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🔌General Home Automation => Other Automation Systems => Powerline Control Reliability => Topic started by: JeffVolp on September 26, 2011, 12:13:07 PM

Title: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on September 26, 2011, 12:13:07 PM

Some of you may be aware of my working on an active noise reducer to combat noise generated by the multitude of electronic devices in our homes today.  I just finished a feasibility test, and WOW, it works!

I started by injecting 120KHz at 1Vpp onto the powerline.  The XTBM indicated High Noise, and neither it nor a X10 module were able to decode commands coming from a Maxi Controller plugged into the same power strip.  I switched on the ANR and the XTBM indicated the noise dropped by a factor of 10.

The XTBM was then able to decode commands just fine, but the X10 module still had trouble until the 120KHz noise was reduced to 400mVpp before attenuation.  It did work fine at the higher noise level if I shifted the noise frequency +/- a few KHz off 120KHz.  But even with a noise source sitting right at the center of the X10 bandpass, the ANR allowed the module to work with a noise level that would normally totally block X10 communication on that circuit.
 
The next step is to build up a few beta units and get them out to people plagued with serious noise problems.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Brian H on September 26, 2011, 01:14:33 PM
Sounds good.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Noam on September 26, 2011, 02:28:39 PM
Jeff -
Sounds wonderful, I'm looking forward to hearing more about it.

1. Would the ANR need to be connected to the line (I assume it will either be a plug-in box, or a box with a line cord attached) between the noise and the modules, or would it work anywhere it is plugged into the system?
2. Would it work for cases where noise is coming in from outside the home (like I had)?
3. What do you estimate the price range will be when you are ready to market them?
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on September 26, 2011, 03:20:53 PM

The XTB-ANR will be a plug-in module slightly smaller than the X10 XPPF filter.  It will severely load down any noise on the circuit it is plugged into.  When plugged into an outlet near the distribution panel, it should attenuate noise coming in from outside the home.  If the noise source is inside your home, best results may be obtained by plugging the ANR into the same circuit.  If there is noise on both phases, two ANRs may be needed - one for each phase.

I've done everything I can to keep the cost down, including using a transformerless supply.  I just totalled up the cost of the components.  The PCB and case are almost half the cost.  Even using bare bones PCBs without solder mask or silkscreen, the total is $32, not including shipping.  So, the kit will probably be $39, and the assembled unit $20 more.

Beta PCBs are on order now, and those units should be available in a couple of weeks.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on September 27, 2011, 09:41:58 AM

Insteon compatibility...

While the XTB-ANR works even better than I expected, the one issue remaining is Insteon compatibility.  Right now it will squash Insteon signals just like any other noise.  Since some of you have combined X10 / Insteon systems, I want to make it also “Insteon friendly”.  The problem is that Insteon signal bursts overlap the X10 transmit window, and noise that looks sufficiently like an Insteon command would not be eliminated from that window.  Thoughts?

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: dave w on September 27, 2011, 09:48:54 AM
Not an answer to your question, but is there any thoughts on incorporating two ANRs in the XTBIIR? Or making a dual unit for wiring in to breaker panel?
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Brian H on September 27, 2011, 10:05:59 AM
Well if the ANR is tightly tuned to the X10 120KHz.
I doubt the Insteon 131.65 KHz. Starting 800us before Zero Crossing will work with it.
I have a mixed system and will give your questions some thoughts.

How critical is the 120KHz?
I have some right from X10 that are like 122KHz and even higher.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on September 27, 2011, 10:10:03 AM
Quote from: dave w on September 27, 2011, 09:48:54 AM
Not an answer to your question, but is there any thoughts on incorporating two ANRs in the XTBIIR? Or making a dual unit for wiring in to breaker panel?

Actually, I had thought about a combined two-phase unit, but something like that would be way off in the future.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on September 27, 2011, 10:20:42 AM
Quote from: Brian H on September 27, 2011, 10:05:59 AM
How critical is the 120KHz?
I have some right from X10 that are like 122KHz and even higher.

The prototype will pass signals over the range from 115 to 125KHz that are above the noise level during the X10 transmit window.  To be compatible with Insteon, it would also have to pass signals near 131KHz over the Insteon transmit window.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: systemdm on September 27, 2011, 11:22:20 AM
Quote from: JeffVolp on September 27, 2011, 09:41:58 AM

Insteon compatibility...

