X10 Community Forum
🛡Home Security => Problems and Troubleshooting => Topic started by: jonheil on April 17, 2011, 02:17:42 PM
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I just upgraded to the SC1200 from the DS7000, which I had no problems with other than I needed more than 16 zones. I installed all the zones and now I see a low battery indicator from zone 4. The DS7000 didn't indicate low battery and there's no walls between the sensor and console. For arguements sake I replaced the batteries and made sure the 1200 was mounted vertically. I also have several zone indicators displayed even though the switches aren't open. Doesn that mean the switch is open? Again the 7000 doesn't display these zones as open.
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Does the SC1200 ding dong when you open the door and it is not armed? With the default chime option On.
Since you updated from the DS7000. Are you using the DS10A door window sensors?
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Yes all the door/window sensors are DS10A. I checked all of the zones that are displayed and all but one ding dong when opened. The zone indicating low battery (zone 4) ding dongs ok and that indicator is flashing on the display. I noticed even the zones that are not displayed are still somewhat visible on the display. I don't think they're meant to be displayed but it just looks like a poor quality display. I'm pretty sure there are 4 zones indicating open though.
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Yes the LCD on mine also has all 32 very faintly showing. Even when happy and not open.
Is the Zone number flashing or on?
On indicates Open and Flashing indicates problem. Like that zone has not reported in in around four hours.
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I also upgraded to the SC1200. I was installing it this past weekend. I am also having the same problem. I found for some reason when I placed the SC1200 behind a door litterally 2 feet away from my old X10 system, none of the zones were happy. I reprogrammed it several times. I decided to move the unit to my living room 4 - 6 feet way. All was fine most of yesterday. This morning, I am having problems with zone 4 as well - I know the batteries are brand new re-chargable - same as I have in all my other sensors. Sensor 3 and 4 are the furthest away from the unit. I would guess 15 - 20 feet away.
I have read about mounting the unit on the wall vertically. I will admit vertical seems to make a difference. I believe I have had less issues. I don't physically want to mount it on the wall unit the unit is in good working order. Until then it sits vertical on a shelf.
I would like to know what the issue is also. Years back I had the Radio Shack version of this unit and it worked pretty well. I don't recall having these types of issues with that unit.
As a last resort, tonight I will replace the door/window sensor (zone 4) to see if after 3 years the sensor could be bad.
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So you has a RS 49-1000 system and it didn't have such problems?
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That is correct. I bought it in either 2005 or 2006. It died almost 4 years ago. It was mounted on the wall where I experienced all the Zone issues. Radio Shack stopped selling the units. So when I found X10, I was happy it was plug and play. I have slowly replaced all the sensors to the x10 models. So it shocked me that I was having an issue with all Zones in that location. I am happy to know that moving the unit seems to have helped.
Yesterday, I went looking for the old unit to see if I still had it, I don't. I thought maybe it would help troubleshoot the issue.
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When I got home, zones 3 and 4 were flashing. I changed one sensor, reprogrammed zones 3 and 4. no change. I'm at a loss. My last thought - move the unit closer to zones 3 and 4.
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Yes the LCD on mine also has all 32 very faintly showing. Even when happy and not open.
Is the Zone number flashing or on?
On indicates Open and Flashing indicates problem. Like that zone has not reported in in around four hours.
The display shows "LOW BATT 4" above the time and the little #4 is flashing up top. But the window still sounds the chime when opened. So do all the other zones indicating open. I've noticed something also. I'll see anywhere from 4 to 6 zones indicating "open" on the display although all are closed. So if I check the display and see 4 zones open then come back 10 min. later and there are 5 open, I should've heard a ding dong but I didn't. Seems like all the switches are working fine. Just the display is showing phantom signals. The old 7000 console is still online and not having these problems.
FWIW, one sensor is on my shed door OUTSIDE about 100 ft. from the SC1200 and it never seems to lose contact with that one. But that zone 4 is 25 ft. away with no obstacles.
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I beleive it's not SC1200, but it's actually the DS10A:
Same as the powerhorn, x10 has changed it design a lot on the DS10A w/o letting us know.
In order to get rid of the LOW BATT msg, there're some certain model of the DS10A will be pain: you have to reset it by pressing and hold the test button untill it blink few times, then remove the batt, and re-insert.
Now, watch out if you are using AHP with On Alert: again, I found not ALL DS10A acts the same way, but if you not have it reset until correct address, it can send out all bunch of crappy A000TV, or M000TV cmd, and sometime... it even trigger twice close one, or trigger three times, close two. Even trigger but not close!
I open my Activity Monitor (F2) while resetting the DS10A and observe untill seeing it's clearly triggerred/closed, then married with DS7000 or SC12A.
Good luck and have fun,
P.L
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That is a good point. I did mention I have slowly replaced all my old Radio Shack sensors. As I am leaning more tord the sensors. I will try this little trick and see what happens.
