
At any rate,  GREAT JOB friend.

Ich Bin Ein x10-er
(I am a jelly donut)
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: dave w on January 28, 2009, 03:43:29 PM
Yeah, we got hammered with snow today also. Can't even get the car out of garage (west central Indiana, not real far from you). I am so disappointed at missing work.
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: steven r on January 28, 2009, 04:21:34 PM
...I just wish that someone out there with that high-fangled fast internet would post a graphic of the sine wave illustrating the the two sides of the service and the phase shift....
This is an interesting link the covers some of the basics if anyone is interested.

http://electronics-for-beginners.com/pages/page/1050/
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: dellzip on January 28, 2009, 04:50:04 PM
...I just wish that someone out there with that high-fangled fast internet would post a graphic of the sine wave illustrating the the two sides of the service and the phase shift....
This is an interesting link the covers some of the basics if anyone is interested.

http://electronics-for-beginners.com/pages/page/1050/
Thanks!!!
Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: bitman on January 31, 2009, 08:11:09 PM
Ah the curse of the free Sony Vaio Pcs.

It's not a fault of the CM15a at all (Surprise Surprise).
But whenever either a recently acquired Sony Vaio laptop that I wanted to use with BVC but had no line in,
- or -
The recently acquired Sony Vaio desktop tower that indeed has a line in were plugged in, it sucked the X10 from the floor it was on.

Gotta love the Japanese, They make great clean power supplies.

So that's nice, my BVC machine eats it's own.

I've got an extra Dell. - those are junk maybe it will work. It better have a line in for my baby monitors.   

Title: Re: Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: Boiler on February 01, 2009, 09:53:00 AM
Ah the curse of the free Sony Vaio Pcs.

It's not a fault of the CM15a at all (Surprise Surprise).
But whenever either a recently acquired Sony Vaio laptop that I wanted to use with BVC but had no line in,
- or -
The recently acquired Sony Vaio desktop tower that indeed has a line in were plugged in, it sucked the X10 from the floor it was on.

Gotta love the Japanese, They make great clean power supplies.

So that's nice, my BVC machine eats it's own.

I've got an extra Dell. - those are junk maybe it will work. It better have a line in for my baby monitors.   



Whenever I want to run a stress test on my system I remove the filter from my Wife's Toshiba laptop.  This is a particularly evil little device that transmits high frequency noise (above the 120 KHz range).  As a result, most of the bandstop filters will not eliminate it's emissions.  I was forced to switch to a Leviton (model??) low pass filter to eliminate the problem.

As the laptop load increases, the switching frequency of the power adapter increases to provide additional power.  This induces high frequency noise outside the range of most bandstop filters.  I believe this noise then combines with "other" noise on the line to produce a beat frequency in the 120Khz X10 range. 

The problem was very intermittent but it affected local units (same circuit) both X10 and Insteon.

Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: Boiler on February 01, 2009, 10:01:22 AM
Dave W and Knightrider,

My apologies for the inconvenience cause by the latest storm.  We here in the North were running out of places to stack snow and voted to send the storm Southward.

(http://www.geocities.com/boiler1977/2009.JPG)

If it helps, my Mother in Law (Clarksville) and Sister in Law (Bloomington) has crossed us off their Christmas card list.

The photo is old - the piles are quite a bit higher and are challenging my ability throw the snow over the top (I'm only 6'2").

On a lighter note, the forecast is for sun and 34 degrees today.  I may venture out with my shovel and try to locate my Mailbox.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: beelocks on February 01, 2009, 10:16:41 AM
Is that a driveway you have there?

I haven't seen one of those for over a week  :'
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: Boiler on February 01, 2009, 10:20:25 AM
Is that a driveway you have there?

Driveway? - Well it's a driveway of sorts.  Actually, we live in a brown paper bag in the middle of the road... (Python humor, couldn't resist).
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: beelocks on February 01, 2009, 10:30:52 AM
Paper bag? you were lucky....

etc etc etc, and you tell that to the kids of today? They won't believe you.

You started it and I'm English so I have an excuse  :)%
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: dave w on February 01, 2009, 05:13:41 PM
Dave W and Knightrider,

My apologies for the inconvenience cause by the latest storm.  We here in the North were running out of places to stack snow and voted to send the storm Southward.

On a lighter note, the forecast is for sun and 34 degrees today.  I may venture out with my shovel and try to locate my Mailbox.

