X10 Community Forum
🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Topic started by: X10 Repair Depot on September 06, 2012, 08:13:19 AM
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All,
I just received word that all of the issues that were holding up the re-release of the CM15A (including cost) have been resolved. We should have stock by early October. The item is a CM15A, so it will not be a completely new unit. I do not know what, if any, changes or improvements have been made to the unit.
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That is good news. #:)
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X10 based automation lives again!
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HooRay! :)%
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That is AMAZING news! :o
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...I do not know what, if any, changes or improvements have been made to the unit.
1. Is there any way you can find out? THAT would be very good information to have.
2. If there have been ANY changes to the design of the hardware, it would *really* be a good idea to change the model number, or at least add a revision number on the label.
3. Will there be ab update to AHP released in conjunction with the re-release of the CM15A? We haven't had an update since October of 2011.
There are a lot of bugs that are still in the software (check out the link to the Bug List here on the forums - in my signature), and it would be wonderful if you have a developer who can try and squash some of them (without introducing others, of course).
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That sounds good.
I hope the firmware in it was looked at for glitches. So total power resets and reloads are not needed.
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That sounds good.
I hope the firmware in it was looked at for glitches. So total power resets and reloads are not needed.
Since it was released, we have all asked "why didn't they spend a drop more and put in flash-able firmware?"
That would have fixed a number of issues, AND probably allowed them to add features to some of the plugins AND let them run without a PC (for some things, at least).
I'm sure they DIDN'T follow our suggestion this time, though. :(
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If they used the same controller IC. I don't think the internal EPROM is easy to reprogram if at all possible.
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That sounds good.
I hope the firmware in it was looked at for glitches. So total power resets and reloads are not needed.
Since it was released, we have all asked "why didn't they spend a drop more and put in flash-able firmware?"
That would have fixed a number of issues, AND probably allowed them to add features to some of the plugins AND let them run without a PC (for some things, at least).
I'm sure they DIDN'T follow our suggestion this time, though. :(
Yeah, I wouldn't count on it. The old CM15A design didn't even have decoupling capacitors on the ICs.
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If you can't wait I put a used one on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150895560032?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/150895560032?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649)
Starting bid is only $59.00
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So true Alan V.
That is why there was a mod thread here on adding them.
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...I do not know what, if any, changes or improvements have been made to the unit.
1. Is there any way you can find out? THAT would be very good information to have.
2. If there have been ANY changes to the design of the hardware, it would *really* be a good idea to change the model number, or at least add a revision number on the label.
3. Will there be ab update to AHP released in conjunction with the re-release of the CM15A? We haven't had an update since October of 2011.
There are a lot of bugs that are still in the software (check out the link to the Bug List here on the forums - in my signature), and it would be wonderful if you have a developer who can try and squash some of them (without introducing others, of course).
Noam,
Even if I were to ask what, if any, changes are going to be made to the unit or software I would not be able to share it here. <<<Don't read anything into that statement, I really do not know.
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We should have stock by early October.
Wow. :)%
I would have been willing to bet good money that it would never happen. >!
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Since it was released, we have all asked "why didn't they spend a drop more and put in flash-able firmware?"
Even before the release, during beta-testing, we asked the same thing. We had to keep shipping the beta units back and forth for every fix.
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...I do not know what, if any, changes or improvements have been made to the unit.
1. Is there any way you can find out? THAT would be very good information to have.
2. If there have been ANY changes to the design of the hardware, it would *really* be a good idea to change the model number, or at least add a revision number on the label.
3. Will there be ab update to AHP released in conjunction with the re-release of the CM15A? We haven't had an update since October of 2011.
There are a lot of bugs that are still in the software (check out the link to the Bug List here on the forums - in my signature), and it would be wonderful if you have a developer who can try and squash some of them (without introducing others, of course).
Noam,
Even if I were to ask what, if any, changes are going to be made to the unit or software I would not be able to share it here. <<<Don't read anything into that statement, I really do not know.
Well, that's going to make it hard to convince people to buy the new unit, if you can't even tell them what (if anything) is different. The user base here has a lot of *really* smart folks, who like to test things like this BEFORE there is an opportunity to screw up their setups. With all of the known bugs in both the original CM15A, and AHP, I think a fair number of people would buy a new one, if they knew that some of the bugs were fixed (like the clock drift, the lockups, RF reception, etc).
