X10 Community Forum
🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Topic started by: LostDog88 on February 22, 2019, 09:21:37 PM
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I want to use the big red panic button for a doorbell.
I have read what there is on here and tried many times but failed.
My understanding is that the KR15a sends a signal when pressed. I should be able to see that in HG......at least in the log or somewhere. Usually when things happen I get a little message in the upper right hand corner. I don't get anything. And during the capture part of a macro I don't see anything at all. Nothing until the unit has a solid LED light on it and all the sirens in the house go angry! :-)\
Am I missing something?
I should be able to press this thing once, it send a signal and do a scene that rings a chime. Right?
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You should be seeing an On and Bright to the address with a single button push.
Hold it longer. An On and a few Bright commands.
Sounds like you held the button long enough to go into the Panic Mode.
The KR15A is designed to send X10 RF commands to an SH10A Small Powerhorn. Through an X10 Transceiver.
If you send it an On and then Bright commands for a Ding and Dim for a Dong.
Smarthome 1132CU monitoring the power lines for X10 signals:
Single button push. SH10A Dings.
R: A1 - 6:56:17 AM 2/23/2019
R: AOn - 6:56:18 AM 2/23/2019
R: ABright - 6:56:18 AM 2/23/2019
Hold button longer is Dings a few times.
R: A1 - 6:57:05 AM 2/23/2019
R: AOn - 6:57:06 AM 2/23/2019
R: ABright - 6:57:06 AM 2/23/2019
R: ABright - 6:57:07 AM 2/23/2019
R: ABright - 6:57:08 AM 2/23/2019
If you hold the button long enough.
It starts the panic mode. Sending the needed commands to trigger an SH10A to sound an alarm.
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You should be seeing an On and Bright to the address with a single button push.
Hold it longer. An On and a few Bright commands.
Sounds like you held the button long enough to go into the Panic Mode.
The KR15A is designed to send X10 RF commands to an SH10A Small Powerhorn. Through an X10 Transceiver.
If you send it an On and then Bright commands for a Ding and Dim for a Dong.
Smarthome 1132CU monitoring the power lines for X10 signals:
Single button push. SH10A Dings.
R: A1 - 6:56:17 AM 2/23/2019
R: AOn - 6:56:18 AM 2/23/2019
R: ABright - 6:56:18 AM 2/23/2019
Hold button longer is Dings a few times.
R: A1 - 6:57:05 AM 2/23/2019
R: AOn - 6:57:06 AM 2/23/2019
R: ABright - 6:57:06 AM 2/23/2019
R: ABright - 6:57:07 AM 2/23/2019
R: ABright - 6:57:08 AM 2/23/2019
If you hold the button long enough.
It starts the panic mode. Sending the needed commands to trigger an SH10A to sound an alarm.
The only thing that I get is if I hold the button long enough all the sirens in my house go crazy loco.
There is NO dings during a single button press. There is NO dings during a press/hold.
Only sirens when I hold it until the light on the KR15 stays lit. And in other news. If I hold it long enough to set off the powerhorn, I get a very interesting look from the wife. Not sure if these are related however. More troubleshooting needed to determine.
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I get a very interesting look from the wife. More troubleshooting needed to determine.
These actions are very normal in an X10 home, do not be alarmed. rofl
Doesn't the KR15A send "security code" and not standard X10 code? Brian's test would indicate standard X10 HCUC but for some reason I thunked it sent code like the Security Console's sensors. I don't know, just askin.
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The KR15A user manual indicates that it sends a standard X10 signal for a lamp. See...
https://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/kr15a.html (https://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/kr15a.html)
One obvious question is whether the OP has a transceiver set for the appropriate housecode.
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The KR15A user manual indicates that it sends a standard X10 signal for a lamp. See...
https://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/kr15a.html (https://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/kr15a.html)
One obvious question is whether the OP has a transceiver set for the appropriate housecode.
I have the CM15 set to housecode A
I have an SC1200 Security Console. Again set to A
Are you saying that I have to use the A codes in order to make it work? I have been trying to use the C codes. (I segregate different operations on different house codes.) I have HG monitoring A - B - C. I have my office modules set at B. My House on A. And was looking to do the doorbell on C.
