X10 Community Forum

💬General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Disappointed on February 01, 2005, 12:28:21 PM

Title: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: Disappointed on February 01, 2005, 12:28:21 PM

I believe many users will agree that the
CM15A project has been grossly mismanaged. I
think it would be helpful if users had a
better understanding of X10 LTD’s (Wireless
Technologies) operating structure and why
some of the decisions related to the CM15A
have been made.

A couple questions I would like to see answered:

1) Who developed and tested the CM15A? Was it
X10 in Scotland, Hong Kong, or the USA?

2) Who is managing the CM15A project
(Scotland, Hong Kong, or the USA)? Is he or
she reading this forum?

3) Who is developing the AHP software? Is
development outsourced on conducted
internally? Where are your developers
located? What type of development methodology
is being used… if any (RUP)?

4) Where are X10’s technical support call
centers located? Are they outsourced?

5) Has production halted on the CM15A until
further testing is conducted? Why is the
CM15A still being promoted and sold to the
public?

6) How many people are actually employed at
X10 LTD (USA)?

If X10 USA is at the mercy of say X10 in Hong
Kong, this may explain some of the issues
users are experiencing. I believe that if
users had a better understanding of how X10
USA operates they might be more understanding
of the issues that continue to plague the CM15A.

I know X10 will read this but I suspect this
post, or most of the questions, will go
unanswered. If X10 does take the time to
respond in detail, which I believe it owes
its users, I commend you in advance.

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: SteveRF on February 01, 2005, 04:10:21 PM

Actually, I am happy with my CM15A ! (So Far)
20 Modules, 3 timers.. no macros, never
connected to the PC and works day after day
without a single hint of failure.  Upgrade
from 3.175-177-178 was without any problems.
I admit, I must have the smallest X10 system
in the country or I must have one of the
rarest CM15A's around... Maybe it is because
I don't have any Macros ?  I shall design one
and see...  Personally, I think X10 is trying
very hard to fix the glitches and I applaud
them for even having this forum and hosting
what appears to be loads and loads of
complaints... imagine what it would be like
to do all this via telephone ?  X10, just
stay focused and get the fixes done.  I
expect your customer base will be eager to
test the next release and will still be here.
oh, and all the questions...I really don't
care when or where the CM15A was tested and
released...nor am I concerned about your
level of staff, outsourcing etc...  I can see
most of that development documentation in the
FCC web site.. (2003 product...Smile)..
Looking forward to the next group of fixes
and some of us appreciate what appears to be
a real concerted effort to fix things..
Regards,
Steve

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: roger1818 on February 01, 2005, 05:19:47 PM

SteveRF:  Bravo!  I also haven't had any
major problems, just a few little
glitches.  I haven't experienced my CM15a
haning up, but then again I keep tinkering
with my macros and timers so I haven't left
it for more than about 4 days.  I am
planning on testing to see if there is any
clock drift, but I haven't done that yet.
I to agree that this forum is a great way
of reporting problems and helping others
with their issues.  I too am looking
forward to the next release.

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: david k on February 01, 2005, 06:36:01 PM

X10

You keep fixing 'em and I'll keep
using 'em --- but you have to fix 'em!  I
don't care where, how or who does it (like
someone seems to), but you fix it and a
whole bunch of us will be happy as pigs in
you-know-what!!!  I think most of us
realize you are working on it and the last
thing you want is to blow it.  I say keep
working on it and get your customers
satisfied as soon as possible and start
watching the complaints drop and praise
rise...carry on!

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: SteveRF on February 01, 2005, 07:12:57 PM

David, Roger..Bravo...Many Thanks !
I have now added 4 macros to my system of 20
modules and 3 timers.  This is my first test
with macros using dusk to dawn etc... We
shall see how it holds up or how I did
setting it up...  The CM15A is all
reset,disconnected and placed back in the
utility room to work work work...we hope
(smile)... Looking forward to my first test
with Modules, Timers and Macros all working
together. Setup:XPPro,SP2/w all ms updates,
Dual P3, NortonAV, AHP 3.178 (Disconnected
from CM15A)

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: JamesT on February 01, 2005, 07:20:29 PM

I tried the Smarthome thing (SHM+ w/1132CUP)
and had problems with it too. When I went
to browser their open to the public forum
like this one I could not find one. Kind of
made me wonder why? I am back to AHP
w/CM15A (nicer app).

