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🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Topic started by: arf1410 on April 25, 2005, 03:43:35 PM

Title: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: arf1410 on April 25, 2005, 03:43:35 PM
I am playing the "3 strikes you're -out" and
after 7 months and 3 non functioning CM15As,
I am returning them for a full refund.  I
would love to re-purchase unit when / if
bugs get resolved.  X10 Pro, and Tony, a
cust supt mgr, claim there are many people
with CM15As that work great.  I'll give them
the benefit-of-the-doubt, and assume I jsut
got 3 defective units in a row - maybe poor
QC in the manufacturing process.  I
understanding that opinions in this forum,
like most others, are weighted towards the
bad, but I have a couple of questions

/1/ X10 - Where does your data come from
that states you CM15A works great for most
people?

/2/  If you Cm15A works great for you, can
you describe your system / setup in detail?
% memory used, op system, any motion
detectors? Any RF?  attached to PC 24/7?
etc.  I am curious if there is a difference
in setup with those that work, and those
that don't.

And please, can we keep the replies "value-
added" to the topic / discussion at hand.

Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: jon on April 25, 2005, 04:38:05 PM
I'm using a CM15A that is disconnected from
a PC (Win2k, AMD1100) at all times. It
serves as my whole-house transceiver, runs
timers and macros (both RF and powerline).
Currently, I have not experienced any issues
and the CM15A has been working correctly
since Christmas
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: dan on April 25, 2005, 04:55:25 PM
I had no luck (at all) with two CM15As with
the following configuration:  XP, P3.2,
Intel MB.  Has anyone had any luck with
this configuration?

X10, ARF1410 asked an interesting
question.  Are you saying that you really
haven't had many CM15As returned or
exchanged?

Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: david k on April 25, 2005, 07:00:10 PM
I am on my third CM15A and it works fine.

I do not use it as a transiever as the
range was bad.  The second unit range was
great but the clock was terrible.  I went
back to the original and got a V572, great
range.  I received third unit and now clock
works OK with timers, even disconnected.
The only problems I have is with
SmartMacros and iWitness and they can and
will be worked out eventually.

WinXP SP2, eMachine AMD +2200, 1gig
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: SteveRF on April 25, 2005, 09:26:28 PM
My first CM15A was a near total bummer. Would
not work over 2 hours disconnected.
The second (diag unit 04J44) has worked
fairly well since 7 Mar (disconnected). Time
has been right on the minute (no loss or
gain).  Ocassional slow motion sensor/Cm15A
response, a glitch in the status report where
flag status is not being reported correctly
and one macro that does not change the status
flags.  I  believe the flags are actually
changing but simply not reported correctly as
I have a couple of 11pm macro/dimming
functions that will not work if the flags are
not being set properly. They work.  The only
other problem I have had lately is a burp
after the last update (3.186) that required a
battery removal, reset and setup reload. My
set-up includes: 5 motion sensors, 20
modules, 11 macros, 10 timers, XP Pro/SP2
regards,
SteveRF
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: Charles Sullivan on April 25, 2005, 11:57:00 PM
I've had a fairly new (05C10) diags unit on
test for a few weeks now with no hiccups.
It's been detached from the PC all along.

I'm running it just as a timer - no
conditionals and no RF - with a combo of
clock and dawn/dusk times programmed by AHP
3.183.  There are 28 timers and 18 macros
controlling 24 modules.  Programmed execution
times remain within +/- 10 seconds as
monitored by a CM11A on a PC synchronized
hourly with an NTP server.

I have a few other issues with the CM15A but
its performance on the current test has been
flawless.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: tony on April 26, 2005, 01:12:33 AM
Configuration: PC P4 2.4GHz  1GB RAM  XP Pro
SP2  AHP/CM15A  (04J44  P10792E  ROM w/keyed
power plug  then 05C10  P10792M RPM w/non-
keyed power plug) started with AHP Version
3.175 and updated every time with the latest
including iWitness Beta and  beyond  current
version 3.186.  Never had a problem with
updating and having AHP come up and run.
Never did the “popular 8 step battery
removal reset”.  Just had a lot of bugs (50+
reported to X10) and the poor RF range.  X10
system is comprised of 30 Modules, 20
Macros, 6 Timers,  6 Motion Sensors, 20 RF
remotes.  Both the first and second units
were never sufficiently reliable to run
unattended.  Corrective action was required
daily.  
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: JimC on April 26, 2005, 07:06:19 AM
I am on my second unit “diagnostic unit” and
it works great. I have all the plug-ins.  I
have 40+ modules including cameras,
appliance,  lamp, universal, 7 motion
sensors and probably a few others that I
can’t think of right now. I have 40+ macros
and timers, including dusk to dawn. The last
time I checked I was right around 20% memory
used. I am not at home right now so I can’t
give you exact numbers.  The unit is
connected to the computer all of the time
but the computer is only on when I have a
need to use it, which is most evenings.

