X10 Community Forum
🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Help & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: bvrwally on August 21, 2011, 08:18:44 AM
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I'm running active home 3.316 with Iwatch & MyHouse on line software. My problem is I cannot switch between cameras. I at one time was able to? B:( Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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CM19A or CM15A AHP Interface?
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Under my "Tools" option...it says: "CM-11 configuration" ?
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Under my "Tools" option...it says: "CM-11 configuration" ?
That was added in the last few versions, to allow AHP to control a CM11.
Which module do you have, though? The CM15 or the CM19?
The CM15 is a white box that connects to the PC using a USB cable, plugs into a wall outlet, and has a rigid antenna along the side.
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQcOW7qmYTCDjVmSilygia0H_jow6SvVIK_YUBCQp4qmd2lzA8EGw)
The CM19 black, has an attached USB cable, and a short, loose wire antenna:
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9BGOm-YUNTcKKqEbbV-YtQp2GRfjoDVi6kRKxHzRgrGNS0hzitA)
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Yepper...the white one is what I have!
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I at one time was able to? B:( Any help would be greatly appreciated!
What have you done so far to investigate? Tell us what you have done so far will help us.
If everything worked once and now it don't, then you need to figure out what changed. It could be a new electrical noise source blocking the X10 powerline signals to the camera powersupplies.
http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm
Have you added any new electronics, even as insignificate as a new cell phone charger. Could also be noise from a CFL bulb.
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B:(
I installed “Iwatch Mobile Pro” last month, but was having issues with the cameras long before that!
I installed a “Signal Bridge” with in the last two weeks, thinking that may help? Nope. I don’t even get the LED to light? I installed the 19” copper wire to the TM 751 and no help either? I had just 1 CFL bulb for an outside security light, and removed that. I went as far as removing “ALL” X-10 switching modules! Disconnected the cordless phone, which could interfere with the signal! I plugged the CM15 in a separate outlet with a switching module, and could not get it to activate the module? When I tried to download my new settings on my AH configuration….it shuts down and kicks me out? When I tried to do the camera “Stream Configuration” I thought the cameras would show up as, ie. A-1, etc? All it showed was (*0)? Even after I unplugged each camera and re-installed them in the program mode?
Is it possible the eprom is shot in the CM15 and if I was to purchase another, would I need to download and re-register my software? What a PITA this has been!!!! I am an Electrical tech by trade, but this has been very frustrating!!!!!!!
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Is it possible the eprom is shot in the CM15 and if I was to purchase another, would I need to download and re-register my software? What a PITA this has been!!!! I am an Electrical tech by trade, but this has been very frustrating!!!!!!!
The cameras are switched by PLC commands over the powerline. So if the CM15A can still control other modules and AHP is running normally, then it probably isn't the CM15A, other than perhaps the PLC camera ON command from the CM15A isn't getting to the camera power supplies. Do you had a Scan Pad remote? does it switch cameras? You have not changed unit codes on the camera power supplies have you, they must be addressed in groups of four (1,2,3,4 or 5,6,7,8...etc). When one camera in the group is sent an ON command the remaining three in the group automatically turn OFF.
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I do have them addressed as such, ie. A-1 thru A-4? The palm pad does not switch them either any longer? Used to at one time, a very long time ago? I have deleted the cameras & re-added them to no avail? Shouldn't I see the LED flash on my bridge, when sending commands from my palm remote?
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Would it be possible to "Un-install" my AH software & re-install and go from there? B:( I really want to get "Back-on-line" with this. I believe my problem started, when my computer crashed last winter and the hard drive was wiped and software re-installed. The X-10 had a newer version and my modules didn't recognize it, as they were the old style (8 years old)?
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Would it be possible to "Un-install" my AH software & re-install and go from there? B:( I really want to get "Back-on-line" with this. I believe my problem started, when my computer crashed last winter and the hard drive was wiped and software re-installed. The X-10 had a newer version and my modules didn't recognize it, as they were the old style (8 years old)?
You shouldn't have to uninstall. The newer versions of AHP added support for the newer "SoftStart" versions of the lamp modules and wall switches. Unfortunately, X10 didn't change the model numbers, which has led to a lot of confusion and frustration on the part of their customers.
When AHP was updated to support the SoftStart modules, they added a new category, called "Old Lamps - no SoftStart". The modules in there are the "older" ones, the ones without the SoftStart feature.
Try re-defining your older lamp modules and wall switches using the ones in that category, and see what happens.
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I do have them addressed as such, ie. A-1 thru A-4? The palm pad does not switch them either any longer? Used to at one time, a very long time ago? I have deleted the cameras & re-added them to no avail? Shouldn't I see the LED flash on my bridge, when sending commands from my palm remote?
If the Scan Pad does not work, it might indicate an RF problem, but you should still be able to control through the CM15A. Since the signal LED on your repeater does not flash, and your CM15A can not control cameras, can the CM15A control anything else? Is it working in other respects? Is the TM751 working?