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Well, that's going to make it hard to convince people to buy the new unit, if you can't even tell them what (if anything) is different. The user base here has a lot of *really* smart folks, who like to test things like this BEFORE there is an opportunity to screw up their setups. With all of the known bugs in both the original CM15A, and AHP, I think a fair number of people would buy a new one, if they knew that some of the bugs were fixed (like the clock drift, the lockups, RF reception, etc).
I am not in sales or marketing, and it is not my place to convince anybody to buy anything. I am positive that those folks will inform the everybody when they feel that the time is right. When I posted many months ago that the CM15A will return, I said that I would provide an update when I knew more. That is what I did.
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I am positive that those folks will inform the everybody when they feel that the time is right.
No offense, but I am nowhere near as positive about it as you are. I have a feeling there are others here who share my sentiment.
To my knowledge, they haven't shared any hardware changes with us in the past, even when they knew it would have a HUGE impact on the way the system works:
- Around 2008 they introduced SoftStart modules with the same part numbers as non-SoftStart ones. That had a major impact on the way those modules were addressed, as they were not 100% compatible.
- Then, they updated AHP to support the new modules, and broke EVERY program that was using the non-SoftStart modules.
- More recently, they changed the TM571 (turning the controlled outlet into a passthrough) without telling us.
I really don't believe they plan to tell us what they changed. We will have to ask. Even then, we only stand a chance of getting answers if there is someone "on the inside" who can get us those answers. You're the closest thing we've got to that "inside person." ;)
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Well, that's going to make it hard to convince people to buy the new unit, if you can't even tell them what (if anything) is different.
I would venture a guess that X10 is hoping to sell these to new X10 users, who might also buy a bunch of modules too, and not so much as a replacement CM15A to those of us who already own one.
Well, maybe a few to those who bought a CM15K. rofl
Given up to last week, I thought there would never be any more CM15A's, I don't care if the new production is just the same including all the warts and quirks. If my CM15A ever dies, at least I can buy a replacement outside of eBay.
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Noam,
Update on the TM751 again. ::)
Some of the independent X10 dealers now have a TM751 with the relay in it again and it actually has a NEW suffix. TM751C
Some have both with and without relay models. Relay is more costly.
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The worst part of this is X10 will expect the forum members to help answer questions on something no one here owns. B:(
Even if it is exactly the same we'll never know until posts start to pop up about issues or someone posts a review B:(
Some of the independent X10 dealers now have a TM751 with the relay in it again and it actually has a NEW suffix. TM751C
More confusion ??? ::) :'
Rename the module with the old functions instead of the other way around. :'
Who thinks this stuff up?
There must be someone at x10 in charge of confusing the public rofl
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I am not in sales or marketing, and it is not my place to convince anybody to buy anything. I am positive that those folks will inform the everybody when they feel that the time is right. When I posted many months ago that the CM15A will return, I said that I would provide an update when I knew more. That is what I did.
X10RepairDepot,
PLEASE show this whole series of posts to someone who IS in sales and/or marketing! If they're not monitoring the forums, they should be! Having you show up as a regular poster was a great thing, but the complete lack of feedback, and apparent lack of concern, from the people who are evidently making the product decisions, is driving away many of us "x10 old-timers"!
ITguy
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The people making decisions are well aware of the foibles of the CM15A and AHP..... don't kid yourself. It is what it is (or what it will be).
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...TM751C ... Relay is more costly.
That must be what the "C" stands for. Costly.
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...TM751C ... Relay is more costly.
That must be what the "C" stands for. Costly.
rofl
Or "Confused?"
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The people making decisions are well aware of the foibles of the CM15A and AHP..... don't kid yourself. It is what it is (or what it will be).
Well, I keep trying to give them the benefit of the doubt! ;) Once I'm totally convinced that you're right (and I'm pretty close to that point), then I'm off to the Z-Wave world! Yet another ex-x10 customer!! Too bad.
ITguy
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[Once I'm totally convinced that you're right (and I'm pretty close to that point), then I'm off to the Z-Wave world!
I have seen posts in other forums from folks abandoning Z-wave and coming back to X10.
Jeff
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[Once I'm totally convinced that you're right (and I'm pretty close to that point), then I'm off to the Z-Wave world!