I have some minor issues with the video
plug –in but aside from that all the macros
and timers work fine. I probably download to
the interface weekly but this is not because
of problems it is because I am still in the
process of refining and expanding macros.

I know how frustrating it can be to have an
unreliable CM15A. If my current unit
functioned like the first one I would no
longer be an X10 user.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: Tuicemen on April 26, 2005, 12:25:27 PM
I have two units My original one from Sept
(o4j41) and a Diagnostic unit  March (05b06)
both work very well depending on the OS I
run them on the best being XP SP2 on a
pentium III 700 1 gig mem. PC is on 24/7 and
CM15A is connected. AHP has all pugins and
is up to date but not allways running. I'm
in a small home so a small setup 15 modules
1 motion detector 2 cameras a TM751 to use
with my cameras. My RF range is about 75 ft
(diagnostic unit) more with my original unit
(over 100 ft) . I use 5 house codes two are
for macros and phantom modules one for my
cams. I have at the moment 80.72% memory
free but have had it as low as 75% free
without any problems.I use the daily
dask/dawn setting as well.I've had to do the
battery thingy only once and I think it was
the combination of testing on 98 and
swiching back to XP plus the latest update.
the problems I've seen envolve the software
+ OS. I have ran my original unit off the PC
for over a week without any problems never
did test the diagnostic unit that way.  I
live in a 2 story home and the CM15A is
located on the top floor antenna postion
does make a diference in RF range.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: jeff w on April 28, 2005, 01:55:32 PM
1) Do any of you have evidence that leaving
the CM15 connected to an always on PC WOULD
be a problem?  Or are you just being prudent
based on early feedback (i.e., defending
against the last war 8-})

2) what's the 8-step battery thingy?

thanks!
/j
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: X10 Pro on April 28, 2005, 02:39:09 PM
Jeff W: 1) Leaving the CM15A connected to the
PC will not create a problem. 2) There's no
8-step battery thing. That's just a phrase
some made up to refer to reseting the
interface by removing it from power and
reconnecting it.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: tony on April 28, 2005, 05:03:02 PM
Jeff W:  It is eloquently described by
tuicemen under "full system RESET" thread.
There are a lot of steps.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: windycitytoolmaker on April 28, 2005, 09:34:52 PM
I have been using AHP for about 18 weeks I
have had no problems after putting the
cap.across the phases in my breaker box.I
have 11 macros and 13 timers. 32 different
device(switches, modules and motion
sensors).The only time my PC is connected
is when I am making changes or add to the
system it keeps time perfect.I also use
cameras and the ninga pan'n tilt system all
my remotes work with no problem from
anywhere in or around my house.I use the
extra non dimming modules that I had to
control 110 volt DPDT relays when I need to
control something that is not a 110 volts
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: windycitytoolmaker on April 28, 2005, 09:35:52 PM
I have been using AHP for about 18 weeks I
have had no problems after putting the
cap.across the phases in my breaker box.I
have 11 macros and 13 timers. 32 different
device(switches, modules and motion
sensors).The only time my PC is connected
is when I am making changes or add to the
system it keeps time perfect.I also use
cameras and the ninga pan'n tilt system all
my remotes work with no problem from
anywhere in or around my house.I use the
extra non dimming modules that I had to
control 110 volt DPDT relays when I need to
control something that is not a 110 volts
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: Tuicemen on April 28, 2005, 10:45:55 PM
Jeff W: The battery thingy is actually 10
steps if your counting! :) It use to be more!
As Tony stated it is described in the
thread "full system RESET"
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: bryana_fl on April 29, 2005, 03:22:44 PM
I have been operating my second CM15A
(first had problems) since Easter weekend
without being connected to the computer.
It is located in the center of the house in
a closet that houses my alarm system.  All
macros, timers and motion sensors work
fine.  The clock has not drifted at all.

