X10 Community Forum
🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Topic started by: tom j on May 04, 2006, 01:22:19 PM
-
Hi just ordered and received the new ActiveHome Pro, well the first thing I've noticed was the poor range. The range appears to be 1/2 or possibly less then the range of a 12 dollar TM751 transceiver. Is the unit I have defective this can't be the normal operating range of the unit. Anyone else experiencing this problem. A lot of nice features but VERY POOR RANGE. Thanks
Tcj
-
Could be defective; but many have reported range issues. In fact there are how to's on adding external antennas to the cm15a.
www.accessha.com is one of them.
My older cm15a was about as good as my RR501 until I found that the antenna coupler in the RR501 was not in proper place. Then it had better range then the cm15a.
Some have also preserved the warranty by wrapping some wire around the plastic antenna that extends a longer distance then the attached plastic one. Horizontal position of antenna from body also helps.
-
This is a common problem. There are a bunch of threads on here which discuss the RF range issue. Do a search on "RF Range" in this forum and see what comes up.
-
Without purchasing additional products or modifying your CM15A, here are some simple things to try:
- Move the CM15A away from the computer. Use a longer USB cord or hub if need to. PC often put out RF noise that can affect the RF performance of the CM15A. Trying putting the CM15A up higher (on the desk instead of next to it, say) to keep the signal transmitting in an open area.
- Adjust the antenna. Seems simple, but turning the antenna away from the body of the interface can sometimes make a big difference.
- For RF reception (acting as a transceiver or triggering macros) try disconnecting the USB cable and see if that makes a difference. Sometimes noise from the PC itself can be coupled onto the USB cable and create a problem.
-
Most users have found they can double the range of their CM15A simply by moving the unit to the highest floor of the house.
As X10 Pro suggests all those options will make a difference as well.
Also If possible plug the CM15A into a outlet which is on another breaker/fuse other than the outlet you pc is pluged into. ;)
-
Could be defective; but many have reported range issues. In fact there are how to's on adding external antennas to the cm15a.
www.accessha.com is one of them.
My older cm15a was about as good as my RR501 until I found that the antenna coupler in the RR501 was not in proper place. Then it had better range then the cm15a.
Some have also preserved the warranty by wrapping some wire around the plastic antenna that extends a longer distance then the attached plastic one. Horizontal position of antenna from body also helps.
Thanks guys really appreciate the help! just can't understand why x10 can't get it right. This is a really nice product actually beyond my expectations with the capability of accessing all house codes they really could of had a real winner and then they dropped the ball with this range issue guess they want every one to buy repeaters, unbelievable!!
Tc j
-
There are some of us that get very good range if you can't improve the range the least bit with the tips X10pro suggested return the unit for another. I get over 100ft recieve range
and more than I need in send distance!(with out any modifications) ;) :) .
-
One thing to remember on the all house codes. AHP defaults to none so many have to enable it before using.
-
Tuicemen ,
You stated.
I get over 100ft recieve range and more than I need in send distance!(with out any modifications)
Could you please tell us your set up? Is the CM15a connected to the computer. If it is connected to the computer have you used a USB extension cable to get it farther from the computer. Is it on the same outlet as the computer?
Thanks for any info. I have my unit plugged into the same outlet as the computer and the USB cable is connected all of the time. I, at best, get only 40 feet range.
-
My CM15A is connected to the computer 24/7 with the usb cable supplied antena is in the upright position I get more range if it is pointed horizontal but I don't need the range. My computer and all Pc stuff is on one out let pluged into a APC UPS the Cm15 is pluged into a different outlet which is also on a different breaker.
All this is setup in my office on the second floor of the house which also happens to be the centre point of the lot. ;) :)
House is an older brick home close to 100 years old so not metal studing . ;)
-
Here's a quote from Accessha.com "During our initial tests with the original CM15A antenna, reception was marginal beyond 20 feet through one interior wall using a HR12A PalmPad remote. The KR19A SlimFire Key Chain remote had difficulty transmitting beyond 5 feet with direct line of sight. This was the case with two separate CM15A units we tested. During our initial tests with the original CM15A antenna, reception was marginal beyond 20 feet through one interior wall using a HR12A PalmPad remote. The KR19A SlimFire Key Chain remote had difficulty transmitting beyond 5 feet with direct line of sight. This was the case with two separate CM15A units we tested." I just can't believe that x10 would bring a product like this to market with these kind of range issues. Haven't tried adjusting the antenna yet but with the poor range I'm getting I can't believe it's going to make a significant difference, I will report back though. Seems like x10 wants everyone to buy a transceiver, unreal. Say Tuicemen, when did you purchase yours maybe x10 has made some improvements or has resolved this problem. Thanks
tcj
-
tom j; X10 has made some changes to the cm15a; since accessha.com did the tests. My early cm15a had the extra antenna wire in a random ball of wire, inside the case. My later one has the extra wire hot glued to the case in a large 'U' shape. That may have improved things somewhat. That said my RR501 still is better than my cm15a units and mine are in the box unused. I use a different brand controller for my X10 controls.