I have seen posts in other forums from folks abandoning Z-wave and coming back to X10.
Jeff
I think that just proves that there is no one "perfect" automation technology. Each one has its benefits and its drawbacks.
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I have seen posts in other forums from folks abandoning Z-wave and coming back to X10.
What reasons do they give? When first introduced I looked at it and thought the short range and limited number of hops would present problems with many installations running out of hops before running out of real estate to cover. There was also a problem when a device failed - removing it from the routing map required a complete reconfiguration of all devices in the system. I have not explored it since then so some of these issues may have been addressed.
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What reasons do they give?
I haven't followed the discussions because I really have no interest in Z-wave myself. I just found it intereting that some folks were giving up on it after spending all that money to switch.
Jeff
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With ADT, Verizon, Leviton, Logitech, Honeywell and others offering Z-Wave devices, I assume the early issues have been addressed. However, it looks like it requires a Ph. D. in Z-Wavery plus a healthy bank account to install/handle.
- http://www.zwaveproducts.com/
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The Lowe's Iris Security and Automation Systems. Combine both Z-Wave and Zigbee devices in their offering.
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My system consits of a combination of zwave, x10 and soon zigbee solution. I just found that each technology had their own advantage/disadvantage. For example I don't want my door locks and alarm system to run on x10 because it is very insecure (no pairing required or encryption) so anyone could come by and open up my house.
I use x10 to control some lights and my sprinkler system and pool timer and it works very well for that. I use zwave for the door locks, alarm system, and smart switches (power monitoring).
I am just getting into zigbee because it seems t have most of the advantages of zwave but its an open system that I can build my own devices from.
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For example I don't want my door locks and alarm system to run on x10 because it is very insecure (no pairing required or encryption) so anyone could come by and open up my house.
If it uses RF without rolling codes, it is still insecure no matter whether using pairing or encryption. All a burglar need do is capture and playback the codes. Only rolling codes, which change with each button press, are (relatively) secure.
Besides, I believe current X10 security consoles do use pairing.
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regarding the level of security ... you'd have to be protecting something pretty valuable for someone to try
to beat your system, no matter if it's x10. my goal is just to make it more work to break in my home than it's worth. i plan to do it in a fairly low tech way with redundant systems ... some x 10, some simpler standalone devices, especially on the perimeter of my property (6 acres). how would anyone know whether they were fully integrated or not? if one alarm goes off, i think most theives would assume that leo is being notified. so my initial plan is to do it all with x10... i do have a rolling code alarm system that i'm going to try to link with my x10 via a powerflash module. all of my systems will be battery backup protected, plus it's going to be an incredible amount of work just to shut my power off.
the bottom line: make it more work than it's worth to rip me off, and mr. theif will go down the road to an easier target.
i'm going to definitely pick up a cm15a when they're available :).
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per sales, they will be receiving the cm15a's on 10/22/12, and these units are identical to the prior manufactured units.
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priced at 99.99 :).
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per sales, they will be receiving the cm15a's on 10/22/12, and these units are identical to the prior manufactured units.
Thanks for telling the forum! We were all wondering if X10 made any improvements. Now we know.
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per sales, they will be receiving the cm15a's on 10/22/12, and these units are identical to the prior manufactured units.
Thanks for telling the forum! We were all wondering if X10 made any improvements. Now we know.
Plus, it looks like a doubly improved price! ;)
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Plus, it looks like a doubly improved price! ;)
rofl I need a Depends.
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per sales, they will be receiving the cm15a's on 10/22/12, and these units are identical to the prior manufactured units.
"Identical" is a relative term when it comes to X10.
Just because they *say* it is identical, doesn't mean it really is. I'd be curious to hear some *real* feedback from some users when they get the new one. It would be interesting for one of the "experts" here who like to tear open the units they buy, to see what's inside.
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one thing i'm not at all worried about is having the controller work without a computer. wouldn't dream of it, though i see how it might appeal to some, depending on their setup and what they're trying to protect. i am scouting ebay now for powerflash modules, since my concern is to get powerline input into the computer.
it's really a shame the way management has squandered x10's leadership in the home automation industry. this could be a case study for an mba class.
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it's really a shame the way management has squandered x10's leadership in the home automation industry. this could be a case study for an mba class.
