X10 Community Forum
🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Troubleshooting Automation Problems => Topic started by: Dumpster on June 19, 2010, 04:02:31 PM
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I'll start off assuming that it's the operator, but I'm very disappointed with the software and hardware purchased so for for AHP.
1. The interface device can't seem to be cleared. Try as I might, every time I try to clear it, the memory usage remains unchanged. In addition, even when I change the amount of dimming for a device macro using RF commands (say from 10% to 70%), the 10% dim still persists. If I change my macro from interface device to PC, then I get the right amount of dimming. If I change it back to interface device and _download_ it still sends out 10%. No matter what I do, the interface device seems to retain the old value.
2. The manual has very little information about what different menu commands are supposed to do. e.g. File -> Merge or Tools -> Clear interface memory.
This is good for starters. Overall, I'm very unhappy with the results I'm getting. I've been using the X10 products for over 20 years but it seems my venture into this software and RF world of X10 is changing my whole attitude toward the company. :-\
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Since you are new purchaser of AHP/CM15A, be aware X10 sends you AHP version 3.236, which is considered a buggy version. Here's what you can do to get a stable version of AHP.
Go to http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/activehome/ and look for ahp_updt_204.exe Save that and apply it over what you have now. When it is installed, open AHP and use the update link under Help to update AHP to version 3.228, the last good release of AHP.
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Newer wall modules and lamp modules are soft start and AHP has to be fooled to have them work better.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Newer_Wall_Switches_and_Preset_Dim
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/SoftStart
There is more detailed AHP information in the X10 wiki.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/ActiveHome_Pro
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First, thank you for the suggestions. :)
I've dowloaded and installed 3.204 but when I select to update, AHP closes but nothing else happens. I've tried rebooting w/ the same result. I am now 'stuck' at 3.204 for now but will re-install 3.236 if I hear nothing new. B:(
Thank you for the info and links to the wiki's.
One of the things I've found is that the memory usage report (tools-> hardware config) is based on the file that is open at the time, not a query of the connected interface device. Therefore, after a clear interface memory command (tools -> clear interface memeory), nothing changes in this report. :P
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I had the samething happen to me.
I used eagle's manual update method and it worked.
Here is a thread on the upgrade.
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=dfj4eoeq205d9d5eb71a546ej5&topic=15240.15
Look at page 2 eagle gave directions on how to manually install the update.
It is on your computer, if you ran the find updates, but for reasons unknown. Does not autorun.
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OK. These instructions worked. Now at 3.228.
Back to real issue ...
I'm trying something very simple ::) Macro, K5, with one RF command, set M5 absolute 50% ...
But the activity log shows a command to dim 10%.
Events Report : 06/20/2010 11:27:38.843
Event Date/Time Action Data
0 6/20/2010 11:18:41 AM Transmit RF M5 Off
1 6/20/2010 11:18:42 AM Transmit RF M5 On
2 6/20/2010 11:18:42 AM Receive M5
3 6/20/2010 11:18:43 AM Receive M Off
4 6/20/2010 11:18:43 AM Transmit RF M Dim
5 6/20/2010 11:18:43 AM Receive M5
6 6/20/2010 11:18:44 AM Receive M On
7 6/20/2010 11:18:44 AM Receive M Dim 10
If I use a module to do the same thing, I get this in the log.
Events Report : 06/20/2010 11:32:39.828
Event Date/Time Action Data
0 6/20/2010 11:32:08 AM Transmit M Dim 40(M5 test module)
I need to Tx RF to reach the module as it's not responding over the wire.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. :-\
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What is the M5 module?
No X10 power line modules have an RF receiver in them. Except the transceivers and a few of the consoles.
Are you sending the RF to a transceiver in a different part of the home. To get the signal to the M5 addressed module?
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The M5 is a WS467 wall switch. (actually, M5 doesn't exist, i'm test for M4 but don't want to keep turning the light on/off all day :) )
I'm using an TM751 to receive the RF commands.