-
I just can't believe that x10 would bring a product like this to market with these kind of range issues.
X10 has made some changes to the cm15a; since accessha.com did the tests.
Brian is Correct. It seems as though X10 had problems with their first production build. Many companies will build thier prototypes domestically (sometimes even in-house), but will have their production units built off shore (or at a larger contract manufacturer). This transition often isn't without pain as the manufacturer needs to learn how the product needs to be built. More recently built CM15As seem to be much better than the older ones and perform similarly to the TM751 and RR501.
-
Brian is Correct. It seems as though X10 had problems with their first production build. Many companies will build thier prototypes domestically (sometimes even in-house), but will have their production units built off shore (or at a larger contract manufacturer). This transition often isn't without pain as the manufacturer needs to learn how the product needs to be built. More recently built CM15As seem to be much better than the older ones and perform similarly to the TM751 and RR501
Hi Roger, thanks for the help, say whats the advertised range anyway? I very well may have to return this one just got it about a week ago so I would imagine it's the updated version. I'm really relieved to hear that there have been some improvements since Accessha.com did their initial review. I'm not a x10 brasher I really love a lot of their stuff I've just had so many problems with some of there products lately so I guess my patience is short. I just don't feel as consumers we should have to reengineer some of their products. Say Brian are you out there need you to take a look at something. Roger I also may need your help to. Thanks
Tcj
-
say whats the advertised range anyway?
X10 Pro can correct me if I am wrong but I don't think a range has been advertised. There are so many factors which affect range that it wouldn't mean much anyway (walls, elevation, transmitter strength and RF interference). I like to classify transmitters into 4 categories: 4AAA, 2AAA and button cell. Since the 4AAA transmitters run on 6V they have the best range, the 2AAA transmitters only run on 3V so they have a reduced range and the button cell transmitters tend to be small and so their antenna tends not to work as well (they tend to have the best range when either the top or bottom are pointing towards the transceiver).
-
Say Tuicemen, when did you purchase yours maybe x10 has made some improvements or has resolved this problem. Thanks
tcj
I purchased back in Sept 2004 (I think, was one of the early ones to jump in) I was given a diagnostic version thing it was Feb 2005. I actualy had better range with my original version but the diagnostic unit fixed some other issues with flags and a few other things so I kept it!(didn't need 100+ foot RF reception!) The diagnostic unit I think is what is being shipped now(not sure)
When I say I get 100 feet that is with a palm pad. As roger1818 stated you get less distance with the button cell transmitters the credit card remotes( total garbage) I can't get 4 ft but then I could only get 1 ft before the CM15A so even that is a improvement. The 4 button keyflob remotes I can get about 25 - 55ft depending on what is in between it and the CM15A.
-
say whats the advertised range anyway?
X10 Pro can correct me if I am wrong but I don't think a range has been advertised. There are so many factors which affect range that it wouldn't mean much anyway (walls, elevation, transmitter strength and RF interference). I like to classify transmitters into 4 categories: 4AAA, 2AAA and button cell. Since the 4AAA transmitters run on 6V they have the best range, the 2AAA transmitters only run on 3V so they have a reduced range and the button cell transmitters tend to be small and so their antenna tends not to work as well (they tend to have the best range when either the top or bottom are pointing towards the transceiver).
Hi Roger yes I agree I was actually referring to a 4AAA, as far as I can figure the range I'm currently getting is less then 20 feet maybe 15 or there about. x10 usually list the range for their cameras at somewhere around 100 feet seems like I remember reading somewhere that the CM15A was suppose to be about the same. I understand that this may not be typical and could vary, but at least it gives you an idea. Actually I'm actually comparing it to a TM751 transceiver, I figure it's about a third of that and no where near the range of the PS561 alarm console. Say Roger by the way do you have the DS 7000 Protector Plus system, and Brian are you out there? need to get your help with something. Thanks
Tcj
-
tom j; yes I am here and still have the DS7000 Kits; but am dumping most of my excess X10 stuff and the DS7000 Kits are set to be given away soon.
