X10 Community Forum

📱X10 WIFI => 🐞X10 WIFI App problems or bugs => 🏥Help & Trouble shooting => Topic started by: michaelbushell on April 09, 2018, 08:41:28 PM

Title: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on April 09, 2018, 08:41:28 PM
One of the unsung useful features of the hub is the ability to log the X10 traffic. As X10 users we all know of the occasional light or appliance that suddenly goes on or goes off.

Having the Hub installed now for a couple of weeks, in conjunction with my CM15 (I haven't yet setup any Timers on the hub), the list few times I tried looking at the log, the Hub had trouble sync-ing. I've considered resting but I'm not  familiar with what that does, so I don't.

Any suggestions as to what to do? For Android, they say to unplug the unit, but who says the problem is the same.

I have now tried the scan process over a dozen times with varying success, sometimes the indicator of per cent completion of the data transmission actually begins - except that it stops and says try again. As I said, I have already successfully installed the Hub and this iPad but it started mohave trouble syncing -my iPhone continues to function.

I wish the software developer was reading this and could simply tell me whether it sounds like a bug with the iPad IOS and the HUB.

Saturday I am bringing my iPad to Apple to check it out but s my iPad does one wifi comunication with three other server based apps, I don't think Apple will find anything wrong with the iPad.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Knightrider on April 10, 2018, 05:03:12 AM
I don't think anyone has made any use of the history function. Neither android or iOS.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on April 10, 2018, 10:28:41 AM
I tried the WiFi wizard and went through scanning the QR code and now I can't even get the sync with that; meaning the iPAD app can no longer communicate with the hub. (up to now, I had no trouble using the iPad with the App.)

On the other hand, my iPhone continues to work fine with the App.

I tried deleting the app and reloading but no success.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Bill811 on April 10, 2018, 11:55:47 PM
Posted this to x10 Wi-Fi app for ios thread: Upgraded my iPad to iOS 11.3 and now registering the app consistently fails, using the iPad camera and also a very good photo of the QR code. Usually it fails right away, but occasionally will proceed to 7 or 14%. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the app, restarted the iPad, resynced the WM100, in various orders. Works ok on my Android devices (except of course downloading history, which did work on the iPad when it was previously working).
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on April 11, 2018, 02:29:34 AM
Thanks Bill811 for your post and follow of the Sync problem on your iPad. Misery loves company, if nothing else. I, too had recently upgraded my iPad to 11.3, after I had installed the X10 App on it. I, too, made a number of better and better photos of the silly Scan code (couldn't they have certified any other way?!). And of course, my wife's and my iPhones continue to work even though they are on 11.3 too. I'm still going to go to the Apple genius bat next Saturday to give my IPAD a health test, and I will report this problem may have been created by Apple.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Bill811 on April 11, 2018, 05:01:10 AM
Interesting that iphones on 11.3 work, but not our ipads. Our phones and a tablet are Samsung Androids that work, except for downloading X10 WiFi history, which fails with an exception and automatic app restart. Looking forward to anything you find out from Apple. Maybe the next ios update will fix it. Always hopeful.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on April 12, 2018, 05:32:28 AM
Bill,I have some older X10 modules, and they don't last forever.  As a result, some of my older X-10 switches/modules age and become sporadic. The key is, were they turned on by some artifact on the line or by a real unexpected or rogue X10 serial code, or it was just an older module/switch randomly failing and no code transmitted at all. The log can show you whether there was an X10 code or not. (If not, you probably need to replace the module if it continues to occur.). Unfortunately, the current implementation does not appear to pick up every transmission.

The CM15  records the log os well but only if you keep it online.That I don't do.

I'll keep you posted.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on April 12, 2018, 07:59:27 PM
I just returned from the Apple Store and showed them that the Hub doesn't work. We scanned, it accepted the code but the error code came up again. They think it's  a bug in the App and suggested that I (and you) should go to the App store online, and where the X10 Hub is shown, there's a place for us to give the developer feedback. The Apple at the Genius bar did it for me.

I brought along my iPhone just to show them how it's supposed to work. The Apple folk showed me a feature about the Hub I had not known.....that I could remotely operate my X10 devices on my iPhone remotely (using the Apple Stores wifi.).   Neat!
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: dave w on April 13, 2018, 03:24:12 AM
The Apple folk showed me a feature about the Hub I had not known.....that I could remotely operate my X10 devices on my iPhone remotely (using the Apple Stores wifi.).   Neat!
You do not need WiFi, the App will work over the cell also. To keep from using data close the app until you need it. To just check status or control something and then close, data use miniscule.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Bill811 on April 16, 2018, 12:20:49 AM
Michaelbushell - thanks for verifying the iPad ios 11.3 registration scan problem. Developer feedback link on the App Store just goes to x10.com, so I posted an app review noting the problem.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on April 16, 2018, 02:28:21 AM
Bill811, I would think that the more ways we can try to reach them, the better.