In any case, the RF commands being xmitted appear to be wrong.
RF command coded: DIM 40%. RF command logged: DIM.
I expected the RF command Tx'd to be DIM 40 no matter what since the RF command doesn't consider the type of module receiving the command.
If I program the macro to turn off, turn on, dim50, dim50, dim50, dim50 I see the desired results in the log (4 DIMs).
Thx!
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If the WS467 is set to M5, no M4 command will affect it. If another module is set to M4, it's reacting to the signals.
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Thank you Dan, but I'm trying to trouble shoot the actual RF command right now.
(I probably shouldn't have mentioned M4 as it appears to have muddied things.)
M5 doesn't exist. I'm not observing the actual behavior, but viewing the log.
For example, when the RF command is programmed for M5 60% absolute,
the log shows what is getting Tx'd is simply DIM, not DIM 40%.
0 6/20/2010 11:18:41 AM Transmit RF M5 Off
1 6/20/2010 11:18:42 AM Transmit RF M5 On
4 6/20/2010 11:18:43 AM Transmit RF M Dim
p.s. I originally observed this problem with my M4 module. No matter what I programmed the M4 RF dim command for, it never dimmed more than 10%, ever. I began looking at the log and saw that the RF command never went out with what I programmed it for. So, rather than sitting here turning M4 on/off for hours, I started testing with M5 since the RF command doesn't care if the device exists or not. It just transmits blindly. Hope this clears up any confusion :)
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Dumpster
I came to this party late so go easy on me, but must ask why - o - why are you issuing RF commands to PLC modules? ???
I believe Brian H addressed this, but telling the CM15A to control a plug in module or wall switch (both controlled by PLC commands, not RF) via RF commands is like walking around the block to get to the back door. Under these conditions, I doubt the activity log would have accurate logging.
As example: in your macros, don't issue as RF commands unless you are controlling a Ninja camera base or a TM751 tranceiver.
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This may get stranger, as I have tried to duplicate the problem and come up with a 5% drop over Dumpster's 10%.
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I came to this party late so go easy on me, but must ask why - o - why are you issuing RF commands to PLC modules?
Late is fine! Great to be getting some help :)
I'm using RF commands because the PLC commands are not reaching the modules.
I've been using X10 modules for years and this has always been a problem in this house. :(
I believe Brian H addressed this, but telling the CM15A to control a plug in module or wall switch (both controlled by PLC commands, not RF) via RF commands is like walking around the block to get to the back door. Under these conditions, I doubt the activity log would have accurate logging.
As example: in your macros, don't issue as RF commands unless you are controlling a Ninja camera base or a TM751 tranceiver
Yes, I realize this is not a good situation, but for whatever reasons, this is my current situation and I'm not yet in the mood to pay an electrician to install a phase coupler :-\ (gonna be running around to the back door for now :) ) Ref X10 help article http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Setting_The_CM15A_to_send_RF_Commands
In any case, if one is going to sell a product with advertised features, one would like them to work. I started out saying this could very well be operator error, but for now, it still seems like a bug to me. ???
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I'm using RF commands because the PLC commands are not reaching the modules.
Ah-ha! I understand now.
Although my guess is a repeater would solve your problems. As far a electrician to wire up a repeater (IMHO don't mess with a passive coupler), altough I am not a fan of the Smarthome.com clothes dryer outlet repeater, it has a fair track record and requires no wiring.
As far as your problem being a "bug" or "the operator"...my money is on "bug".
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Although my guess is a repeater would solve your problems
I hadn't noticed such a device. I'll go take a look -:)
Thx!
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It's been a long day with little fruit. :'(
I thought I could finally deal with this issue by xmitting the dim command multiple times. So, I set up a simple little ditty and let it rip.
Much to my surprise, for every RF command that is sent out, it now gets repeated on the line 5 times!
