X10 Community Forum
📸Cameras & Camera Software => Legacy non Wi-Fi X10 Cameras => Camera General Discussion => Wireless Cameras(non IP) => Topic started by: chinaboy on March 06, 2006, 01:48:54 PM
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Can someone tell me how in the world can you get 3 wireless cameras positioned in 3 different locations of the house to get a good reception from the receiver. I can get a crystal picture from 1 camera, but it is impossible to aim the other 2 in the same direction of the receiver. I have read in a few places that it is possible to build a cAntenna or something like that. What I am trying to get at is, there a way to get the wireless cameras to pickup a good signal from the Video receiver without a perfect line of site. Any help in this matter would really be appreciated.
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I have one Receiver and 4 cameras setup, By facing the transmitter on the camera towards your receiver, then Your receiver (all on the same code under the cap) facing either 90degrees from all cameras or facing Strait up to the sky.
on a side note, TVs, PCs, Monitors and such can interupt signals. Placing the receiver for your cameras as far from these Interferences as possible will help too.
also, If your not getting a good signal from one of the 4 codes, try another one.
what other 2.4Ghz Products do you own?
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Thanks for your advice. I have tried all the other channels but still got the same results. I also tried putting the receiver facing up. I have a 2.4ghz phones and a wireless modem. I turned both phone and modem off and still did not get any good results. The pictures are clear but it jumps up and down the screen while making a annoying sound. You said to turn the receiver 90 degrees from all the cameras. Hmmmm, I guess I could try that, but I turned that thing all different directions. My receiver is sitting on top of my television but even when it is turned off I still get a bad reception so I don't think that is the problem. Again thanks for any advice that you have.
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chinaboy : Try unpluging your tv and see if reception improves. Many if not All Newer Electronic Devices (TVs) still use power even when they are turned off (instant on feature) ;)
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Definately sitting on a TV also caused me problems, even on my stereo stand next to the TV was still a bit bouncy.... might try adding a longer RCA and try it about 10 ft away from devices...
A friend was amazed I got good reception with one of my recievers sitting in between my 2 monitors (surrounded) 2mm in any direction and I loose my picture.
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Thanks, Mystyx & Tuicemen, You guys are wonderful. I am actually using a long coax cable that is run from my bedroom TV to the living room where the receiver is located. The receiver is sitting on my RCA Stereo which is sitting on my big screen TV. I will go out and get extra piece of coax cable to extend the receiver from both the TV and radio and see how that works. Makes sense that there could still be power even if they the devices are still plugged in. I heard about a noise filter, do you think that could help any or is it worth buying. Thanks again for your advise. Maybe I too can give advice to others who continue to bash these poor X10 products. Not the best, but they sure are good enough for the price, once you get them setup correctly.
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A noise filter is a good idea for your system but in this situation it won't help as it only filters the noise on the powerline from a noisy device! We're looking at RF signal here. It is a good idea to have one (although I don't) for trouble shooting and to use if you find a device that is causing you difficulties! An other thing you may wish to look at is the coax cable. I found alot of the cheeper ones are bad for picking up noise bad connectors is the main problem ! When you finaly nail it down let us know it may give some else a starting point and save then hours of looking! ;) :D ;D
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The Quality of wires (coax or RCA) make a big difference... most coax single shielded, I use double shielded coax and one of mine is worn and cause static because the grounded shielding is broken from stepped on.
I think the world is up to triple shielded coax and RCAs that are normally shipped with internet.
the better the shielding the better it keeps the signals in and unwanted noise out.
for your system why not use the VT/VR 30 or 32 wireless audio/video transmitter/receiver, I use this to get everything from downstairs to the upstairs TV, it works different from the camera receivers and give a great clear picture, better then running long wires all over.
More then a 50ft (35ft even) cables will have a voltage drop / and signal loss (Db)
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Is the VT/VR 30 or 32 wireless audio/video transmitter/receiver a x10 product? I bought a wireless video sender kit, but it doesn't work or probaly I am not setting it up correctly.
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Yes X10 Wireless Audio/Video Sender Systems, should just need to make sure the code (1-4(A-D)) are the same for the reciever and the transmitter. should just hook up and work.
make sure the sender is on the system that sending the signal and reciever on the TV you want to watch on.
