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🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Topic started by: BackAgain on June 28, 2017, 03:57:44 PM

Title: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on June 28, 2017, 03:57:44 PM
Not wanting to clutter other threads, I'll post this here.  Will also give me something to look back on and refer to if there are future problems.

AHP installed in x86 folder, Opens fine and shows Registered with three plugins.

CM15a installed and updated with timers downloaded to it.  Disconnected from PC and plugged into a centrally located outlet.

PLC01 also plugged into a centrally located outlet.

TM 751 plugged in out in garage (distant physically from units mentioned above) with antenna collapsed.  This is to help with coverage of remotes.  I had noticed some 'doubling' of commands when this unit was inside the house.  That may have been due to conflicts between it and the CM15.  That doubling is not happening currently since relocating it and collapsing the antenna.  It is NOT included as a module for any purpose in AHP.  The (HomeCode) 1 address is assigned to an appliance module in AHP and currently works fine.

For the moment, I seem to have coverage for all installed modules including those that were not working (garage and old style wall switches).

Unsure of Macros yet which is what started this latest quest.  Speculation is that the lack of Registration and the SmartMacros plugin may have been responsible.  I'll see if they work tonight and in the morning.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: dhouston on June 28, 2017, 04:06:02 PM
CM11 plugged in out in garage (distant physically from units mentioned above) with antenna collapsed.

What antenna?
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on June 28, 2017, 04:22:41 PM
The CM11A is a serial port controller. With NO X10 RF receiver or transmitter. So it has no antenna to fold over.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on June 28, 2017, 04:29:03 PM
Typo.  Corrected.  I'm very, very tired.  Did some concrete work today in between everything else.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on June 30, 2017, 03:58:51 AM
No go.

PLC01 acted up the next night again, so I unplugged it.  Appeared to start at about the time the Macros should have triggered, but none of the lights came on.

The next night (with the PLC01 removed), the macros still did not activate any lights even though they show in the AM.

AHP now shows 'Registered' including SmartMacros, and the file was downloaded again to the CM15 which is disconnected from the computer and plugged in at a central location.

Remote does activate all lights.  Macros do not activate any.  They're not even really macros, just 'On at night' set for each of three appliance modules with lamps plugged in (dimming not required, low wattage LED bulbs) and one with an On and Off time set for a battery charger in the garage.  Time Zone is set correctly in Hardware Configuration.

Note that these timers DID work with the same LED bulbs for months and the remotes DO turn them on and off, so the bulbs are not likely causing interference.  I don't know why they stopped working, but that's when I started trying to figure things out and thought the CM11 went bad.  Now I'm wondering if I've wasted $40 on the PLC01 and $50 on the CM15 since there is no change.

There is no coupler other than a simple capacitor inside the breaker panel, but given everything else, I'm not sure about spending more money on a different coupler.  There are some LAN devices on 2.4G, but since the remotes work without fail, I don't see them being the root cause.






Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on June 30, 2017, 06:05:45 AM
Are the remotes being transceived by the TM751, CM15A or both?

Are the TM751 and CM15A in different locations of the setup?

There could be some signal suckers and noise makers on the CM15A AC power or you have poor phase coupling.
As the simple capacitor across the incoming lines is not an ideal coupling solution. The typical .1uF across power line rated capacitor is 13.26 Ohms at the 120kHz X10 power line frequency.

If you have not looked yet. Jeff has a great set of X10 troubleshooting tutorials.
http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm

The 2.4GHz RF signals should not effect the X10 310MHz RF Signals.
 
 
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on June 30, 2017, 08:16:48 AM
Macros do not activate any.  They're not even really macros, just 'On at night' set for each of three appliance modules with lamps plugged in (dimming not required, low wattage LED bulbs) and one with an On and Off time set for a battery charger in the garage.  Time Zone is set correctly in Hardware Configuration.
So are these macros or timers? There is a difference!
Different issues will apply to a macro verses a timer.
In the files you sent me I didn't see any macros in the ahx file.

You say your using appliance modules, your AHP file shows lamp modules. There is a difference and AHP sends different signals to softstart then nonsoftstart modules, the file I have shows they are softstart.
Also your file shows you have 4 modules set to come on at the same time does the upstairs desk come on /go off when set?
that is the only timer set to an appliance module.
Not setting up AHP with the correct module types will always cause unexpected results.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on June 30, 2017, 09:39:17 AM
Two lamp modules and two appliance modules I believe is what you'll see.  The other (P2?)  is an old style camera 12VDC power supply running a small DC LED in a display cabinet.