At first, I thought it was the TM751 but nothing I tried fixed it. I tried shutting down and restarting AHP. No joy.
Finally, as a last resort, I unpluged the CM15A USB and power, removed the batteries, pluged it back in to the power, put the batteries back in, plugged the USB cable again, and VIOLA, one RF command, one PLC command.
So, the problem seems to be with the CM15A. Sheesh. >*<
I have no idea what's going on. I haven't gotten the SDK for the interface yet, but I'm betting some of the advance codes control things like repeat commands and somehow the CM15A is getting confused and setting a repeat rate with every command. This has not been a very satisfying way to spend my father's day ... sigh
I know there are a lot of satisfied folks out there, so I'm not going to be bashing X10 too much ... but this sucks. B:(
OK. I'm done whining.
p.s. Thank you for those that tried to help me figure out this wierd behavoir.
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I'm convinced X10 should pull their support for RF Tx from their software. It is so unreliable. Below is another bizarre behavior. I’ve tried to make this a clear as possible. Before starting, I’ve unplugged and removed the batteries from the CM15A and repeated these tests several times.
Test case 1
1. Create macro K4 to send one RF command dim absolute 50% to M4.
2. Configure it to Run From PC
3. Save it and download to the CM15A
4. Switch to all rooms view
5. View the activity monitor (F2)
6. Execute the macro by clicking on the Run Macro button
Results: Four transmit commands get logged to the activity monitor; M4 Off, M4 Off, M4 On, and M Dim.
Continue watching the activity monitor window. It shows the Receive for the Off and On commands and then about 80 Receive M Dim 10% (takes several minutes before it stops) :o
Test case 2
1. Edit macro K4 to send one RF command dim absolute 50% to M4.
2. Configure it to Store in Interface (The only difference from test case 1)
3. Save it and download to the CM15A
4. Switch to all rooms view
5. View the activity monitor (F2)
6. Execute the macro by clicking on the Run Macro button
Results: Three transmit commands get logged to the activity monitor; M4 Off, M4 On, and M Dim
Continue watching the activity monitor window. It shows the Receive for the Off and On commands and then about 4 Receive M Dim 10%
In both cases, watching the actual device confirms what’s in the log. In fact, in test case 1, manually pushing the button on the wall switch turns the light back on to full brightness and then it begins to dim until off just as the activity monitor would suggest.
I’ve tested this in versions 3.228 and 3.271 (downloaded/installed today)
I really want X10 to be aware of this situation. Can anyone suggest the best avenue for bringing this (along with the other bizarre behavior in this thread) to their attention?
Thanks again for everyone’s help and suggestions.
>!
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Just out of curiosity, where did you get 3.271? Not from X10, I suspect.
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X10 International sites have 3.267 available for download. I believe the update feature from that version will do 3.271.
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Dumpster; Good data keeping on the search for the answer. :)%
Not sure if there is a good method of bring this to their attention. We have been pointing out problems for many months and it has been a real long time since we had an update to AHP. The work around for the Soft Start Module being called an LM14A has been used for a very long time. I wounder if that maybe part of the problem. The LM14A used some commands the other ones do not.
Also the RF remotes send more than one Dim each time the button is activeted. Maybe when AHP is sending an RF dim it does multiple ones.
You verified you have no repeater at present. So we don't have to worry about a firestorm of dims; that some did when paired; with a CM15A. The Leviton HCA02 and the Smarthome ones have been reported to get into signal firestorms under some conditions when paired with a CM15A.
Since you tried multiple AHP versions. Maybe the actual firmware in the CM15A has a glitch in it.
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Just out of curiosity, where did you get 3.271? Not from X10, I suspect.
I just used the original downloader I had gotten from X10 when I first installed. I was surprised too. The first time I used the downloader it installed 3.267. This time I got 3.271.
Since you tried multiple AHP versions. Maybe the actual firmware in the CM15A has a glitch in it.
