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🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Help & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: difend on December 08, 2010, 04:26:00 PM

Title: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: difend on December 08, 2010, 04:26:00 PM
I have a 1600 sq ft ranch house in a small town using Consumers Power as a supplier. The house was built in the late 60's so it's all copper wiring, short run and the service box is high quality. I'm not bridging or filtering.

The set up:
- 12 modules and switches using various codes.
- A CM15a plugged in about 4 feet from the switch box.
- The furthest module is about 80 feet from the CM15a. 

What happens:
- When I manually switch on a module or switch in the software the light turns on or off. This is consistent any time I test the light.
- When the light is supposed to turn on or off via a stored timer 3 switches/modules don't work. The ones that don't work stay consistent.
- If I save the timers to the CM15a 6 switches/modules don't turn on or off via the CM15a stored timers. The ones that don't work stay consistent.

Again, when I throw the switch manually in the Active Home Pro all the modules and switches work.  

So I tried to troubleshoot the problem and I can't find anything that makes a difference. Different modules work manually but not using software timers. I can change the codes and they work manually but not via software timers. New timers set up as simple as possible don't make a difference. I have tested to see if it is a phasing issue and it doesn't make any difference if the module is on the same phase or not.   

I'm willing to buy filters or crossovers if I can be sure they will solve the problem, but the computer room switch module works consistently and the one next to the TV works consistently. It doesn't matter if the computers, TV, fridge, freezer or furnace blower are on or off.

I can't figure out why some modules turn on manually using the software but will not work if I set up a timer.

HELP!!!
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: difend on December 14, 2010, 02:03:56 PM
HELLLLLLLLP,  B:(

I've been going round and round this problem and tried all the troubleshooting ideas I can think of.

I have plugged a module into the same circuit about 6 feet away and it has the same problem, manual yes and by timers no.
I plugged manual switch units into other circuits around the house and the same thing happens.
I've monitored the system and when it is scheduled to turn the light on if it doesn't I can manually turn it on and that works fine.
I've unplugged my computers and about everything that could induce noise but no change.
I've read and dug around on the internet but nothing points me in any way.

I could try a filter but again the manual switches work fine anytime.
I could try an amplifier but the signal reaches all modules without hesitation or problem whenever I use manual switches.
I thought of replacing the unit but again manually turning on the modules works fine.

This seems to be something in the unit or the software but I am not sure how to check that.

HHHHHEEEEEELLLLLLLPPPPPP.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: dave w on December 14, 2010, 02:51:57 PM
Suddenly there is an increase in the "doesn't work with the timer" comment/complaint. X10 seems oblivious, meaning they do not see a problem or there is a work-around on the forum and they are not interested in fixing the problem at their end.

Try completely deleting the macro and rewrite it from scratch.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: troll334 on December 14, 2010, 02:56:10 PM
greetings,
So, I've been playing with AHP and the CM15a for about a year.  Timers in my world are flakey. What I've learned to
do is to create a macro and set a timer on it vs. a timer directly on the module or switch. Include anything you want
in that macro even if it's simply the switch, socket rocket, etc. Cumbersome, Yes. Effective, at least in my world, Yes.
Give it a shot and see. You may want to create a new AHX file with which to experiment. Clear out the CM15a's memory.
before you download the simple test macro.
Hope I haven't just bored the heck outta ya!
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: difend on December 14, 2010, 08:54:42 PM
Thanks for the responses.

It's good to know that I'm not alone with this timer issue.

Dave, have you talked to x10 about This issue and are saying they are not addressing it? I reset my file last night and there are still issues, some modules seem to work but others are still flaky. Do you know if there is another piece of software that controls the CM15a? How about about a different transmitter that say, works off linux as just a queue manager?

Troll334
Not bored, if I'll try your suggestion to make a macro instead of just a timer.
Do you have any advice or notes about creating the macros?
from what I have seen there relatively simple.
Some lights are programmed to go on and off several times a night.
Can I do a variable timing.
I'll look around and see what I can find but a couple good links would help.

Thanks for your help. :)%
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: thejackal on December 14, 2010, 09:06:41 PM
I also have allot of macros just for timers. It can get to be a pain but it's the easiest work around I've found so far. I have a couple TM751 transmitters that I use to couple phases in select rooms and just use the macros to send RF signals.