$0.02
I don't think they had a lot of choice. One of they reasons X10 has lost market share is because the X10 communications protocol is being interfered with from modern day devices using noisy switching (or switch mode) power supplies. In the past five years X10 has done what they could to improve the situation (like incorporating AGC in all their AC control modules) but it just hasn't been enough. The X10 protocol is long on tooth and there isn't a good way to fix it with the common incandescent bulb being regulated out of existence, CFLs and LED bulbs (most of which contain switching supplies) being mandated in, and switching supplies now being cheaper to build than older design transformer supplies, "smart" power meters using the same powerline spectrum as X10, etc.
X10 may be the buggy whip industry of the 21st century.
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I agree with dave w and would add this...
X10 had a patent which kept competitors at bay for many years. They did not exploit the patent in the way it's usually done (e.g. Apple) with excessive prices but chose to offer low cost devices and go for maximum volume. Now that strategy is biting them in the ass. Their patents have expired and they now have numerous upscale competitors (many of whom were previously X10 licensees) and the low cost of their devices makes it difficult to add features. Nor have they shown much talent in their design and software departments. I think they will continue to fade towards oblivion.
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One of they reasons X10 has lost market share is because the X10 communications protocol is being interfered with from modern day devices using noisy switching (or switch mode) power supplies. In the past five years X10 has done what they could to improve the situation (like incorporating AGC in all their AC control modules) but it just hasn't been enough.
There are ways to deal with powerline noise beyond having filters inserted all over the place. And there is even a solution to the horrendous noise produced by that Echelon smart electric meter.
I started work on a noise eliminator that would have totally eliminated noise at the distribution panel, and boosted X10 signals. I stopped when it became obvious it would be too expensive for me to produce, but a company with manufacturing in China could produce it for an acceptable price.
X10 still has life left in it, but it takes some new technology to deal with the new technology that is causing the problems.
Jeff
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... i am scouting ebay now for powerflash modules, since my concern is to get powerline input into the computer.
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Far be it from me to question a medic, but you do know that the powerflash puts the signal on the powerline, and you'd still need a cm15a to receive the powerline signal and put that info into a computer?
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I started work on a noise eliminator that would have totally eliminated noise at the distribution panel, and boosted X10 signals. I stopped when it became obvious it would be too expensive for me to produce, but a company with manufacturing in China could produce it for an acceptable price.
I can introduce you to someone who might be interested in helping you get your design built in China. I doubt they would want to market it themselves due to the need for UL (or ETL) testing but I could be wrong on that point.
It would be an advantage if your device were to use SMD components wherever possible.
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...I do not know what, if any, changes or improvements have been made to the unit.
3. Will there be ab update to AHP released in conjunction with the re-release of the CM15A? We haven't had an update since October of 2011.
There are a lot of bugs that are still in the software (check out the link to the Bug List here on the forums - in my signature), and it would be wonderful if you have a developer who can try and squash some of them (without introducing others, of course).
I gave up on the AHP software on the last release anyhow. That release seemed to cause more bugs than it fixed (imho). It seems like none of the wireless security modules were being detected. I keep a backup copy of the x10 program files and common files folder around and snagged the activation xml with wireshark so if I need to reinstall it I can at any point, but have not needed to.
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...I do not know what, if any, changes or improvements have been made to the unit.
3. Will there be ab update to AHP released in conjunction with the re-release of the CM15A? We haven't had an update since October of 2011.
There are a lot of bugs that are still in the software (check out the link to the Bug List here on the forums - in my signature), and it would be wonderful if you have a developer who can try and squash some of them (without introducing others, of course).
I gave up on the AHP software on the last release anyhow. That release seemed to cause more bugs than it fixed (imho). It seems like none of the wireless security modules were being detected. I keep a backup copy of the x10 program files and common files folder around and snagged the activation xml with wireshark so if I need to reinstall it I can at any point, but have not needed to.
Every version of AHP after 3.310 was buggy. I tried every one, all had bugs. 3.310 was the last good version of AHP, any future versions (if any) should be based on 3.310.
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Every version of AHP after 3.310 was buggy. I tried every one, all had bugs. 3.310 was the last good version of AHP, any future versions (if any) should be based on 3.310.