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: al on February 01, 2005, 09:02:49 PM

Well, on the other hand, some of us (me) did
leave AHP and am using 1132CUP flawlessly.
Yes, AHP is a nicer app, but that doesn't
help if the CM15a looses time on a power
glitch.  Even X10 agrees the macros don't
work right.

I would like X10 to answer this:  Do you
acknowledge there is a problem with CM15a
losing time during a power glitch?  Do you
expect to fix it?

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: dale on February 02, 2005, 12:02:57 AM

I have around 20 units and my CM15A works
fine for all units, macros and unit timers
including dusk / dawn.  As for macro timers,
it doesn't work at all.  When I set up a
macro to start at a certain time, the time
goes right on by with no response.  Non
macro timers work fine however.  Since the
whole reason I upgraded to AH pro was for
timed conditional macros, I'm very
disappointed they don't work but so far am
still hopeful they'll fix this problem soon
as I like what AH pro is "supposed" to do
over the rival Smarthome software but
obviously something that works is ultimately
better than promises.

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: JimC on February 02, 2005, 06:59:57 AM

My CM15 works great.......for a couple of
hours then all timers and macros stop
working. It use to work for 3 to 4 days
before crashing but for the past week I have
not had it work for more than an hour
disconnected from the computer. I have many
conditionals and timers programmed into the
unit and the only way they will work for
more than a couple of hours is if I leave it
connected to the computer and leave the
computer turned on. I have numerous motion
sensors throughout my property so my module
sees a lot of activity. Wonder if this has
anything to do with it.

Just wondering if Steve and Roger are using
motion sensors?

Jim

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: SteveRF on February 02, 2005, 10:07:06 AM

Jim, others,
Yes, I am using motion sensors, however, I
may not be using as many as you.  I have 2
bathrooms and a utility room with motion
sensors to turn on and off lights.  One
motion sensor on the deck near the pool to
alert me via inside chime (after dark) of
motion. I Also have several timers in action
to turn specific lights on/off and a battery
charging system is turned on 2 times a week.
No macros yet, my first attempt was
yesterday but they did not work as I
expected. I think it was due to my setup and
my poor understanding of macros and
"triggers" I think what I am trying to do is
make a "timed" macro that has no
"trigger"...have to study this more and get
some help from you guys....  All said, my
CM15A still seems to work ok and has never
stopped working... (YET)...
regards,
Steve

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: roger1818 on February 02, 2005, 10:09:10 AM

It is well known that the more activity you
have, the sooner the CM15a will lock up, so
motion sensors do contribute to the
problem.  I have one motion sensor, but the
battery in it is dead.  It is outside in
the back yard, so I am going to wait until
spring to change it (I doubt if anyone is
going trudging through the snow back there
at night, besides, I don't want to fiddle
with it in the cold).

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: KingwoodAutomation on December 02, 2006, 10:27:06 PM

I have about 20 modules and use many macros divided into separate sections in my home very sucessfully. I would guess (without looking and counting) I have about 35 or so timed macros based on the clock...not the dawn and dusk settings. I dont trust these.  Actually, for the past 8 months I have only had one glitch which was my master bed light. Dont know why but it just refused to come on one day manually. I went to the software and re-downloaded the settings, put my wife in the room to see if the light was activating and it worked fine. Since then, I have experianced no problems. It even worked this last holiday (Thanksgiving) when my inlaws were here. I had it shut down the ealy morning lighting in separate areas for "Vacation" and it worked flawlessly. Aftewr they left, the next work day my bed light came on at 5:30 without reprogramming or anything. I followed the scheduled vacation macros perfectly.

My only complaint is that you do not have the ability to custom build your own modules. Afterall, I think we all use X10 because of its DIY ability. Most of us on here love to tinker with electronics. If I wanted a system that was more plug and play, I would pay someone to put in a Touchlite, OnQ or HAI touchscreen system and make them repair and keep it up under warranty.

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: Sara on February 07, 2007, 03:17:39 PM

I can't answer most of the technical questions, but I can tell you that the call center is right here in Kent, WA.  We don't outsource for that - tech support and sales are all right here in the building, and the engineers have a room in the back. 