***************EDIT*********************
Shouldn't the HG server see any RF codes even if there is an incorrect setting on the modules/button, etc?
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Then you need a transceiver set to C. I don't know if the CM15 monitors more that one RF House Code.
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Then you need a transceiver set to C. I don't know if the CM15 monitors more that one RF House Code.
Sorry for all these questions.
How would that effect my palmpads and other remotes? Will they still work?
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I don't know if the CM15 monitors more that one RF House Code.
It monitors all but you could choose which housecodes it transceives.
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What are you trying to Ding Dong?
Only the Small Powerhorns. X10 SH10A or X10Pro PSH02. Have the ding dong feature.
The Large Powerhorns. X10 PH508 and X10-Pro PSH01. Do not have the Ding Dong feature and will sound the siren if you hold the KR15A Red Button long enough to trigger them.
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What are you trying to Ding Dong?
Only the Small Powerhorns. X10 SH10A or X10Pro PSH02. Have the ding dong feature.
The Large Powerhorns. X10 PH508 and X10-Pro PSH01. Do not have the Ding Dong feature and will sound the siren if you hold the KR15A Red Button long enough to trigger them.
Remote Chime: SC546a.
The idea is to use the single press feature of the KR15 to ding dong the remote chime. This will be used primarily as a doorbell.
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I tried a RSC15 Retail version of the SC546. KR15A on default A1. WGL V572 all X10 address transceiver.
Pushed the Red button briefly and the chime sounded each time I briefly pushed the Red button. 1132CU showed the A1, AOn and ABright was sent.
What are you using the transceive the KR15A? Your SC1200 or another transceiver?
Dave was also correct. It can be registered to a Security Console according to the users sheet. Is the KR15A registered as a remote on the SC1200?
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I tried a RSC15 Retail version of the SC546. KR15A on default A1. WGL V572 all X10 address transceiver.
Pushed the Red button briefly and the chime sounded each time I briefly pushed the Red button. 1132CU showed the A1, AOn and ABright was sent.
What are you using the transceive the KR15A? Your SC1200 or another transceiver?
Dave was also correct. It can be registered to a Security Console according to the users sheet. Is the KR15A registered as a remote on the SC1200?
I dont' get anything with a single press. Nothing. Not even a log off the RF. I just tested it again on A8 and nothing.
I have a CM15a that I am using on housecode A. I also have a SC1200 set to Housecode A. B:(
There has to be something little that I am missing...........
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So if I understand, the button is set to HC A and the CM15 is set to transceive A and it won't respond. Are the batteries in the panic button fresh?
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You understand perfectly.
Batteries are brand new. Light on KR15 lights. Of course that has no bearing on RF transmission as I cannot currently monitor that.
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Have you moved the button closer to the CM15? Do you have another transceiver to test with like a TM751 or RR501?
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Have you moved the button closer to the CM15? Do you have another transceiver to test with like a TM751 or RR501?
Well, I'm going to point at the elephant in the room. I am seeing a number of comments on this board along the lines of: "Sounds like you got a bad X10 wiget, send it back."
Over the years the Chinese factory making X10 stuff would occasionally go off the rails and pump out widgets with little or no testing. Maybe they are off the rails again.
So, is the KR15A new?
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Have you moved the button closer to the CM15? Do you have another transceiver to test with like a TM751 or RR501?
Well, I'm going to point at the elephant in the room. I am seeing a number of comments on this board along the lines of: "Sounds like you got a bad X10 wiget, send it back."
Over the years the Chinese factory making X10 stuff would occasionally go off the rails and pump out widgets with little or no testing. Maybe they are off the rails again.
So, is the KR15A new?
Brand new. In fact this is what it was doing the first time. So I sent it back to Authinx where I bought it. They claimed they tested it and it worked fine. Then they sent it back to me. And I have the same issue as I had before I sent it to them.
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Do you have another transceiver to test with like a TM751 or RR501?