I get confused with the terminology of Timer vs. Macro.  They both show in different sections of AHP, but the Activity Monitor flags Timers as Macros as far as I can see.

I'm getting frustrated to the point of forgetting about AHP entirely and trying a console of some kind.  But I'm not sure that will work either and I really don't want to put any more money into this.

The TM751 is currently out in the garage with the antenna collapsed.  It's about 40-50' physically from the CM15 and there are several walls in between them including two concrete block walls.  There is a 220 VAC 30A line going from the main panel to the garage where there is a sub panel with local breakers.  It's there really only so I can use a small two device remote (KR19A) to turn the charger on/off if I need to.


The CM15 is plugged into an outlet that was previously used for a window AC unit that is wired on a separate 115VAC 20A breaker by itself.

ALL of the remotes work fine.  There is no stuttering or apparent duplication of signals that indicates a collision between the CM15 and TM751.

The only issue at this time is that the timers do not turn any of the devices on/off as scheduled.

I have explored the SmartMacro screen and set one for 'On at night' now that the add-on is registered, but I have not downloaded to the CM15 yet.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on June 30, 2017, 10:17:12 AM
The units that do not work with timers, can you turn them on/off within AHP?
I may not have the correct ahx file as I see only one appliance module (P12) on a timer and 3 light modules on timers (P2,3,4)

Macros require a x10 signal trigger, macros can include several devices, there is no off for a macro they simply run till completed max time 4 hours
timers work on time of day as the trigger, work for one device these can have on and off and don't have a run time.

it may be since your sending several different signals at the same time they're getting scrambled. ::) :'
though I suspect it is how the devices are configured
try making a macro with a trigger of say A2 in it turn on the devices in question.
now click on the timer icon in the a2 macro and set it to come on at a time.
if it works make another macro A3 in it place your devices as off then set a timer to run it so it starts at the time you wish devices off.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: dhouston on June 30, 2017, 11:49:55 AM
TM 751 plugged in out in garage (distant physically from units mentioned above) with antenna collapsed.  This is to help with coverage of remotes.
There may be a better way to get the RF range you need. See...
https://www.laser.com/dhouston/ImproveCM15A.html (https://www.laser.com/dhouston/ImproveCM15A.html)
A better antenna for the CM15A can eliminate the need for the TM751.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on June 30, 2017, 06:40:48 PM
OK, let's see if I can remember all of this.  Still doing some concrete work outside in the heat, so my brain is not doing real well.  No, I don't let myself get over heated, which is why it's takiing so long.

Tried AHP again.  CM15 was disconnected, USB cable laying on the floor but AHP showed it connected and communicating.   B:(

Plugged the CM15 into an outlet near the computer, plugged in the USB cable, got the Windows ping/acknowledgement.

Tried each module by clicking the onscreen icon.  Screen icon changed status and AM logged the event, however NO module reacted.

Unplugged the TM751 (PLC01 was already unplugged) and tried each module again.  No change.

I don't know why, but I got the idea to delete one of the modules from AHP and recreate it.  Clicked the new icon and the module worked.  Proceeded to delete and recreate all of the others.  The two LM465s worked, but the two AM486s did not.  Plugged the PLC01 back in and the two AM465s worked.  As of the moment, all now work from AHP.  There is one more AM486 (P1) and the old camera PS (P2) that also work as of now.

Deleted all timers and macros.  Created two new ones using the SmartMacro tool.  One to turn P3 (LM465), P4 (LM465) and P12 (AM486) On at Dusk/Off at Dawn.  The other to turn P15 (AM486) on and off and certain times each day.

CM15 is plugged in and connected to the PC.

PLC01 is plugged in.

TM751 is NOT plugged in.

All modules work from AHP.

We'll see what happens tonight when Dusk rolls around and again at Dawn.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on July 01, 2017, 05:26:21 AM
Wake up this morning and none of the lights that should be on are on.  Everything is off.  Look at AHP, Icons are off.  Activity Monitor screen is blank (I had cleared it last night).

Click the button on A3 that says Run Macro and the devices turned on.

Why didn't the Macro fire at the scheduled time?