While the XTB-ANR works even better than I expected, the one issue remaining is Insteon compatibility.  Right now it will squash Insteon signals just like any other noise.  Since some of you have combined X10 / Insteon systems, I want to make it also “Insteon friendly”.  The problem is that Insteon signal bursts overlap the X10 transmit window, and noise that looks sufficiently like an Insteon command would not be eliminated from that window.  Thoughts?

Jeff


Would it would be feasible to sell two separate units?   One for the X10 only environment and one for the X10 and Insteon environment.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on September 27, 2011, 12:07:33 PM
Quote from: systemdm on September 27, 2011, 11:22:20 AM
Would it would be feasible to sell two separate units?   One for the X10 only environment and one for the X10 and Insteon environment.

Yes, that is certainly feasible.  The only difference is the firmware.

I'm working on an algorithm to identify the difference between an Insteon signal and just about any random noise source even if it is at the same frequency.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Noam on September 27, 2011, 03:00:35 PM
Quote from: JeffVolp on September 27, 2011, 12:07:33 PM
Quote from: systemdm on September 27, 2011, 11:22:20 AM
Would it would be feasible to sell two separate units?   One for the X10 only environment and one for the X10 and Insteon environment.

Yes, that is certainly feasible.  The only difference is the firmware.

I'm working on an algorithm to identify the difference between an Insteon signal and just about any random noise source even if it is at the same frequency.

Jeff
Jeff -
Is there any way to be able to turn the Insteon mode on or off, perhaps with a sequence of commands, like one would use to configure an XTB-IIR?
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on September 27, 2011, 03:30:52 PM
Quote from: Noam on September 27, 2011, 03:00:35 PM
Is there any way to be able to turn the Insteon mode on or off, perhaps with a sequence of commands, like one would use to configure an XTB-IIR?

While also feasible, I would rather avoid that level of complexity.  I am looking at using the same technique to identify Insteon commands as is used in the XTBM.  If it doesn't have the right signature, it will be considered noise.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Noam on September 27, 2011, 04:20:26 PM
Quote from: JeffVolp on September 27, 2011, 03:30:52 PM
I am looking at using the same technique to identify Insteon commands as is used in the XTBM.  If it doesn't have the right signature, it will be considered noise.
That's certainly a better way to do it.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on September 30, 2011, 11:53:34 AM

Here's a photo of the prototype in case anyone is interested.

(http://jvde.us/info/XTB-ANR_prototype_576.jpg)

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Brian H on September 30, 2011, 12:45:24 PM
Thank you for sharing the photo of the prototype.
Looks well designed.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: systemdm on September 30, 2011, 12:54:06 PM
Thanks Jeff.   When do you think the kits will be available?
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: William8 on September 30, 2011, 01:01:54 PM
Would this reduce noise only on the circuit it's plugged into, or the entire phase? I have one circuit that won't work when my Panasonic microwave is just plugged into the wall. That entire phase stops working when it's actually running. It's a new issue, just got the microwave a month or two ago.

I would be very interested in a simple plug in solution. I know I can get a 15amp plug in noise filter, but they are huge. The microwave is installed in a custom cabinet, and there isn't enough room for it behind the microwave.

Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on September 30, 2011, 01:08:34 PM
Quote from: systemdm on September 30, 2011, 12:54:06 PM
Thanks Jeff.   When do you think the kits will be available?

A few beta units should be available in a couple of weeks to those of you with serious noise problems.  Assuming they work as anticipated, the first batch will only be available as assembled units because these PCBs don't have silkscreen or solder mask.  Kits with silkscreened PCBs should be available in a couple of months.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on September 30, 2011, 01:18:50 PM
Quote from: William8 on September 30, 2011, 01:01:54 PM
Would this reduce noise only on the circuit it's plugged into, or the entire phase? I have one circuit that won't work when my Panasonic microwave is just plugged into the wall. That entire phase stops working when it's actually running.

It severely attenuates noise on the circuit it is plugged into.  When plugged into a receptacle near the distribution panel, it will attenuate noise on that entire phase.  But if the noise source is a long run from the panel, there may still be significant noise on that circuit near the source.

For a noise source like you describe, it should work effectively if plugged into the same receptacle as the Panasonic.

The Tuned Signal Sucker that I developed some time ago might also do the job.  It is just a passive device that severely attenuates out-of-band noise, and also attenuates in-band noise, but not as much.  Contact me privately if you would like to try a beta unit.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on October 02, 2011, 02:30:57 PM
I have been testing the prototype, and words just don't do justice.  Here is a link to a video clip that shows its performance against a continuous in-band noise source being injected right onto the powerline.