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I should be ashame of myself. I Just realized that I had another phone in the house that was using 2.4ghz. I un-plugged it and that made my picture perfect on 2 cameras. My 3rd camera is on my shed, and has a little bit of bounce. It could be because it is a little more than 100 feet from the receiver. Can I use the sender kit in this case to get the signal to the receiver in my room. I have the receiver in my room and the camera on the shed is probably more than 100 feet. Do I place the sender kit at a half way point. I am not sure what settings I need to use to get the signal from the camera on the shed to the half way point and then to the receiver in my room. Once I get this last camera up and running, then I can jump for joy.
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First try place the reciever for the camera in a window... try open window and see difference.
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Just wanted to let everyone know that I now have my entire 3 camera system working perfectly with both audio and video. The camera on my shed which is about 120 feet from receiver and has a ninja pantil attach also work perfectly without any additional range extender. I still get good results no matter what direction the pantil turns. One thing I could say, is those microphones in the cameras are very amazing and they pick up clear audio from a very good distance.That is amazing. One of my biggest problems was result of the 2.4ghz phone that I had in another room that I totally forgot about. I currently have 1 camera on my front porch, 1 inside my kitchen area which monitors anyone entering any of my 3 entry doors to the house and the 1 on the shed which gives a clear view of the backyard. The receiver is sitting in my bedroom on top of my TV attached with RCA cables. I took Mystyx advice and turn the receiver about 90 degrees and that also produce excellent video. I also have another receiver connected to my laptop with the video capture device so I cannot monitor the play by play action even when the TV is in use or I can even watch both at the same time. I have motion detectors also setup around the locations of the cameras which activates my recording software when motion is detected. The motion detectors, I realized are too sensitive. Activates even when a cat sneezes. ;D . I was also amazed that even the receiver connect to my laptop still picked up excellent video from all 3 cameras. I plan to purchase a flood cam to cover the from yard and a couple wall switches to turn on the lights on the porch and back yard at night when motion is detected. This has been quite an experience and a fun task. For all those people who have negative to say about the x10 products, my advise is to take the time to understand how the system works. For the price, I think it works wonderful when everything is setup correctly. Thanks to the wonderful folks in this forum, I was able to work out all my troubles. THANKS.
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Chinaboy: I am also planning to buy the type of system you have. Could you advise which product ypu bought? There are so many gizmos x10.om is selling, i find it hard to pick one right one. It appears you have the same thing what i was looking for. How did you solve 2.4ghz cordless phone problem? Got rid of it? Also you say you connected one receiver to your lap top. Was it easy to do it? What software you use watch video in laptop? Do you have what they call DVR Card which is supposed to store images for as long as 3 months in a hardrive of yyour computer? Does that work?
Thanks in advance. Suggestion from anyone appreciated. I am looking for 4 to 6 infrared wireless camera, receiver, DVR card, and any other necessary equipment.
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I purchased a package with 3 instant on wide eye color camera. It included 2 pan and tilt bases, 4 motion detectors , 1 receiver and transmitter, usb video capture device. Also comes with a VCR commander which allows you to recorder to a VCR or I guess a dvr. Don't know to much about the dvr. My package included software for the viewing my play by play action on my computer or via any web enable computer. Love that feature where I can monitor my home from work. Right now I have my images stored on my computer hard drive which really does not take up that much space, because I have it set to take pictures only when motion is detected. I purchased an extra receiver to use with my laptop. Very simple hook up. All you need is 2 available usb ports and the usb video capture device, which connects to the receiver with RCA cables. Yes unfortunately, I had to get rid of the 2.4ghz phones. Bought a 5.8ghz phone and had no problem with it. Trust me when I say the 2.4ghz phones are big problems and I guess any other device in your home that may carry the same frequency. Let me know if I could provide any additional information. This forum has saved my lots of money and headaches. I'm sure it can do the same for you.
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Chinaboy: Thanks for the response. What "package" you bought that included software to store images in your computer and see your home on the web?
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You would need to go on the website and look for 3 camera unit that includes internet monitoring. Sometimes it is easier to call them and tell them what you want. Try the live online chat and they will help you get the best system for your needs. Besure to tell them that you need the audio/video reciever if you want both voice and audio from your cameras.
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Hi Chinaboy, I just read this forum and thought you might help explain how you setup your cameras to work with VCR commander II and laptop. I purchased two receivers and did not seem to get them work right. The instructions said the House code on the cameras has to be the same with the house code of the receiver. If that is the case, how do you set to match the second receiver? Please share your experience. Thanks
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The HC on the motion sensor is what you want to setup the VCR Commander too.
The cameras have a HC / UC On the Power supply, that is used to turn them on and off when needed.
There is also a small switch (under rubber cap on the camera itself) for code A, B, C, D (frequency) that needs to be set the same as your video receiver.