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Do you have another transceiver to test with like a TM751 or RR501?
Negative.
I use remotes on that txcvr all the time. And they work fine.
Hmm....Now you got me thinking. Does the SC1200 convert RF to PLC.....it must right?
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Hmm....Now you got me thinking. Does the SC1200 convert RF to PLC.....it must right?
Yes. It flashes the lights using powerline. Only way to get to wall switches and lamp modules.
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You have the CM15A through AHP. Set to transceive the house code in use?
Sometimes you have to set the codes to specific. Auto sometimes missed things.
Did I see you where using HG? I found on my Pi Zero it reset the transceiver house codes to what house codes it knows about.
I set mine to None and after running HG. Some house codes where set to On.
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Hmm....Now you got me thinking. Does the SC1200 convert RF to PLC.....it must right?
Yes. It flashes the lights using powerline. Only way to get to wall switches and lamp modules.
Doesn't the CM15 do the same thing?
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Yes the CM15A does send X10 power line signals. If you have set in the Tools Tab, Hardware Configuration, Transceived House Code to the ones you want to send. I used specific and picked the House Codes I needed to use. Auto has sometimes been reported as a problem. You can also set it to None. Then no House Code RF commands will be sent. Just used in AHP to to do things like Macros.
There have also been many reports on poor RF reception range and modifications to improve it. Can't say about the latest ones with no Receiver and Transmitter Daughter Boards now all on the main board.
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Yes the CM15A does send X10 power line signals. If you have set in the Tools Tab, Hardware Configuration, Transceived House Code to the ones you want to send. I used specific and picked the House Codes I needed to use. Auto has sometimes been reported as a problem. You can also set it to None. Then no House Code RF commands will be sent. Just used in AHP to to do things like Macros.
There have also been many reports on poor RF reception range and modifications to improve it. Can't say about the latest ones with no Receiver and Transmitter Daughter Boards now all on the main board.
Are you talking about AHP? I am not using AHP. Or am I confused? Under settings in HomeGenie I have A - B - C selected as house codes in use.
As far as I can tell. I should be able to go to my HG page. Click record a macro. Push the big red button and see some sort of transmission and it capture that "packet." This is not happening. Which leads me to believe the unit is DOA.
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Yes I was talking about through AHP.
I don't use HG but it sounds like if the house code you are using is selected. The CM15A should receive the RF commands.
Do you have other RF devices on the same House Code used by the KR15A that do work with HG? That would indicate that House Code is enabled in the CM15A.
Hope others using HG may chime in with more details.
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I have two or four or something remotes that I use all the time. A slap a switch. I am sure that is RF.
I just looked at the CM15. It does not have any house code settings on it. I would think if the Remotes are working. The KR15 should.
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I just looked at the CM15. It does not have any house code settings on it.
Selecting the Housecodes is done in the AHP software.
Will a remote activate a lamp set to A1?
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I would think if the remotes are using the same House Code as the KR15A and work with other X10 devices. It is processing the RF.
All done through software. AHP is one of them. I suspect HG may also be selecting the House Codes as you pointed out. You have set some in HG.
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I just looked at the CM15. It does not have any house code settings on it.
Selecting the Housecodes is done in the AHP software.
Will a remote activate a lamp set to A1?
Yup. A1 works when the remote button is pushed. All of the buttons on my remotes work.
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So the KR15A does control a switch or module on A1. Only the Chime Module will not work?
Can the Chime Module set to A1 be triggered directly with the KR15A?
Can the other remotes sending an A1 On trigger sound from the Chime Module?
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I can trigger the alarm with with a long press (panic mode)
A single press doesn't activate the chime.
The remotes however, will activate the chime when that button is pressed.
The book says (according to Jacob at Authinx) that it should be Code +1. I have tried it every way. +1, -1, same code, etc.
Nothing. when there is a short press.
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The Chime Module does not have a panic mode or at least it is not listed on the users manual sheet.
Though there had been posts that under some situations a Chime Module would be a screamer.
I think they are talking about the small powerhorn. That panics mode with a long press on the KR15As button.