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on July 01, 2017, 08:07:38 AM
Since the macro works when clicked I suspect the issue is in the timer.
However as a test try the macro set to run from the PC.
if that still fails then Post your timer settings (screen shot of advanced settings page).
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Knightrider on July 02, 2017, 12:27:41 AM
Is there still a box to tic labeled "issue ON instead of bright 100%"?
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on July 02, 2017, 07:20:17 AM
Yes, tools/preferences/macro options, and worth a try. >!
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on July 05, 2017, 10:16:59 AM
On Instead of Bright was already set.
Tried Run from PC, no change.

But I think I stumbled onto the answer ...  or AN answer, though I don't think it should be.

When you set the Macro as shown above for 'between Dusk and Dawn' it doesn't seem to mean anything.  To me, that should turn it on at Dusk and off at Dawn.  Apparently not.

Nor can you set it to turn on and then off.

What I've had to do is create two macros, Lights On (A3 trigger On) and  Lights Off (A3 Trigger Off), then set individual timers for each, A3 (On) On at Dusk and A3 (Off) On at Dawn.  I did that with a separate test Macro and lights turned on and off as programmed.  Seems counter-intuitive if that's the only way to make it work.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on July 05, 2017, 11:02:52 AM
the if between dusk dawn conditional means if you send the trigger command and the time is not between those times it will not run.
In your case that condition doesn't need to be in the macro.
You are correct that you need 2 macros one for off and one for on.
You could get away with 1 macro if you only wished the lights to stay on for 4 1/2 hours as that is the time limit for a macro to run.
macro would look like
lights on
delay 04:30:00
lights off
 >!
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Noam on July 05, 2017, 11:50:18 AM
I don't think I saw this in the thread (if I missed it, I apologize), but as far as I recall, macros ignore conditions (or evaluate them all as "true") when you run them by clicking on them in AHP. You need to trigger them externally (using a remote, for example) to properly test the conditions.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on July 06, 2017, 01:12:10 PM
Seems like everything ran as scheduled last night for the first time in weeks.  Still don't know why things started getting messed up, unless the CM11 started failing for some reason.

Now, I need to clean things up without causing more problems.  I still have two installs of AHP and need to clear one of them out, but not sure which one.  And I'd like to have a duplicate install on another PC as a backup that is also registered with the plugins, just in case.  Can I simply copy the full AHP folder from one PC to another?  Or are there other bits and pieces that are needed?

Is there a way to tell from looking at the files in the folder/directory which install is registered and which isn't?





Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on July 06, 2017, 04:13:08 PM
The AHP that is registered is most likely the one in the program files(x86)
Though both should look for the registration info and comeback registered.

There are other bits and pieces to the AHP program.
your best to install on the other PC run AHP-Lifejacket on it then copy your AHX file to the other PC open AHP and check open file then select the AHX file then
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on July 18, 2017, 10:56:38 AM
It seems like everything is working as of now.  I know I still have a couple of bad modules, but that's another matter.

I really don't know what set all this in motion, but it may have been a combination of things:



I still don't know if the CM11 was going bad, but I prefer the USB version and the added features of the CM15 (RF receiver, signal repeater).  When trying to use the CM11, one of the newer PCs I tried had Serial Ports but the other did not, so I had to use a USB>>Serial adapter.  That's no longer an issue with the CM15.

I don't know if I needed the PC01, but it seems to be OK now, no flashing LED.  That may be related to getting a Macro working with staggered On commands instead of multiple On commands from Timers at the same time.

The TM751 is still installed and working with no apparent conflicts.

I believe one of the biggest things I did was to delete and recreate each module in AHP.  None of them worked from the AHP screen icons before doing that even though they all worked from remotes.  They all did after that, including a couple of wall switches I thought were completely shot.  I had even tried changing House Codes with no results.

At this point, as funds permit, I may be able to add some modules for exterior lighting use.


Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on July 18, 2017, 12:40:05 PM
I am glad to see you are now running.

Thanks for the update on the findings.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on July 18, 2017, 01:00:00 PM
Thanks for the update. The import of old cm11 ah files has always been an issue with AHP.
I guess the x10WTI programmers never did get that issue resolved. ::) :'
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on July 18, 2017, 08:17:52 PM
I think the bit about 'delete and recreate' is one to add to the cookie jar of future suggestions if anything similar comes up again.  I'm not sure it will because I don't know how many people are still using AH and haven't migrated.  But who knows as people get new PCs and whatever.