I'm betting the CM15A as well. Do we know if they have ever provided an update for the firmware or if they even have designed in a way to update it?
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No way to update the firmware by the user.
It is burned into the controller IC soldered to the main board.
My real early CM15A has an older version sticker on the controller IC than my last one.
X10 actually downloaded 3.267 and you are in the US or Canada.
Maybe things are changing.
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quote the Beatles White Album (sort of) "Happiness is a warm XTBIIR"
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No way to update the firmware by the user.
It is burned into the controller IC soldered to the main board.
My real early CM15A has an older version sticker on the controller IC than my last one.
X10 actually downloaded 3.267 and you are in the US or Canada.
Maybe things are changing.
3.267 is not in the X10 Software Repository, the last version in it is 3.236.
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True Dan; It is available from the international X10 dealers selling their CM15A AHP packages.
I believe some here in the US have also used it.
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The beat goes on B:(
After updating to 3.271, I started getting an error saying the AHP had a problem communicating with the USB device. None of the commands/modules worked reliably. I get the error several times a day from both timer commands and when manually running from the AHP application.
I did notice that one of the new items under the RF Macro commands was somehting for an IR command. I'm assuming that is for some kind of Infrared device. In anycase, I'm bck to 3.228, hoping at least the minimal set of timers and modules I've got set up will work. This whole experience seems so unprofessional. :-\
ttfn
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Did X10 in the USA give you 3.271 or did you find it on an International site?
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Did X10 in the USA give you 3.271 or did you find it on an International site?
I'm not sure. When I ordered the SW the link in the email didn't work. When I complained, they sent me the downloader as an attachment. When I ran it the first time it installed 3.267. The next time I got 3.271. As far as I can tell, the emails, orders, etc. were all from X10.com in the USA.
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Thanks for the information.
I don't believe 3.267 or 3.271 are in the publicly accessable FTP site, but I may go take a look. ;D
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Did X10 in the USA give you 3.271 or did you find it on an International site?
I'm not sure. When I ordered the SW the link in the email didn't work. When I complained, they sent me the downloader as an attachment. When I ran it the first time it installed 3.267. The next time I got 3.271. As far as I can tell, the emails, orders, etc. were all from X10.com in the USA.
Can you e-mail me the downloader so I can see it, it is very unusual for X10USA to do that.
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I got the e-mail and the follow-up. I did not execute it (I didn't want to possibly corrupt my AHP) but it appears to be from X10USA as the beginning looks just like what opens up for 3.204 and 3.236, so perhaps X10 has new programmers working on AHP, even though the 2 versions you got are not (yet) in the X10 Software Repository. Do they look like AHP always has or something different?
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I didn't want to possibly corrupt my AHP
Chicken ;D
Do they look like AHP always has or something different?
I saw no significant difference in the user interface except for the one additional item listed under available RF commands called an IR Command that I'm assuming is for an infrared device.
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I didn't want to possibly corrupt my AHP
Chicken ;D
Do they look like AHP always has or something different?
I saw no significant difference in the user interface except for the one additional item listed under available RF commands called an IR Command that I'm assuming is for an infrared device.
available RF commands? That's not listed in AHP without plug-ins. I run AHP 3.228 because I do not need or use any of the plug-ins for AHP
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I've not installed any plugins either, but when creating a macro, one of the items in the drop down list on the right side of the window is RF Commands. Listed as available RF Commands are All Lights On / All Units Off, On / Off, and Dim / Brighten.
There is also an item in the drop down list for Advanced Functions, but I haven't used this feature.
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I've not installed any plugins either, but when creating a macro, one of the items in the drop down list on the right side of the window is RF Commands. Listed as available RF Commands are All Lights On / All Units Off, On / Off, and Dim / Brighten.
There is also an item in the drop down list for Advanced Functions, but I haven't used this feature.
That's also in 3.228. Spent a bit of time in the Macro section.