Maybe not the best plan but it works for my application.
 I've found that certain power supplies that I don't have filters on and forget to unplug can affect some timers/switches. It's not an always situation with the troublesome power supplies too. Some days it's fine other days it's not. I just need to get on Ebay and buy some filters but I've been stretching my X10 budget to get more switches and junk. I can unplug a power supply or 2 for now.  rofl
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: dave w on December 14, 2010, 09:54:50 PM
Dave, have you talked to x10 about This issue and are saying they are not addressing it? I reset my file last night and there are still issues, some modules seem to work but others are still flaky. Do you know if there is another piece of software that controls the CM15a? How about about a different transmitter that say, works off linux as just a queue manager?
No I have not spoken to the "inside technical" X10 in many years. They have a good firewall. Customer service reps essentially are script readers, with the technical Support being only fractionally better.

It is just that timer problems have been around for a long time with no software fix. As troll has pointed out there seems to be a work around which may explain why X10 has been pretty silent about the issue...I don't think they consider it an issue.

Yes there are several controller software for both PC and MAC that uses the CM15A as PLC interface. Just Google "CM15A software".

Homeseer is an excellent (but expensive) program that can use several different X10 interfaces (CM15A, CM11A, ACT TI103, Smarthome 1132). However Homeseer has been slowly migrating to Z-Wave while raising their price, so is no longer a good choice if you are "X10 only".
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: troll334 on December 15, 2010, 09:17:31 AM
Check out http://forums.x10.com/index.php?board=103.0 (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?board=103.0)
You'll find a bunch of good stuff in there; including some with screenshots.
Yes, building a macro is easy.
Start AHP
Click the plus sign next to Macros in the left window pane
In the right pane:
Name your macro.
If it's just used for a timer, make the HC/UC combo something that's not in your landscape, e.g., H5
You don't really care about the On/Off setting next to the Trigger field (unless your gonna trip it using a sensor also)
Find your switch, lamp module, appliance module over in the right side (may have to pulldown to select a room)
Drag that object into the main macro window and set it's mode (On / Off)
Close the macro (click on the room; left pane)
Click the bottom right clock icon on the new macro (timer)
Click New
Enter time, choose weekday, weekends, etc.
Save (bottom rite)
Download to your CM15a
watch the magic happen.

You can add multiple times and even conditions to this macro.
Now, you just built the 'On' macro. You need to build another macro to turn the device off...and 'Add' a timer
to run that at the appropriate time.
play around, enjoy, continue to post your questions.

Advice: If you're gonna have a bunch of On/Off macros for timed events, get out a piece of 8.5" X 11" (landscape)
and create yourself a timing diagram. Time on the horizontal axis and 'On' / 'Off' on the vertical. Draw a bar-graph type
line for each macro to indicate when the device is On and when Off. This way, when the ghosts, gremlins, and
poltergeists appear, you can be sure you don't have one timed macro event stepping on another. It's a nice visual
aid. I've got so many line graphs and colors on a single sheet of paper, it's looks like a darned rainbow. But it's saved
me from going nutz with all the timed events I've deployed.
good luck,
'the verbose one'
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: difend on December 16, 2010, 06:20:56 PM
YEAAAAAAAaaaaaAAAAAaaa!!!!
I'm getting a better result now, well I'm getting results.
I converted all the timers that were not working and now they work fine. Thank you.
Making macros was a snap. I did something like the chart you said but I used a bar chart.   
The timers that were working before the Macro's came that I didn't convert are now getting flaky.
I'll be converting those too, so every timer and light will have a macro of some sort, ha, ha, ha.
OK, here's the $60,000 question, why don't the timers work without macros?
Thanks for suggestions on other software but all I wanted to do was turn lights on and off.
M
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Dan Lawrence on December 16, 2010, 06:58:35 PM
I've had X10 since the middle 1980's with a CP-290 and DOS software, replaced that with a CM11A and Active Home and got to deal with timers (no macros) and they worked as they were written.  When I got XP I fell to the "disapering Com Port syndrome" where the CM11A would vanish and come back, vanish and come back, ad infinity,  so the CM15A and ActiveHome Pro came, and AHP happily imported the .X10 files AH created and all the timers came along.  I then wrote my first and only Macro, a keypress one (A5 on a MC 460 Desktop controller) that turns off all lights on 5 housecodes.   
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: difend on December 21, 2010, 02:49:29 PM
I started with the X10 system sold by radio shack tooo long ago to remember. It had an interface that could be programmed using a TV and this little joy stick thing, but it was only good for a couple modules. It was predictable and worked great (even as flaky as the interface was). Then I too moved to a CM11 and that worked great but not so strong for storing controls in the box.
I took your advice and made macros for all the light units and had success. Where it fell apart is when I started using the security setting. Does anyone know how the security setting works and why it might be failing to work? I still have a couple set to security but have moved the rest back to standard timing. 
Hum, I was just thinking, I have an old computer with serial ports, I could install 95 or 98 on it, do you think it would be more predictable to use the CM11 and the computer as the control for a couple dozen modules?
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: ps653 on December 21, 2010, 08:44:52 PM
I'm no expert, but looking at the activity monitor when I use a timer (which doesn't work) it issues the commands as:

L1 (Lamp)
L Bright 100% (Lamp)

but when I issue the command manually, or using a macro to turn on and a separate macro to turn off the commands are issued as

L1 (Lamp)
L On (Lamp)

Bright 100% doesn't get to the lamp.  On does.

 -:) -->> Ok -- I fixed my problem by reading the stickied thread "Soft-Start Dimmer Problems -PLEASE READ FIRST".  My issue was with the WS467 - I hadn't read the sticky as I had no idea what a soft start dimmer was.  By changing the module to a 2 way lamp module AHP sends a command that works. 

Seems to me that X10 should be fixing this problem (maybe by allowing us on a module by module basis to override brightness with on/off) rather than ignoring it for years (the stickied thread is from Oct 2008).  B:(
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Brian H on December 22, 2010, 05:59:32 AM
I am not sure it addresses timers, but in preferences. There is a choice to issue an On in place of a Bright 100% for macros.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: ps653 on December 22, 2010, 06:33:42 AM
Unfortunately the configuration setting doesn't work for timers - at least in my AHP version 3.296 (and in version 3.301 which I just installed).  Maybe I'll bring this up on the X10 facebook page.  They seem to be actively monitoring it and responding to issues there which they don't seem to be doing here.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: difend on December 26, 2010, 02:59:37 AM
Merry Christmas all... Thanks for the additional input. I did find that using the lowest technology module added a factor to reliability but I couldn't get the software to be random with timing. I was hoping to add some randomness to the system using "security" but it doesn't seem to work with any consistency.
Do anyone know anyone else that has the source code for this application so we can run it through a process log? My experience with software tells me that there is possible some leak in the software where commands are given to the CM15a. It is easy to flash graphics on a computer screen but a whole nether matter to exercise machine commands to a remote device. Maybe this is something like the infamous wheel mouse driver error in so many other software packages.
Anyway, I feel your pain about the troubles you are having and the seeming lack of response from the programming team.
I think I'm wandering over to the Face-book pages and seeing what is happening over there.
Thanks for all your help here, see you around.
Have a happy new year.

Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: JBPatt on February 05, 2011, 07:13:30 PM
X-10 Tail of Woe