How long ago did AH die now?  10 years?  15?

I don't even remember when the original X10.com died.



Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on September 14, 2017, 03:57:31 PM
Hey Gang, guess who ....?

All still seems to be working well, but now I have a new issue.  I'm trying to add some additional modules and have chosen to use a different House Code.  Why?  I'm getting close to the 15 in HC P and want to leave some room for expansion there.  So I'd like these in HC O.

4 WS467 Old style
1 SR227

1 WS467 and the SR227 are brand new out of the box, never used.

I can set them up in AHP and when clicked, the activity monitor shows the activation.  The AHP module Icon also changes.  However the modules do not react at all.  (Sounds familiar, I know).

Under Hardware Conficuration, I have the Monitored HC set to P and the Transceived Codes set to Auto.  The box is greyed out and both O and P are shown checked.  I've also tried the Specific option with both codes checked.

It's sending something because the PLC01 blinks.

Where do I begin?  What more do you need to know?

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on September 14, 2017, 04:40:36 PM
Under transceived house codes you should have specific checked not Auto as Auto has been known to be inconsistent.
Are you using the cm11 or cm15? I see you have both now.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on September 14, 2017, 05:27:03 PM
15.  11 is laying on the floor not connected to anything.

When changing between Auto and Specific, it is necessary to click Update Interface?

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on September 14, 2017, 06:05:30 PM

When changing between Auto and Specific, it is necessary to click Update Interface?


yes
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on September 14, 2017, 06:38:34 PM
No change.

I'm having sort of the same problem as before with the new modules, but ONLY the new ones.  The screen reacts (Icons change, event shows in Activity Monitor) both when using the mouse or a remote, but the modules do not.  I've deleted and recreated the icons a few times.  I've tried both the old style and new style icons (modules are old style, no soft start).

I don't believe it's a signal issue since some of them are nearly side by side with the existing units.  The kicker is that I also tried them on the same P housecode and they still didn't work.  I can't accept that I have 4 or 5  bad modules.

This doesn't seem like it should be such a pain.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on September 14, 2017, 06:48:56 PM
Sounds like the CM15 may have locked up have you tried the battery reset ritual?
Have you tried another USB port?
Does a remote (palmpad) operate them OK?
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on September 14, 2017, 06:54:33 PM
Not yet.

Not yet.

No.  It DOES show the status change on screen though.  And like I said, the PLC01 blinks so something is being sent.



Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on September 14, 2017, 09:10:44 PM
Just a thought ...  the SR227 and one of the WS467s are fed from the Load side of a GFCI.  Could that block the powerline signal?
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: dhouston on September 14, 2017, 09:28:12 PM
Yes.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on September 15, 2017, 09:35:07 AM
CM15a Reset, batteries removed, replaced, reset in Hardware Configuration.

USB port changed twice, one loaded drivers, etc.


No change on the installed "O" modules. 

Can the WS467s get 'confused' to where there have to have power removed to reset them?

Rigged another new (old stock), previously unused WS467 on a test cord with a 50w Incandescent lamp set to 'O" housecode and it works.

Going to pull the new SR227 and WS467 to rig on test cords and see what happens.



One problem I'm having is RF range for the remotes.  I can't be more than a few feet from  a receiver for the remotes to work.  CR12a, KR15a, UR19a, and Keychain Remote all seem to be about the same, but the first two are a bit better.  All have new batteries.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: dhouston on September 15, 2017, 09:54:10 AM
One problem I'm having is RF range for the remotes.  I can't be more than a few feet from  a receiver for the remotes to work.  CR12a, KR15a, UR19a, and Keychain Remote all seem to be about the same, but the first two are a bit better.  All have new batteries.
See the bottom of this webpage...
https://www.laser.com/dhouston/X10_feng_shui.html (https://www.laser.com/dhouston/X10_feng_shui.html)
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on September 15, 2017, 09:59:54 AM
The RF Receiver in the CM15A has a reputation on not having a good receiving distance.
There are some modifications threads here. On how we improved the receiver.
About half of the receive antenna is inside the case glued around the inside of the case.
Some of us have unstuck it. Pulled it out and extended the plastic tube antenna.
Some have removed the antenna and wired in an RF jack. Then used an external antenna.
I have not used it but I have seen good things about the new X10 RF Repeater.
https://www.x10.com/x10-home-automation/specialty-devices/couplers-repeaters/sr751.html

Dave has some passive fixes on his forum and posted one of the links as I was composing.  :'
https://www.laser.com/dhouston/ImproveCM15A.html
https://www.laser.com/dhouston/X10_feng_shui.html

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on September 17, 2017, 06:36:12 AM
18" wire taped to the CM15a didn't seem to make any difference in range.

