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🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Help & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: zemos on June 16, 2009, 08:11:53 AM

Title: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: zemos on June 16, 2009, 08:11:53 AM
I have a macro that controls many lights, with two house codes.  The CM15A will work fine for a day or so, and then stop working.  I exchanged for another unit and same problem.  I have done the battery "ritual" a few times, but still the unit just stops working.  I also get the problem that the compute B:(r sometimes does not "recognize" the CM15A (regardless of changing cord and USB port) while still being able to control lights from the computer. I have invested a lot of sweat equity in this and am frustrated that the thing stops working.  Any help would be appreciated (or if there is a good resource person in the Wash DC area who could help).
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: zemos on June 16, 2009, 08:19:07 AM
Here is my AHX file in case that helps in reviewing the problem.  Maybe it is sending out a signal that is bombing out the CM15A
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Brian H on June 16, 2009, 12:22:11 PM
Can you tell us what operating system you have? XP; Vista?
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Dan Lawrence on June 16, 2009, 06:55:01 PM
Here is my AHX file in case that helps in reviewing the problem.  Maybe it is sending out a signal that is bombing out the CM15A

It's very confusing. I did download it and opened it in Notepad, but it's just pages of gibberish.  Only AHP can decipher .ahx files properly with the modules and macros in Room order.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Knightrider on June 16, 2009, 07:16:53 PM
Is the USB host controller driver (see device manager) up to date?
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: zemos on June 17, 2009, 08:53:59 AM
I am on XP.  When I tried to upload the AHX file I was informed that only .txt files could be uploaded, so I saved the doc in Notepad and then uploaded the resulting file.  Sorry if it came through as gibberish.  I am not sure if the host USB driver is current.  I went to control panel, system, hardware, but could not identify how to do that.   I did clear interface memory repeatedly, have done the battery ritual, downloaded again to the interface, detached USB cord, tested a macro from controller that was very near (worked fine) and then, when I come home at night, the outside lights (on Active Home timer) are not on, and that is my first indication that the interface has failed.  When I try to activate any controller in the house, interface does not respond. 
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Dan Lawrence on June 17, 2009, 05:26:16 PM
AHP does not use .txt files, only the .ahx files it creates or the two that come with AHP, MyHome.ahx and Samples.ahx.  If your AHP does not accept .ahx files, you somehow have received a bad copy of AHP or screwed it up somehow.   If that's possibly the case, go to http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/activehome/ and download 3.204 from it and install that over whatever version you have.  Then open it and upgrade it to 3.228.   One you have done that, open one of the default .axh files that I posted and see if any of your modules react to it.  If so, you can then add any modules and rooms your X10 system needs.   Then save the file with a new filename (AHP will add the .ahx suffix to your new name).
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: zemos on June 17, 2009, 11:01:59 PM
Dan, I am sorry I wasn't more clear.  When I tried to upload the AHX file onto this message board, I was told that the format that this message board would accept was limited to a txt file and that was why I tried (unsuccessfully) to convert my AHX file to a TXT file.   I did go back to version 3.204 and, when I clicked "update", was told that 3.228 was avail, and, when I clicked "update" the program exited without updated (repeatedly).
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Dan Lawrence on June 18, 2009, 07:34:30 AM
Dan, I am sorry I wasn't more clear.  When I tried to upload the AHX file onto this message board, I was told that the format that this message board would accept was limited to a txt file and that was why I tried (unsuccessfully) to convert my AHX file to a TXT file.   I did go back to version 3.204 and, when I clicked "update", was told that 3.228 was avail, and, when I clicked "update" the program exited without updated (repeatedly).

That's very strange.  I've never had a problem like that.  3.228 is the last good version of AHP issued.  I'm running 3.228 and never had a problem updating.  I'm running XP Home and any problems have been modules going bad or light bulbs deciding to burn out.  My CM15A is the one I got when I updated to AHP in 2005 and its still working fine four years later.  I do have my CM15A connected to the PC 24/7/365.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: zemos on June 18, 2009, 08:22:30 AM
If someone has an idea on how to upgrade 3.228 (or why my computer exits AHP without updating when I click the "Update" button after being offered that opportunity), I would appreciate it.  That is one issue. The other issue I have is the major issue outlined above whereby my CM15A stops working (although my old CM11A works fine when I plug that in as an alternative).  Thank you! ???
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Dan Lawrence on June 18, 2009, 11:15:04 AM
If someone has an idea on how to upgrade 3.228 (or why my computer exits AHP without updating when I click the "Update" button after being offered that opportunity), I would appreciate it.  That is one issue. The other issue I have is the major issue outlined above whereby my CM15A stops working (although my old CM11A works fine when I plug that in as an alternative).  Thank you! ???