Update - Changed to a low frame rate to get down to 9MB, but it still may take a while to download.

http://jvde.us/info/XTB-ANR_demo1c.avi

You can see on the XTBM that the XTB-ANR causes about a 20% reduction in the X10 signal voltage, but the noise level is reduced about 90%.  So there is a very significant improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio.

Update:  Measuring signal loss from my XTBR repeater on the other phase showed the signal attenuation was much less than 20%.  Without the XTB-ANR, the voltage read 2.11Vpp on the XTBM, and 1.95Vpp after the XTB-ANR was plugged in.  That is only an 8% reduction in the signal voltage, with a 90% reduction in the noise voltage.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Brian H on October 02, 2011, 03:39:03 PM
Very impressive.
I hope the beta tests go well and the production models will be available shortly after that.

Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on October 02, 2011, 03:48:39 PM
Quote from: Brian H on October 02, 2011, 03:39:03 PM
I hope the beta tests go well and the production models will be available shortly after that.

I'm looking for a few beta testers who are plagued with serious noise problems.  If interested, contact me privately.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Oldtimer on October 03, 2011, 11:05:04 AM
Jeff: 

Very nice piece of work! :)%
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on October 06, 2011, 04:15:27 PM

My Insteon controller arrived today, and I tested how well the XTB-ANR handles those signals.  It is working exactly as it should, and turns off the attenuation for the duration of any Insteon signal bursts.  So it should have very little effect on Insteon commands in a combined X10/Insteon system.

I did find one unexpected result though.  If I inject noise near 131KHz directly onto the powerline, the XTB-ANR can make that look like a series of Insteon commands even though they don't contain any actual data.  As a result, the XTBM displays that noise as potential Insteon commands. 

Since the XTBM just looks at the signal envelope, I don't think it will be possible to discern the difference between a real Insteon command, and noise that has the same envelope due to actions of the XTB-ANR.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: dhouston on October 06, 2011, 04:42:59 PM
Jeff,

If you can sense a phase shift, you can probably tell noise from signal but maybe not in time to do much about it.

I published these scope screen shots shortly after Insteon was introduced...

Hmmm, maybe you can handle it - it's been too long for my ancient brain to recall detail but I think all commands start with a 1 followed by 0 to establish phase references.

Also, you might be able to take advantage of the fact that the powerline is clear for 1/2 cycle after a code in order to relay it via RF to the other phase. That, however, may have changed as they've gone through 3-4 design changes since it was introduced.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on October 06, 2011, 05:33:23 PM
Thanks for the suggestion Dave, but unfortunately that is not possible in the XTBM.  There is a precision rectifier that tracks the envelope of the signal burst.  The PIC A/D is running flat out over the burst making multiple readings, which it converts to an average.  Independently, the T1 timer counts the number of cycles in the measurement window to calculate the frequency.

The XTBM identifies an Insteon signal by it being at the right frequency, and the burst beginning almost a millisecond before the zero crosssing.  The XTB-ANR switches off the attenuator at that point so not to corrupt an Insteon signal.  As a result, noise sitting near 131KHz looks just like an Insteon signal.

Since the XTBM is essentially a X10 measurement tool, we will have to accept the fact that after the XTB-ANR is installed, the Insteon indication could mean there is noise near the Insteon frequency.

You are correct in that I could use the 5 zero-crossing bursts, followed by a gap to qualify for the Insteon indication.  But extended Insteon commands take 11 zero crossings before the gap.  So 5 or 11 could be potential Insteon commands, and anything else would be noise.  I’ll think about including that in the Pro version.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Brian H on October 06, 2011, 06:11:40 PM
Insteon White paper says 800 us before zero crossing.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on October 06, 2011, 06:17:04 PM
Quote from: Brian H on October 06, 2011, 06:11:40 PM
Insteon White paper says 800 us before zero crossing.

Correct.  To allow for possible differences between the zero crossing detectors, I back away from that 800uS transition to make sure there are clean samples before and after the Insteon signal switches on.  That works perfectly because it accurately recognizes the Insteon command and leaves the attenuator off for the entire Insteon burst.  It must switch the attenuator back on before the zero crossing if there is no Insteon signal to guarantee a good X10 zero if there is no X10 burst.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on October 16, 2011, 02:59:16 PM

I have been doing a lot of testing with the XTB-ANR.  It works well for most ordinary noise sources.  However, since noise as low as 30mVpp centered right at 120KHz can block a X10 module, it may still be necessary to isolate a powerful noise source like that with an in-line filter.  The Lumoform 4W LED light I reported on in the past is one such noise source.  It is perhaps the worst one that I have run across.