I have:
20 Modules
22 Macros
7 Palm Pads
1 slimline
7 timers
1 universal module (hooked up to Garage
door control)
1 chime
7 motion sensors
I am running version 3.183(if it ain’t
broke..)

PC is Athlon 64 3700 - 1.5 GB Ram
XP Pro Service Pack 2

Have quite a few more modules in a box for
future installation.  I'll get them
installed as well as additional macros
sometime when I have more time.

My setup is nothing fancy (no video, etc.)
but it works for me.

So far so good.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: bryana_fl on April 29, 2005, 03:46:10 PM
Oh, thought of a couple of other points of
interest:
1)   I have a capacitor installed in my
breaker box to act as a coupler (this was
the source of some of my problems related
to inconsistent operation)
2)   A number of other problems turned
out to be macro related.
a.   Smart macros being used without
flags to assure the macro would not restart
prior to it’s initial completion)
b.   Operator induced logic errors
3)   Location of CM15A.  Originally
located next to:
a.   PC
b.   Wireless network access point/router
c.   Subwoofer for PC speakers
4)   CM15A Plugged into Battery Backup
unit.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: paul k on April 30, 2005, 01:59:17 AM
I have had mine running for a couple weeks
now with no big problems. Sometimes connected
to the PC (WindowsXP) and sometimes not. But,
I think the USB driver on Windows is flaky.
When I was updating and adding macros a lot
(at 1st), it suddenly would not download
properly (very slow and never finished), and
things got weird. I used a USB sniffer, and
the driver was emitting junk. I stopped and
started the USB driver and I still could not
download. But, the messages were sane. So, I
disconnected the CM15A from power *and* USB
(it seems to draw power from USB - they are
requesting 500mA). It then has worked fine (I
did not remove the battery). I think they
need to look at their USB driver as it may
have bugs - appears to be related to multiple
downloads in one AHP session. I have not had
problems with it connected to the PC or
disconnected since. One big thing to watch -
if using a USB hub, make sure it is a powered
hub. I have a USB current monitor on my
powered hub and they are exceeding their
current allowance (up to 860mA peak). My
guess is a faulty ground plane on the board
(common USB error). This could also cause
people problems with other USB devices
connected to their PCs. So, be careful how it
is connected to the PC.

Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: paul k on April 30, 2005, 01:59:35 AM
I have had mine running for a couple weeks
now with no big problems. Sometimes connected
to the PC (WindowsXP) and sometimes not. But,
I think the USB driver on Windows is flaky.
When I was updating and adding macros a lot
(at 1st), it suddenly would not download
properly (very slow and never finished), and
things got weird. I used a USB sniffer, and
the driver was emitting junk. I stopped and
started the USB driver and I still could not
download. But, the messages were sane. So, I
disconnected the CM15A from power *and* USB
(it seems to draw power from USB - they are
requesting 500mA). It then has worked fine (I
did not remove the battery). I think they
need to look at their USB driver as it may
have bugs - appears to be related to multiple
downloads in one AHP session. I have not had
problems with it connected to the PC or
disconnected since. One big thing to watch -
if using a USB hub, make sure it is a powered
hub. I have a USB current monitor on my
powered hub and they are exceeding their
current allowance (up to 860mA peak). My
guess is a faulty ground plane on the board
(common USB error). This could also cause
people problems with other USB devices
connected to their PCs. So, be careful how it
is connected to the PC.

Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: roger1818 on May 02, 2005, 06:03:29 PM
PaulK:  Interesting.  According to the
schematic
(https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/bl
obs/retrieve.cgi?
attachment_id=347600&native_or_pdf=pdf) the
USB power pin is not connected to
anything.  Maybe there is a solder short on
yours.  Since they aren’t using it, they
may not be testing that pin.  Strange that
it would request 500mA though.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: paul k on May 02, 2005, 06:32:35 PM
Roger, I did not get any schematics off that
site - only the report (on radio
transmissions for FCC approval). Were you
able to get the schematics or picture?
In any case, the problem with USB is not
necessarily using the power (although they
should ask for far less if they do not use
it, this is a pain for a hub), but ground
loop and voltage plane interference. They do
not have to use the power, but the ground
must be attached to create a proper reference
for the LVDS signal pair. I wonder if this is
floating and so pulling odd voltage spikes
across the data lines? Are they isolating
this to avoid noise spikes? My hub does not
breakout whether the power draw is across the
data or the Vdd/Gnd, although I assumed it
only used the latter. But, with isolation
devices in place, it may not be able to tell
the difference. It is possible that my CM15A
device is flaky. I may pop it open to see
(trying to decide if I want to return it,
since I think the SmartHome device is a
better deal once I am forced to buy
SmartMacros to do the simplest things - I had
thought the SDK kit would allow me to program
its Flash/EEPROM, not just control from the PC).
Thanks, Paul
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: carmine pacifico on May 02, 2005, 11:28:08 PM
Paul K

Unless you have a defective unit, the CM15a
does not draw any power from the USB port,
the power pin is unconnected.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: roger1818 on May 03, 2005, 09:43:49 AM
Paul:  Schematics are available on the
site.  Try this link
(https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-
bin/ws.exe/prod/oet/forms/reports/Search_For
m.hts?
mode=Edit&form=Exhibits&application_id=47670
6&fcc_id=B4SCM15A) and click on the seventh
link (Exhibit B Schematics per 2 1033 b5).
The ground pin is connected and they have
protection diodes from the data lines to
both VCC and GND.  The power pin (pin 2) is
not connected to anything though.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: martin on May 03, 2005, 12:55:17 PM
My CM15A now looks stable after all the
tweaking I’ve been doing lately (timers
executing on time, all macros responding to
triggers, all Smart Macros conditions
working). In an attempt to help others,
following is what I have:

AHP 3.186 with Smart Macros, CM15A #05C10.
Windows 2000 Pro on a laptop (moved from
Windows XP).
CM15A not connected to USB (when connected,
RF range drops significantly).
After I do major changes in my AHP
configuration, I always clear the interface
memory before downloading.
24 modules, 64 macros and 11 timers, 80.24%
memory left.
I use Smart Macros conditions “Between
Time”, “Flags” and “Module Status”.

I have three motion sensors set-up as follow:

- 1 ActiveEye, detects motion at all time,
Dawn Dusk detection disabled, transceived
through a TM751.
- 1 EagleEye set-up to detect motion at
nights only, transceived through a TM751.
- 1 EagleEye set-up to detect motion at
nights only, transceived through the CM15A.

My TM751s are included in my AHP
configuration and also act as a regular
appliance module (RF sent from CM15A to
trigger them works fine).
There are still some outstanding bugs, like
RF Range and Macros trigger when
corresponding House Code value is not set to
be transceived, but overall it has behaved
satisfactory.

Hope it helps.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: paul k on May 04, 2005, 01:00:35 AM
Roger,
Looking at the schematic, I think the problem
may be two-fold: there is no R-PD (15KOhm)
from D- to ground as expected (they do have
the R-PU of 1.3K to VReg (they labelled Vusb
for some reason). This can cause ground plane
problems, especially as they have a lot
moderate current things tied to that ground.
I am also not sure why the diodes to D+/D-
off the isolation transfer from the A/C. This
could cause some current draw given the
signal speed of the USB - I assume it was
meant to stabilize the LVDS pair; I am used
to using 12MHz USB and not low-speed, so I am
not sure how much this affects things. But,
it could cause the sending end to work harder
to overcome the diodes and so pull extra
current.

Regards, Paul
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: paul k on May 04, 2005, 01:12:23 AM
Sorry, the 1.3KOhm pull-up (R-PU) is used to
signal high-speed (I was confused at 1st by
the missing R-PD of 15KOhm as perhaps
signalling low-speed). So, at 12MHz, I would
say that the diodes can have an effect on
current draw. But, I still do not see why the
amounts that I have seen. Ground plane drift
is the most likely reason.
Title: Re: Describe Your Working CM15A System
Post by: paul k on May 04, 2005, 01:15:39 AM
Ugh. I meant full-speed, not high-speed. It
has been a long day :-(