Dan -
You really should qualify that statement. Perhaps every version of AHP after 3.310 was buggy for you. However, there are plenty of people, myself included, who have found the latest version (3.318 as of this posting) to be perfectly fine for them. Yes, there are some bugs, but none of them seem to be show-stoppers for me.
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I can introduce you to someone who might be interested in helping you get your design built in China. I doubt they would want to market it themselves due to the need for UL (or ETL) testing but I could be wrong on that point.
Thanks for the offer Dave, but I really don't want to pursue it any further myself. I would be willing to compete the electrical design should someone with the production and marketing capability choose to offer it as a product. This is the design we discussed back when the Echelon smart meter problem first surfaced. Those special low-frequency clamp-on ferrite inductors and shunt filter solve the problem without needing an active noise eliminator.
Jeff
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Thanks for the offer Dave, but I really don't want to pursue it any further myself. I would be willing to compete the electrical design should someone with the production and marketing capability choose to offer it as a product.
I doubt they will be interested then. The Echelon issue appears to be limited to SW Ohio (I have no problems and am only 5 miles away and have a Duke/Echelon smartmeter) and to affect only a subset of X10 switches so I doubt there is a big enough market.
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I doubt there is a big enough market.
I agree Dave, which is why I abandoned the effort.
It would have been a high-power repeater like the XTB-IIR, but also with the ability to actively null all noise at its connection point. That would have significantly reduced overall noise levels, and totally blocked noise coming in on one circuit from being distributed onto any other circuits. But it would have been big and expensive.
Jeff
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All,
I just received word that all of the issues that were holding up the re-release of the CM15A (including cost) have been resolved. We should have stock by early October. The item is a CM15A, so it will not be a completely new unit. I do not know what, if any, changes or improvements have been made to the unit.
Anything new on this?
As I transition from an old PC with Windows XP and a serial port to a new PC with Windows 7 (64-bit), I would love to be able to upgrade to a USB-based CM15A.
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well, we are just a couple of days away from the arrival of the new cm15a's. :)%
call me skeptical, but i'll believe it when i see it.
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They are going to be a bit later than expected, but they are currently being produced.
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how much is "a bit"? six weeks, six months, six years, six times forever?
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Possibly middle November or in December. Stay tuned.
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Possibly middle November or in December. Stay tuned.
Is this a misleading guess or some kind of verified information?
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We have not seen anything indicating a new date.
My thoughts wishfull thinking.
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It's a guess. I'm sure X10 Repair Depot will let us know when the CM15A will be available .
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Possibly middle November or in December. Stay tuned.
Is this a misleading guess or some kind of verified information?
Notice Dan didn't indicate November or December of a specific year. ;)
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Notice Dan didn't indicate November or December of a specific year. ;)
Delays happen. I missed my target date for the XTBM-Pro by a full year.
Jeff
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Having seen long lead times on parts I am looking for.
I also am not surprised if there where delays.
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The CM15A is in production and should be here soon. I cannot give an exact date, but the delay is minimal they are expected to arrive within 2-3 weeks.
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The CM15A is in production and should be here soon. I cannot give an exact date, but the delay is minimal they are expected to arrive within 2-3 weeks.
Will you be able to let us know (here on the forums) when they are actually available for purchase?
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The CM15A is in production and should be here soon. I cannot give an exact date, but the delay is minimal they are expected to arrive within 2-3 weeks.
Will you be able to let us know (here on the forums) when they are actually available for purchase?
Yes.
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for better or worse, i bought a used cm15a on ebay. i hope it works :).
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Hope it does work out for you.
I believe you do have AHP and the CM19A.
AHP should find the CM15A with no problems. Though the first time you connect it. You may get a new hardware found message and then a loading correct drivers message.
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so far, it looks good. i plugged it in to the usb and windows recognizes it. now to replace the antenna and get my powerline issues resolved, so i can give this thing a real go :).
update: the cma15 doesn't seem to issue powerline commands in response to a macro. still a bit more tinkering to do, but i think i'm just going to buy a new one when they do come out.
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Mid september I was told by X10 that anew batch of CM15A will arrive first week of october so I placed an order, they IMMEDIATLY cahrged my credit card
Mid october having received nothing I contacted again X10 they said there is some delay in delivery
We are in November I still have received nothing , I contacted X10 again and they said the CM15A was shipped on October 19 but I still received nothing ,
we are november 11, I think this new delivery of CM15A is a Joke B:(
Francois
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If it shipped from X10 to you.
