X10 Community Forum
🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Help & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: RonaldH on July 10, 2012, 07:23:03 PM
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HI from The Netherlands!
I am using Active Home Pro with a CM15A and have a X10 signal coupler installed.
Everything is working smoothly but every now and then I get a bulk of receiving Codes that mess up the status of devices.
The problem is repeatable.
When I look at the Activity Monitor a normal action looks like below: two transmit and 3-4 times receive.
0 10-7-2012 23:40:26 Transmit G14 (Kas Light)
1 10-7-2012 23:40:26 Transmit G On (Kas Light)
2 10-7-2012 23:40:27 Receive G On (Kas Light)
3 10-7-2012 23:40:28 Receive G14 (Kas Light)
4 10-7-2012 23:40:28 Receive G On (Kas Light)
5 10-7-2012 23:40:33 Transmit G14 (Kas Light)
6 10-7-2012 23:40:33 Transmit G Off (Kas Light)
7 10-7-2012 23:40:35 Receive G14 (Kas Light)
8 10-7-2012 23:40:35 Receive G Off (Kas Light)
9 10-7-2012 23:40:35 Receive G14 (Kas Light)
10 10-7-2012 23:40:36 Receive G Off (Kas Light)
But every now and then the receive does not come back and 2x transmit later I get 90 recieve notifications of all kinds of adresses and Active Home Pro acts on those.
Most of the recieved codes do not even exist in my set-up, it looks like this:
17 10-7-2012 23:42:23 Transmit G9 (Pump Barn Light In)
19 10-7-2012 23:42:27 Transmit G9 (Pump Barn Light In)
20 10-7-2012 23:42:28 Transmit G Off (Pump Barn Light In) HERE THE RECIEVE DOES NOT COME BACK
21 10-7-2012 23:42:39 Transmit G10 (Pump Barn Light Out)
22 10-7-2012 23:42:40 Transmit G Off (Pump Barn Light Out) TRY An OTHER SWITCH
23 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive M13 HERE THE TRASH STARTS
24 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive M3 (30 Min Sprinkler)
25 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive G4 (Sprinkler Huis/Voor (4))
26 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive G11 (Chicken Light)
27 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive M5
28 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive M3 (30 Min Sprinkler)
29 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive G4 (Sprinkler Huis/Voor (4))
30 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive G10 (Pump Barn Light Out)
31 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive M13
32 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive M3 (30 Min Sprinkler)
33 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive G4 (Sprinkler Huis/Voor (4))
34 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive G7
35 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive G7
.
.
108 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive M3 (30 Min Sprinkler)
109 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive G4 (Sprinkler Huis/Voor (4))
110 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive G All Lights On
111 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Receive M13
112 10-7-2012 23:42:42 Transmit G10 (Pump Barn Light Out) AND HERE IT RESPONSES AGAIN
113 10-7-2012 23:42:43 Transmit G On (Pump Barn Light Out)
114 10-7-2012 23:42:43 Receive G10 (Pump Barn Light Out)
115 10-7-2012 23:42:44 Receive G On (Pump Barn Light Out)
116 10-7-2012 23:42:45 Receive G On (Pump Barn Light Out)
Besides this problem, all modules respond to the signals everywhere in the house and garden.
I tried unplugging a lot of things in the house and on my main distribution panel I closed every group in seqeunce at a time, but the problem remains.
Before I go any further, I could use some input :)
Is this a typical issue of a noise generator or signal sucker?
Is so, If I break the power to a part of the house by flipping the switch on the main distribution panel would that eliminate the noise generator / signal sucker or not?
Anyone familiar with the above problem and a hint how to handle this?
I am looking forwad to your input!
Kind regards Ronald
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Besides this problem, all modules respond to the signals everywhere in the house and garden.
Is this a typical issue of a noise generator or signal sucker?
Is so, If I break the power to a part of the house by flipping the switch on the main distribution panel would that eliminate the noise generator / signal sucker or not?
FWIW
No, I don't think you are describing a typical noise generator, and definitely not a signal sucker.
Noise will stop the X10 signal from getting to the target modules, and although noise can "morph" into something a lamp or appliance module might respond to, it is rare.
Yes a noise generator (and signal sucker) will stop when the circuit breaker is tripped off.