The  company name that I was thinking of is AUTHINX, which I think is the development group that created the HUB. They may be fully owned by X10.com.

Did you write your review already?

BTW, I would think that you've had a lot of experience with the technology of X10. I'm too invested in all the modules around the house to change so I went ahead with the obvious extension that we've been waiting so long for. But the technology leaves a lot to be desired. Not often but every so often, a transmission doesn't reach it's target. With the hub, sometimes it doesn't 'hear' every request even though the targeted device did. If I want to turn a device off that is already on, and the Hub shows that it is off, I need to first turn it on via the hub, and then turn it off with the Hub. No big deal, that's the intuitive thing to do. But I wouldn't want to use the HUB for a commercial building. There's a niche for the HUB, that's certain however.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Bill811 on April 16, 2018, 07:22:55 PM
Actually, Authinx has taken over X10. Look at x10.com/about-us

I have posted my review on the App Store. It is there along with yours.

So far, the hub has correctly indicated module status when controlled by other devices such as RF controllers and AHP. I’ll watch more carefully for errors.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Brian H on April 16, 2018, 07:35:52 PM
X10WTI went bankrupt at least a few years ago.
Then Authinx Inc. took over.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: dave w on April 16, 2018, 07:38:08 PM
The  company name that I was thinking of is AUTHINX, which I think is the development group that created the HUB. They may be fully owned by X10.com.
FWIW
Technically Authinx IS X10. "X10 WTI" (old X10)  crashed and burned back in 2012 or so. They went bankrupt and closed the doors very suddenly. Authinx which had been a X10, and home automation, seller bought what was left of the old X10. It took them a while, but Authinx managed to re-establish manufacture of much of the old X10 product line (with improvements like AGC to make the system more reliable). https://www.x10.com/about-us/

It is very difficult to make an X10 home automation system bullet proof. But a "flame thrower" coupler/repeater like the XTB-IIR from JV Digital Engineering  http://jvde.us/ will make a system nearly bullet proof. We have 80 some modules in an under 2000 sq ft home. Our system went from maybe 80 percent signal reliability to 99.9 percent reliability after installing the XTB-IIR.

Oops, sorry for stepping on Brian H

Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on April 17, 2018, 04:56:41 AM
Thanks for the info Dave (and Brian)

I have been using repeaters (2) that I bought way back from Smarthome. I also have a couple of filters which are supposed to prevent big transformers and motors from sucking up the signals on the AC lines. They are each  very location dependent to do their job (many hours of playing around with them).

How does the flame thrower you refer to differ from the smarthome modules I have? My home is 2900 square feet, 2 floors play basement and attic (got some up there too!).
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on April 17, 2018, 05:41:28 AM
Dave, I just read about the XTBII repeater. I think smart home once offered a two phase bridge which simply plugged into the electric dryer outlet to function. Your flame thrower would need my electrician, unfortunately.

Further, it brought to mind that the CM15 may transmit a stronger signal than the HUB, and the hub may really need the repeater to be as effective  as the CM15. Right now, I have the HUB piggy backed on the same as the CM15, and I dare not move them to another location, as that appears to be an electric center of the house and it can reach all my modules.

Tell me I'm wrong, please.

BTW, I have an extensive audio/video system and I used the palm remotes to turn on the various amplifiers.  I also use Control 4 to wirelessly manage the signal connections to my various audio devices and Bluesound to select the CD. In that, I use my iPhone to do that management. And to make sure no aberrant signal gets to turn on my amplifiers I use a two layer gated approach which requires two button presses and three X10 palm controllers. Now with the HUB, I don't need any palm controllers anymore. Using my iPhone I have all the tools I need to control the system.

August 9: Updated Module firmware but no sync with iPad. iPhone okay.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Brian H on April 17, 2018, 12:32:42 PM
I have seen posts. Indicating the HUB has a larger power line signal than a CM15A.

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

My XTB-IIR hits my lowest signal area of the house. With a one and a quarter volt reading on my XTBM test meter.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: dave w on April 17, 2018, 11:04:01 PM
Dave, I just read about the XTBII repeater. I think smart home once offered a two phase bridge which simply plugged into the electric dryer outlet to function. Your flame thrower would need my electrician, unfortunately.
Yes, Smarthome did have a 220V outlet repeater.
{verbose mode ON}
AFA XTBIIR, the big difference is the very, very, high output of the XTBIIR. I have over years owned multiple X10 and Leviton repeaters, also had two ACT repeaters. With the exception of one of the ACT repeaters, all used reactive power supplies (just like the X10 modules). 120V line voltage is reduced to lower voltage for the electronics by capacitors (reactive). The XTBIIR and the old ACT uses a good sized transformer (inductive supply) to lower the line voltage. An inductive supply can put out much more current than the reactive supply. I believe the XTBIIR can put out an X10 signal as high as 30V. My old X10 - Levitons struggled to crank out 5V. I'm reading 10V at the other end of the house from the XTBIIR.
JVDE makes superior products.

