Locating and Filtering SIGNAL SUCKERS Using the ELK ESM1
JeffVolp
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- 1.) As a first step, I highly recommend you get a X10 signal level monitor, such as the ELK ESM1 X-10® Signal Meter (http://www.elkproducts.com/products/esm1.htm). That should allow you to troubleshoot your problem.
. - 2.) Then trip breakers to all circuits except your AHP, and measure signal levels at several outlets on that circuit.
. - 3.) Add circuits one by one while continuing to monitor signal levels. You want a minimum of .1Vpp for reliable operation. 1Vpp or better is great. Any circuit that significantly decreases signal levels or injects noise onto the line should be further investigated for problem loads.
. - 4.) One other possibility that should be checked is interaction with a neighbor on the same transformer. X10 has a big blocking filter that slips over the large neutral coming into your distribution panel to isolate your house.
. - 5.) Once all offending loads are isolated behind filters, you should have a reliable system.
Jeff
[TTA Edit: Re-formatted into a LIST; added ELK LINK]
To Get a Reliable X10 System (and I mean RELIABLE),
One Has To Do Some Homework
JeffVolp
(From NG:comp.home.automation, Fri, Dec 1 2006 7:14 pm)
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...it sounds like the OP arranges his filters by trial and error until he finds a configuration that works. Unfortunately, that is likely to be just over the minimum acceptable signal levels, and the next widget plugged in could cause a problem.
The fact that adding a filter doesn't seem to change anything doesn't mean that device is not causing a problem. It may not be enough by itself, but can be when something else is added on the same circuit.
Filters:
- We know most computers will cause problems, so they all should have filters.
- Compact fluorescents are a gray area. Some work fine, but others can be a problem, and will need a filter.
- Some electronics, like our old Sony TV andour APC UPS are major signal suckers, and need filters.
The best way to identify these is to use a X10 signal level meter like the ESM1 to measure signal levels throughout the house. I use a palmpad to trigger commands from a RF transceiver near the main controller. Monitor each AC receptacle with a possible problem device either plugged in or not. If there is ANY change when the device is either plugged in or switched on, than that device should be filtered. No maybe. You want reliability.
Signal Strength:
Then go around to all receptacles. If any read down around 100mV, that circuit is a candidate for problems. Locate any remaining signal suckers on that circuit. If none are found, then the overall signal level should be increased. That's why I built the XTB in the first place. We have one central circuit with nine X10 devices on it, including several transmitters. That circuit read only 100mV. Everything still worked, but was marginal. Adding a XTB down at the breaker panel raised that circuit up to 1V, so I don't have to worry about any random device being plugged in.
Other Things:
There are other things that can be done to make the house X10 friendly, like move all X10 circuits to the same phase. We also installed the small Leviton 6287 filters on all X10 ceiling can circuits that could possibly use CF bulbs. I didn't bother testing the bulbs first because I was after reliability.
Summary:
If one takes the time to set the system up properly in the first place, then there is not the continual debugging whenever the next electronic widget is added. Do the homework, and the system works. Recently my wife said one light didn't come on when it should have. It turned out that after several years the bulb finally burnt out.
I guess X10 can't fix everything. :-\
[TTA Edit: Copied from NG and formatted.]
Been searching through all of these posts...and to trying to correct these problems just cost me more money..installed phase coupler/repeater and several filters. I have replaced all problem switches with new ones, and with old ones from other spots that did work. So I am looking for any new ideas, or things to try...
TTA's X10 Troubleshooting Tips Thread (Read 516 times) - Posted: « on: 2006-08-27, 17:54:01 » (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=9899.msg57582#msg57582)
More than likely, the "problem switches" are good.
MAP / MEASURE / CORRECT