Now I'm getting a USB device error though and can't communicate with the CM15a from the notebook.  Tried different ports.  Rebooted PC.


Getting annoyed with this whole system.  Doesn't seem worth the headaches.  Maybe there's a reason they went belly up.  Not gonna do the newer style 'hub' stuff from others though.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on September 17, 2017, 06:49:13 AM
What was the USB error message?

Try taking the batteries out and disconnect the CM15A from the laptop.
Let it go disconnected for awhile.
Then set it back up and try again.
If it still does not work. If possible try it on a different computer.

Instability was one of the reasons. Some added the missing decoupling capacitors in the CM15A
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: dave w on September 17, 2017, 04:32:59 PM
Can the WS467s get 'confused' to where there have to have power removed to reset them?
No, not really. But I have seen a Lamp Modules and Wall Switch modules "get stuck" while being dimmed and "appear" to be locked up not respond to any further commands. Turning off the light with local switch, or the breaker and the light can be turned back on or off but again locks up when dimmed.

Typically this is caused not by the switch, but by the bulb (LED, CFL, etc) starting to generate noise when dimmed, and at some point the generated noise overwhelms the X10 code so the module "locks up".
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on September 17, 2017, 06:00:32 PM
If the switches are a later revision.
They also have Preset Dim and Soft Start.
If you have any of them they act differently from the older ones many of us used.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Newer_Wall_Switches_and_Preset_Dim
The Lamp Modules with Soft Start also do not dim all the way down to 0%. More like 20%-30% depending on the bulb being used.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on September 19, 2017, 02:03:50 PM
Typically this is caused not by the switch, but by the bulb (LED, CFL, etc) starting to generate noise when dimmed, and at some point the generated noise overwhelms the X10 code so the module "locks up".

The three WS467s in question have been in place for 5 years or more and all have one or more incandescents or halogens.  One three head track light and two ceiling fan fixtures.  They may be the only fixtures left that don't have CFLs or LEDs.

I'd hate to pull the batteries from the CM15a which would dump the memory and not be able to reprogram it from the PC if it still won't connect via USB.  May try another PC at some point, but I'm just too irritated with the whole system right now.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on September 20, 2017, 10:00:47 PM

I'd hate to pull the batteries from the CM15a which would dump the memory and not be able to reprogram it from the PC if it still won't connect via USB.  May try another PC at some point, but I'm just too irritated with the whole system right now.


The batteries don't affect the CM15 mem they only maintain the clock.
I actually haven't had batteries in my cm15 in over 3 years.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: IPS on September 24, 2017, 01:06:46 PM
sounds like something i have faced and finally was able to get it working. It all started after changing to LED lights. All of a sudden the lights stared to turn on by themselves and PC01 light would keep flickering and CM15A activity log would record hundred of entries. Disconnecting PC01 would stop the unnecessary activity but then the range problem would come up. So changed Pc01. It worked for a while and restarted all over again. Then replaced with V572RF. Same story all over. In the meantime removed some devices that looked were the noise maker/signal suckers.

Finally got the system to work and it has been working for few months now. All it took was replacing ACT 236 phase coupler with phase coupler from Jeff@jvde.us I can't remember the part number but you could look it up on his website.

timers are working and i can also control lights etc. with X10 commander, IPhone pro app and Alexa. Yes i still have LED. Have not replaced any of them.

Hope this works for you and others who might be having similar problem. >!   
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on September 30, 2017, 09:38:48 PM
Maybe a different subject, maybe not ....

