#1: x10 noise esm1

[TakeTheActive]

GOOGLE: x10 noise esm1

#1 Jeff!

[JeffVolp]

There must be a few people looking for the tutorials.

I wonder if Elk noticed a spike in their ESM1 sales...

Jeff

[JeffVolp]

Unfortunately, it appears that Elk has discontinued the ESM1.  The SmartHome TesterLinc is also listed as discontinued.  So, the only options left are the basic tester made by X10 (also sold by Leviton), and the much more expensive Monterey and ACT testers.  The ACT AT104 looks like the best of the crop, but it is too expensive for the average user.  To fill the gap, I started working on my own tester that will be available as a kit, hopefully by late summer 09.

Jeff

[dave w]

To fill the gap, I started working on my own tester that will be available as a kit, hopefully by late summer 09.

Jeff

I would like to help with that. I don't know why you would need to beta such a device, but put me as one of your first purchasers IF you can incorporate the the feature of providing HCUC in addition to signal level.

Thanks Jeff! You make good stuff!

[JeffVolp]

The plan is to display both signal and noise levels from 10mV to 5V, and last X10 command in house code - unit code - function code format.  It will also have a transmitter so it can be left plugged in to respond to a powerline status query and report sudden changes in noise amplitude (all on housecode P).  The prototype circuit design is done, but I have just barely started on the layout.  Obviously, the firmware will take a lot of work.  Right now my priority is to finish up the XTB-IIR firmware update that adds the ability to repeat "doublet" extended codes.

Jeff

[Charles Sullivan]

Jeff,
I hope the display resolution of your tester will be better than the ESM1.  The few bars on that tester make it difficult to observe incremental improvements.

[JeffVolp]

I hope the display resolution of your tester will be better than the ESM1.

The hardware should support 10mV resolution to 2.5V, and 40mV resolution above that.  The readout will be x.xx V for both signal and noise.

Jeff

[GregH]

Any update?
Now that my XTB-IIR is running I'm looking forward to your signal tester.

[JeffVolp]

The prototype hardware is working, but I have been derailed on firmware for the time being.  This is a very busy time of year with taxes and yardwork taking priority.  It's also prime hiking weather.  All too soon it will be in the 100's again, and I'll be hunkered down in front of the computer working on the firmware.  My target is to have it ready by sometime in the fall.

Jeff

[GregH]

My target is to have it ready by sometime in the fall.

Put me on the list.  Oh, and have fun with the yardwork! 

[GregH]

For those of you looking for an ESM-1 replacement do a search for the XTBM.  Jeff's new X10 signal meter is a great tool.