Boiler, I could not get car OR tractor with snow blade out of drive on Wednesday. I was terribly disapointed about not being able to go to work (whimper) . However we have friends in Evansville who will not get their power back for another two weeks...wow three weeks with out X10, dunno if I could take it. 

Anywho after hearing of their plight to the south, I figure I don't have it soo bad. Although missing that day of work.... :' 
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 01, 2009, 05:34:20 PM
I can't believe my thread has been hijacked by snow stories.
I could tell you guys snow stories.
I live at 9800 feet up in the Rockies.

 >!

 
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: Boiler on February 01, 2009, 06:28:54 PM
I can't believe my thread has been hijacked by snow stories.
I could tell you guys snow stories.
I live at 9800 feet up in the Rockies.

 >!

That does it for me.  First I find myself over matched in a Monty Python remembrance contest against an Englishman.  Then I find that the OP is using his Sony Vaio on the side of a mountain.

You guys are tough!  I'm taking my ball and going home.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: beelocks on February 01, 2009, 06:49:43 PM
The best use I've ever found for any type of Sony Vaio was on the side of a mountain...

They're a bit small but they work as snowboards almost as well as they compute.  :'
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 01, 2009, 11:15:39 PM
The best use I've ever found for any type of Sony Vaio was on the side of a mountain...

They're a bit small but they work as snowboards almost as well as they compute.  :'

Boy you got that right. The desktop looks like a slightly over sized street side mailbox.
Part of the attraction. I needed to stash away BVC somewhere mostly unnoticed and unheard.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: Dan Lawrence on February 02, 2009, 07:39:19 AM
BTW, Sony Vaios are notorious for power line noise.  My wife had one, the first time she plugged the brick into the outlet in the living room, 2 lights refused to work.

We how have a hard fast rule:  ALL PCs get filters.  No exceptions!!!
 
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 02, 2009, 09:49:39 AM
Can you steer me in the right direction of a good pc filter?

Thanks.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: steven r on February 02, 2009, 02:55:31 PM
...We how have a hard fast rule:  ALL PCs get filters.  No exceptions!!!
Ditto!
I use a filter everywhere I plug in my laptop and even have a "guest filter" for my daughter when she brings over her laptop. Both my desktops are plugged into UPSs that are plugged into filters. Also the other 6+ UPSs in the house are plugged into filters. This includes the fish tank UPS and the UPS for my dedicated charging station that I use for cell phones and other batteries.

Can you steer me in the right direction of a good pc filter?...
Smarthome makes some good ones. I'm not sure if they are the cheapest place to get one but they do stand behind them. I bought a lot of mine from them when they use to have auctions. EBay is likely to be a good source. I'm sure they'll be more suggestions.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 02, 2009, 03:26:00 PM
Wow,

I feel pretty blessed.

I have two Dell laptops, 1 Dell Desktop and two Clones in the basement studio closet.
I have never needed a filter till the Vaios came home.

:ron

Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: Dan Lawrence on February 02, 2009, 05:56:10 PM
You are blessed.

Every PC or laptop we've owned has needed a filter, Sony or whatever.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: Boiler on February 02, 2009, 07:13:09 PM
Can you steer me in the right direction of a good pc filter?

Thanks.


Bitman,

The Leviton 6288 is a plug in Low Pass filter that I've used with good success with my better half's Toshiba.  I had tried a smarthome Filterlinc (band stop filter) and it did not solve the problem.

The X10 XPPF may be the same unit as the Leviton 6288 - I've never taken one apart.  Hopefully another forum member with direct experience can confirm/deny.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 02, 2009, 11:18:36 PM
Oh my, oh my have I got issues I had no idea I knew I had.

I found a socket in the garage where the cm15a would work controlling the basement studio devices a week or so ago, prompting the original post. Then if I turned on a Vaio pc in the garage or laundry room then the x10 devices in the basement would no longer be able to be controlled. Tonight however I found out that if I unplugged the vaio in the garage, I could control the basement devices as before, but if I fired up the racks in the studio and it's PCs the basement device control would also go dead. Wow. This is where x10 was born in this household. The studio has been x10 controlled in many ways with little incident for 3 or so years with the transceiver in the studio!

If I bring the cm15a back into the studio and plug it into the sockets with the controlled devices it will all work as before with everything on in the studio.

It seems like the CM15 can punch through the noise if it's close to the noise source and/or controlled devices. (Same room).

So humph.