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Sadly, not a thing????? I even purchased a new one recently, thinking my other one was defective? Still no signals? (TM751 that is)
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Sadly, not a thing????? I even purchased a new one recently, thinking my other one was defective? Still no signals? (TM751 that is)
Well IMHO it is still suspect as a noise problem. The problem is likely on the same circuit as the CM15A, is the TM751 on the same circuit?
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One thing that comes to mind now, that I think of it.....@ three years back, I changed all of my ballasts in the fluorescent fixtures in my garage. 36 total, to the new energy efficient ones. That is about the time I started to have problems??!! Now if I was to isolate them, I should see a signal show up somewhere in my system?? I was getting random lights turning on at various times, and recently, have had my door bell going off in the early AM??? I think I'll pull out my 'ol HeathKit O scope and hook it to my AC line and see what may be up???!!!
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Now if I was to isolate them, I should see a signal show up somewhere in my system?? I was getting random lights turning on at various times, and recently, have had my door bell going off in the early AM??? I think I'll pull out my 'ol HeathKit O scope and hook it to my AC line and see what may be up???!!!
Doorbell?? Is your doorbell X10?
Can't you just turn off your garage lights and see if your cameras start working?
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Yes...I connected a power flash to send a signal to my bell upstairs. Since I cannot see the door in the carport. I will try to run things with the garage lights off. Problem is, I am at the other home for most of the time. I want to monitor things remotely, when I cannot be at my Beach Home! The system ran well for @ 8 years, and I just now got back to trying to get it up and running as it once did. I recently purchased an Android Smart phone, and had it viewing just one camera. With all of the apps I have purchase thru X-10 over the years, and wanted them all to work, as they previously did! When I tried to "Download" my settings...AH shut down & kicked me out, for some strange reason?? Frustrating! B:( When I do get the time...I will uninstall AH & try to re-install it and see what happens?? Some thing is corrupted in my DLL's I believe? I will copy all of my AH programs over to disk, before I un-install. Last winter, I had my computer at a local repair shop and I think programs got screwed up after that?
One way or another, I need this to work...I have way too much $$$ invested in it this at this time. Thanks for your time and advice! :)
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I want to monitor things remotely, The system ran well for @ 8 years, and I just now got back to trying to get it up and running as it once did. I recently purchased an Android Smart phone, and had it viewing just one camera.
OK, But in your original post about not being able to switch cameras, you were trying to control the cameras directly with AHP, correct? (not through the Android)
Also you imply that you have not been able to control the cameras for some time, so if the lights are the problem they would have to be on every time you tried to switch cameras. Does that make sense? I am asking because I may be leading you astray thinking it is noise. If you were trying to control the cameras from some remote location, that is a whole different matter.
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Correct Dave, I was trying to switch cameras with AH and it does not work. I used to be able to switch them with AH and the pad. Lights off or on, no switching, but like I mentioned earlier, they used to switch just fine. Currently though....I seem not to be getting any signals out of the CM15, as if I did, the LED on my signal bridge should indicate them.
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I deleted all of my cameras in AHP this AM and cleared the interface....re-installed them one-at-a-time, AHP still is not allowing me to switch cameras???? I know they act is if they all are on, as I am seeing their views when I swing the receiver module's antenna around???? Anyone have an idea???
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I deleted all of my cameras in AHP this AM and cleared the interface....re-installed them one-at-a-time, AHP still is not allowing me to switch cameras???? I know they act is if they all are on, as I am seeing their views when I swing the receiver module's antenna around???? Anyone have an idea???
This is probably somewhere earlier in the thread, but I couldn't find definite answers:
1) How many cameras?
2) What HouseCode/Unit Code(s) are they set to?
3) What (if any) other modules do you have on the same house Code(s) as the cameras?
4) What does the Activity Monitor show when you try to change cameras?
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I currently only have two cameras installed, after I unhooked two other ones. They are set to A1 & A2 respectively. There are no other modules installed with that code. The activity monitor shows me trying to switch & control the Ninja-pan VA74 cameras, but they do not? The RM pans them L & R & up & down but it doing both at once?? Can't control with AHP?
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For some reason. The A1 and A2 On commands are not being sent or being lost with power line problems.
When A1 is turned On. Any camera supply on A2,A3 or A4 should automatically go Off. With no added Off commands.
With both A1 and A2 ON. yes both will follow the same Ninja Remote commands. As both are On.
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For some reason. The A1 and A2 On commands are not being sent or being lost with power line problems.
When A1 is turned On. Any camera supply on A2,A3 or A4 should automatically go Off. With no added Off commands.
With both A1 and A2 ON. yes both will follow the same Ninja Remote commands. As both are On.
Don't the Ninja control commands go over RF, not PLC?
In that case, there may be some problem with the transmission distance.
Another thing to try would be to rotate the code wheels on the power supplies all the way around a few times.
It is possible that a dirty contact could be making one camera think it is on the wrong code.