I have about 15LM465 modules controlling 4 watt lamps in my windows and several other appliance modules and wall switches in my house.  The window lights are supposed to come on at dusk, dim to 50%, and go off at 11pm.  I use another module for a night light at 100%, and it goes off at dawn.
I’m transitioning from my Plato HouseLinc control to Active Home Pro, with a CM15A interface, because the HouseLinc software does not support the new daylight savings time start and stop dates and the user interface is dated.
I could not imagine how difficult this transition would be.
I created all the modules in the AHP interface, set up timers on each of the modules, downloaded to the CM15A, and started the system.  About half of the modules didn’t work, mostly those on the B house code.  I physically moved some of the modules to see if the problem was related to the location or the module.  The problem moved with the module to the new location. 
I carefully recreated the non-working modules in AHP and moved them to the D house code.  After that only one of them would work.  Five of the modules that previously worked stopped responding. The night light comes on at dusk but won’t shut off automatically. 
I upgraded my software to 3.304 and recreated three LM465 modules as LM14A modules in AHP.  Now one of them works, one doesn’t work, and one comes on but won’t go off. 
I created macros to turn three of the modules on and off and set up timers to activate the macros.  The macros run on time, but I still have one module that won’t come on and one that won’t go off.  The one that worked before now comes on, but it’s so dim I can hardly see that the lamps it controls are lit.
All the timers are set to Daily.  I can’t upgrade to 3.305.  The file (sw31a_setup_ahp.exe) that’s supposed to be 3.305 loads and identifies itself as 3.304.  I'm running AHP with the Smart Macros plug-in.
The activity log entry for the module that works has three lines:
631  2/3/2011 17:39:20 PM  Macro  B11 (Den Window Lamps)
632  2/3/2011 17:39:20 PM  Macro B Bright 100% (Den Window Lamps)
633  2/3/2011 17:39:20 PM  Macro  B Dim 50% (Den Window Lamps)
A typical log entry for one of the non-working modules has just one line:
635  2/3/2011 17:39:22 PM  Macro  C8 Extended Code 20 31 - Preset receiver operation (MBR Window Lamps)
I set the lamp levels manually and turned them off with the macro, running it from the GUI.  Then I ran the macros to turn on the window lamps from the AHP GUI.  Same result.  Only one module activates its lamps, and they are almost too dim to see.  The macros to turn off the lamps seem to work. 
I replaced the lamp module that works with another LM465 set to the same house code.  I cleared the interface memory and downloaded the timers and macros from the laptop.  The new module works in the old location and codes.  I found out that AHP thinks this LM465 is a Leviton Wall Switch (6383).  My error.  But when I copied this module into another room and set the codes for the module in that room, it fails to activate the module there.
I changed the settings in the macro to ON instead of 50% on several of the LM465 modules.  Now the LR (listed as 2-way Lamp Module) only works from the GUI in AHP, not from the macro.  Reset this module to Lamp Module.  No help, same story.  The DR (also described as a 2-way lamp module), the one that was coming on very dim when set to 50% now comes on.  Reset this module to Lamp Module in AHP.  Still works at ON. Both of these modules drive three 4 watt bulbs. D4 works OK as Lamp Module, drives 3 4watt bulbs.  D5, same room, same circuit, driving one 4w lamp, doesn't work as either a Lamp Module or Leviton 6383.  A Decorator Wall Switch, properly identified in AHP, lights by macro when set to ON, but not when set to 100% or lower. I don’t want to run any of these modules at 100%, so that's not a solution for me, even if it did work reliably. 
Bottom line.  Timers control Macros which have the modules with brightness levels set.  Most modules don't work when activated by macro.  Everything works when activated by the AHP GUI.
I’m running AHP on a laptop with Vista.  I keep the laptop connected to the CM15A for now so I can monitor the Activity Log.
I firmly believe I must be doing something wrong.  Although I've seen a lot of problems in the forum I still don't believe this could be this hard and still have anybody using these systems.  Anyone, please provide your ideas on what I might do differently.  Sorry this is so long, but I thought it important to show where I've been.  Thanks.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Brian H on February 05, 2011, 07:18:55 PM
If you are using AHP version 3.304. 3.305 is now available.
The default Lamp Module list is for the new Soft Start versions.
If yours are old enough to be not Soft Start. Use the separate Older Lamps (No Soft Start) module list for the Lamp and Wall Switch Modules.
The soft start {two second ramp On and Off} use different commands for control than the older ones do.
The LM14A trick may work, but I have no concrete data on that. When 3.304 or 3.305 is being used.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/SoftStart
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Noam on February 07, 2011, 11:01:52 AM
I agree with Brian.
Update your AHP to 3.305 (or whatever version is the latest as you read this) first.

You didn't specify how long you've had the modules you have.
Around 2007-2008, X10 changed the circuitry in their lamp modules and wall switches, but didn't change the part number.
The newer ones are "SoftStart," and they respond to the "Extended Dim" codes.
Beginning with version 3.302, AHP now has separate definitions for the newer "SoftStart" modules (listed under the "Lamps" category), and the older ones "listed under "Old Lamps (no SoftStart)".