I suspect you have either a bad CM15A or a flawed install of AHP the first time.   Meanwhile, try uninstalling AHP totally, back up your .ahx files first - after doing the uninstall, use Windows File Manager to delete the 2 folders (Active Home Pro in Program Files and X10 in Program Files/Common Files),  then reboot the PC, when Windows loads, try reinstalling AHP 3.204 again.  Try contacting X10 and see what they might do for you if the problems continue.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: zemos on June 26, 2009, 07:17:40 AM
Dan, it appears that you were right.  I contacted X10 and they sent me a new version of the AHP software, I installed it and the problem has been solved (which was that the CM15A had stopped working, repeatedly).  Thank you.  #:)
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Dan Lawrence on June 26, 2009, 07:29:14 AM
Glad your problem was solved.   :)%   What version did X10 send you?   
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: x10dude on June 27, 2009, 06:05:36 PM
I'd also be interested in knowing what version X10 sent. I'm using .228 and continue to have to reset my CM15a to get it to work.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Dan Lawrence on June 27, 2009, 08:22:52 PM
I'd also be interested in knowing what version X10 sent. I'm using .228 and continue to have to reset my CM15a to get it to work.

3.228 is the most stable version available.  Can you give us any more info about your X10 system and what you mean when you posted " I'm using .228 and continue to have to reset my CM15a to get it to work."  Any plug-ins to your AHP?
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: x10dude on June 28, 2009, 04:18:31 PM
I'm using XP with all the latest patches with almost no other applications running on it. I first had the latest AHP, but moved to 3.228 as recommended here.

Every 48 hours or so, AHP cannot communicate with the CM15A. I've replaced the CM15A batteries, flashed its memory, etc. After much trial and error, I've discovered that X10nets.exe (service running in the background) is the culprit. It seems to have memory leaks that ultimately bring AHP useless. To get around it, I have to exit AHP, unload x10nets.exe through Task Manager and start AHP again. That temporarily fixes it for about 48 more hours. Starting and restarting AHP doesn't fix it. The service must be unloaded.

Since the OP mentioned that the "latest" seemed to have fixed his problem, I was trying to figure out which version it was to see whether X10 might have done something between when I got my system (jan 09) to now. Unfortunately, I cannot run the version I was given because of its total instability.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: GregH on July 07, 2009, 11:02:11 PM
I, too, am having trouble with my CM15A.  I'm having to reset it every couple of days.  I'm running Win XP Pro SP3, the wonderful XTB-IIR, and AHP 3.228...shoot, I just realized I have 3.236 running. 

I had to do a computer rebuild recently and forgot to load 3.204 then upgrade to 3.228, using my 3.236 copy of AHP to reload.  I'll knock it out and put 3.228 on and then report back here.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Mellowmark on September 13, 2009, 03:25:06 PM
can anyone tell me where to get .228 and .204 ver of ahp  all i have is .326
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Dan Lawrence on September 13, 2009, 04:06:10 PM
Here you go:  Go to http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/activehome/  and look for ahp_updt_204.exe.  Save that and install it over 3.236.  When the install is complete, open AHP and use the update link in AHP to update to version 3.228, the last good release of AHP.  Your .ahx files will work fine.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: zemos on November 07, 2009, 09:16:57 PM
The version they sent me was 3.228.   The only problem I still have is that even though I have a repeater, the CM15A doesn't seem to receive the signals from various controllers throughout the house.  I will try attaching the coat hanger wire to the antenae as was suggested (I hope that wasn't a joke or I will feel like a dummy).
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Brian H on November 08, 2009, 07:10:03 AM
The antenna modification only improves RF signals. Like from remotes and motion sensors. It will make a difference with motion sensors and remotes. There where a few different antenna modifications. The wire or piece of a coat hanger was one of them and it should improve RF reception. That one was one of the few that didn't require a change that voided the warranty.