The video receivers don't have a HC / UC as they never get switched.
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Hey ttran: Mystyx is correct, I actually got most of my troubleshooting done with his help. I actually haven't used my VCR commander as yet. My first receiver is connected to my TV using RCA cables on channel A. The second receiver is connected to my laptop also on Channel A. Cameras are on House code A. Let us know if we can be of more assistance.
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can any one tell me how will i setup my 3 XC10 cams so that they switch automatically i am using computer system to record things
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Can someone tell me how in the world can you get 3 wireless cameras positioned in 3 different locations of the house to get a good reception from the receiver. I can get a crystal picture from 1 camera, but it is impossible to aim the other 2 in the same direction of the receiver. I have read in a few places that it is possible to build a cAntenna or something like that. What I am trying to get at is, there a way to get the wireless cameras to pickup a good signal from the Video receiver without a perfect line of site. Any help in this matter would really be appreciated.
I don't think there is one!! I was just, just getting ready to write this same post!!! If someone at x10 had the foresight to develop a decent omnidirectional antenna instead of a directional one (remember the instructions says point the antenna in the direction of the camera you're trying to get reception from),we all wouldn't have this problem. For the money the camera's are pretty good I get excellent reception from my flood cams at about 50 feet from the reciever with the antenna pointing right at it, but what I've decided to do was just concentrate on the rear of my house and just forget the front I figure if anyone tried to get in with my security door in the front it would probably have to be the rear. I really like the wireless aspect of these cameras because you don't have the hassle of running wires but I think If I had to do it all over again because of the lack of a good antenna I would look into a system like the one below. I was also thinking about seeing if I could maybe try to improve the antenna or see if I could get someone to try to modify the receiver so that when you lay the the antenna flat that you could really get some decent reception. Good Luck!
Tom j
http://www.thehomesecuritystore.com/ezstore123/CUProductReviewList.asp?productID=1400
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Thanks for your advice. I have tried all the other channels but still got the same results. I also tried putting the receiver facing up. I have a 2.4ghz phones and a wireless modem. I turned both phone and modem off and still did not get any good results. The pictures are clear but it jumps up and down the screen while making a annoying sound. You said to turn the receiver 90 degrees from all the cameras. Hmmmm, I guess I could try that, but I turned that thing all different directions. My receiver is sitting on top of my television but even when it is turned off I still get a bad reception so I don't think that is the problem. Again thanks for any advice that you have.
The only way to see if your 2.4ghz phone is causing the problem is to UNPLUG the base the base is in constant communication with the handsets that's how I was able to isolate that problem of course I still had the problems noted earlier with trying to orientate the the antenna on the receiver to get decent reception from cameras on the front and back of the house.
Tom j
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Hey ALL!
Check out tuicemen's post: Tip: Improving wireless camera signals (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=11340.msg64883#msg64883) Might not work for everyone, but it's a very creative idea!
Hope that will help some of you at least. :)
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OK. Thanks for the advise of the cordless phone. What about the wireless routers? It´s easy to change the phones, and the microwave that U only use it when warming food for little time. You said no problems with 3 cameras, I didn´t have problems too, but I bought 3 more, and my headaches came again, I only get signal from two of thems, and the others......poor me!! It´s been over 1 year I got bore trying to fix it, I takes lots of time, and imagination ;D ??? ::) Can I make a bridge between 2 receivers and senders? I got activehome pro and I can´t get the images in my pc, like when I got only 3 cameras. I read before to try to make different codes for little groups of cams, like 4 cameras in code 1-2-3-4 and others in the last 4 codes 13-14-15-16 , that helped in signal, I tried it, I get a little better signal, but when I updated activehome software, again the problems..... >:( CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!^!? :o
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Say can anyone think of a reason why x10 doesn't make an omnidirectional antenna? most of the wireless camera systems I've seem are made this way can't understand why the antenna is directional I find it practically impossible to have cameras in the front and back of the house and get good reception I don't have any wireless phone problems just basic reception problems so I've decided to just cover the back and side of the house with two floodcams.
Tom j
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I searched the forum and didn't find this so I think I'm safe on not reposting.
I had bought a motion detected camera for a customer of mine to watch a back loading dock. After I bought it they decided that they didn't want it. It was a budget thing, right at the end of the year.
It came with a motion detector attached to the camera, a video receiver that also is a VCR\DVR Commander!
Well I was not getting very good reception with my directional vr31a so I said what the heck, I'll try this one! I hooked it up, didn't work. Changed the channel to 2, didn't work. Changed the channel to 3, bi golly i got picture and not too bad of one either.