-
Say Roger by the way do you have the DS 7000 Protector Plus system
No. I had a professional system wired into my house when it was built. Wireless systems are good for finished houses to save you from having to drag in wires but in my opinion you are better off with a wired system. Eventually I want to link my alarm system to my home automation system so that that I can do things like turn on lights when I first enter the house.
-
What kind of wired system?
I don't believe you can conect x10 to a professional wired system, the techology for X10 is not used in commercial wired systems. AFAIK.
-
...Eventually I want to link my alarm system to my home automation system so that that I can do things like turn on lights when I first enter the house.
Sounds like an application for a PowerFlash module. Ultimately a lot of what you're able to do will depend on the outputs your alarm system has. eg. While I don't believe my alarm system has any kind of external output when a door is opened, it does have a low voltage output when triggered. I have this low voltage trigger a PowerFlash to flash my lights in an alarm situation.
-
What kind of wired system?
It is a Paradox Esprit.
I don't believe you can conect x10 to a professional wired system, the techology for X10 is not used in commercial wired systems. AFAIK.
The DSC Power632, Power832 and Power864 control panels for support the ESCORT™5580TC (http://www.smarthome.com/7502.html)Telephone Interface & Automation Control Module which will give you X10 support.
Unfortunately the Paradox Esprit does not directly support X10. I just noticed though that there is now a Magellan Wireless Expansion Module (http://www.paradox.ca/Products/CAT_ESPRIT/Default.asp?SUBCATID=20300&PRODUCT=MG-RCV3) available for my system which might let me install a MG-6060 Magellan All-In-One Wireless Console (http://www.paradox.ca/Products/CAT_MAGELLAN/Default.asp?SUBCATID=10100&PRODUCT=MG-6060) which does support X10. Alternately I could hack an alarm keypad and connect the appropriate signals to powerflash modules or upgrade my system to a DSC panel. None of these options are overly attractive to me at the moment, so I am taking the wait and see approach for now.
-
tom j; yes I am here and still have the DS7000 Kits; but am dumping most of my excess X10 stuff and the DS7000 Kits are set to be given away soon.
Hi Brian the reason I was asking was because I am having problems with the motion detectors the MS 10A's Brian is your DS7000 still hooked up if so maybe you can help. Say Roger I'm currently working on a hardwired system myself. It's a DSC hybrid system and supports wireless components I've been buying the stuff online a few components at a time and just about got all the wiring ran and most of the components but until I get it finished I'll be slugging it out with the DS7000. Like I was saying to Roger I'm having some problems with the MS 10A's in the 2 movement mode, bought that 8 pack a while back when x10 was practically giving them away (8 for the price of one). I now think I've discovered a design flaw and I'm looking for someone to help me possibly confirm it. Even though I'm moving away from the DS7000 if my suspicions are born out I think anybody depending on this product should be made aware of it. See Ya Thanks!
Tcj
-
Most of my X10 stuff is gone as of today. DS7000 was in the box of give aways. I can see if the X10 OEM for Radio Shack Security Motion Sensors do a similar thing.
-
Most of my X10 stuff is gone as of today. DS7000 was in the box of give aways. I can see if the X10 OEM for Radio Shack Security Motion Sensors do a similar thing.
[/b]
Hi Brian well this is what I discovered in he two step mode if you move very quickly through a room it appears that the MS 10A just sees that as one movement and won't trip the alarm. Bought that 8 pack last October and found about 80% of the units had this problem, a few of them would actually let me clean the house and never went off in the 2 movement mode!!! I was just trying to fine someone else to help me confirm my observation. I'm in the process of completing the installation of my wired system well actually it's a hybrid with some wireless components. I was also actually able to climb through a dinning room window and the motion sensor never picked it up. I can't use the 1 movement mode because of all the false alarms. I actually put a few in a empty room pointing away from the windows and any heat source and within a few months all had tripped. I did manage to fine two maybe three units out of the 8 that appear to function properly in the 2 movement mode. I just think if someone is depending on this system to protect their home and possessions that they should be aware of this and hopefully x10 can correct these design/quality issues. Thanks
Tcj