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[Nate2]

My CM11a (serial (RS-232) interface, for ActiveHome) has no antenna.
So it is only a controller and not a transceiver?
I just realized I had a TM751 in my garage!
(Shows you how often I inspect my X10 devices!)

With the CM15a (USB interface, for ActiveHome Pro), can I still leave the 751 there, or should I retire it?

[Nate2]

My CM11a is out of the picture now.
Unplugged my TM751 in the garage.
Plugged in my CM15a into that outlet.
Using a UR19a to manually send x10 on/off signals.

The range of the CM15a is *significantly* less than the TM751, and doesn't activate/deactivate the x10 module in the garage unless the UR19a is within about 10 feet of the CM15a!
I can't replace the TM751 with a CM15a

Plugging in the CM15a into other outlets in the house...
I have a 3-year old running around the house, so I can't just plug it in anywhere
My timers seem to be activated (I even have the "Repeat" option in AHP turned on), and the AHP logs indicate the signals are getting sent.
But the modules don't turn on.
I even plugged the CM15a into the same surge protector outlet the CM11a did its job from for all these years.
No go.

The CM15a must be very different from the CM11a.

[fromnaija]

I think the range of the CM15A has been subject of various posts on this forum.  There is even a mod to increase the range with the TM751 antenna. I will be making that mod on my CM15A this weekend. You may want to search for that mod.

Also you may want to check for noise in your wiring system.  There are filters available to reduce/eliminate line noise.

Please note that modifying your CM15A voids your warranty.

[Dan Lawrence]

This is for Nate2:  What version of AHP did you get?  If it's 3.236 it's a buggy version of AHP.

You can get 3.204 at http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/activehome/   Once you have it, install it over 3.236. Once installed, you can use the upgrade in AHP to get 3.228, the last good version of AHP.

[Nate2]

This is for Nate2:  What version of AHP did you get?  If it's 3.236 it's a buggy version of AHP.

You can get 3.204 at http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/activehome/   Once you have it, install it over 3.236. Once installed, you can use the upgrade in AHP to get 3.228, the last good version of AHP.

I'm using 3.228

[Nate2]

I put the CM15a in the living room, about 10 feet from a CFL light I want turned on at dusk and off at dawn.
The Dusk/Dawn Timer (Macro??) works.

I turned the "Repeat" option in AHP off; I notice "Repeat" sends about 3 signals at [possibly less than] 1 second intervals. Won't the module(s) treat this as noise?

I can't leave the CM15a here for long because my 3-year old will dismantle it in no time.

Going to try the "coiled insulated wire wrap around the antenna" trick (thanks for the suggestions; I should have read the other posts in these forums first).

One would imagine X10 would have supplied a better antenna for the CM15a instead of letting old users like me be disappointed in their new hardware.

Kinda makes me wish I bought a USB to DB-9 serial adapter to use my CM11a with my USB port, and continue to use AH instead of AHP.

[Dan Lawrence]

The complaint about the CM15a's antenna has (like a lot of things) fallen on deaf ears at X10.   

As been posted here, you can modify the CM15 with a antenna from a TM751, but remember that voids the CM15's warranty.

You can try the coat hanger wire wrapped around the CM15's antenna.

As to the 3 year old messing with the CM15a, if it's in the same room with the computer, run a cable from the outlet where it is now to a new outlet box near the ceiling. You will need a USB extension cord to keep it hooked to the USB port on the PC.  Unless you are raising a junior Superman, that keeps the kid's grubby hands off the CM15. 

 

[HA Dave]

....Going to try the "coiled insulated wire wrap around the antenna" trick (thanks for the suggestions; I should have read the other posts in these forums first).

One would imagine X10 would have supplied a better antenna for the CM15a instead of letting old users like me be disappointed in their new hardware.

The CM15A antenna limitations are a disappointment [for most users]. I was compelled to modify mine... warrentee or not.. I needed the interface and I needed it to work. Fortunately... it is easy to modify the antenna if that's what you need.