I am out of town right now and I have the DS7000 armed. If the alarm goes off it dials my phone and I can "listen in" otherwise listen to the alarm going off. If I somehow determine it was a false alarm, how do I turn off the alarm before the 4 minutes is up or at least reset the alarm if it ends after the 4 minutes? As it is I am assuming all the lights will remain on. How do I do the all lights off remotely hence resetting the alarm? Anyone have experience with this? OldTimer? Thanks.
Well I did a little checking and the x10 unit does not have an All Light On All Lights Off function sorry...
Well I did a little checking and the x10 unit does not have an All Light On All Lights Off function sorry...
I just read the TR16A Owner's Manual (ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/manuals/tr16a-om.pdf) and it *DOES* have All_Lights_On and All_Units_Off as LOCAL commands, but not as REMOTE. REMOTE can only handle Unit Codes 1-10, ON or OFF.
So, what's wrong with using a macro? Even the CM11A can handle something this simple. 20 macros will allow some nice functionality.
Well I did a little checking and the x10 unit does not have an All Light On All Lights Off function sorry...
I just read the TR16A Owner's Manual (ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/manuals/tr16a-om.pdf) and it *DOES* have All_Lights_On and All_Units_Off as LOCAL commands, but not as REMOTE. REMOTE can only handle Unit Codes 1-10, ON or OFF.
So, what's wrong with using a macro? Even the CM11A can handle something this simple. 20 macros will allow some nice functionality.
I agree with Tom j. it is about time for X10 to improve upon such products.
At present there ARE programs that allow you to call/phone your COMPUTER to control home automation.
Example: Saling Clicker and OvoLab Phlink are intergraded with Indigo software.
BUT ! It would be GREAT to be able to bypass the computer alltogether.
I would like to see features intergrated into the DS7000 to allow phone control and speak through when you receive a call.
I do understand why X10 made separate components to start with.
However it's time for X10 to begin combining some of them into a single unit with improvements.
There is no reason why a single unit couldn't have the functions of the DS7000 and TR16A without the associated problems.
I just got the RS 49-1000 alarm from Radio Shack to play with. It was made by X10 for them. It has phone dial in remote arm and disarm, 30 wireless zones and 2 hardwire zones. So I wouldn't think it would be hard to add the features to the DS7000.
I just got the RS 49-1000 alarm from Radio Shack to play with. It was made by X10 for them. It has phone dial in remote arm and disarm, 30 wireless zones and 2 hardwire zones. So I wouldn't think it would be hard to add the features to the DS7000.
Well as of right now I'm not using any motion sensors. With a house full of Alaskan Malamutes, motion sensors are not an option.
All in all the setup of the unit went OK. The instruction are not well written but with a background in X10 it went better then expected. The one problem I'm having is with the keychain remotes for arming/disarming. The RF is weak and the range less then the sensors. As soon as I come up with a plan to correct that I will post it here.
You have time delays you can set for the system to answer incoming call, sending out calls, entry and exit times. When the system does answer it asks you for your pin number. You press the code in on your phone and it will confirm it or tell you error. Once into the system you press 9,9,* it will tell you the status of your system or if there is an alarm trip it will tell you what zone was tripped. Another set of key entries will arm the system, another will disarm the system. Another nice feature is that you can turn on or off any module on a single house code. (all 16 unit codes) by phone. Once you enter the code on the phone the system will confirm back to you what you did. Turn on 12, Turn off 5... and so on. (not tried this yet)
Other options I haven't played with yet are timers, up to 12 pairs of timers. A pair is one on and one off. You can set times to daily, once or random. The book says the battery backup will supply up to 12 hours of backup. The unit will still turn on the siren and dial out during a power failure if the system is tripped.
Well I will post more as I learn more. Can't talk anymore.... got to go play. ;D
Oh also you can control On/Off of any of the 16 unit codes from the units keypad.
Well I guess I didn't see that, only thing is it's not very answering machine friendly though it answers after thirty seconds and can cut off your messages will try to post that information, probably would make your answering machine useless while you where away if that was important to you.
This information was originally posted in 1999 to the Circuit Cellar site but was never echoed properly to the comp.home.automation site except in very abreviated form. I'm reposting it here, edited, since it is still timely if you're trying to use an X10 telephone module with an answering machine.