Your problem may be that at least some of your modules may be the non-SoftStart ones, but are defined in AHP as SoftStart modules.
Older modules won't respond to Extended Dim commands, so they won't dim if defined incorrectly. In many cases they won't turn on, as AHP uses an Extended code for that, too.

The trick is figuring out which of your modules are older, and which are newer.
The easier way I've found, is to turn them on (either using a remote, or using the "switch" in the AHP interface).
Watch the lamp. If it comes right on at full brightness, it is an older module. If it "ramps up" to full brightness, then it is a newer one.

Once you figure that out, you can define them the right way in AHP, and they should work for you.
You might want to mark them to avoid confusion in the future.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: m82a1pa on February 07, 2011, 11:39:00 AM
I've been struggling with this for some time now.

All my lamp modules are the LM465's, bought new in the last couple of months.  So I expect they are the SoftStart type.

I have a hall lamp that I wanted on a timer.  It absolutely would not turn on or off from the CM15A interface.  Yet I could manually turn it on or off from AHP.  The HR12A remote would not work either.  Eventually I found that changing the module type in AHP to the older type made it function in the current release of AHP, the CM15A and the HR12A.  When the SoftStart LM465 definition was used in AHP, the lamp was instantly on or instantly off.

I could take the lamp module, move it to my den lamp, and the SoftStart worked.  I've tried several lamp modules with the same results.

On another note, in my activity log, I see 'Receive RF - M MTCDDVD'.  Is this something being transmitted from my DS7000 security box?

Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Noam on February 07, 2011, 01:27:05 PM
I've been struggling with this for some time now.

All my lamp modules are the LM465's, bought new in the last couple of months.  So I expect they are the SoftStart type.

I have a hall lamp that I wanted on a timer.  It absolutely would not turn on or off from the CM15A interface.  Yet I could manually turn it on or off from AHP.  The HR12A remote would not work either.  Eventually I found that changing the module type in AHP to the older type made it function in the current release of AHP, the CM15A and the HR12A.  When the SoftStart LM465 definition was used in AHP, the lamp was instantly on or instantly off.

I could take the lamp module, move it to my den lamp, and the SoftStart worked.  I've tried several lamp modules with the same results.

On another note, in my activity log, I see 'Receive RF - M MTCDDVD'.  Is this something being transmitted from my DS7000 security box?


I suspect that you might have been sold some older stock.
A quick test here agrees with my suspicion.
I have a "test rig" at work, that I use for testing different AHP things. I have a lamp plugged into a SoftStart LM465.
In AHP, I have C14 defined as a SoftStart LM465, and C13 defined as a non-softStart LM465.

With the module set to C14, clicking the switch in the AHP interface causes the lamp to "ramp-up" to full brightness. Clicking the switch "off" causes the lamp to "ramp down" to off. This is the normal behavior for a SoftStart module.
I changed the address of the module to C13, and did the same test. Sure enough, it STILL did the slow ramp-up.

Next, I used the AHCMD utility from the SDK.
(Since the SDK doesn't know if it is a SoftStart or not, I left the module definition at C14 for these tests)
Sending it "C14 On" caused  a slow ramp-up.
Sending a "C14 Off" caused a slow ramp-down.
That agrees with what AHP is doing.

Sending it a "C14 ExtCode 31 3e" caused it to ramp-up to 100%.
Sending a "C14 ExtCode 31 01" caused it to ram down to the lowest dim level.
Sending a "C14 ExtCode 31 3f" caused it to turn on to full brightness immediately.
Sending a "C14 ExtCode 31 00" caused it to turn off immediately.

That agrees with the correct Extended Dim behavior.

From my experience, using a handheld remote, the SoftStart modules should ALWAYS ramp-up and ramp-down. The Handheld remotes don't send Extended Dim commands, unless you use them to trigger a macro.
Non-soft Start modules will always go to "full on" from a handheld remote.

I suggest testing each one of your modules, to try and determine if they are all, indeed, SoftStart ones.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Brian H on February 07, 2011, 01:55:42 PM
I have found differences between Soft Start Lamp Modules.
I believe the later ones where tweaked to fix the Security Consoles not flashing them correctly.
My 08A01 Lamp Modules ramp up and down always.
My 09J44 Lamp Modules ramp up and down on a single on or off command but revert to fast on and off if more than one commend is sent in a short amount of time.