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I will try to rotate the code switch, like you mentioned. Problem is...I only get there on the weekends to do so! :(
I added the proper length of copper wire, to enhance my distance and range of signal, by attaching it as mentioned to the antenna. Once I get the cameras to work, as they should,...I'll be one happy camper! :) l Like I mentioned in an earlier post....They worked well for the last 8 years, then when my computer went to the repair shop and returned....I started having issues.
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Rotated the knobs on the cameras this weekend, and also changed the settings from A to C. Installed two TM 751 in different locations and was finally able to get control of the cameras with a hand held remote. Only problem now is the CM15 is still not controlling them??? B:(
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Only problem now is the CM15 is still not controlling them??? B:(
Still sounds like noise or coupling problem. Use a single TM751 in the same outlet as the CM15A. Does the remote still work?
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I'll give that a try when I get back out there. I will try to change what outlet my CM15 is in and add the TM751 with it and see what happens then? Yes...something is sucking up the CM15 signal, as my signal bridge LED still is not responding???? I have it on it's own dedicated circuit to the circuit breaker panel downstairs.
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OK...today I tried everything mentioned here! When I tried to download new settings in my CM15A, I keep getting this error message..."Down load error" there's not enough space in the interface to download your timers & macros??? I have NO timers or macros in this setup? Also, after changing my batteries, I still get the red glow and 00 for time remaining on the batteries???? I unplugged everything in my house, related to electronics to eliminate noise, but still cannot get this thing to work????? & now I noticed that my video receiver is only broadcasting in "Black & White"???? B:(
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Bump! B:(
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OK...today I tried everything mentioned here!
So what happened when you plugged the TM751 in the outlet the CM15A was in?
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When I tried to download new settings in my CM15A, I keep getting this error message..."Down load error" there's not enough space in the interface to download your timers & macros???
It sounds like you might have a corrupt AHX file.
Try this:
Unplug the CM15A (USB and power)
Remove the batteries
reboot the PC
Wait at least 5 minutes after having removed the CM15A's batteries, then put them back in.
Plug the CM15A back in (power and USB)
Clear the interface memory
Start a new AHX file, with one or two simple timers and/or macros (for testing - no point spending time re-creating it all yet).
Try downloading to the CM15A.
Let us know if that helps.
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Dave, I was able to control the cameras with the TM 751 but not the CM15A, when I plugged them in the same outlet? The PC showed they were switching, but the CM15A was not in control of them? I've tried clearing the interface a number of times, and no luck so far? I left my computer on with the downloading in progress and when I returned a week later....it was still "Downloading"!!??
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Dave, I was able to control the cameras with the TM 751 but not the CM15A,
OK that pretty much indicates it isn't a noise or coupling problem which is the direction I was going in..
Maybe CM15A is bad. I think Noam is going down that road. With the talk of X10 being in receivership, maybe now is the time to get a spare or two. ???
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I left my computer on with the downloading in progress and when I returned a week later....it was still "Downloading"!!??
This indicates the CM15 memory is corrupt.
I've had a old one do this and it is fixable.
you'll need to:
purge delayed macros
clear the interface
empty deleted modules
unplug the cm15 from usb and outlet
remove batteries
wait 5 mins
Plug the Cm15a in and repeat above
then try uploading to the interface (download timers and macros),if it still fails redo the procedure.
once the download is successfull reinstall the batteries.
Note: it took acouple of time before mine started to accept info.
>!
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Note: it took a couple of time before mine started to accept info.
>!
That's because you forgot to hold the CM15A above your head and do the dance.
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Where is a good source for obtaining another CM15A without having to purchase additional software???
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Where is a good source for obtaining another CM15A without having to purchase additional software???
You could try X10 customer service and there is always e-bay
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Where is a good source for obtaining another CM15A without having to purchase additional software???
CM15A with AHP is only $49 on X10.com, I think the eBay resellers are asking more right now. X10 customer service may have a "scratch and dent" like Tuicemen suggests.
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I picked up a VA12A by going into chat on the Vanguard selling page and requesting one without the software.
I'm sure the same could be done for the CM15A from a AHP perchase page.
>!
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I purchased another CM15A and will try to see if that clears up my problem? I just won't be able to install it for another week, when I get back to my Beach Home! l Thanks for all of your help! >!
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Here is a screen shot of what I found this weekend, after deleting all AHP and re-installing it along with a new CM15A! I have NEVER seen my limitation or selection of channels displayed as such????? B:(
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/BvrWally2/X10%20Home%20Automation/X10usagenow.jpg)
My "Ultimate" goal....is to monitor my garage/studio/apartment remotely. I have 4 cameras, security system, and just about every AHP add-on possible! I personally have come to the conclusion, yes, I have a noise issue. I have the coupler (XPCR) for my service panel, that was of no help. Changed interfaces, (CM15A). Deleted all references to AHP and re-installed it, along with my registration numbers. A TM751 does switch the cameras, when I am there, but I really need the CM15A to do so with my "Remote" software! Again, thanks for all of your help to date!
B.W. :)
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Bump! ;D