Hi all,
This past weekend I replaced all my WS477 switches. I ordered the WS 12A and was sent the XPD3. Contacting sales I was told that they were out of WS 12As and the XPD3 was a heavy duty replacement.
So I replaced all the WS477 switches with XPD3 switches and now have a problem. My CM15A controller which was programmed by Active Home Pro 3.204 will not turn the switches on with programming control i.e. Sunset/Sunrise. It will turn the switches off with programming control. If I use my Palm Pad remote (HR12A), I can turn on and off the switches.
Technical support tells me it a noise problem, and that the signal generated by the CM15A is weaker than the signal passed through from the HR12A. If this is correct then why does the switch turn on when I request “all lights on” which has to be generated in the CM15A controller? And why does programming control turn the switches off?
Calling technical support I was told I needed the WS 14A.
Now I’m looking for help from you.
1) Can the CM15A run the XPD3 through programming control?
2) Would changing the switch type in Active Home Pro 3.2.04 from “3-way wall switch module” to “Levitron wall switch 6381” or “Levitron wall switch 6381” help?
3) One last question. I just did a search and saw that there is a definition for a Pro 3-way wall switch module. Is this the answer?
Thanks In Advance
I suspect the "noise problem" is only from the X-10 support technician talking through his hat.
Try programming the XPD3 as a LM14A and operating it by sliding the brightness slider on the icon up and down (stopping at some intermediate points). If the lamp controlled by the module responds (you won't see any change in the icon), that means X-10 is shipping XPD3 with redesigned firmware, similar to what they've done with the WS467.
Let us know if that's the case; then we can advise you further.
I suspect the "noise problem" is only from the X-10 support technician talking through his hat.
Try programming the XPD3 as a LM14A and operating it by sliding the brightness slider on the icon up and down (stopping at some intermediate points). If the lamp controlled by the module responds (you won't see any change in the icon), that means X-10 is shipping XPD3 with redesigned firmware, similar to what they've done with the WS467.
Let us know if that's the case; then we can advise you further.
Sorry it took so long for me to respond. I didn’t have "notify when replies" or whatever it's called turned on. I will look for the definition of the LM14A. today. If you know where it is would you reply with direction where to find it, to save me some time?
I’ve done a lot of tests since I last posted. I even bought another CM15A and a BoosterLinc with no success. What a sucker I am!!!!!! I went out to my circuit breaker box and assured that all the switches that are currently not working correctly, the BoosterLinc and the CM15A were all on the same phase of the box. I redefined the switches from PRO 3-ways to just plain 3-ways and some of the strange behavior has gone away. The BoosterLinc does not show nois on the line and does show the signal going down the line.
At this time I still have the switches not turning on when the CM 15A attempts to turn the individual switch on through program control. They however turn on with the PalmPad (8 button wireless remote) individual signals, all lights on signal, and individual control from the PC when connected to the CM15A.
During my testing I attempted the Brute Force Method. I created a macro to do ALL LIGHTS ON then turn off the ones I didn’t need. This didn’t work until I increased the delay of the turn offs to 5 minutes. Currently (not wanting to spend any more $$$$) I do All Lights On, then run a macro that turns off the units I don’t want a minute latter. I may try seeing what happens if I attempt to run the turn off macro at the same scheduled time. Maybe Off comes after On, who knows.
If this sounds like I’m using the Brute Force Method or Kentucky Windage you are correct. Since technical support appears to be un-trained and totally unprofessional I have to use my past 20+ years of computer programming and my electronics experience to attempt to get it to work correctly.
In summary: I believe that the XPD3 switches require either a different signal than my previous switches (not sure of the model, they were probable close to 17 years old), and the CM15A has some undocumented features (errors). Oh yeah my 25 year old Radio Shack (looks like a clock radio) turns them on correctly.
Oh PS,
Are you saying the definition of the different switches in Active Home actually send different signals to the different modules?
Oh PSS,
If I sell this house my next house will most likely not have X-10 units. I’ll look for something mire current, Yeah I know, more current = More$$$$$
Thanks for the help.
4) Do you work for X-10, SmartHome or some other company like that?
I took a look at the links. Of course I now have a headache. BIG question is how do I get AHP 3.206? I have 3.2.04 with all the updates (so they say) Do I really need 3.206?
Got it, but where is 3.206 coming from?
Strange. I just bought a CM15A from X10.com and checked for updates. On well, as long as I'm not missing anything critical.