I had my vr31 at the total end of my house, since i had cameras all around my house and that was the only way i could get any kind of picture with all cameras. Since i hooked up this new receiver i was getting just as good picture with it.
Then it dawned on me that this antenna was omni-directional so i moved it to the center of the house. All i can say is WOW. This things gives just as good or better with all of my 12 cameras!! And no more trying to fiddle with the dog ear!!(moving up, down, to the side, pointing to the ceiling, etc.) I'm estatic!!!
I haven't played with the vcr commander part of it yet, but since i have all my cameras working with the macros i found on this forum i don't need it, just need the receiver part.
Plus this receiver is really cool looking, has a blue led screen, shows the number of the channel on it and several options. I don't know what the full potential is for this thing, but i think its great just for video receiver.
I also hooked up the camera that came with it. very excellent picture. hooked it up to my system using a appliance module and added it in AHP as a xc18 camera.
I hope this helps a lot of people as i would like to give back for all the help i received here!!! heres the link: http://www.amazon.com/Homeland-Security-2-4GHz-Wireless-Activated
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Has anyone had issues with the wireless cameras and wireless N cards on their computer? I am finding that I lose internet connectivity whenever a camera is plugged in.
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Has anyone had issues with the wireless cameras and wireless N cards on their computer? I am finding that I lose internet connectivity whenever a camera is plugged in.
That's a comman problem... but easily resolved. Wireless Internet, wireless phones (most), and X10 wireless cameras all use the 2.4Ghz FM frequency. However there is plenty of bandwidth there to use. The X10 wireless cameras have four setting. [A-D]. Wireless broadband will have up to twelve different settings. The phones are what you need to work around as they are unchangeable.
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Thanks, I found the 4-position switch under the rubber plug on the camera base and changed it, which solved the problem. Fortunately, our wireless phones are old technology 900 Mhz models, so no issues there.
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Thanks, I found the 4-position switch under the rubber plug on the camera base and changed it, which solved the problem.
Cool.... Thanks for reporting back! It's always nice to know when information is helpful.
If you ever do decide to replace your phones... don't worry... I have 2 sets of 2.4 phones and Wireless Broadband, as well as wireless cameras. It took a little tinkering, but they all play together fine.
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Where can one find a VT/VR 30 or 32 wireless audio/video transmitter/receiver?
Having problems with reception from many cameras set up all around the out side of house. I can get 5 coming in and all ways loss the rest. Your set up sounds good, would like more data :D
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Where can one find a VT/VR 30 or 32 wireless audio/video transmitter/receiver?
a VT/VR 30 or 32 wireless audio/video transmitter/receiver...... I don't know what that is. I use regular X10 stuff.
Having problems with reception from many cameras set up all around the out side of house. I can get 5 coming in and all ways loss the rest. Your set up sounds good, would like more data :D
5 wireless coming in...and you lose the REST.... doesn't sound like your system is all that tiny. It could be that some cameras are getting just a tad too far away from the receiver. Maybe if you tried two receivers (different channels).
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Here's one for X10 users: beware the DirectTV HD signal!
I have a 12-camera setup and everything works great. But if I turn on the DirectTV receiver (NOT the TV itself, just the receiver), all signals are garbled, I get no signal from some cameras, and one picture from nearly all cameras. Shut the DirectTV receiver off, and everything is back to normal.
No, I don't know how to stop it yet, but I'm 100% sure that the receiver alone is causing the problems. :)
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I have been working with my system for over two weeks and I have read the FAQ's and tried all.. I started out by hooking up one camera then added the second one, 3rd and 4th. I still can only get 1 camera with good quality pic no matter which way the antenna faces. If i adjust it for a good picture on one or two cameras then I lose the other two. Also when switching between camera 1,2 or 3 the 4th camera comes in then goes to the selected one.
I have two color cameras and two night time cameras. 2 colors cameras have pan and tilt. Also have the motion detectors but haven't installed them yet. I also have the cm19 transmitter and the usb hook up and TM751.
I have a wireless internet modem and it creates black horz line while turned on.. I can live with that. I don't use the modem after 9pm anyway.
I just can't get all four cameras working with a decent pic. Also when paning I loose picture and then it comes back in..
My phone operate in the range of 1.92 ghz to 1.93 ghz. I moved the receiver 12ft away from the computer and monitors. Its setting on a table away from anything. I have the cameras mounted on each side of the house facing away from the house. The only pic that is good is the front..