They should be able to give you a tracking number and most times you would also have gotten a email on it shipping.
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X10 is unable to tell how it was shipped UPS, USPS, FedEx , impossible to have a tracking number , it is why I have serius doubt about a CM15A shipping on October 19, I asked Mastercard to cancel the charged X10 did on september 23 before it is too late B:(
Francois
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The CM15A is in production and should be here soon. I cannot give an exact date, but the delay is minimal they are expected to arrive within 2-3 weeks.
Anything new on this?
I'm definitely not complaining and will remain patient. I am simply looking forward to the CM15A's availability!!!
Dave
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A shared link from the X10 facebook page it's officially back.... See http://www.x10.com/promotions/cm15a_complete_new_2012.html?EM (http://www.x10.com/promotions/cm15a_complete_new_2012.html?EM)
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Sales page "Extremely Limited Run Available". ::)
That doesn't sound very good at all.
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X10 is unable to tell how it was shipped UPS, USPS, FedEx , impossible to have a tracking number , it is why I have serius doubt about a CM15A shipping on October 19, I asked Mastercard to cancel the charged X10 did on september 23 before it is too late B:(
sounds like someone at X10 has a Pinocchio nose.
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I have received confirmation that the CM15A will be arriving within a few days.
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Good! How many will be available?
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I have received confirmation that the CM15A will be arriving within a few days.
The only catch is you have to buy one original 7" x-10 tablet with each CM15A you order. rofl
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The only catch is you have to buy one original 7" x-10 tablet with each CM15A you order. rofl
rofl "I don't care who you are, now that's funny!" rofl
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Sales Page says "Back By Popular Demand".
Maybe it is now back in stock. Yesterday it was not on the sales page.
Not clear on how limited the production run is.
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I would guess "limited" refers to the initial production run (beta test to see what comes out of the sausage machine???)rather than a one shot deal since it cost money to setup a new production line... You have to train the production staff with parts procurement, design, assembly, test, quality control and then create test fixtures, debug stations etc.
Sales Page says "Back By Popular Demand".
Maybe it is now back in stock. Yesterday it was not on the sales page.
Not clear on how limited the production run is.
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Took a quick look at X10 sales and I couldn't find the cm15A, just the cm15K (kit) which I don't want!
Does anyone have a link to the cm15A?
EDIT: never mind I found it!
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They may have had to do a redesign.
The Cypress CY7C63723-PC/PXC main controller chip they used. Is almost impossible to find these days.
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Took a quick look at X10 sales and I couldn't find the cm15A, just the cm15K (kit) which I don't want!
Does anyone have a link to the cm15A?
EDIT: never mind I found it!
Where?
I've had X10 for over 15 years in the house, but none of my controllers work anymore. I bought the system before I found out the PC had to be on all the time.
I'll buy the darn thing. Just make it.
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Here is the link:
http://www.x10.com/promotions/cm15a_complete_new_2012.html?EM
BEFORE buying, I would actually see if they have them in stock FIRST though!!! That is if they will tell you the truth!
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Well, I've ordered one to see whether there have been any hardware changes - will let everyone know what transpires.
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Well, I've ordered one to see whether there have been any hardware changes - will let everyone know what transpires.
Oh good!!! Let us know! Hopefully there are improvements! Like decoupling caps and reliable firmware! HA!
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Well, I've ordered one to see whether there have been any hardware changes - will let everyone know what transpires.
Oh good!!! Let us know! Hopefully there are improvements! Like decoupling caps and reliable firmware! HA!
And maybe a better routing of the antenna wire, to improve reception.
I suspect there aren't enough changes to warrant an update to AHP - since I didn't see an update to AHP out there.
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Will be waiting for your findings on the CM15A.
Hope there are improvements, but my gut says all they did was have a new factory use the existing design.
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Oh good!!! Let us know! Hopefully there are improvements! Like decoupling caps and reliable firmware!
rofl
What a delightful sense of humor!
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Oh good!!! Let us know! Hopefully there are improvements! Like decoupling caps and reliable firmware! HA!
I'm not interested in the firmware - only the hardware.
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Oh good!!! Let us know! Hopefully there are improvements! Like decoupling caps and reliable firmware!
rofl
What a delightful sense of humor!
