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🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Help & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: whsbuss on November 12, 2011, 09:49:02 AM

Title: Strange X10 Problem
Post by: whsbuss on November 12, 2011, 09:49:02 AM

I have a module installed for years to control the porch light. Worked perfectly till yesterday. It turns on but won't turn off unless I manually do it at the switch. I even tried an old 16-button plug-in controller to eliminate the CM15 and it still will not turn off. I also tried a different X10 address with the same result. Replaced it with a new module also. Any suggestions??

Title: Re: Strange X10 Problem
Post by: dave w on November 12, 2011, 09:57:49 AM

Yes.
Assuming you did not change the bulb to a CFL or LED bulb, it sounds like you have a new noise source.

http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm

Also make sure the bulb is snug in socket.

Title: Re: Strange X10 Problem
Post by: William8 on November 12, 2011, 10:06:12 AM

Sounds like a noise issue. I had the same thing happen when I replaced my microwave this past summer. The garage lights would turn on, but not off. I thought it was a faulty module, but  a replacement changed nothing. I then noticed that a couple more modules didn't work at all.

This happened with the microwave just plugged in, not cooking anything. I haven't found a real solution yet, but it only affects about half of one phase, so I swapped a couple of circuits in the breaker box and now have everything working again, except my back porch light. :(

Title: Re: Strange X10 Problem
Post by: whsbuss on November 12, 2011, 10:54:44 AM

Weel what do you know.... yesterday I relocated some of my ham radio equipment in my office. Seems the switching power supply cannot be plugged into the same circuit as that porch light. I had to isolate it and now it works. THANKS!!

Title: Re: Strange X10 Problem
Post by: JMac on November 12, 2011, 12:18:37 PM

You deserve a helpful - reaffirming "the new noise source" syndrum of X10.   #:)

Title: Re: Strange X10 Problem
Post by: beelocks on November 12, 2011, 12:54:19 PM

Quote from: JMac on November 12, 2011, 12:18:37 PM

You deserve a helpful - reaffirming "the new noise source" syndrum of X10.   #:)

Or at least same noise, different place :)

Title: Re: Strange X10 Problem
Post by: whsbuss on November 12, 2011, 06:43:17 PM

Ha Ha..... I knew something changed and it was probably noise but I would never have guessed a power supply just plugged and not operating on the same circuit would affect the X10. But "new noise source" is exactly what happened!!

Thanks all.

Title: Re: Strange X10 Problem
Post by: Brian H on November 12, 2011, 06:48:41 PM

If the power supply has a capacitor across the AC input to keep internal noise off the power lines. It also could have been a severe signal sucker.