Not the most important of your questions, I know...but at least I could answer something.  :)

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: HA Dave on February 07, 2007, 03:34:09 PM

Quote from: Sara on February 07, 2007, 03:17:39 PM

 at least I could answer something.  :)

Welcome to the forum Sara!

Having an answer is always an accomplishment!

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: TakeTheActive on February 07, 2007, 03:53:26 PM

Quote from: Sara on February 07, 2007, 03:17:39 PM

I can't answer most of the technical questions, but I can tell you that the call center is right here in Kent, WA....

Hi Sara,

Date Registered:     2006-08-18, 14:08:19

First post today - what inspired you to jump into the 'frying pan'?  ;)

Quote from: Sara on February 07, 2007, 03:17:39 PM

...We don't outsource for that - tech support and sales are all right here in the building, and the engineers have a room in the back...

After X10Pro (aka Michael Cole) left, almost a year ago, Dave Rye filled in "less than a handful of times". But, otherwise, we "Community Organizers" are pretty much left 'high-and-dry' -

Why don't any Tech Support and/or Engineers ever log in and help us out?
???

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: Dan Lawrence on February 07, 2007, 05:30:25 PM

Quote from: TakeTheActive on February 07, 2007, 03:53:26 PM

Quote from: Sara on February 07, 2007, 03:17:39 PM

I can't answer most of the technical questions, but I can tell you that the call center is right here in Kent, WA....

Hi Sara,

Date Registered:     2006-08-18, 14:08:19

First post today - what inspired you to jump into the 'frying pan'?  ;)

Quote from: Sara on February 07, 2007, 03:17:39 PM

...We don't outsource for that - tech support and sales are all right here in the building, and the engineers have a room in the back...

After X10Pro (aka Michael Cole) left, almost a year ago, Dave Rye filled in "less than a handful of times". But, otherwise, we "Community Organizers" are pretty much left 'high-and-dry' -

Why don't any Tech Support and/or Engineers ever log in and help us out?
???

My guess:  Either they don't know it's here, or they know and don't care.  Seems like all X10USA wants to do is SELL  :(

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: Sara on February 07, 2007, 06:03:52 PM

Hi everyone!  Thanks for the welcome. :)

I actually lurk the forums from time to time just to see how people are responding to the site, but I got the account back in August so I could edit the Knowledge Base (http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Main_Page - I wish more people would use that resource, as it's a good place to find technical and troubleshooting info, and since it uses the Wiki code, it's considerably less loud than most X10 pages).  Today just happened to be the first time I saw a question I could answer. 

As to getting somebody to keep up with technical questions, we're a bit understaffed at the moment (and anticipating a move); the best way to get the attention of someone here is still just to call.  I will go poke Mike Mallari, though, and ask if he knows of anyone who has extra time to check the forums.  And I will try to drop in more often to check up.

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: Don N on February 07, 2007, 08:46:39 PM

Sara ... There are a number of folks (Tuicemen, TakeTheActive, Puck, Brian H, Dave X10 L, KDR, etc.) that contribute heavily to this forum by answering questions and providing good sound advice and direction to many, many members.  What about this suggestion, why not elicit their help to periodically summarize major issues and concerns of the populous and provide X10 management with these issues.  You say X10 is too understaffed to be active in this forum.  Well, here is an opportunity to bridge that problem.  I haven't spoken to any of these folks that I mentioned above, so they may hate me by now ... but my point is, there may be somebody that would be interested in doing this.  But I think the first order of business would be, that we are convinced that X10 is truely interested in listening to us. 

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: Don N on February 08, 2007, 07:34:03 PM

Sara --- Another opportunity --- If you want to make a big score here, you can answer our questions about X10 support of the Vista operating system.

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: Michael M. on February 22, 2007, 06:19:48 PM

Don,

In regards to the Vista browser, i'm told that currently we are developing for that format.  At this point we don't have anything available.  I'm sure that once we do you'll start to hear more about it. 

In the event you need more information, a good resource would be to contact the support desk at support@x10.com.  The staff there would be able to provide more information.

Regards,
Mike

Title: Re: Who is X10 and why is this happening?
Post by: bradleystownsend on April 21, 2007, 10:27:56 PM

You're developing for Vista?  The current product doesn't work very well!!!!