Is it possible ........  for any X-10 device to interfere with/block remote reading by a utility for an Itron (utility provided) electric meter?

https://www.itron.com/na/technology/product-services-catalog/products/0/7/5/centron


Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: dhouston on October 01, 2017, 07:30:32 AM
We have seen multiple instances where smart meters interfered with X10 functions but, so far, have not seen instances where X10 functions interfered with the meter.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on October 01, 2017, 01:03:25 PM
My utility seems to be having a problem reading my meter remotely.  I don't know if it's me or them, but it seems to have started (maybe only coincidentally) around the end of June, not long after I got the CM15a.

I'm trying to pick their brain, but they're not the easiest folks to talk to.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on October 01, 2017, 01:29:04 PM
In your link in an earlier post.
The company making the meters have some specification sheets for various models.
I looked at some of them. IF you can read the model number on it. Maybe I have it to look at.
I did not see anything close to X10 power line or RF frequencies. 120KHz line 310Mhz RF.
Now if you where talking Insteon. A few of them use an RF frequency of 910MHz-920MHz or 902MHz-928Mhz.
Insteon is 915MHz.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: dave w on October 01, 2017, 04:31:04 PM
Is it possible ........  for any X-10 device to interfere with/block remote reading by a utility for an Itron (utility provided) electric meter?
https://www.itron.com/na/technology/product-services-catalog/products/0/7/5/centron
I have been down this road with Duke Energy after they installed an iTron on our house. Slightly different from your comment, in that I wondered if X10 codes on the powerline would make the iTron calculate a higher power usage than actual.

http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=29759.msg168586#msg168586

If you are with Duke our meters are likely the same. According to a Duke engineer in Ohio, my meter uses WiFi to periodically transmit my usage to an aggregator which then uses cell phone technology to get the information to Duke office ( I don't know if that is HQ in Charlotte, or Duke in my state). This engineer was heavily involved with the Duke Energy / X10 problem in Cincinnati after Duke's installation of Eschelon meters.

My short answer to your question is No.

I have about 135 X10 "entities" and X10 powerline transmissions are very active. Duke has not indicated any problems reading my meter (and they know me and would not hesitate to contact me). IF you are with Duke you can PM me and I can give you the name of the Duke engineer in Ohio. Your rep can get his number from the Duke corporate directory.   
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on October 01, 2017, 04:37:21 PM
Nope.  Not Duke.

A little regional co-op.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: dave w on October 01, 2017, 04:46:38 PM
OK, I have an "Open Way" iTron meter. If yours is an "Open Way" you can at least say you know of X10 / iTron Open Way installations that have no problems. They should just try another meter.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on October 01, 2017, 05:05:24 PM
Dunno what it does.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: dave w on October 01, 2017, 05:58:23 PM
Mine has "Open Way" next to the iTron logo, so meters may not be the same.
You can down load the iTron slick sheets by googling "iTron Open Way" and "iTron CS1".

I think the link below covers both meters,  but I do not find how the CS1 sends it data. If it is WiFi or "ZigBee" the meter is sending in the 2.4 gHz band which is same as mine and believe me Duke has no problem reading my meter  :'

http://www.smartmetereducationnetwork.com/uploads/how-to-tell-if-I-have-a-ami-dte-smart-advanced-meter/Itron%20Centron%20Meter%20Technical%20Guide1482163-201106090057150.pdf
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on October 02, 2017, 06:47:23 AM
Thanks for the link to the technical data.
I found an assortment of models on their web site and downloaded the sheets. As you said not too informative.
How it communicates also was not 100% clear but indicated it depended on the option modules installed.
I saw some used a spread spectrum RF 910Mhz-920Mhz or 902MHz-928MHz.
Some used PLC communications at 9.6KHz or 12.5KHz.
The Wi-Fi and ZigBee maybe in one of the options modules I found no data on.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: roger1818 on October 02, 2017, 01:30:09 PM
The batteries don't affect the CM15 mem they only maintain the clock.

Half correct.  The programming is stored in an EEPROM, so not affected by the batteries.  However, the batteries supply power to the entire CM15A, not just the clock, so will also maintain things like unit status and flags (which are stored in RAM).

Quote
I actually haven't had batteries in my cm15 in over 3 years.

If you keep the CM15A connected to an always on computer and don't care about flags and unit status (on monitored house code), that is fine as the clock will set itself automatically to the computer's clock.  If you don't, it will lose its clock in a power failure and not only will none of the timers work, but macros with time delays won't work either until you connect it to a computer to set the clock.  Either way the flag and unit status will be lost.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on October 02, 2017, 05:42:23 PM
Y'all tired of me yet?  Probably not as tired as I am of X-10.  Sometimes I just have to walk away from something for a few days. 