I know, I know.... pipe dream!
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X10 says it has shipped. FedEx has received notice. I opted for free shipping so I expect it will take several days minimum.
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X10 says it has shipped. FedEx has received notice. I opted for free shipping so I expect it will take several days minimum.
We expect a full report soon. ;D
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FedEx says...
12/04/2012 - Tuesday
8:29 am Arrived at FedEx location FEDEX SMARTPOST ALLENTOWN, PA
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FedEx says...
....well, maybe not that full... :)% Thanks for making me laugh!
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This is beginning to look like a soap opera. The CM15A is an interface for AHP.
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This is beginning to look like a soap opera. The CM15A is an interface for AHP.
Huh?
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The only catch is you have to buy one original 7" x-10 tablet with each CM15A you order. rofl
rofl "I don't care who you are, now that's funny!" rofl
Who am I?
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Now FedEx says...
-12/06/2012 - Thursday 4:51 am Arrived at FedEx location FEDEX SMARTPOST GROVE CITY, OH
So, it's less than 100 miles away - should be here by tomorrow or Saturday (although I've had the USPS fumble such handoffs before, resulting in an all expenses paid tour of the midwest for my package).
Here's hoping it's a real CM15A and not a CM19A + TM751 (in which case X10 will rue using SmartPost).
If it's a real CM15A I hope they have gone lead-free. That will let me inspect it using my X-Ray vision thus avoiding opening the enclosure and voiding the warranty. :'
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... That will let me inspect it using my X-Ray vision thus avoiding opening the enclosure and voiding the warranty. :'
Very kool. But be aware nanny gov has outlawed the use of arsenic, gallium, etc as silicon doping agents, so many fab plants are now using kryptonite as a substitute.
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Well the warranty is only ninety days now.
So if you wait ninety days. You are clear to do as you like.
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If it's a real CM15A I hope they have gone lead-free. That will let me inspect it using my X-Ray vision thus avoiding opening the enclosure and voiding the warranty. :'
Very kool. But be aware nanny gov has outlawed the use of arsenic, gallium, etc as silicon doping agents, so many fab plants are now using kryptonite as a substitute.
Superman better watch out!!!!!!
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It really is a CM15A. Datecode: 12K48 FCC ID: B4SCM15A
Internally, it appears identical to two others that I got soon after it was introduced.
I have designed a daughterboard that replaces the MCU, allows access to PLC IN/OUT, RF IN/OUT, EEPROM, etc. and adds a real RTC. It will have both USB and RS232 interfaces as well as several other enhancements.
It will not be compatible with X10 software but I'll provide open source Windows/Linux/OSX software.
It uses an FTDI chip that isn't shipping yet. I'll test as soon as they are available but a full release will have to wait until the
roZettaTM/ZarduinoTM hardware/firmware/software is stable which should be within 90-120 days.
- http://davehouston.org/roZetta-Zarduino.htm
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Thanks for the information.
Not even some decoupling caps soldered on the solder side of the PCB. B:(
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Is the soldering job quality about the same as the old one? (lousy, that is!)... Am guessing it is, and WHAT NO decoupling AGAIN!?!?!?!
Looks like they didn't learn anything (no surprise here!)
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No decoupling capacitors (easy to add - see link below, scroll to bottom) but the quality of the PCB and the wave soldering look better than my older ones.
- http://davehouston.org/ImproveCM15A.htm
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No decoupling capacitors (easy to add - see link below, scroll to bottom) but the quality of the PCB and the wave soldering look better than my older ones.
- http://davehouston.org/ImproveCM15A.htm
IMHO X10 was relying on build quality (parts down, flush with PC board, etc.) to eliminate the requirement for four 5 cent bypass cap.
Now they have a new manufacturer to re-train. Maybe the new manufacturer has some quality dual flow wave solder machines for the 1960's, non eyeleted, hand inserted, PC board. But the good news is, it is about the same price as the same 2005 unit. Ya can't beat that! :D
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...it is about the same price as the same 2005 unit.
The introductory price of $70 for a CM15A plus LM465 is not bad for this day and age.
I think they could have done better with a totally new design but suspect their designers have been with them since the X10 beginning in the '70s and are uncomfortable with those newfangled SMD thingys.