It will do nothing for power line signals from other controllers like a Maxi-Controller, Mini-Controller etc.
If the CM15A is missing power line signals from other power line controllers. You have to find the noise makers and signal suckers in the home.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: zemos on November 29, 2009, 06:25:19 PM
Is anyone still having problems whereby the CM15A (running 3.228) stops working after a few days unless hard-wired to the computer?  I keep having to take out the batteries from the CM15A, etc. But this is a repetitive problem for me.

Thanks.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Dan Lawrence on November 29, 2009, 07:33:18 PM
I'm still wondering why you disconnect the CM15A from the computer.   Unless the computer is a laptop that you take to work, it really does not need to be  disconnected.  AHP runs better when it can talk to the interface, plus, when you installed AHP,X10nets.exe was also installed. It allows AHP to show correct module status.  If you boot Windows and the CM15A isn't present, X10nets.exe installs itself and has nothing to send to AHP as there's no two-way communication. 
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: lwmillholland on November 30, 2009, 12:24:26 AM
I am running Windows XP Pro and had the same problem, but in my case it would stop in less than an hour.  I found out that if I disconnected the USB cable and reconnected, it would start working again for a short time.  In the end the problem was solved by removing as many items running in background as possible and cleaning the windows register.  I hope that helps.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: zemos on December 01, 2009, 10:47:17 PM
Replying to the question of why I disconnect the CM15A from the computer:  I need to plug the CM15A in a different location in the house (more central so it can pick up all the signals, otherwise, it doesn't get all the signals).  I suppose the more basic question is whether the CM15A is fragile or whether it is robust enough to maintain operation after being disconnected from the computer.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: murphy on December 02, 2009, 11:41:22 AM
When you disconnect the CM15A from power, you are creating a situation where the unit wants to connect to the computer to set it's time.  That process is going to run forever in the background until the time update happens. 
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: TheAlbumMan on December 03, 2009, 04:36:43 PM
I'm still wondering why you disconnect the CM15A from the computer.   Unless the computer is a laptop that you take to work, it really does not need to be  disconnected.  AHP runs better when it can talk to the interface, plus, when you installed AHP,X10nets.exe was also installed. It allows AHP to show correct module status.  If you boot Windows and the CM15A isn't present, X10nets.exe installs itself and has nothing to send to AHP as there's no two-way communication. 
Awhile back, I had a problem with the X10nets service getting stopped. It seemed to happen after running Spybot (or some similar program). When AHP first opens, an error message will popup about it. This is probably not related to the posters problem but wanted to throw it out here anyway.  ;)
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Jason B on March 08, 2019, 02:33:58 AM
I, too, am having trouble with my CM15A.  I'm having to reset it every couple of days.  I'm running Win XP Pro SP3, the wonderful XTB-IIR, and AHP 3.228...shoot, I just realized I have 3.236 running. 

I had to do a computer rebuild recently and forgot to load 3.204 then upgrade to 3.228, using my 3.236 copy of AHP to reload.  I'll knock it out and put 3.228 on and then report back here.

This is same issues I'm having. Driving me nuts>
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Brian H on March 08, 2019, 06:10:22 AM
Jason B.
What version of AHP are you using?
3.318 is the last AHP revision released.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: HA Dave on March 08, 2019, 08:13:23 AM
I, too, am having trouble with my CM15A.  I'm having to reset it every couple of days. 

This is same issues I'm having. Driving me nuts>

Of course... as far as I know... there is only one working version of AHP available for any "new" setup.

Every time I've had a CM15A problem.... it was caused by my very own macros. I tend to construct never-ending loops within my macros.... that freeze-up the CM15A. Have you created or modified a macro lately?
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Jason B on March 08, 2019, 12:18:49 PM
Jason B.
What version of AHP are you using?
3.318 is the last AHP revision released.

Below is my full story:

I've had a cm15a for probably 7 years and use it with an Iphone app called x10 commander, by melloware. This lets you use an iphone to control your devices with the cm15a plugged into your computer.

This has worked out great for years, 7 years. Now, every few hours it stops working and commands don't work, unless I unplug the cm15a out of the outlet and wait a bit and try it again. When I do that, all the commands that I tried to use from the iphone will happen afterwards (like it stored the command I pressed on the iphone in memory somehow, which then makes a lot of stuff turn off and on later) It's gotten worse over time and didn't just instantly start doing this. But now I can only go 3-4 hours before it stops doing the commands. Ideas?