The KR15A manual says to control a light or appliance module. Set it to the same address as the KR15A is sending. Default is A1. The Chime Module should be the same and you tested it with another remote fine.
The latest security panel used two house codes. I believe they said +1 on the address with the console and a powerhorn.
Do you have any X10 security panel that maybe also using House Code A?
I may have missed it. Does the KR15A with a short button press. Turn On any other X10 modules set to A1 like a lamp or appliance module?
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The Chime Module does not have a panic mode or at least it is not listed on the users manual sheet.
Though there had been posts that under some situations a Chime Module would be a screamer.
I think they are talking about the small powerhorn. That panics mode with a long press on the KR15As button.
The KR15A manual says to control a light or appliance module. Set it to the same address as the KR15A is sending. Default is A1. The Chime Module should be the same and you tested it with another remote fine.
The latest security panel used two house codes. I believe they said +1 on the address with the console and a powerhorn.
Do you have any X10 security panel that maybe also using House Code A?
I may have missed it. Does the KR15A with a short button press. Turn On any other X10 modules set to A1 like a lamp or appliance module?
All of the things you listed above I believe to be accurate. I cannot control a light or the chime with any short presses of the KR15 but I can control the light or chime with one of my remotes.
What do you mean by X10 security panel using House Code A? I have an SC1200 that is set for A. Is this what you mean?
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Does AHP report receiving RF when you short-press the KR15?
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Does AHP report receiving RF when you short-press the KR15?
I don't use AHP. I only use HG. HG does not see it and it don't appear in the logs.
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Does AHP report receiving RF when you short-press the KR15?
I don't use AHP. I only use HG. HG does not see it and it don't appear in the logs.
Does HG report RF when you control that light with another remote?
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How far away from the Cm15a are you testing this verses the SC1200 Security system?
Could RF range be a issue here?
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Yes I was asking about any X10 Security Consoles you had. The SC1200 is one of the models.
Did you register the KR15A trough the SC1200's menus?
Did you leave the Security Light Codes set to the default of A1-A2 in the SC1200?
If you have not tried it yet. Can you sound the crime module plugged into the same outlet as the SC1200's wall wart power supply with the KR15A?
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As far as I remember there are two versions of the Big Red Button, mostly undocumented.
One works the way you want it. the other only responds to the long press.
Of course, I 'm probably wrong. The wife will confirm that :)
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As far as I remember there are two versions of the Big Red Button, mostly undocumented.
One works the way you want it. the other only responds to the long press.
Of course, I 'm probably wrong. The wife will confirm that :)
Yes I registered it. It is remote 7.
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As far as I remember there are two versions of the Big Red Button, mostly undocumented.
One works the way you want it. the other only responds to the long press.
Of course, I 'm probably wrong. The wife will confirm that :)
The documentation that I received is this:
Plug a lamp into an X10 Lamp Module (sold separately) and set it to Housecode A and Unit
Code 1. Plug the module into any AC outlet.
Optionally plug a Remote Siren, Model SH10A into any convenient AC outlet. Set it to A1 also.
Press the large red button on the KR15A. The lamp connected to any X10 Module set to A1 will
turn on. Hold the red button for a few seconds and the SH10A siren will start “dinging.” Hold the
button for still longer and the SH10A’s siren will sound a loud alarm. The siren will stop a few
seconds after you release the button.
It does not work like this at all.
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You said you are using an SC506 Chime Module. It is not the same as a SH10A or PSH02 Small Powerhorn. So the part about the dinging will not happen as the instructions say for a Small Powerhorn.
When you give a short push the Red Button should send an X10 On. That should trigger a Chime Module or any other X10 module on A1.
Since you also registered the KR15A with the SC1200 and you have the Security Light Code on default A1 and A2. When you hold the Red Button on the KR15A for a long push. It will start a Panic Alarm on the SC1200.
With both the CM15A and SC1200 both transceiving House Code A. It is possible they are both interfering with each other or if you have bad phase coupling. One may do part of the home and the other one other parts of the home.