The Lumoform pegs the XTBM (over .99Vpp) when plugged into the same outlet, and its frequency ranges from 121KHz to 123KHz in the X10 transmit window.  My digital scope shows the frequency does vary throughout the AC half cycle, but only what happens inside the zero-crossing X10 transmit window is important for X10 communication.  Plugging the XTB-ANR into the same outlet as the Lumoform pulls the noise level down to .20 to .30Vpp at that outlet, but that was not low enough for an adjacent X10 appliance module to respond.

Moving the Lumoform to another outlet on the same circuit across the room reduced the XTBM reading to .56Vpp.  Then plugging in the XTB-ANR reduced the XTBM noise reading to .05Vpp (50mVpp), which was then low enough for the adjacent X10 appliance module to respond.

In summary, the XTB-ANR can help even with a powerful in-band noise source, but only if there is some separation between the noise source and the X10 devices.  A powerful in-band noise source may still need to be isolated if adjacent to X10 devices.

The beta XTB-ANRs are out there now, and I am waiting to hear back results.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Brian H on October 16, 2011, 03:48:17 PM
Thanks for the updates on your progress and findings.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on November 15, 2011, 11:26:14 PM

The photos below show graphically what the XTB-ANR can do to your electrical environment.  The X10 signal was measured through a X10 Pro XPCP passive coupler, so this is showing “in-band” noise that will effect X10 transmissions.

The first photo shows noise being generated by a Lumoform 120V 4W LED light.  As you can see, this nasty device generates an incredible amount of powerline noise.  Frequency measurements show the noise is almost directly centered in the X10 bandpass.  Of particular interest is that burst of noise that occurs just after each zero crossing.  That is inside the X10 transmission window, and blocks X10 modules on its circuit from decoding zeros.  The second photo shows the noise reduction after the XTB-ANR is added to the circuit.  That critical noise burst has been reduced significantly.

(http://jvde.us/info/XTB-ANR_LED_noise_no_ANR_320.jpg)

Lumoform LED bulb powerline noise with no XTB-ANR

(http://jvde.us/info/XTB-ANR_LED_noise_with_ANR_320.jpg)

Lumoform LED bulb noise with XTB-ANR plugged in

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Brian H on November 16, 2011, 06:00:21 AM
Looks good.
That LED bulb is your famous X10 noise maker.  ::)
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Noam on November 16, 2011, 08:45:30 AM
Wow!
Jeff - I'm truly in awe of your intelligence and ingenuity.
I can't wait to see what you come up with next!

How about a portable noise detector? You would walk around the house with it, and just like an old-fashioned game of Hot/Cold, it would tell you as you are getting closer to the noise source.
Don't ask me how it would work, that's YOUR job to figure out ;)

Okay, that may be a little unrealistic, but how about some sort of pass-through noise meter (maybe as an add-on for the XTBM). It would work similar to the Kill-A-Watt, but would tell you how noisy the device is, not how much power it draws.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on November 16, 2011, 09:39:14 AM
Quote from: Noam on November 16, 2011, 08:45:30 AM
... but how about some sort of pass-through noise meter (maybe as an add-on for the XTBM). It would work similar to the Kill-A-Watt, but would tell you how noisy the device is, not how much power it draws.

Actually, you can make something like that yourself pretty easily.  Just plug a cube tap into a XPPF filter, and then plug both the XTBM and device under test into the cube tap.  That will isolate it from the powerline, and give an "unloaded" measurement of how much noise it produces.

BTW, that Lumoform LED bulb is the worst X10 noisemaker I have run across.  I don't think I could do much better if I set out to design a noisemaker myself.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Noam on November 16, 2011, 10:11:21 AM
Quote from: JeffVolp on November 16, 2011, 09:39:14 AM
Quote from: Noam on November 16, 2011, 08:45:30 AM
... but how about some sort of pass-through noise meter (maybe as an add-on for the XTBM). It would work similar to the Kill-A-Watt, but would tell you how noisy the device is, not how much power it draws.

Actually, you can make something like that yourself pretty easily.  Just plug a cube tap into a XPPF filter, and then plug both the XTBM and device under test into the cube tap.  That will isolate it from the powerline, and give an "unloaded" measurement of how much noise it produces.
That sounds easy enough (I've got a few Filterlinc filters, I have cube taps. All I'm missing is the XTBM ;) ).

