I bought the 4-camera system with the Vanguard software. I've got two show-stopping problems, both of which from reading the forums here and elsewhere, are common:
1) The CM19A can't receive the signal from the motion detectors unless they are literally in the same room
2) On my better computer, Vanguard (rundll) is using 100% of the CPU. On the other computer (which is a laptop that travels with me, so it can't stay on there) it consumes about 40-50%.
Regarding the receive abilities, the computer is on the second floor. I have literally put the motion detector ONE step down on the stairs, which is only about 15 feet from the CM19A, and it can't get the signal. Likewise, I had it sitting on a bookshelf, which meant the signal had to go through one or two sides of the bookshelf.. nothing! I've tried the extending the antenna to no avail. I've tried hooking an extension cord to the USB to get it away from the computer... still nothing. Best I can ever get is maybe one detector of the 4. The TM751 has no problems receiving the exact same signal from the exact same motion detectors at great distances. I called a few times and they were no help. In fact, two of the agents didn't understand how it worked, suggesting the TM751 does the receiving, not the CM19A. I inquired about a CM15A, willing to pay for it, but nobody would confirm if that would help and if it would work with Vanguard. I saw some talk of the RF repeater, but it has been discontinued with no replacement. The CM19A clearly has a problem that is well documented on various forums.
On the CPU usage, it's noteworthy that both computers are WELL beyond the minimum requirements. I also find it interesting that when it writes files and folders it is using GMT time instead of the local computer's time, and they acted like that was unusual... but again, it's all over the internet. It doesn't look like Vanguard has had any updates for like 6 years!?
This stuff would be awesome, and it's 90% there. I'd like to get it to work, but all X10 did was issue me an RMA rather than try to address these problems. I was able to e-mail with a level 2 person a few times, but that's it. I was never able to talk to anybody from level 2. Technically, it's not even doing what they advertise... since some of the ads show a motion detector out in a front flowerbed, etc. In my experience that would only work if the computer was on the front porch! Or, at best, the front room, and even then forget about motion detectors at the back door or side doors!
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Topic: I guess it's all going back unless someone here can help (Read 10491 times)