If you temporarily disable the SC1200 maybe set it to a different House Code. Then see if the CM15A is still processing the A commands from your remotes. Then test again with the CM15A unplugged and see if the remotes work when the SC1200 is back on House Code A.
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You said you are using an SC506 Chime Module. It is not the same as a SH10A or PSH02 Small Powerhorn. So the part about the dinging will not happen as the instructions say for a Small Powerhorn.
When you give a short push the Red Button should send an X10 On. That should trigger a Chime Module or any other X10 module on A1.
Since you also registered the KR15A with the SC1200 and you have the Security Light Code on default A1 and A2. When you hold the Red Button on the KR15A for a long push. It will start a Panic Alarm on the SC1200.
With both the CM15A and SC1200 both transceiving House Code A. It is possible they are both interfering with each other or if you have bad phase coupling. One may do part of the home and the other one other parts of the home.
If you temporarily disable the SC1200 maybe set it to a different House Code. Then see if the CM15A is still processing the A commands from your remotes. Then test again with the CM15A unplugged and see if the remotes work when the SC1200 is back on House Code A.
I did this test. Remotes worked fine. KR15 does not work.
I also got an email back from Jacob at Authinx. He has informed me that he believes that the unit will not work the way I expect it to and that he does not have a solution. He has provided me an option for returning the KR15 and getting a full refund.
I have no issue with that, but am still out a doorbell. I would really like to integrate a doorbell (currently there are no wires) to my HG automation software. So I can put bells and such in other places, like the office, garage, etc.
Anyone have any ideas on how to do that, since I cannot make this one work?
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That maybe possible.
Though the instruction sheet from the X10 web sits. Still says it will control an X10 Lamp Module with On command it send with a short button push. The Chime Module should also sound with an X10 On to its address.
All of my test X10 modules are not the ones currently being sold. So present sales units may not act like my testing modules.
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Anybody got any ideas that integrate a Doorbell with HomeGenie?
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Anybody got any ideas that integrate a Doorbell with HomeGenie?
I am assuming you need an RF doorbell as you have no door wiring, so if you can hack, solder, build a box, etc. here is the way I would *try* it.
1. Make a box (wood, plastic, etc.) to mount a standard door bell button and house a X10 RF remote like the KR19 or KR22. Wire the button across one of the ON contacts of the remote. I would use a box big enough to hold a couple of AA batteries for remote power rather than the button cells in either remote for longer battery life. OR Use a PHR03 Palm Pad in the housing. But you get the idea.
or
2. Use a standard wireless doorbell and wire the audio output or the doorbell receiver to a PSC01 PowerFlash. These can be triggered by audio or low level AC or DC.
In either case you (I think) would have to reset the status to OFF in Home Genie after the ON signal. At least I would in Homeseer.
This is just noodling, a lot of details need to be worked out.
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Do you just want a wireless button that triggers an event in HG? If that's all you are trying to do, the easiest thing might be to source a wireless doorbell and connect the leads from the ringer (the RF receiver part with the chime) to the RPi GPIO. At that point, you can do whatever you want with that trigger. You can also use something like a wireless relay module, but that won't give you a button that looks/feels like a doorbell. But, you could always hack that remote into a standard doorbell switch.
Wireless doorbell:
https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-RCWL105A1003-Wireless-Doorbell-Button/dp/B001G0MATM/
Wireless relay:
https://www.amazon.com/Channel-Wireless-Control-Receivers-Momentary/dp/B01COTC7C8/
There's lots of variants of both. I just linked the first one I saw on google from Amazon. I've seen RF relays for ~$5. Wireless doorbells should be around the same IMO.
FWIW, if you used a motion sensor, you could use my ASL code with a chime module of some kind to do this. Just another option though not what you asked for.
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You can also use ESP8266 modules to do this via MQTT which would be simpler than the doorbell module. This link is a simple example with tutorial but you can do it in another way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImVK5cGVrpQ
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If you are not trying to use the KR15A as a Security Console Panic Button.
I would remove it from the remote list in your SC1200. One less possible conflict with what you wanted to do.
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The only way I know how to do this is to remove all the programming from the system and start from scratch.