Quote
BTW, that Lumoform LED bulb is the worst X10 noisemaker I have run across.  I don't think I could do much better if I set out to design a noisemaker myself.
Sounds like it is the perfect thing to test all your wonderful products! You should pick up a few more, in case this one ever goes bad.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: dhouston on November 16, 2011, 10:19:05 AM
Quote from: Noam on November 16, 2011, 08:45:30 AM
How about a portable noise detector? You would walk around the house with it, and just like an old-fashioned game of Hot/Cold, it would tell you as you are getting closer to the noise source.
Don't ask me how it would work, that's YOUR job to figure out ;)
You probably have one already. See post #5 at...
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Noam on November 16, 2011, 10:43:16 AM
Quote from: dhouston on November 16, 2011, 10:19:05 AM
Quote from: Noam on November 16, 2011, 08:45:30 AM
How about a portable noise detector? You would walk around the house with it, and just like an old-fashioned game of Hot/Cold, it would tell you as you are getting closer to the noise source.
Don't ask me how it would work, that's YOUR job to figure out ;)
You probably have one already. See post #5 at...
  • http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2053

Good point. I had read that thread (or one with similar instructions) at some point, but I had forgotten about that. Thanks for reminding me.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on November 17, 2011, 06:22:54 PM

For those of you who inquired about XTB-ANR kits, the new silkscreened PCBs have arrived, and I will be packing up kits over the next several days.  Here is the first draft of the assembly notes:

    http://jvde.us/xtb/XTB-ANR_assembly.htm

All documentation is available on the XTB home page:

    http://jvde.us/xtb_index.htm

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: systemdm on November 22, 2011, 10:24:45 PM
Jeff gave me the opportunity to beta test this unit.  I purchased the XTBR a while back and it corrected a lot of my issues, but I still had some intermitten ones.  The XTB-ANR corrected them all.
I also removed the filters in my system, and it has been flawless.

Here are some of my findings:

   My girlfriend came by Friday night with her HTC EVO smart phone and charger.  Plugged it in and immediately on the XTBM I got:  "High Noise Level"  then  "JXX STR"  then it alternated between "err bsc" and ^Noise^.  My HR12A remote would NOT turn on a nearby light.
 
Then I plugged in the XTB-ANR.  That's when the "High Noise Level" changed to "Noise Decrease".  The noise went from 11 down to 0.  The X9.99 dropped to X9.37.   The HR12A began to work.
 
Another example:
I have a porch light that has been intermittent in operation.   Since plugging in the XTB-ANR, it has been rock solid.     #:)

Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: Myronbg on January 19, 2012, 02:27:28 PM
PG&E installed a Smart meter last month and since then I've had various weird issues with my x10 system. Over the last month, not knowing it was the Smartmeter "fault" I've tried all manner of potential solutions. In my process I tried one of my FilterLinc in between various suspected appliances and disconnected other potential noise sources. I finally realized that it might be the Smart meter, did a "google" and found this post. Now that I know the culprit is the Smartmeter I guess the Filterlinc, being unit specific won't fix the noise problem. So. (1) is your filter available? (2) if so where and how is it installed) and (3) how much $
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on January 19, 2012, 08:03:45 PM

I have been working with a customer in the Cincinnati area to come up with a good solution.  The XTB-ANR was designed to combat noise produced by random electrical products, such as switching power supplies and CFLs.  The smart meter in the Cincinnati area contains a very powerful transmitter, and even the XTB-ANR could not solve the problem by itself.

What seems to work is installing special low-frequency clamp-on ferrite filters over the incoming service entrance cables.  (One filter per cable seems to work, but two per cable would be even better.)  Then we add a notch filter to attenuate the smarter meter signal that still passes through the clamp-on filters.  The last I heard there were no erroneous actuations in over a week with the current configuration.

We will be testing another filter in the near future, and I should have a final solution available in the near future.

Jeff
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: ElectroChallenged on December 12, 2012, 12:45:01 PM
Jeff, do you have any update on this?  I just joined this forum as I was getting the random lights turning on in my mom's house (near Cincinnati) in the middle of the night. She has a Smart Meter also.
Title: Re: Active Noise Reducer – Maybe the CFL Silver Bullet?
Post by: JeffVolp on December 12, 2012, 05:48:54 PM

A fix for the Echelon smart meter that is being deployed by Duke Energy in the Cincinnati area was discussed here:

    http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=26056.0

The kit is listed near the bottom of the XTB Ordering page:

    http://jvde.us/xtb/xtb_ordering.htm

Jeff