All Lights On and All Units Off act differently between them also.

I have not checked them lately with a CM15A and a HR12A. As some versions of the CM15A firmware send multiple on and offs with a HR12A.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Noam on February 07, 2011, 03:37:47 PM
I have found differences between Soft Start Lamp Modules.
I believe the later ones where tweaked to fix the Security Consoles not flashing them correctly.
My 08A01 Lamp Modules ramp up and down always.
My 09J44 Lamp Modules ramp up and down on a single on or off command but revert to fast on and off if more than one commend is sent in a short amount of time.

All Lights On and All Units Off act differently between them also.

I have not checked them lately with a CM15A and a HR12A. As some versions of the CM15A firmware send multiple on and offs with a HR12A.
I never noticed that (since I don't have the security console).
However, I just tested using the SDK, and my LM465 (10I39) ramps up and down. However, if I rapidly send alternating "on" and "off" commands, it switches to "fast on"/"fast off" mode. Waiting a few seconds puts it back to normal.

sending "All Lights On" and "All Units Off" (as well as "All Lights Off" which is only heard by those modules that hear Extended commands) results in "fast on"/"fast off" behavior.
However, sending three "C14 On" commands in a row, followed by a "C14 Off" results in a ramp-up, and then a ramp-down.
So, the repeated commands (like I have for my timers) shouldn't kick it into "security flash" mode.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Brian H on February 07, 2011, 04:09:01 PM
Thanks for the added data and tests.
I am not an SDK users so the tests gave me added information.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Noam on February 07, 2011, 04:14:49 PM
Thanks for the added data and tests.
I am not an SDK users so the tests gave me added information.
I have a few third-party utilities that use the SDK, but I also use it for sending quick X10 commands from other PCs around the house.

Using PSExec (part of the PSTools suite that is now available free from Microsoft), I can remotely run commands (like the AHCMD.exe) on my Home Automation PC.
A few command-line scripts, and I can turn on and off lights, etc from any PC in the house.
I have a folder in my Start Menu for "X10 Commands", and shortcuts to the different scripts.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: JBPatt on February 08, 2011, 08:27:56 PM
I wrote a short macro to test whether I was using an old or new LM465.  The macro wants to cause a new LM465 on D15 to come on at 50%, wait 5 secs, turn off, wait 5 secs, then an old LM465 is commanded to come on at 50%, wait 5 secs and turn off.  I tested 5 modules with this macro, one Radio Shack, the others X-10.  All five come on bright and ramp down to 50%, go off, come on bright again and ramp down, and go off.  No difference.  No extended codes in the log for this test for either type module. 

I took two of the modules that had passed this test and installed them in the windows under D4 and D5.  Ran the macro that commands these codes to turn on to 50%.  Neither one comes on.  Took another module that had passed the test at D15 and set it to D4.  Put this module in the plug next to my computer where I had successfully tested the five modules earlier.  Ran the macro that turns on the window lamps, D4 included.  It does not come on.  No extended codes in the activity log for these modules in this event.

The activity log shows both D4 and D5 with three lines, getting attention, going to 100% then to 50%, but no lights.  No extended codes here.  The activity log for the "test" shows four lines for each on cycle: wake up, 100%, dim to 50%, then a Receive to 52%.  Wait 5 secs.  Wake up, then OFF.  Wait 5 secs and repeat.  No difference in the log entries for the old or new modules.  Light work for either definition.

So, now, why do I get extended codes on new modules sometimes and not others?  Why do the commands for old modules go unanswered on some house codes but not other house codes in the same socket?
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Noam on February 09, 2011, 09:12:47 AM
I'm not sure what's going on with your setup, but your "test" macro is not working correctly.
It should be sending Extended Dim commands for the first portion, and those modules, if they are SoftStart, should be ramping up to the 50% mark.

Since you are not seeing the extended codes in the Activity Log, you are not performing a true test.

I did have a few issues if I changed modules back and forth between "old" and "new". Sometimes, they would still use the "old" style commands, even after being defined as a "new" module.

Also, if you have both "old" and "new" modules on the same Housecode/Unitcode, AHP will only send the "old" commands.

