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[tr6flyer]

I have 12 various modules throughout the house, as well as the XTB-IIR phase coupler, the Active Home Pro software and CM15a interface.

Of these modules, there are two SR227 receptacles which will not turn on, but once turned on manually will turn off through the CM15a.
 
Also, there are two wall switches WS467 will will not turn on, but once turned on manually will turn off through the CM15a

All 4 of these modules are on separate circuit breakers. The other 8 modules of varying types work fine, and some are on the same circuits as those that don't.

Anybody got any suggestions?

[dave w]

Explain "turned ON manually"

Manually via AHP?
Manually via a Palm Pad?
Manually at the switch or by plugging something into the recepticle? (local)

[JeffVolp]

You may have a noise source that is interfering with your X10 commands.  However, it is hard to rationalize why it effects only the ON commands.  One possiblity is that when the X10 module is on, the load it is powering reduces the noise level enough for the module to decode the OFF command.

X10 commands are sent as a series of signal bursts coupled to the powerline.  Presence of a burst signifies a logic "1", and absence a logic "0".  Noise near the X10 carrier frequency can fill in those blank frames, making it impossible for a receiving module to decode the command unless it includes some form of AGC to raise its detection threshold above the background noise level.  I don't think either the SR227 or the WS467 do have AGC.

While the XTB-IIR will certainly solve the problem of weak signal levels, you may still need filters to isolate particularly nasty electrical noise sources from the powerline.

For an example of a common noise source, you may want to read this report on a Cellet cellphone charger:

    http://jvde.us/x10/x10_cellet_noise.htm

Jeff

[sthopkins@gmx.com]

Turn on manually means to turn the lamp on at the switch on the lamp.  Orin the case of the wall switch to manually turn on the light using the wall switch.

The CM15a wil then turn off the lights at the time I have established in the AHP software.

I am really trying to get this system to work right and am now becoming frustrated, because it is not working as advertised.

[dave w]

Turn on manually means to turn the lamp on at the switch on the lamp.  Orin the case of the wall switch to manually turn on the light using the wall switch.

Sorry, I was aiming the question at "tr6flyer" to find out what tr6flyer ment by "manually". Assuming tr6flyer ment "manually" in the same sense as you, then I think Jeff nailed it as a possible noise problem.

Unplug possible noise makers (UPS, switching power supplies like cell phone chargerrs and "power bricks", TV's computers, monitors, etc) and see if things start working.

tr6flyer already has a "flamethrower" repeater so may need a couple of filters. A very high output repeater/coupler will solve many noise problems by just boosting the X10 signal so it is greater than the noise.

[tr6flyer]

Dave, I got your reply, I had just logged in as my "real self" rather than my alter ego.

I guess solving this problem is going to be tedious to say the least, with all the electronics ("noise generators") in this house.

Perhaps I should just purchase a couple of the XPF 20A wired in noise filters and hope that solves the problem?  If this would be a good solution, is there a preferred place to install them? At or near the service panel?

[Brian H]

If you install an XPF Filter on a branch circuit. You will isolate the whole branch after the filter from the X10 network. If it has no X10 devices on it and just noise makers. Then it may help. Any X10 device after the filter would almost be 100% unresponsive and if your CM15A was after the filter it would be isolated from the system.

[tr6flyer]

To me, a novice, all of that was just "noise".  I did not understand anything you wrote.  Could be be clearer on where the XPF filter should be installed? And should there be one for each phase?  Details please.

[Brian H]

The XPF is just a heavy duty X10 filter. It should be installed on an individual load. Like any other X10 noise filter.
It does not absorb noise on the system it just blocks noise from getting from the Line Side to the Load side.
Lets say you put on on the wires feeding the computer power. You would completely block all X10 signals to and from the computer wiring to the remaining house wiring.
You would do better finding the noise sources and filtering them.

http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm

[tr6flyer]

ok

[dave w]

Dave, I got your reply, I had just logged in as my "real self" rather than my alter ego.

I guess solving this problem is going to be tedious to say the least, with all the electronics ("noise generators") in this house.

Perhaps I should just purchase a couple of the XPF 20A wired in noise filters and hope that solves the problem?  If this would be a good solution, is there a preferred place to install them? At or near the service panel?

Ah-ha. You are one in the same!

Brian has some good suggestions, but one approach I have used is to: turn off all breakers except the ones for the XTBIIR, the breaker for the CM15A and the breaker for the room farthest from the panel or the breaker for the problem receptacles. Put a boom box radio on an Appliance Module in that room and turn up the radio. Using a Palm Pad turn the radio ON and OFF as you turn back ON and OFF the breakers one at a time, then later turn them back ON still one at a time but each leaving ON. This selection process will help narrow down the REAL problem noise makers by identifying the circuits they are on.