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Maybe they no longer have designers on staff but the original BOM, gerber files, schematics, pick and place instructions and FCC approval for their existing designs.
I think they could have done better with a totally new design but suspect their designers have been with them since the X10 beginning in the '70s and are uncomfortable with those newfangled SMD thingys.
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I have been using my old CM15a for so long that I just assumed that all the talk here on the board was about RF performance as bad as mine.
My new CM15a has RF range at least twice as great as the old one. Not good, mind you, but better.
Who knows? I'm so excited about it that I may even try software newer than 3.228. (recommendations are welcome.)
AHP lives, at least at my house! I have been using X10 for decades so far...
Steve
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My new CM15a has RF range at least twice as great as the old one. Not good, mind you, but better.
Since there was no hardware change, it's likely that your new CM15a center frequency is a better match for your transmitters. IOW, it's a happy accident and others may have different experiences.
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As I recall, the first CM15A production units had most of the receive antenna wire rolled up in a ball with only the very end of the wire tucked in the external "soda straw". Later X10 must have convinced the factory to do a better job of spreading the internal portion of the antenna wire around the interior of the case a little better, so by year two of production there was a range improvement.
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That is likely the case. I upgraded from the CM11 to the CM15 as soon as it came out.
Steve
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I have two of them with the receiving antenna. Tied into what looks like a random ball of knots. One of them now has an external F connector for a antenna on it.
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As I recall, the first CM15A production units had most of the receive antenna wire rolled up in a ball with only the very end of the wire tucked in the external "soda straw".
I have two very early models and that was not the case with either. They had minimal wire between the antenna and receiver. The newest one, that I just received, may even have slightly more wire between antenna and receiver than the early ones. And, the transmitter antenna looks just like the two early models. Perhaps, there was always some variation in how they were assembled.
In any event, the distributor I'm working with is currently testing my antenna designs for the CM15A, TM751 and RR501. Barring any surprises, they should be available Q1 2013 (as soon as manufacturing can be arranged) and everyone can have more than adequate range.
- http://davehouston.org/ImproveCM15A.htm
- http://davehouston.org/ImproveRR501.htm
- http://davehouston.org/ImproveTM751.htm
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Tied into what looks like a random ball of knots.
Yes those are "inductance nodes" which acts as concentrators for the already powerful RF signals from the X10 remotes. rofl
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... My new CM15a has RF range at least twice as great as the old one. Not good, mind you, but better...
You might want to try the "18.5-inch wire" mod. It seems to improve reception for a lot of people.
It doesn't involve modifying the CM15A itself, so it doesn't affect your warrantly. You simply secure an 18.5-inch straight wire alongside the CM15A's antenna (using tape, plastic "zip ties," etc). You are not making an electrical connection between the new wire and the antenna, it is simply acting as a "reflector," to help draw in the RF signals, and direct them to the existing antenna.
... Who knows? I'm so excited about it that I may even try software newer than 3.228. (recommendations are welcome.) ...
Be careful with any versions newer than 3.310. That's when X10 changed the "SoftStart" behavior. If you have any dimming modules that are not "SoftStart," you'll need to edit them in AHP to select the correct module type from the "Old Lamps - no SoftStart" category.
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Web sales page indicates CM15A sold out and taking preorders for the next lot when they are received.
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Sounds like too many users got orders in too fast.
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So I am being careful - as in not updating my old version at all - but I installed Smart Macros (which I didn't have before) from the download link supplied with my new CM15A, and it installed AHP 3.318 all by itself.
I changed the modules to non-soft start versions and it all seems to be working OK, but am I in for other surprises?
(If I restore my computer to get back to the old version of AHP, I assume that I need to restore the registry as well as the AHP directory. Correct?)
Thanks,
Steve
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When AHP is updated, the plugin installs are updated, too (to make sure everything is compatible).
Downloading a new plugin installer will update the core AHP to that same version.
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Just got this email today showing they have them:
http://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/sw31a-cm15a.html
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Wish they sold just the CM15A - I have the other stuff. Just like to get one for a backup.
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Probably be the same price with or without the extras.
Saying you get all this extra free stuff makes it look better.
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I ordered in December, X-10 gave a ship date of 1-15. Now,mind you, I am not in immediate need, but for your information I still have receoved nothing... not even a ship notification. Having said that, it will probably arrive tomorrow.
Chris