What portion of this system uses the house wiring to communicate and why would that interfere with the wireless section. I tried A,B,C,D and no improvement to speak of. As a last resort I am going to put the receiver (VT46a) up in the attic before I give up.. I figure all 4 cameras will only have to go through one wall before hitting the receiver.. As it is now the receiver is in the living room which is next to the front door, probably why the front camera get the best pic. The cameras on the other 3 sides of the house have to go through at least 3 walls. Anyone have any thought on my logic.
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Here's one for X10 users: beware the DirectTV HD signal!
I have a 12-camera setup and everything works great. But if I turn on the DirectTV receiver (NOT the TV itself, just the receiver), all signals are garbled, I get no signal from some cameras, and one picture from nearly all cameras. Shut the DirectTV receiver off, and everything is back to normal.
No, I don't know how to stop it yet, but I'm 100% sure that the receiver alone is causing the problems. :)
Are your 12 cams wired, or wireless models? If the cameras are being turned ON and OFF through the powerlines, then it is probably electrical noise being generated by the Direct TV receiver. Read about "noise".
http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm
A noise filter like the XPPF will probably make your happy.
http://www.x10pro.com/pro/catalog/platform.html#filters
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I have been working with my system for over two weeks and I have read the FAQ's and tried all.. I started out by hooking up one camera then added the second one, 3rd and 4th. I still can only get 1 camera with good quality pic no matter which way the antenna faces. If i adjust it for a good picture on one or two cameras then I lose the other two. Also when switching between camera 1,2 or 3 the 4th camera comes in then goes to the selected one.
I have two color cameras and two night time cameras. 2 colors cameras have pan and tilt. Also have the motion detectors but haven't installed them yet. I also have the cm19 transmitter and the usb hook up and TM751.
I have a wireless internet modem and it creates black horz line while turned on.. I can live with that. I don't use the modem after 9pm anyway.
I just can't get all four cameras working with a decent pic. Also when paning I loose picture and then it comes back in..
My phone operate in the range of 1.92 ghz to 1.93 ghz. I moved the receiver 12ft away from the computer and monitors. Its setting on a table away from anything. I have the cameras mounted on each side of the house facing away from the house. The only pic that is good is the front..
What portion of this system uses the house wiring to communicate and why would that interfere with the wireless section. I tried A,B,C,D and no improvement to speak of. As a last resort I am going to put the receiver (VT46a) up in the attic before I give up.. I figure all 4 cameras will only have to go through one wall before hitting the receiver.. As it is now the receiver is in the living room which is next to the front door, probably why the front camera get the best pic. The cameras on the other 3 sides of the house have to go through at least 3 walls. Anyone have any thought on my logic.
None of your camera's will use house wiring unless they are wired direct, but you are using wireless, you're using the air as you know. One of your questions is very simple to answer first, the Pan & Tilt. As it turns from one side to the other and even up and down sometimes, it willl start to lose the signal strength depending on the camera's location. If the antenna on the Pan & Tilt would stay in one position, there wouldn't be this issue, but because it moves with the camera itself, so will the signal. Finding the right "medium" for the antenna can be a little time consuming, but to be honest, that's the real issue here when it comes to your whole problem.
For all your camera's, in whatever room or location they are in, their location in that room is vital to the signals transmission and reception.Always make sure that little bump is facing towards your receiver(s) and that there is as little interference between them. That includes everything from walls, windows, doors, appliances, and furniture. Brick is a major issue in my opinion, just as a side note. Anything that's wireless, can and will cause interference, even your neighbors baby bed camera. It's just the law of nature and the only work around is to look in to getting some filters for your house wiring.
Got 8 X10 xcam's and 4 motion detectors, multiple lights switches and socket rockets, and just installed an alarm system, all are wireless of course, then add on 4 of the wired Senitnnel cam's. I like my toy's, but don't expect to get quality pic's from the wireless as I do from the wired because I know what to expect from the airwaves, and my neighbors.
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Chinaboy,
I already purchased all the same stuff that you are mentioning here about 2 years ago....... i never could get it all set up correctly.
Could you please walk me through step by step what I need to do in order to set it up exactly as you have? If you could use the part numbers of the items that would be great, just so I can be sure it is the exact same ones. If you would rather e-mail me, my email it llm0928@yahoo.com. It just takes so much time with trial and error. Previously I had to give up. But as you say, x10 does seem to work if you can figure them out. Thank you in advance.
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I don't think chinaboy is listening any more. His last post was 2009.
Did you look at this thread?
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=28301.msg159035#msg159035