I was going to get a new cm15a but after reading a few posts, it seems that may not fix it.

All I need installed for this to work was the host app, x-10 commander, on the pc, and the x-10 commander app on the iphone, which works over 3g or wifi. In task manager the only things I see are: X10commander.exe and X10nets.exe

Any advice is welcome as this is driving me insane. THe app also have it's on log file, but it doesn't show any errors for this type of problem it seems.

Also, I don't use the active home software, I don't need it with this, but I think there are files installed in the background of course to make my setup work.

 I recently installed this yesterday, but it didn't fix the issue. The below is from one of the authors of x10 commander that was trying to hekp me also. "Jackie install this http://melloware.biz/download/warez/ahsdk_install.exe

The above install, installs the latest Active HOME and DLL drivers.  You can 
see from the X10 Commander log you sent me here is the version of the 
DLL you are running right now.

12/15/2018 4:26:50 PM [ INFO]   INIT X10 COM Object found and being loaded
12/15/2018 4:26:50 PM [ INFO]   INIT X10 COM v313
12/15/2018 4:26:50 PM [ INFO]   INIT X10 DLL v3.0.0.313 "

I have also found if I unplug the cm15a for 10 sec (no batteries in it) then re-plug back in, then close you the x10 commander app and re-open it will work again, but maybe for only 1 hr, 5 hours, then it stops.....

Edit, some other things that we may not know about, not sure if I should try any of this:

https://forums.homeseer.com/forum/lighting-primary-technology-plug-ins/lighting-primary-technology-discussion/x10-homeseer/99169-x10-cm15a-plugin-beta-releases?postcount=3

https://www.hcatech.com/download/V13/Doc/TechNote_CM15_10.pdf
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: dave w on March 08, 2019, 03:04:39 PM
Well, here is my WAG. Do you have anything new using one of your USB ports. It is like your Windows USB device control is losing focus of the CM15A. You could check this by looking at the Windows Universal Serial Bus Controller when the CM15A is working and then again when it is not. You can get to the USBC by holding the Windows key and "X" then click Device Manager. 
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Jason B on March 08, 2019, 09:13:53 PM
Well, here is my WAG. Do you have anything new using one of your USB ports. It is like your Windows USB device control is losing focus of the CM15A. You could check this by looking at the Windows Universal Serial Bus Controller when the CM15A is working and then again when it is not. You can get to the USBC by holding the Windows key and "X" then click Device Manager.

Nothing is plugged into the usb on front of the computer except this. In the back, just mouse, keyboard and printer that have always been there.

I then found a brand new printer usb cable that takes the same end as the cm15a, and it worked for a while, then stopped again. I also unplugged and IR543 that wasn't in use. Same thing.

I did try the device manager to see the serial bug thing you mentioned, and sometimes it says "unrecognized"

Now, the last thing is, I have the cm15a plugged into a battery backup that goes to the pc without other things plugged into it of course. I did replace this battery backup like 6 months ago and this new one is a different brand. The ONLY thing I didn't try yet it plugging in the cm15a into a stand along outlet, but I don't have one close, that's why I have the battery backup, which everything is plugged into. Maybe I need an extension cord to bypass the cm15a from being plugged into the battery backup???
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: brobin on March 08, 2019, 09:43:01 PM
I don't think you need to post this in 3 different topics.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Brian H on March 09, 2019, 06:05:38 AM
I don't think you need to post this in 3 different topics.

Three different threads with basically the same information. Can be confusing and I thought frowned on.
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Jason B on May 14, 2020, 04:13:03 AM
Just wanted to update this and many don't ever update what their fix was. GOt a new cm15a off ebay and that fixed all my issues! Thank you all.
Title: Help. Wizard says it communicating with the CM15A but I can’t control anything
Post by: buelectrix on June 14, 2020, 07:15:36 PM
I can You a mini controller in the same receptacle but I can’t control anything from he Active home on the computer. Help
Title: Re: CM15A stops working (repeatedly)
Post by: Tuicemen on June 15, 2020, 07:08:56 AM
I can You a mini controller in the same receptacle but I can’t control anything from he Active home on the computer. Help
what computer interface are you using? And is it physically  attached to the PC?