Regarding wiring in your breaker panel. Yes that is the way it should be done. However I made a short 220V jumper cable from a dryer cord and socket. And wired our XTBIIR in to the socket. Makes it easy to take with, if we move.

At one point Jeff Volp (JVDE) had discussed making these but I do not remember if he went ahead with that. You might contact him through his site if interested.
{verbose mode OFF}  :)
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: JeffVolp on April 18, 2018, 12:57:16 AM
I believe the XTBIIR can put out an X10 signal as high as 30V. My old X10 - Levitons struggled to crank out 5V. I'm reading 10V at the other end of the house from the XTBIIR.

Performance tests:  http://jvde.us/forum/index.php?topic=343.msg1529#msg1529

Jeff
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on May 15, 2018, 12:47:10 PM
I just updated my iPad to the new 11.3.1, and the Hub still cannot sync !!!!!  (My iPhone works perfectly.)
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Tucson on June 27, 2018, 03:27:29 PM
Probably all ready know but just for the record,  iPhone iOS 11.4
 
Works
  Time sync works
  Firmware check
  Turn devices on and off

Fails
  History and settings sync
  Sync data
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on June 27, 2018, 06:43:41 PM
My iPhone after updating to 11.4 continues to work properly. I was a little nervous I have to say.

However, after updating X10 on my iPad to 11.4, which stopped working after the last two updates, still cannot sync. Data transmission during the sync operation actually got to 17% but then the error message came on. I tried several times after and it still does not sync. All other Apps on it continue to work.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Tucson on June 28, 2018, 01:46:21 PM
Interesting my iPhone will not sync with 11.4, I wonder if it matters which iPhone. I have an iPhone 8. I have an older iPhone that I will try and report back.

BTW my iPad still works because I stopped updating. Not desirable but I’m stuck at the moment.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Tucson on June 28, 2018, 03:32:33 PM
 The mystery continues to unfold, on iOS 11.4 the follow results:

    iPhone 6S works completely
    iPhone 8 will not sync

     :o
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on June 28, 2018, 03:48:23 PM
Tuscon, my iPhone is a 7 plus, have it since Jan 2017.

My wife has an iPhone 6S. I just tried it; it works!!

What is X10 doing about this?
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: Tuicemen on June 29, 2018, 12:50:33 AM
I have a Galaxy 8+ which during development would not scan my old phone had no issues
I believe developing apps for the WM100 was the wrong approach, just to many variables.
newer phones use different drivers and if an app doesn't update to make those phones compatible they'll never work.
if the app is updated to always work with the newest OS, old phones will may stop working. B:(

The developer is working on issues with the new IOS which they were made aware of just prior to an app update.

This has caused a delay in the update being released. Unfortunately even Android users have to wait for an IOS fix >*<
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: JeffVolp on June 29, 2018, 01:21:02 AM
I believe developing apps for the WM100 was the wrong approach, just to many variables.
newer phones use different drivers and if an app doesn't update to make those phones compatible they'll never work.
if the app is updated to always work with the newest OS, old phones will may stop working. B:(

This is similar to the problem many of us have had with Windows updates.  I have applications that will not work past Windows XP.  Unfortunately, phones update much more frequently than Windows, and this will be a continuing problem for any automation system based on a smart phone.

Jeff
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: ceedee on July 15, 2018, 06:07:21 PM
After executing a hard reset on the module (and losing all my devices), I got my iPad Air 2 syncing. My android worked OOTB. My old iPhone 5 works fine.  However, no luck with a second (identical) iPad Air 2. This is really getting annoying.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: michaelbushell on September 30, 2018, 04:42:24 PM
My iPad, which once worked with the X10, has not been able to sync since a new iOS update (months go). Now after several updates (now on iOS 12) and a new HUB firmware update, the iPad still does not sync.Through this same period of time, my iPhone 7s continues to work with the X10 hub.
Title: Re: IOS Device: Cannot Sync
Post by: ceedee on September 30, 2018, 05:52:28 PM
My iPad, which once worked with the X10, has not been able to sync since a new iOS update (months go). Now after several updates (now on iOS 12) and a new HUB firmware update, the iPad still does not sync.Through this same period of time, my iPhone 7s continues to work with the X10 hub.

Same here. Ridiculous. I use an iPhone 5 running 10.3, because it’s the only thing that works.