It's been running the scheduled timers fine.  But I tried to install and test on another PC and still couldn't get into the CM15a, same error, popup from the Windows notification area, driver not installed ......

Read back over the posts about not losing memory (really not a big issue if it did) and gave it a go.  Opened the battery door and found one of the four Eveready Alkalines with the label distorted.  Pulled it and found it had leaked in a way I've never seen on an Eveready.  No idea what happened.  Replaced it and I have access again.

Not sure where I am with programming though.  Copied the ahx file from the other computer and downloaded to the CM15a again.  We'll see what happens tonight. I've added another AM486 into the mix and set a dusk-to-dawn timer on it, so I'm curious to see if that works tonight.  I can operate it from the remote, so that's one good sign.

I had tried the 18" wire taped to the antenna ...  made no difference in range that I could tell.  Moved it to another location closer to where I use the remotes though.

Somehow, I gained access to the SR227 with the "O" address and can trigger it from the remote now.  Don't know how or why.

However, I'm back to not being able to trigger modules from AHP.  Same as before, screen icons change, but the modules don't react.  Not too worried about that right at the moment since this installation on this notebook is not registered yet.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on October 02, 2017, 06:09:00 PM
Maybe asked already.
Do you have a good phase coupler?
Have you tried to see if you have any power line noise makers and signal suckers?
Icons changing but modules not responding. Can be a power line signal issue.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on October 06, 2017, 12:01:45 PM
No phase coupler, but suddenly I have a new meter.  They told me they were going to try this, but didn't say when.  I'm gone for a few minutes and this is what I find when I get back. 

Appears to be this one, but mine doesn't have the FlexNet logo.

https://sensus.com/products/icona/

https://sensus.com/icona/

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on October 06, 2017, 12:11:01 PM
I had unplugged the CM15a and PLC01 sometime Wednesday to see if it would make any difference and still didn't see any new readings show up on the Utility company customer portal.  I really wanted to talk to this guy and didn't get a chance.

Guess I'll plug them back in today.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on October 06, 2017, 08:21:41 PM
I had unplugged the CM15a and PLC01 sometime Wednesday to see if it would make any difference and still didn't see any new readings show up on the Utility company customer portal.  I really wanted to talk to this guy and didn't get a chance.

Guess I'll plug them back in today.

So .... plugged them back in, waited for when the macro should fire ...  nada .

Plugged the USB cable in ...  malfunction, no connection.  Can't communicate with CM15a. 

Replaced all 4 AAA batteries, back to working.  These were new batteries (or so I thought) when I put them in a week or so ago.  Anybody have a problem with CM15as eating batteries?

 >*<

I'm the horse, X10 is the beater.



 -:)


 >!


Ahhhh.....
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on October 07, 2017, 06:02:58 AM
You may want to see the CM15A area of the X10 Wiki.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/CM15A

There is a question on eating batteries and a few on USB issues.
Just keep in mind. Now that X10WTI and its registration servers are gone. Not all answers are now valid.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on October 07, 2017, 07:03:30 AM
CM15A Should Not Eat Batteries
Question

Are batteries required to operate the CM15A?

My CM15A seems to be draining batteries while it is plugged in to the wall. Is this normal?


Answer

    Batteries are not required to use the CM15A.

    If you install batteries in the CM15A, they should last quite a while as long as the CM15A is connected to wall power.

    If you discover that your computer interface is draining batteries while it is plugged in, then it is defective.




Informative!

:not:

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on October 07, 2017, 10:10:07 AM
Unless the batteries where not fresh

If it is eating batteries and on 120VAC power.
Then it probably has defective hardware.
Just like the wiki pointed out.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on October 07, 2017, 12:07:25 PM
Yeah, but since it was bought aftermarket, not likely to get any kind of warranty resolution.

Wonder what would happen without batteries at all?  Wiki says you don't need them, so ...

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on October 08, 2017, 08:29:49 AM
As I've posted before the CM15 will work just fine and maintain time with out batteries. However it must be connected to a PC with AHP set to run on start up and you PC to restart after a power blip.