 I can't filter the audio racks and all that stuff and oh my is that a lot of stuff. with gear coming and going via ebay and customer cars and trucks all the time.

I can't have another (BVC) pc in the studio - or can I? Well I don't want it there if I don't have too.
I was using one of the studio machines as a AHP machine but it's too hight performance and power hungry for 24/7 operation in my mind.

With the antenna mod (wire wrapping) I can wirelessly reach the CM15 from upstairs - that's a plus.

It seems that I'll need to have the cm15 in the studio with the mother of all usb extensions to put the ah pc in the laundry room or garage.

I wonder if there is a wireless usb extension. I'm off to google that now.

BVC better just be worth it after all.
 
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: HA Dave on February 02, 2009, 11:38:02 PM

BVC better just be worth it after all.
 

I think it is!
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 03, 2009, 12:28:29 AM
I know you do.
And you.....are my in-spir-ation!  :'

Wow! are wireless usb extensions ever cost prohibitive.
I have one of those really long powered usb extensions and it just might make it neatly to the laundry room.
It already makes it as the crow files to the garage.

Onward and upward.   >*<
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: HA Dave on February 03, 2009, 02:03:29 AM
I have one of those really long powered usb extensions and it just might make it neatly to the laundry room.
It already makes it as the crow files to the garage.

Don't forget you can also put the CM15A on an extention cord too.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 03, 2009, 09:28:48 AM
Gee,

That seems obvious.  ::)

Sometimes this Ron can be quite a More-Ron.
Thanks.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: HA Dave on February 03, 2009, 10:58:47 AM
That seems obvious.  ::)

It wasn't for me!

I had originally purchased some X10... (the RCA gift pack.. I think it was called and a PalmPad remote) to push-button control the lighting in my home theater (http://davesdomainonline.com/ht/ht.htm). Soon after the package arrived.. I ordered a TM751. I hadn't understood I needed a transceiver when I made the original order. Then I bought the AH (CM11A). The frustration I went through with the CM11A (and of course a phase issue) can't be described here. That is what brought me to the forum... but only as a reader... or as another member later called a "lurker". That original (and perfectly good) interface ended up in my junk box.

After I created a camera setup... I returned to the forums for ideas as how to use MORE Home Automation. That is when I discovered BVC (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) (still BXVC in those days).

The part I hated.... was having to once again enter into the world of AH... although then [now] called AHP with the CM15A interface. It was Puck that shared with me that I could use an extention cord... and KDR told me he was using a USB extention. It was the encouragement of others (here at the forum) that helped me to address my phase issue and do my 1st antenna mod (on the CM15A).

I can't blame my HA addiction on BVC (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm)! But as automation goes... talking to your home would have to be considered the hard stuff.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surprise.
Post by: dave w on February 03, 2009, 12:56:17 PM
Bitman

i think I remember when you wanted X10 just to control your "RECORDING" sign... :D

Invest in a XTB II repeater.

I have noise generators all over the house, 80 something X10 modules from one end of house to the other, five computers,  four TVs which have "always running" switching supplies, and a plethora (don't know what that word means, but like to use it) of small switching power supplies as I replace my inductive "wall-warts" with switchers. And only three filters are needed because my ACT repeater cranks out over five volts of signal which overrides the noise.

Since Phil Kingery does not monitor this forum and I won't hurt his feelings by not recommending ACT, I recommend Jeff Volps XTB-IIR to solve your problem.

phil, you are not listening are you?
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 03, 2009, 03:09:28 PM
plethora mean s**t load of stuff.

I like to use that too.  ;D

I have 3 recording lights now and thankfully they still work in concert with the recording transport.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: Boiler on February 03, 2009, 04:02:07 PM
Bitman,

Since your recording studio sounds like it's in a constant state of flux, you may want to filter the entire circuit.  X10 Pro makes a 20A wire in filter for just that application.  I use the leviton version for my PC Hive in the basement.

X10Pro Link: XPF Filter (http://www.x10pro.com/pro/pdf/xpf.pdf)
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 04, 2009, 12:08:37 AM
Well,

I put the desktop Vaio back in the Laundry room where this saga began and ran my long powered USB extension from the pc to the CM15a in the studio where it is happy. I connected and powered the baby monitors and started talking to BVC from the living room. Lights come on and go off via command and macros are executing. Recognition is about 70% good.

After I stopped and went back to usual forum surfing one of my macros the "I'm Home" custom command that fires a macro where all the living room lights pop on executed apparently all by itself. This is somewhat disturbing. Otherwise it's starting to work.