Wonder why X10 hasn't put the two files you got in the X10 Software Repository if X10 did get some new programmers
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Yes, but what is not in 3.228 but is in 3.271 is the IR Command.
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As Dumpster has experianced one problem, I had a xp problem. Reinstalled all the usual stuff. When it came to AHP, I followed the old ways to install.
During the AHP first out of 5 install, that's with all the plugins. It gave you an option to upgrade to 3.271. I did. It went throught its usual steps and reinstalled my AHX file.
Everything is the same expect 2 things. One is as stated by Dumpster the addition of IR commands in the the macro options RF commands.
the second is my VA12A is working with xp. how sweet is that. I did also try it on a vista laptop and it also worked.
Now this is only just stumbled on over the weekend due my never ending need to tweak a computer and then end up in the same hole, Format/reinstall. I did find problems with finding a good video compression to work without crashing AHP. No OnAlert modules used and I never bother with MyHouse Online.
I will say the Vista was more stable than the xp was, that is only an early judgement
I did revert back to 3.228 just for safety of my home setup but will try the upgrade on a later date.
BaBaLou.
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Well I have 3.236 loaded right now and AHP says there are NO Updates available.
3.228 when installed doesn't even find 3.236 as an update.
Now that X10 is pushing some kits with AHP software and the CM19A Interface. I wounder if 3.271 may also have added support for it.
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Is 3.271 an X10USA version or from somewhere else? The X10 Software Repository stops with 3.236.
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I cant tell you where it came from, US or EU. ???
But also remember that V3.228 is Not in the X10USA Repository too. :'
The way that I came across installing V3.271 and I think Dumpster too, was by doing a full reinstall of AHP. His AHP got corrupt and mine was needing to reinstall XP on a reformatted new HD.
The file came form the same place I always use when doing a whole Reinstall of AHP. The software shortcut link sent by X10 when you purchase AHP.
During the first install of AHP, a screen came up before the install started and asked if I would to like to upgrade the AHP to a new version. It did not give any information about which Version it was upgrading you to, but the screen at this option, I never have seen before while doing old reinstall of AHP in the past, in fact the last time was around Easter time and that was at my business system.
This was a whole new install and for me any X10 files on my system was non existant at the time I Installed AHP. As stated, I did revert back to V3.228 just to be safe. But do intend to try and install V3.271 again. Dang, my VA12A worked on this version, cant let that get away without trying it again.
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BaBaLou; Thanks for the added data.
Yes for reasons only known by X10. Some versions seem to be missing in the repository and not generally available in the check for upgrades test either.
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I used the original software link in the e-mail X10 sent on 7/15/2005 at 8:43AM when i first bought AHP. Guess what? I now have 3.271, direct from X10 USA, so it IS a X10USA issue.
Now maybe X10 will put 3.228 and other versions left out of the Repository in it. BTW it kept my registration intact.
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Thank you Dan.
Yes it would be nice for X10 to keep things current in the software repository..
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That's true. I've noticed the Repository has a lot of oddball stuff including Active Home!!! As far as AHP it has 3.175 (the first release?) through 3.236 with some releases omitted. Everything in it is dated 03 December 2008. There's even files called "bill.x10, oprah.x10 and felix.x10. Know what those 3 files are, I don't.
The Repository should be arranged better, in my opinion.
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Can you post a link to the repository.
When I to the X10 site and search for downloads, most of the stuff I find seems very old.
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Surely. Here it is: http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/activehome/
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ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/
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Same place, same stuff, all dated 03 December 2008. What will come first, X10 puts every issue of AHP on it and creates different folders for Active Home, Active Home Pro and AHP Plug-ins, or Santa Claus?
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There's even files called "bill.x10, oprah.x10 and felix.x10. Know what those 3 files are, I don't.
Just for laughs I downloaded them, and opened them in word pad.
They appear to be demo AHP setups... "Living Room", "Dishwasher", "TV" and the like...