I've ran several CM15As this way for several years (and still run) with no batteries.
AHP uses the PCs time to set the CM15A and checks this on each start  up automatically.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on November 12, 2017, 06:56:50 PM
I probably should know this, or have checked on it by now.  How can I be sure I have the right Drive ID in place?  My own instead of whatever LifeJacket does.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on April 16, 2018, 03:13:48 AM
Things have gotten flaky again.  All worked well for a while.  Now some modules are not switching as scheduled and I can't control them with remotes.   Added a few more LEDs, so who knows.  Tried unplugging a couple of them as I've had that reset them somehow before.  No change.  Not interested in spending any more money buying modules though.


Meter issue hasn't changed.  They replaced the transformer on the pole and tried two other meters (4 total) and can't read any of them.  This is the only house on the road though that they have trouble with.  Tripped the main breaker on the panel and they still couldn't read it.





Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Tuicemen on April 16, 2018, 03:26:08 PM
I probably should know this, or have checked on it by now.  How can I be sure I have the right Drive ID in place?  My own instead of whatever LifeJacket does.
Sorry I missed this question.
If you open a command prompt and type vol
This will display the current id as volume serial number
The default ID which comes with Lifejacket is 1C96-1538 I believe
Things have gotten flaky again.  All worked well for a while.  Now some modules are not switching as scheduled and I can't control them with remotes.   
You have introduced something which is either a signal sucker or is causing noise or both.
Check to see if AHP is reporting seeing RF commands from your remotes.
Have you mapped your circuits? This will help with trouble shooting.
Knowing what is on each circuit will narrow down where the issue is as usually it is on the same circuit (though not always).
If it is only some modules that aren't performing I suspect a signal sucker on the ciruit of the modules

Quote
Meter issue hasn't changed.  They replaced the transformer on the pole and tried two other meters (4 total) and can't read any of them.  This is the only house on the road though that they have trouble with.  Tripped the main breaker on the panel and they still couldn't read it.

This is odd but maybe a good thing.
Since they can't tell how much power your using how can they bill you? rofl
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: dave w on April 16, 2018, 07:11:43 PM
Things have gotten flaky again.  All worked well for a while.  Now some modules are not switching as scheduled and I can't control them with remotes.   Added a few more LEDs, so who knows.  Tried unplugging a couple of them as I've had that reset them somehow before.  No change.  Not interested in spending any more money buying modules though.
Let's see:
"Worked well for a while... now I can't control them...".

That sure sounds like you have added a noise maker. You need to continue unplugging, until things start working. Then back track (plug back in until things quit again) to find the culprit. If it worked once and now it don't, you shouldn't have to spend any more money buying modules, just more troubleshooting.

Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: HA Dave on April 16, 2018, 09:36:56 PM
......
Let's see:
"Worked well for a while... now I can't control them...".
That sure sounds like you have added a noise maker. You need to continue unplugging, until things start working. Then back track (plug back in until things quit again) to find the culprit. ..........

I've developed a protocol for anything new we plug in. Like recently.... I installed a new LED light in the kitchen (the kitchen is now 100% LED).... and with the [new] light ON.... I turned various X10 lights ON and OFF to make sure there wasn't going to be a problem.

I've found it's easier to pin down any problems at the time they are created.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: BackAgain on May 18, 2018, 02:24:43 PM
Beginning the process of pulling it all out and going back to photocells and timers.  I can get photocells for $10 or less that do dusk to dawn every day, no time zone offsets or updates needed.  Randomized since the Sun changes every day.

  Timers are cheap too and some randomize now.

As for remote control, I can get small RF units for a few bucks at Big Lots.  No worrying about 'suckers'.

I've put too much money, time, effort and sweat into a system that is wholly unreliable.  No more.  Even if I paid to rent one one of the testers, there is no guarantee it would find the problem, or that it would be something I could fix easily.  With the utility meter issue, the problem may not even be in the house.



Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: Brian H on May 18, 2018, 02:40:32 PM
Thank you for the updates. Sorry it did not work out for you. Though it sounds like the simpler devices may work out better for you.

If you where thinking about the XTBM loaners. Jeff posted last month. They where no longer available. They where purchased by the folks that originally loaning them.
Title: Re: My Current Status
Post by: JeffVolp on May 18, 2018, 07:52:04 PM
If you where thinking about the XTBM loaners. Jeff posted last month. They where no longer available.

One rental unit is available again, but please check first before ordering because the next person may decide to keep it.

Jeff