I would try resetting the CM15A first (disconnect from power and computer, remove batteries, hold above head and dance a little jig, etc.) Then reload your program. Is your coupler passive or an amplifier? If an amplifier (repeater) I would disconnect it for a while and see what happens.
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One question not asked: Is the OP a US Military in the Netherlands or a Dutchman.
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One question not asked: Is the OP a US Military in the Netherlands or a Dutchman.
???
How would that help? ::)
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Easy. If he's US Military, his X10 equipment is US but if he's a European native, his X10 equipment would be from European x10 sources.
This also belongs in the Active Pro section, not the Original Active Home section.
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HI from The Netherlands!
I am using Active Home Pro with a CM15A and have a X10 signal coupler installed.
Hope this clears this up. Just because the product number ends in an "A", doesn't mean that it works exclusively with our borders. He didn't say CM15E or CM15Pro. I'd like to think we are here to help everyone and not just us in the Americas. Please refrain from perpetuating the idea that Americans are rude.
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UPDATE:
I am a Dutchman not a US citizen although I really like the US, just for those who wundered :)
And knightrider, thanks for pulling attention to that, its is a CM15PRO.
I have been to long on US sites that that slipped in, sorry for that.
Just to make things more complet:
I use the US version of Active Home Pro, because I like the ActivePhone PRO which is not available in Europe.
I have SmartMacros and ActivePhonePro as Plugins
ActiveHomePro is running on a dedicated Windows 7 PC (24/7) and the CM15PRO is connected directly to that through USB, I have no RF devices.
I do note use a reapeter
So summery so far:
1) it does not look like a NOISE / SUCKING issue (sorry for the wording :))
2) Noise / Sucking generating items stop generating their issues when I cut the power on the main distribution panel.
I will practice mij dancing steps and start a reset of the CM15PRO.
Unplugged the CM15PRO, removed the batterij, left it for 2 hours, re-entered the battery, plugged it in again, restared the PC ..
Problem remains the same.
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Do you have two way modules that can report their status?
I believe many of the European style modues can report their ststus while most of the US ones will not.
Is the x10 signal coupler an active type repeater?
No RF devices. So you would not have any transceivers, remotes or motion sensors?
Any others power line controllers in the system?
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Yeap I do have some 2-way modules, they are very handy, but with this enormeouse trash you loose all the benifits since you can not use the received signal as trigger anymore.
The coupler is a FKX40 from Marmitek/xanura, it is an active type.
I have no transievers or remotes (X10 related) and one motion sensor for testing but it is disabled at this time.
In the system is also a Rain8 and XM10 Two-way PLC Interface connected to the Rain8II.
No camera's.
I'll disconnect the whole Rain8 and XM10 and test if the issue is in there and report back.
Thanks all so much for the replies, makes me feel less frustarted and alone.
X10 is not (yet) very big in Europe so we are very happy with the US support.
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I do note use a reapeter
So summery so far:
1) it does not look like a NOISE / SUCKING issue (sorry for the wording :))
2) Noise / Sucking generating items stop generating their issues when I cut the power on the main distribution panel.
I will practice mij dancing steps and start a reset of the CM15PRO.
Unplugged the CM15PRO, removed the batterij, left it for 2 hours, re-entered the battery, plugged it in again, restared the PC ..
Problem remains the same.
Sorry the reset did not help. You did indeed dance long enough. ;)
I'm out of ideas, but just to recap; if it was noise morphing to false the modules, I do not think you would see the organization and repetition showing in your log. I think Brian H's thoughts of a 2-way module(s) acting up may be right on. Especially if you do not have an active repeater and only a passive coupler. One question. In USA the coupler is used to couple the X10 signal between the two phases of power (we use a split phase system where two lines of 120V AC power, 180 degrees out of phase is used to develop 220V for large, high current, appliances. Do you have mutiple phases in your home?
Since the firestorm of module commands stops when you turn off at the distribution panel, can you selectively trip off breakers one by one to isolate to a particular circuit? (Sorry I'm not familiar with European home power distribution, so these are shots in the dark).
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OK let us know if turning off the Rain8 changes anything.
As I did notice some of the trash messages received where sprinkler related.
Don't know much about a KFX40 but do know some of the US ones don't always play nice with a CM15A and maybe your CM15Pro version.
