drmiphesto,
Sounds like you have a nice system. It also sounds as if most of your X10 devices are on the same phase with the exception of your problem room.
Your 4816b is a passive coupler. It will work fine for moderate installations without too much signal absorption. You may require an active coupler to reliably transmit too your opposite phase. I'm guessing that moving your VT572 also moved it to the opposite phase of your system. The result was intermittent X10 operation (VT572 may have a higher output level than the CM15a).
Active couplers are not without their own problems. Have a look at the following:
[VOLUNTEERS] *Comprehensive* Filter, Passive Coupler & Signal Analyzer LINK List (Read 3263 times) (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=11184.0)
As a side note, your two way modules are themselves X10 signal absorbers. You should probably try some more experimenting with locations before making the jump to an active coupler (quantify your existing problem first). I've had good results placing my CM15a at the breaker panel. I have quite a few two way X10 devices. Without an active coupler I cannot transmit to the opposite phase. I had problems with my active coupler (HCM02) a few weeks ago and tried putting the old passive back in. NO GO. I registered nothing on the opposite phase.
You can also try popping breakers to other branches in to isolate heavy X10 loads.
[TTA Edit: Editted LINK description to display full title of referenced thread for informational purposes.]
...I have noise filters on all TV's, etc. also so I don't think that is it. I get 0 signal response on my signal meter in that room but every other room is fine...
As Charles Sullivan already stated, it appears that you have a 'Signal Sucker' (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=11884.msg72580#msg72580) and/or 'Noise Generator' (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=11884.msg72580#msg72580) on that Circuit, not necessarily in that Room.
...I am stumped. Any ideas?
Begin here (QUOTING from one of my *MANY* TakeTheActive-to-Newbie replies in the Archives):
Without a proper foundation in X10 knowledge and a logical plan-of-action, successfully troubleshooting and solving an X10 problem is like hitting the bullseye on a dart board while throwing the darts BLINDFOLDED (*AFTER* someone randomly spun you around! :D ). But, if you've got money to burn... ::)
Rather than volley back-and-forth with 'Try this...', 'Didn't work? Well then, try this...', I prefer to get Newbies up to a 'known' knowledge level and then work from there.
For a solid foundation of X10 Operation, please start off by reading:
JV Digital Engineering's X10 Troubleshooting Tutorials Series (http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm) (http://www.geocities.com/taketheactive/Images/X10_New.gif)
Then:
MAP / MEASURE / CORRECT (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=9899.msg62635#msg62635) - be sure to read the EXCELLENT articles written by JeffVolp and Puck (http://www.geocities.com/taketheactive/Images/X10_Updated_blue_sm_wte.gif)
Finally, with your CIRCUIT MAP and SIGNAL METER in hand, finish up with:
TTA's X10 Troubleshooting Tips Thread [Updated: 2007/03/05] (Read 8660 times) (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=9899.msg57582#msg57582)
As both Jeff Volp and I say:
I understand that most users don't want to hear this but
to have a reliable X10 System requires a substantial upfront investment in time and effort
To Get a Reliable X10 System (and I mean RELIABLE), One Has To Do Some Homework (courtesy of Jeff Volp) (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=10187.msg58732#msg58732) (http://www.geocities.com/taketheactive/Images/X10_New.gif)
You're at an advantage over many other X10 Members - you already own a Signal Meter. Now you need to make good use of it. ;)
Here's a "Quick-N-Easy" Starter Idea for you:
- 1.) IDENTIFY the breaker controlling "that Room" and switch it OFF.
- 2.) UNPLUG *EVERYTHING* controlled by that breaker. Then switch the breaker back ON.
- 3.) MEASURE the Signal Strength in one of the formerly "problem" outlets. What does it read?
- If FIRST PASS, If still ZERO, STOP (and we'll work on that problem first).
- Else WRITE DOWN THE READING and continue.
- 4.) PLUG IN *ONE* of the devices that you unplugged in Step 2.
- 5.) GOTO Step 3.
What did you discover?
Have fun and keep us all updated with your progress! :)
...Are you ready to put down your shotgun yet?
You can keep guessing, or you can follow my "plan". The "plan" involves a SERIOUS investment of your time. But, once it's done, it's done. Send the wife and children out of the house for a few hours for a "Movie and a Pizza" and Map out all of your Circuits. THEN, you can begin to troubleshoot your problem.
BTW, I suggest REMOVING *ALL* amplifiers / couplers / repeaters during the initial Map. You need to see WHERE YOU ARE before you start "fixing"...
Wishing you success - it's Friday - hopefully, you have 2¼ days off to put your X10 problems to bed. :D
The weekend (2¼ days) has passed. :(
After that FLURRY of posts on 09/20/2007 ::), I (and I'm sure many other LURKERs) are curious as to your current status. ???
drmiphesto, What did you discover?
How about an update?
???