I have a appliance controller on the Vaio ac cable so a timer can power it off at 10:30pm after I've gone to bed and the timer is set to power up at 6:30 am. Where the ac recovery of the pc will hopefully power it up and run ahp and bvc. The reason for this is I am still on the demo bvc version for now and my wife is happier not having the pc running when we are sleeping or not home - just yet.  ;D

Instead of using my ICON remote, I hope to say "Computer, Morning" and have it execute the morning macro. That will be something if is works like I'd like it to.


Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: HA Dave on February 04, 2009, 05:21:42 AM
After I stopped and went back to usual forum surfing one of my macros the "I'm Home" custom command that fires a macro where all the living room lights pop on executed apparently all by itself. This is somewhat disturbing. Otherwise it's starting to work.

Most recognition problems are caused by too much volume. Too much volume can also cause the computer to hear things.... that aren't there. I run my microphone setup (which adjusts the volume) speaking louder than I normally would... then I adjust the volume down. My BVC (http://www.davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) anounces about everthing it turns on... when it turns it on... so I can be sure a light isn't turned on elsewhere that I am unaware of.
 
I have a baby monitor beside the computer (that handles the entire downstairs) and another upstairs. I adjust the microphone (run the setup) at the PC location... then adjust for the remote mic/monitor. My monitors face the corner of the rooms they are in.

With the living room monitor... and TV both On... I un-mute the microphone setting (so I can hear what the microphone/monitor hears) and adjust the monitor down till I can no-longer hear the TV. I caught-on to this one evening when trying to fine tune the mic setup... and my wife got a phone call from her sister. I found I could completely adjust the TV sound out yet still hear my wife speaking as clear as a bell.

I have a appliance controller on the Vaio ac cable so a timer can power it off at 10:30pm after I've gone to bed and the timer is set to power up at 6:30 am. Where the ac recovery of the pc will hopefully power it up and run ahp and bvc.

I put copies of the exe of BVC (and WeatherAloud in my start-up folder.. so it (they) automatically run when the PC boots up. I also changed my start-up (microsoft welcome wav) to a Jetson's doorbell.wav I found on-line.

That sounds like a pretty cool setup. I setup my BVC with my perimeter detection setup... which warns trespassers as well as me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkAwQ4KXkHA)... so of course I run 24/7

Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 04, 2009, 11:45:31 AM

Most recognition problems are caused by too much volume. Too much volume can also cause the computer to hear things.... that aren't there. I run my microphone setup (which adjusts the volume) speaking louder than I normally would... then I adjust the volume down. My BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) anounces about everthing it turns on... when it turns it on... so I can be sure a light isn't turned on elsewhere that I am unaware of.
 

When you say: Then I adjust the volume down.
On the baby monitor receiver or windows line in level?

The reason I ask is BVC or MS Voice or both, seem to wrestle control away from me with regards to the windows line-in volume, setting it back to the microphone test level.

Last night things were pretty stable, this morning after a 6:30am power on, lights and macros were executing all over and seemingly by themselves as my wife and I enjoyed morning coffee in the same room as the monitor mic. I unplugged the BVC machine and went to work. I will fight another day.



Thanks
:Ron
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: HA Dave on February 04, 2009, 12:01:47 PM
When you say: Then I adjust the volume down. On the baby monitor receiver or windows line in level?

The reason I ask is BVC or MS Voice or both, seem to wrestle control away from me with regards to the windows line-in volume, setting it back to the microphone test level.

Once I got the baby monitor working as the input I stopped touching it (it's volume level is also very low).

It sounds as though you have audio gain. I didn't think you could get that with a line-in device. I only run into that when using the microphone in. What OS are you using?
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: HA Dave on February 05, 2009, 09:35:47 PM
.... BVC or MS Voice or both, seem to wrestle control away from me with regards to the windows line-in volume, setting it back to the microphone test level.

I restarted my HA PC today.... and may have re-created your problem... at least sorta. I only restart about once a month... I did re-adjust a little.
Title: Re: The curse of the Sony Vaios! Was:Curious issue with a CM15a - Surprise Surpr
Post by: bitman on February 06, 2009, 12:41:29 PM
Dave,

I've shelved BVC for the time being.
This has been a haywire week at the day job computer service shop and I have many open issues up in the air.
I expect to be back at it relatively soon however.
I have joined the bvc forum so I'll post issues there about bvc from now on.

 >!