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Well...as you all know I had shipped my SC1200 back to X10 to get a replacement. I spent $15.00 in shipping to get it to them and back quickly. Well instead of receiving a new unit back, my package was sent back to me and never delivered. I called X10 and they told me I would need an RMA # on the outside of the box. The sales person could not give me one. ???? I was trandferred in a que which I was on hold for 1 1/2 hours. No one ever came back to the phone to give me an RMA. I then played email tag with an X10 associate named Brian. Once I asked him to provide me with an RMA he went silent. I called X10 again and I am currently on hold for 30 minutes trying to speak with someone. ... what the hell?... Rob
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B:( oh no! Not good!
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You mean someone from X10 said send it back, but didn't give you an RMA with return instructions? ???
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I tried to program the DS10A's as stated above - No luck!
I luckily had a couple of the Radio Shack sensors. I programmed them last night (to the SC1200). I found, I am no longer having zone issues. So I also think the problem is with the DS10A sensors. Good call! I ordered a couple DS12A's yesterday.
>!
Mike
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I tried to program the DS10A's as stated above - No luck!
I luckily had a couple of the Radio Shack sensors. I programmed them last night (to the SC1200). I found, I am no longer having zone issues. So I also think the problem is with the DS10A sensors. Good call! I ordered a couple DS12A's yesterday.
>!
Mike
Do me a favor Mike and let me know if the new sensors work and I'll do the same. Thanks.
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Will do! I expect the DS12A's on Monday.
No issues with the RS sensor. When I got in tonight. Zone #2 was having a fit! That was a DS10A. So I found another RS sensor and programmed it. I don't expect an issue. I believe I am out of RS sensors now. Looking forward, I am waiting for zone 1 to have a fit.
Mike
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You can always use your old ds7000 with the SC1200. Here's an explanation and picture.
Look at the last post. I use 2 DS7000. It's been working flawless for 4 years now.
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=13487.15
(http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=13487.15)
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The DS12A's came today. Everything seems to be great! I'll be investing in a few more of them.
Thanks spam4us - I am going to look at connecting the 2 unit together in a couple weeks.
Mike
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Hey Mike, just to clarify, you have a mixture of DS10A's DS12A's and RS sensors and everything's working ok with the 1200 console? You just replaced the troublesome DS10A's with RS or DS12A's and it's all fixed?
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No I replaced all DS10A's. 2 are with the RS sensors. The other 2 are the DS12A.
Over 24 hrs up and running and no problems. In the past I would see issues usually within an hour or 2.
Mike
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B:( oh no! Not good!
Ok I just got back my new replacement SC1200. I set it up right away only using the front door and the back door zone #2. With in 10 minutes of use Zone 2 was again seen as being open. I have replaced the SC1200 I was told that was defective. Isolated the Zone 2 sensor, replaced the zone 2 sensor with 4 others I have new in boxes, fresh batteries and everything else I could think of. Still no luck with the SC1200 seeing the sensor as being open when it is not. Anyone else have any luck? I would really like to finish setting up this alarm. Thanks guys! Rob
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No I replaced all DS10A's. 2 are with the RS sensors. The other 2 are the DS12A.
Over 24 hrs up and running and no problems. In the past I would see issues usually within an hour or 2.
Mike
Hi Mike! I had the same issues with zones. Are you no longer having issues still now that you replaced the DS10A's with the DS12A?
Rob
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I have had no problems since I have swapped out the sensors. Works like a charm.
Mike
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I have had no problems since I have swapped out the sensors. Works like a charm.
Mike
Mike...that is great news. About how far away is the furthest sensor from your SC1200?
Rob
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Were the DS10A sensors a problem with the older console, or just with the new SC1200?
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I'd say the DS10a's had an issue. I wasn't happy that I needed to upgrade the sensors as I thought they were compatible. But it wasn't a big deal. The satisfaction of the unit working correctly made it worth my while. The sensors in my house are about 25-30 feet from the console. One of them is located on my garage door. I am going to get the motion sensors working next. I had them working a year or 2 ago. The only thing I have noticed is the remote. It's the SH624 seems to have an issue with the SC1200. When I arm the unit with it - it displays an error. I only did this once (last weekend) and didn't get a chance to look into it. Exact error I don't recall. But I think I noticed last night a thread about it. It could be cosmetic, meaning the unit could still arm and work fine. But I think it is minor. I only armed it from the remote as it was located by the door as I was leaving. I rarely arm it from the remote. I usually look at the console to ensure all is ok.
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B:( oh no! Not good!
Ok I just got back my new replacement SC1200. I set it up right away only using the front door and the back door zone #2. With in 10 minutes of use Zone 2 was again seen as being open. I have replaced the SC1200 I was told that was defective. Isolated the Zone 2 sensor, replaced the zone 2 sensor with 4 others I have new in boxes, fresh batteries and everything else I could think of. Still no luck with the SC1200 seeing the sensor as being open when it is not. Anyone else have any luck? I would really like to finish setting up this alarm. Thanks guys! Rob
Mike
I checked which model of sensors came with my SC1200 and they are all the DS12A's. So now I am at a loss of how to fix my zone issues. I tried again last night with a new DS12A sensor on my back door which is zone #2. As usual the zone will appear as being open even though it is not within at least an hour. Man what a headache! : )
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The magnet is not on the border line of tripping the internal magnetic switch; in the DS12?
