📝Reviews > ActiveHome Pro Reviews
CM15A Unacceptable RF Range
sys4me:
I purchased DX7000 alarm with 9 windows sensors in Jan 2007. It worked perfectly. All RF signals received with Base station in several locations. I then ordered CM15A and Active home in April. First CM15A had a range of about 5 feet. Phoned support, they assured me that CM15A's normally had good RF receiver performance and sent me a replacement (this cost me $12 shipping and took 6 weeks to arrive). The new unit had an RF range of about 15 feet. I tried many extensions, modifications and positions for the antenna and the CM15A and could never receive from more than 5 of my window sensors at once. After reading many posts about poor RF receivers in these units, rather than waste more money returning bad units I opened the unit to solder in an external antenna. With several different designs, I finally got the unit to work on all my sensors from one location. I like the unit except it has taken over my life for a week to get it working. This would be an excellent product if it had the quality of RF receiver that is used in the DX7000. As it is this unit is a total disappointment and I would not recommend it to anyone.
JMac:
Welcome to the world of R & D for the X-10 program !
HA Dave:
--- Quote from: sys4me on June 18, 2007, 04:46:41 PM ---
Phoned support, they assured me that CM15A's normally had good RF receiver performance and sent me a replacement
--- End quote ---
I am amazed at the number of people who don't have range problems with the AHP interface. I know in my case... the metal lathe in my walls makes RF a problem.
I also performed a mod on my interface.... a really simple easy... break off the antenna tip - solder on a wire - tape the wire to the old plastic antenna tube. There is (as you know) an entire thread dedicated to extending the range of the AHP.
I am crazy about the added features (particularly BVC) I now have with AHP..... I hope you find your rough start with AHP as rewarding as mine.
sys4me:
In response to Dave_X10..I did try extending the antenna to 1/4 and then 1/2 wavelength, some improvement, but still not usable. Your environment may have been the problem with your unit, but my units would not work at distances of 5 feet and 15 feet in the same room with no obstructions. Also as I mentioned the DX7000 receiver can receive all of my remotes from several locations in the house. I tried putting CM15A where DX7000 had worked for 9 remotes, only received from 3 remotes (trying various antenna positions etc.).
If many users have good RF range with the CM15A, that would indicate very poor quality control, as I am sure the 2 units I received would not work in any environment. I am happy for those who are satisfied with the CM15A, I only wish I had one of their units.
Tuicemen:
I'm one of the fortunate users that has no range issue But I live in a small century old home!( I get close or over the advertised range)
There are several issues which can cause limited or no reception most are building materials used in construction as Dave_x10_L experienced! But there are other things which can interfere :(
Have you read JeffVolp's X10 Troubleshooting Tutorials ?
They may help! ;) :D ;D
Also the CM15A may need some configuration Via AHP hardware configuration!
Many users that complained of poor reception were able to get a reliable system working with some tinkering!
Unfortunately AHP isn't plug n play! :(
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