Powerflash module distance issue?

[idbl_fanatic]

Ok, so I added a Powerflash module to my garage door so that it will turn on a light in my family room when the door is open, however, it will not work from the garage. I can get it to turn on a module if it is plugged into the same outlet, so I know it is working, it will turn on the light in the family room if I plug it in, in say the kitchen, but not the garage.

I have tried different outlets in the garage, even closer to the house, nada, zip, nothing.

Now, I can turn on modules in the garage with active home pro, or with an IR545 (I think is the number)


It's got me stumped.

So, is there a certain range that these things will work? Did I waste my money?

Thanks

[Brian H]

It maybe bad. Though it basically has the same transmitting circuit as most X10 senders. I believe some tests have shown the CM15A has a higher power line transmit signal than some of the other controllers. So you may have a marginal signal from the garage.

[HA Dave]

.........  Now, I can turn on modules in the garage with active home pro, ....  It's got me stumped.

It could be a noise/signal sucking (or phase) issue(s). Does the CM15A's log show the powerflash signal? If it does... perhaps you could use the CM15A to resend. The Powerflash would send its ON/OFF on [say] A1 and the CM15A would in then turn ON/OFF a lamp at A2.

[idbl_fanatic]

.........  Now, I can turn on modules in the garage with active home pro, ....  It's got me stumped.

It could be a noise/signal sucking (or phase) issue(s). Does the CM15A's log show the powerflash signal? If it does... perhaps you could use the CM15A to resend. The Powerflash would send its ON/OFF on [say] A1 and the CM15A would in then turn ON/OFF a lamp at A2.

I just looked through the log for this morning, and no it is not getting the signal.

I have a plug in 10 amp noise filter, think that might help if I plug the opener into that?

[HA Dave]

..... I have a plug in 10 amp noise filter, think that might help if I plug the opener into that?

It wouldn't hurt... but it may be time to take a more structured approach to the problem. Here is a good thread with lots of helpful links. You might start with:  Map Your Electrical Circuits   (courtesy of Puck)

[idbl_fanatic]

..... I have a plug in 10 amp noise filter, think that might help if I plug the opener into that?

It wouldn't hurt... but it may be time to take a more structured approach to the problem. Here is a good thread with lots of helpful links. You might start with:  Map Your Electrical Circuits   (courtesy of Puck)

Yeah that didn't help

[HA Dave]

..that didn't help

What did you learn?

The idea with the mapping and testing isn't that those acts will "fix" anything... because they won't. But mapping and testing should allow you to determine it you have a phase, noise, or signal absorption problem. Or if the powerflash is defective. Then.. you can weight the facts and decide how to best fix the problem.

[idbl_fanatic]

..that didn't help

What did you learn?

The idea with the mapping and testing isn't that those acts will "fix" anything... because they won't. But mapping and testing should allow you to determine it you have a phase, noise, or signal absorption problem. Or if the powerflash is defective. Then.. you can weight the facts and decide how to best fix the problem.

Oh sorry, I meant that the filter didn't help.

[HA Dave]

... I meant that the filter didn't help.

Yeah...  I caught that. But you did learn that if you have a single overwhelming noise or signal sucking issue.... it isn't the opener.

House wiring... although somewhat standardized by code(s)... varies greatly. Once you've mapped the circuits... you'll want to 1st make sure you have no phase issues. Then (if it isn't a phase issue) pull things off your powerline one by one till you find the culprit. That's when the filter will come in handy.

[dave w]

It's repeater time.

[HA Dave]

It's repeater time.

Could be... could be it's a detached garage on a long run... and he is charging a bunch tool battery packs (they can be as bad as cell phone chargers).