Like the door vibrates a bit and it goes to open even when it looks closed.
We did have a post where the user had the magnet in such a place. It went slightly past the DS12A and went open with the door closed.
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I would agree with Brian. I have had issues where alignment was an issue. It was a little frustrating. A simple test I would try is take the sensor and place the magnet and sensor by the system and see if you are still having the problem. I would wonder if it could have anything to do with the antenna in the unit. Just worth a try. My thought would be if it is working OK as it is closer to the unit, I would then start focusing on the unit being faulty. I would think that, it may be a stretch. But worth looking at.
Let me know if you need anything else.
Mike
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I would agree with Brian. I have had issues where alignment was an issue. It was a little frustrating. A simple test I would try is take the sensor and place the magnet and sensor by the system and see if you are still having the problem. I would wonder if it could have anything to do with the antenna in the unit. Just worth a try. My thought would be if it is working OK as it is closer to the unit, I would then start focusing on the unit being faulty. I would think that, it may be a stretch. But worth looking at.
Let me know if you need anything else.
Mike
Hello Mike Thank you for responding. This is my second brand new SC1200 unit. I have about 20 brand new sensors that I have tried on the Zone #2 door. I have all new batteries as well. I tried even spacing the sensor and no matter what I do that zone will end up showing open. Previously I was thiking it was just that door but then I started to experience the same problem on 2 other doors in my home that were even closer to my base unit the SC1200. Even the x10 techs thought my SC1200 was defective. I now have a brand new SC1200 and the same issues as before. Really annoying to figure out what is wrong. I am thinking maybe I should get the prior unit before the SC1200?
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I would agree with Brian. I have had issues where alignment was an issue. It was a little frustrating. A simple test I would try is take the sensor and place the magnet and sensor by the system and see if you are still having the problem. I would wonder if it could have anything to do with the antenna in the unit. Just worth a try. My thought would be if it is working OK as it is closer to the unit, I would then start focusing on the unit being faulty. I would think that, it may be a stretch. But worth looking at.
Let me know if you need anything else.
Mike
Hi Brian! Thanks for your help. I am not sure what the problem is. I could try putting the sensor on a different part of the door in zone 2. Not sure what is wrong but I may try that. However if that does resolve my zone #2 issue, then it does not explain why the original and always working zone #1 started to have the same issue after running flawlessly for weeks. Weird weird weird!
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On the Zone 2 door and the other doors that are giving you problems, what is between the sensors and the console? Specificaly, are there interior or exterior walls between the sensors and the console. I have been having problems with one of my sensors that is no more than 10 to 15 feet from the console. Due to the layout of my house, the signal from this sensor has to penetrate two exterior walls to get to the console. I open and close the door, and the led flashes, but no chime from the console. If I touch the side of the sensor (I make a good passive antenna) while opening and closing the door, the console chimes. Time to cut up a coat hanger for a permanent passive antenna. I think the wire mesh holding the stucco exterior is blocking the signal. Just sharing this experience in case your problem is similar.
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I still have my old model as well. It worked great. Here is another thought. What kind of batteries are you using?
I'd be willing to set up your SC1200 on my system to see if it work, if it would help. Ill keep pondering over this. I feel like I am over looking something.
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On the Zone 2 door and the other doors that are giving you problems, what is between the sensors and the console? Specificaly, are there interior or exterior walls between the sensors and the console. I have been having problems with one of my sensors that is no more than 10 to 15 feet from the console. Due to the layout of my house, the signal from this sensor has to penetrate two exterior walls to get to the console. I open and close the door, and the led flashes, but no chime from the console. If I touch the side of the sensor (I make a good passive antenna) while opening and closing the door, the console chimes. Time to cut up a coat hanger for a permanent passive antenna. I think the wire mesh holding the stucco exterior is blocking the signal. Just sharing this experience in case your problem is similar.
Hello Jeff! Thanks for your help. On the door with zone 2, the door is a back door to the house on a porch. From that porch there is the kitchen wall, then from there the parlor off of the kitchen. I have tried placing the SC1200 in the kitchen which is about 15ft from the zonme 2 sensor that I have trouble with. No matter where I put that SC1200 zone 2 will be come a problem. At one point I thought my issue was just with zone 2. I setup a 3rd sensor on zone 3 on another door of a second entrance. That zone 3 out of the blue would also have trouble. That made myself and the X10 technician think my SC1200 was defective. I am now working with my second brand new SC1200 but I am back to my old problem of only 1 sensor on the main entrance working and any others added cause be fals open issues as Zone 2 is doing. My home was built in the 1800s so there is not much in between the walls to cause signal loss or barriers. I have tried several out of the box sensors as well as a brick of new batteries. The console chime works fine even on Zone 2.
Rob
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I found something last night.
Due to the weather. I have a cranky back door and had to open and reclose it. I got the open zone chime but must have closed the door too fast. The SC1200 still showed zone 2 open. It did correct itself. The first time the DS12A sensor checked in for the am I alive test.