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There is a choice to Clear The Memory menu. To remove all remotes. Yes you would have to add all your remotes back.
So you may not want to do it.
I may have found an answer to the KR15A not sounding a Chime Module on A1.
I did a test with a Radio Shack 49-1000 Security Console. House Code set to A in menu. Made by X10WTI for Radio Shack and it was the same as the SC1200, KR15A and a Chime Module on A1. With my V572 WGL transceiver disconnected and the Security Console processed the KR15A RF. It did not sound the Chime Module with a short button push. An HR12A Palm Pad sending an A1On to the Chime Module did sound the chime through the Security Console. So if your SC1200 was processing the RF command. It is possible the SC1200 did not process the command. If the V572 was used the A1 On from the KR15A did sound the Chime Module.
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So it sounds like his least costly solution would be to add a wireless transceiver (TM751 or RR501 or Pro equivalent) to use the KR15A.
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LostDog88
You would want to remove the KR15a from your security console anyways if you wish to use it as a door bell.
many people don't just do a quick push of a door bell button but actually hold it down for some time. You wouldn't want your security system going into a panic state for a simple door bell button press especially if your not home.
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There is a choice to Clear The Memory menu. To remove all remotes. Yes you would have to add all your remotes back.
So you may not want to do it.
I may have found an answer to the KR15A not sounding a Chime Module on A1.
I did a test with a Radio Shack 49-1000 Security Console. House Code set to A in menu. Made by X10WTI for Radio Shack and it was the same as the SC1200, KR15A and a Chime Module on A1. With my V572 WGL transceiver disconnected and the Security Console processed the KR15A RF. It did not sound the Chime Module with a short button push. An HR12A Palm Pad sending an A1On to the Chime Module did sound the chime through the Security Console. So if your SC1200 was processing the RF command. It is possible the SC1200 did not process the command. If the V572 was used the A1 On from the KR15A did sound the Chime Module.
Shouldn't the CM15a pick up this RF and retransmit it?
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Well I just tested my KR15A with a CM15A set to transceive all sixteen House Codes. V572 disconnected so only the CM15A was processing X10 RF commands.
With a HR12A all 16 House Codes and Unit Code 1. All of then where resent on to the power lines.
With the KR15A my power line monitor and the CM15A's activity monitor log showed no actions. So it looks like the KR15A for some reasons does not process properly with my SC1200 or my CM15A and AHP. With On Alert if it made any difference.
While my WGL V572 all address X10 transceiver processed the KR15A just fine. Short button push shows an A1, AOn and ABright.
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Well I just tested my KR15A with a CM15A set to transceive all sixteen House Codes.
With a HR12A all 16 House Codes and Unit Code 1. All of then where resent on to the power lines.
With the KR15A my power line monitor and the CM15A's activity monitor log showed no actions. So it looks like the KR15A for some reasons does not process properly with my SC1200 or my CM15A and AHP.
While my WGL V572 all address X10 transceiver processed the KR15A just fine. Short button push shows an A1, AOn and ABright.
So in short what I am learning from this is that I must have the TM751 or RR501???
I like the idea of getting to build something. But with my limited time purchasing a solution is easier for me.
However..........This stuff is like heroin. I am never going to get where I got the first time! LOL. rofl rofl
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Well the more modules you have that transceive X10 RF signals. The chances of having power line collisions increases.
The SC1200 and CM15A will also transceive standard X10 RF commands. The RR501 is supposed to be polite and not step on other commands in progress. The TM751 is not polite.
I honestly can't say if all revisions of TM751 or RR501 will process the KR15a's RF signals.
My short tests seem to be hardware version sensitive.
An RR501 Date Codes 02J44{2004} and 10G28{2010} do both my HR12A and the KR15A sound a chime module on A1.
A TM751 Date Code 00D17{2000} both HR12A and KR15A sound the chime module. Date Code 10E19{2010} only the HR12A sound the chime module.
Forgot to say the CM15A in my other tests was a Date Code 05C10{2005}. I can't say if the latest ones with the RF transmitter and receiver on the main board. Act differently.