You might want to add a definition for a brand-new module, on a previously unused HouseCode/UnitCode, and define it as a "new" lamp module.
Then, set the modules you want to test to that address, and re-run your test.

As for why the signals seem to work better on some housecodes than others, that's probably due to noise. Since X10 signals are very prone to noise interference, and the sequence of "pulses" is different from one housecode to another, the noise could interfere with it differently.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: JGM on February 09, 2011, 04:26:15 PM
I haven't tried lamp timers but have noticed like inconsistancies with an appliance module (it is a three prong pro module with AGC, forget the model #) hooked to a coffee pot.  For the most part the timer works but occasionally it either partially disconnects power (the light on the coffee pot goes dim) or it doesn't turn off at all.  Turning on via timer doesn't seem to be a problem.  I did tell tell the timer to use repeat commands but doesn't seem to resolve the problem.  I'll try the macro route too.  Thanks all.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: ShowLowPhil on November 01, 2011, 12:03:11 PM
Hi there,

I haven't been around for a while so I just re-registered. I have been using X10 (Prev Radio Shack) products for approx the last 30 years.

I just updated to AHP 3.318 because I was having some strange results with my timers for my outdoor house lights. Well, the good news is that the outdoor lights now work as they should. The bad news is that my old Radio Shack plug-in lamp modules (61-2682B) no longer turn ON with the timer or all lights on. They do however turn OFF with "all lights off". I read this topic and switched the plug-in definition to the older type (no soft start) plug-in and it did not turn ON. I also defined it as some of the other (no soft start) switches and it still does not turn ON.

Just a little more FYI my X10 LM465 lamp plug-in module works which is how I had it defined before the update to AHP 3.318 (which appears to be the latest).

Has anybody out there been able to turn the Radio Shack 61-2682 lamp plugging modules to work with timers or "All Lights on"?
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Dan Lawrence on November 01, 2011, 01:28:09 PM
AHP will use a Radio Shack 61-2682 lamp module just use the Lamp Module in Older Lamps (NO Soft Start) in 3.318 to define it.   
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Noam on November 01, 2011, 02:14:19 PM
AHP will use a Radio Shack 61-2682 lamp module just use the Lamp Module in Older Lamps (NO Soft Start) in 3.318 to define it.   

Check your AHP, and make sure that there are no other modules on the same housecode/unitcode that are still defined using the "lamps" category instead of the "old lamps - no soft start" category. From my testing, mixing module types on the same housecode/unitcode can confuse AHP, and cause it to only send the newer Extended commands (for the SoftStart devices).

You should also try the RadioShack modules in outlets where other modules are KNOWN to be working. you could have a marginal signal, and it is having trouble getting through to some of the modules.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: ShowLowPhil on November 01, 2011, 04:10:13 PM
Hi people,
Thanks for the quick response. After I posted I searched for my post to see how it looked. During that search I found a nice article written by “Boiler”. After reading it I went back in to my macro and adjusted the event to be ON  not 100%. I also noticed that in my frustration to get my macro to function I had some major brain fade B:( and corrected that. Testing my macro I found that the inoperative ON event was now working. I now have to see if my timer will work as it has in the past. It’s only a matter of time for that to be tested.

Just a little FYI the Radio Shacks plugging were functioning before the software update.

Thanks for the quick replies.
 #:)
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: rkissman on November 15, 2011, 03:22:07 PM
I recently had to reformat my computer and when I downloaded the Active Home software, I didn't notice the update. When my marcos stopped working I had to dig in and found that the old modules were the issue. Once I redefined the modules as being old (not soft start) the macros are working again. It would be nice if there was some type of documentation with the new releases identifying these kind of issues.
Title: Re: CM15a turns on lights manually but not using stored timers
Post by: Noam on November 15, 2011, 03:53:04 PM
I recently had to reformat my computer and when I downloaded the Active Home software, I didn't notice the update. When my marcos stopped working I had to dig in and found that the old modules were the issue. Once I redefined the modules as being old (not soft start) the macros are working again. It would be nice if there was some type of documentation with the new releases identifying these kind of issues.
Support for the SoftStart functionality was added to AHP in version 3.302, which was released almost a year ago (1/10/2011).