I don't think its the console as much as the remote with the RF problem. The furthest point from one door sensor to console is 55 feet. The door sensor registers with the console OK and with AHP. Using the keychain remote from the same spot won't get received. Either less power or antenna difference in the remote is what I suspect.
By the way I am using the X10 - DS10A window door sensors, not the ones that came with the 49-1000. Main reason is that they were already mounted.
Yes on the listen in feature. Was impressed how sensitive it was.
I found out after I purchased the unit that it had been a return to the store unit. There were 4 zones programmed and the factory pin number had been changed. Luckily on this board was a post on how to reset the pin to default and I also did a memory clear on the unit. So far all the features have worked. My guess would be someone returned it maybe because of a range problem?
I tried the KR10A and had the same results, no signal getting to the unit. Before I change stuff or move things around I want to get a SH624 palm pad unit to try. Will order one soon. (was hoping to see a X10 special on them)
I know with the standard palm pad the range is better then the smaller remotes. My guess is antenna but have not opened one up to look at yet.
I may go in and have a look to see what it has for an antenna. I did get 2 HS624's ordered today from Automatedoutlet for 8.95 each. Should have them by the weekend to try.
"YES" Thanks Oldtimer... I corrected my post. Sometimes the mind has no idea what the fingers are doing.
If you recall the older style garage door openers had the static (single code or frequency) but
they changed the technology years ago to a randomly fluctuating code and so have nearly all
car alarm manufacturers. It is really not all that difficult to acquire a frequency, and if a thief is
familiar with X10 single code technology and is aware you have a X10 system (maybe it was your
cable or satellite TV installer who noticed your $10,000 plasma TV) he can add you to his list.
It's a scary thought, but it could happen. Perhaps there is a way to add rolling code technology
to the X10 system.
If Activity monitor doesn't record the event I'm not sure changes to the program would help at all.
BIG PROBLEM FOR X10
I just tested this with the Radio Shack 49-1000 and get the same results. Any X10 remote transmitting while you trip a security sensor deactivates the sensor. All one would need is a remote... press a button and hold... then walk right in. Activity monitor does not record the security sensor event. If Activity monitor doesn't record the event I'm not sure changes to the program would help at all.
BIG PROBLEM FOR X10
I doubt very much that the thieves reading this forum knows where I live.
And even if they did, they don't have any idea what else I may have in store for them.
As has been stated over & over again. If someone really wants to get into your home they will !
Locks & Security systems are only a deterrant to persons who are not determined to get into that particular place.
They would rather move on to one that isn't locked or protected in any way.
Of all the people that live where you do.
You would have to be specifically singled out and in that case they would get in anyway.
QuoteWell that may be true but this is like leaving all your doors unlocked and rolling out the welcome sign!!
>:( :-\
Tcj
??? I'm sorry but I don't quite understand what you're saying.
Please explain how this is as you've stated.
I'm sorry to say I think this is really pathetic, and unless a solution for this problem is found soon
I'm going to need to return all this equipment to the distributor. If it isn't bad enough that they
use fixed (static) codes instead of the preferred random (secure) code method, now we learn
that anyone can easily bypass an X10 system with little effort and expense.
There is something far more troubling about this problem that I discovered while doing tests,
but I hesitate to post it in case any thieves are reading these boards.
This problem is a disaster, and must be addressed asap.
I agree that the flaw should be fixed right away.
However, I'm not concerned at all about someone breaking in.
My housesitter Otis, is a German Shephard / Pit Bull mix.
I agree that the flaw should be fixed right away.
However, I'm not concerned at all about someone breaking in.
My housesitter Otis, is a German Shephard / Pit Bull mix.
So, that's why your handle changed!!! Obviously, Otis got pieved when he wasn't allowed to post here.
Say what'a you guys think about bringing this to the attention of Dave Rye think it would do any good?? I got his e-mail address.
Say what'a you guys think about bringing this to the attention of Dave Rye think it would do any good?? I got his e-mail address.
Feel free to post his email address.
If the company is made aware of the problem, and does nothing to correct it, and in 3 months there is
a break in & shooting, and the thief admits to using this method to gain entry, would there not be an
issue of liability? (The company is selling an alarm system under the false pretense that you and your
valuables are safe in your home when in fact they were advised the system can be easily bypassed)
I can imagine the attorneys that would be grinning from ear to ear wanting to take a case like this.