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I Disabled the Rain8 and the XM10. This did not help, the problem consisted.
@BrianH:
In Europe we have 3 phases, and the coupler is active and distributes over all three phases.
The bulk received codes continue if I shut down groups of power at the distribution panel.
I have to leave one group on where the PC and CM15PRO is but I securred the PC and monitor with a filter.
I did get however a step further. (closer or away is not yet certain :))
I have only started one year ago with X10 and I am slowely rolling it out through the house and garden.
I use house Code B (2x) and C (5x) for some dimmers and appliance switches (ON/OF) in the house.
I use House code G (12x) for the RAIN8 and some appliance switches (ON/OF) in the Garden
I use M 1-2-3 for 3 marcros that are schedules for the sprinkler.
The problem occures when I use house codes starting with G but can not be triggerd when I use B and/or C.
I have tried for an hour but I can not get the trash generated when only using house code B and/or C switches, after 5 house code G commands there we go again.
Please note that the RAIN8 (G1-8) is disconnected and not on the grid and still the trash occures.
Settings of the CM15PRO are:
Memory Available 88.38%,
Battery Status Green
Monitored House Code G (AHP recommended that since it was the most used house Code)
Transceived House Code(s) AUTO
I hope the extra info triggers a brain wave with one of the experts.
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Make sure your AHP recycle bin is empty.
Some times old discarded macros/modules left in there will still trip.
The monitored house code that AHP recommends is not always the best house code to be monitored.
As a test try ignoring what AHP suggests and use one of the others in use
>!
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Trash was empty.
I set the CM15PRO to monitor house code C.
Same result, no trash when using B and C house codes.
After 3 times using G code I get trouble again.
Note that some codes in the bulk recieved codes never existed like G7, M5 or M13, they are also randomly.
Also note that the time stamp is completely equal for al 90 "trash received codes"
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Your KFX40 is set to defaults?
It almost looks like the KFX40 is repeating known signals being repeated.
Like a firestorm of bouncing signals being seen as the bogus codes.
I know some repeaters here in the US are known to be a problem sometimes.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Known_Issues_with_ActiveHome_Pro
I guess a two way module could also be bouncing back garbage through the repeater.
I found the KXF40 Users Manual. I see it has some status LEDs maybe you can see how they are acting and find more information.
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Brian H thanks for the input.
"The phase coupler transmits X-10 commands that
enter from one phase to the other two phases. These
commands are repeated when transmitted to all phases."
(from the manual)
It is set to default, meaning repeating on all 3 phases and couple all 3 phases.
The funny thing is that the House Codes that do not cause a problem (B and C) use extension codes like dimming etc. and are mostly 2-way.
The house group G, causing the problem only uses ON/OFF with only one 2-way module.
Also it is not just an echo, since I also receive codes that do not exist on my system.
In Europe there are no (or not known to me) alternatives for the Phase coupler that I use.
A friend uses this one as wel in combination with the CM15PRO and has no issues.
Which does not mean that much since I have problem free House Codes B and C going as wel...
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I will see if I can find more things to look at and try.
Unused addresses sometimes show up when not even in use.
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I get the "Address that don't exist" every once in a while, it's always in the O housecode above the 6 O modules in use (O1, O2, O3 and O4 regular use and O5 and O6 at Christmas time). I created a special room in a .ahx file that is only used to turn off the addresses that don't exist. They show up 35 minutes after the regular lights go on outside.
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I'll be on holiday for a couple of days.
After that I'll try the following steps and report back to you!
1. Cut power to the whole house but one group that has nothing except the PC (on filter) and the CM15PRO.
If the problem continues it is pretty sure the software or the CM15PRO.
2. Take a diffent PC, install a different X10 software (like mControl) and test again with only one group of electricity.
This should eliminate the PC and the Software, if this still generates the problem, it is the CM15PRO
3. Same setting as 2 and Use a different CM15PRO (from a friend)
4. If 1-3 does not solve it i'll move all 'G' adresses to 'D' only in the software and than try again as setting 1
5. If still the same problems I'll buy an insteon
6. If it still happens I'll disconnect all power and move back to the middel ages..
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#5. Just for your information. Smarthome/Smartlabs is slowly dropping X10 support in their modules, but I would guess you are not going to add an X10 address to them anyway. ;D