Perhaps someone should inform Mr. Rye of this.
Tom,
The problem is that the jammer (e.g. palm pad remote) is the same frequency as the security sensors. So the base only sees one signal, but the data on the carrier is now unrecognizable.
Update with signal pics 19-Oct-2006 15:22
Here are a few pics from a spectrum analyzer I took this morning.
Note: The pic with Both is how they appear in the air. They are both within the receiver's frontend bandwidth, so they cannot be interpreted seperately.
On a PLUS NOTE... I did see that the palm pad does not transmit continuously. I didn't measure the duty cycle however, but that means it's not constantly jamming the security sensors, so if they do get triggered during the palm pad's off time.... ALARM!!!
This may not mean a lot with regards to the door/window sensors (which would only be activated once), but multiple triggers from a motion detector could get recognized. "Do you feel lucky, PUNK?" ;D
Nonetheless... still a downfall with the system.
Tom,
Hardware wise, I don't think there is any way to prevent someone from jamming a low end transmitter / receiver (whether its X10 or another system).
Detecting this jammer through software (as Tuicemen has the X10dispatcher people doing) is the only practical solution for people already using the system. Hopefully X10 will add something similar in their next update of AHP or OnAlert. But this method (I believe) will only work if the jammer comes for an X10 source. If the software solution could detect a CW jammer it would be better.
But we all know how well our receivers pick up the signals from our remotes from every spot in our homes, every time. ;) This would make breaking in with a small battery operated transmitter in your pocket a risky adventure at best.
...but what about the hand held units that have supposedly 64 thousand combinations how does that work? Are these combinations all on the same frequency to?
I asked GE the maker of Simon if you could jam there system with one of their remotes the same way and they said you couldn't.
I haven't actually look into it (yet), but does anyone know what type of modulation X10 uses?
... I made a voltage follower using a 741 op-amp ...
...I looked at the CM15A's receiver and can see a difference in the signal on pin 10 of U1 on the receiver board. This signal is called CPC and is the RSSI signal. (BTW the schematic shows the 20 pin version of the chip but my CM15A had the 18 pin version.)
Watching this pin on a scope I can see a steady DC component (approximately 2.20 volts) when no X10 signal is present. When I transmit an X10 signal, I can see the pulses riding on top of the DC.
To make a steady DC signal which includes the received X10 signals, this line will have to feed an R-C circuit. To prevent causing the CM15A to not operate properly, I made a voltage follower using a 741 op-amp on a small circuit board and installed it inside and ran the output & ground leads to the outside.
As I get a chance I will add the necessary (external) circuit to these leads to create a DC level and see how it changes with a constant X10 signal being transmitted using a palm pad. I will compare this to a normal one time button press and see if the change is enough to make a comparator circuit to detect the jamming signal...
Thanks for the links TTA.
That thread looks like they are looking into ways of improving the PLC reception. I will look at more of the threads there now that I know about it...
I must also say "Sorry" because this is a little Off-topic
What i dont know is whether a flooding attempt using a 'security' remote which is not been registered at the base will flood the base unit.
If someone is trying to flood your device using a regular x10remote i can detect that and send an email or msn alert.
Good to see you back... hope you had fun. Thanks Dave, I did! ;)
I just wonder, do you think that it might also improve the jamming effect from a correct transmitter?
I Must point out, through my entire life, (Other than req'd college courses...) I have avoided working with radio, so the processes involved with jamming, phasing, and different modulation methods are on my "AVOID AT ALL COSTS" lists. I wouldn't even attempt what you are doing, just because it's too far out from what I do.
I am out of town right now and I have the DS7000 armed. If the alarm goes off it dials my phone and I can "listen in" otherwise listen to the alarm going off. If I somehow determine it was a false alarm, how do I turn off the alarm before the 4 minutes is up or at least reset the alarm if it ends after the 4 minutes? As it is I am assuming all the lights will remain on. How do I do the all lights off remotely hence resetting the alarm? Anyone have experience with this? OldTimer? Thanks.
You can't turn it off remotely those lights will remain on until you get back home! Now there is a way around it you're need that x10 telephone transponder see link below call and check but I'm almost sure it has a All Light On All Lights Off
Tcj
http://www.x10.com/products/x10_tr16a.htm