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[GMAN]

Let me start by saying thank you to:  X10, Bill, Dave, Tuiceman and all the x10 community because in some way everyone has and always will expand Home Automation possibilities sparking ideas and it's uses.

This started a few years back with a simple desire to remotely turn on the large overhead lights from the cars when entering the garage.

With a PRO Wall Switch for Floresent Lights (I forget the model number),TM751 Transceiver and a handfull of KR19A Remotes, I was on my way. In the beginning your giddy and love'n it, but the lack luster range soon started the...... we all know what happens next!

I won't be good at formatting this, but here goes.

in no particular order (I will edit: product numbers, pics, etc.)

 2 CM15A's (Antennas modded)
 2 Wireless Camera setups
 4 Lamp Modules
 4 Appliance Modules
 2 Socket Rockets
 2 Wall Sockets
 1 Decorator Wall Switch
 1 Mini Timer
 1 Universal Module
 2 Motion Sensors
 1 Wireless Audio Sender/Receiver setup
 1 CR14A Remote
 1 CR12A Remote
 5 KR19A Remotes
 AHP Software w. My House Online, Smart Macros, i WatchOut Plugins
 BVC Software w. 2 Baby Monitors - 1 w. modded Microphone
 Firecracker Software (I use the PalmPad on my desktop sometimes)
 I use Debut Video Capture software for recording video - works for me

Homebrew Attic Receiver Antenna for CM15A
Homebrew Camera Receiver Stands
Homebrew Motion Activated Sprinklers (darn cat's)
Homebrew motion detected Signal Light

As mentioned, remote activated garage lights. With Super Antenna I can turn any lights on from halfway down the street now.
Mini Timer + Wall Switch takes care of Porch Light on and off times.
Mini Timer takes care of other lamps on and off times.

Out'a time here now- more to follow

 
 
Wish List: Door Bell activated  'Front Door/Porch Cam'

Waiting for cookie jar to refill
 
 

[GMAN]

Although I built 4 different Antennas to try, This 'J' Pole I built to the correct frequency is the one deployed now.

Poormans Motion Activated Sprinklers. Can be triggered by remote or by sensor(s). Works like a charm. I use a simple macro to send an additional 'off' command just in case a sensors off signal fails and to stop function if I trigger by remote. Would hate to come home to a swimming pool in either yard.

[nybuck]

Well done, GMAN!   

Your J-Pole brings me back to my ham radio days in high school.  You not telling us something? 

1 Helpful from me.   

[GMAN]

Thank you! I'm try'n  PM sent.

[pconroy]

Can you explain a little bit more about the J-pole?  I'm not a ham operator, but in the googling I've done ...

- am I right in thinking this is the way you've increased the effective reception range of the CM15A?
- it looks like you need to know the frequencies involved to size the tubing - is that right?

and finally, if the first guess is right, how much would you say the effective range was increased?


thanks!

[GMAN]

Just some pics

Home made motion sensor alert lamp behind PC monitor

Modded CM15A ants

I extended the microphone wires

and hid the mic in speaker housing on end table, monitor piece hidden under table

added function to camera remote, glued the lens down and double stick tape

[GMAN]

Can you explain a little bit more about the J-pole?  I'm not a ham operator, but in the googling I've done ...

- am I right in thinking this is the way you've increased the effective reception range of the CM15A?
- it looks like you need to know the frequencies involved to size the tubing - is that right?

and finally, if the first guess is right, how much would you say the effective range was increased?


thanks!

Being a ' jack of all, master of none' ?  I just studied Antenna designs and they're signal propagation's ( did I say that right?). I found some cheap simple designs I thought I could build, used an online calculator to adjust dimensions for frequency  310MHz RF and went to work.

I guesstimate that the 'J Pole' (an interesting build - sweating Copper Tube) added 100' to reception in any direction. Senors and Remotes work from any corner of my lot. I really like it when I have to do sprinkler work. Throw the switch for the station I'll be working, grab a remote, parts,tools and I can test and adjust by myself after work is done.

If you or someone wishes, I can hustle up the links I found (and should have kept) and post them.


Ant's built

Twin Lead T.V. Cable  thing'r

Twin Lead T.V. Cable  J' Pole   w.custom F Connector

[pconroy]

That helps GMAN, thanks!

[calldrin]

Thanks for all the great photo's
Several ???'s can you give more details on the antenna mod's that you made to the CM15?
I notice that it looks like you have 2 antennas on the unit .. what did you do?
Also do you have any photos of the inside of the CM15 during the "make over" ??
I'm a ham radio operator and have built J poles for 2 meter band but don't have the specs for the CM15 frequency .. any help here?
What connector did you use on the CM15?

Sorry for so many ??? .. I'm having a range problem at my house.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Chuck Alldrin
Chico, CA

[Brian H]

310 MHz is the X10 Receive and Transmit frequency for remotes and sensors.
You may also see 418MHz as an X10 frequency. That one is used in the IR extender PowerMid and in the Icon RF remote also for IR extension.

The FCC web site has schematics of the CM15A in their database. Internal and external photos also. Schematics not 100% correct. My receiver uses the 18 pin version of the RX3310A receiver chip not the 20 pin one shown.
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=476706&fcc_id='B4SCM15A'

Few threads on CM15A antenna mods. As there are many.
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=633rtag6sb5t374fecr99aqql6&topic=19669.0
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=9n3j6g0pl4erfuh0ugqk1oj856&topic=18863.0

Since the CM15A also has a transmitter in it. Guess is the second antenna showing in GMANs photo is an external transmit antenna. As shipped it is a grey wire hot glued around the inside front of the CM15As case. Though that mod probably voided the FCC certifications.

I did the 'F' connector mod. From Accessha that unfortunately is gone and the archives of the mod are missing the photos.

[GMAN]

Thank you Brian!

As shipped it is a grey wire hot glued around the inside front of the CM15As case.

Yes,  Just drilled a tiny hole in case side, slipped RC Car Antenna Tube over it and double stick tape to hold tube to case. Helps.
 

calldrin, hope you where able to collect info needed? Others here have been there, done that, for so many things long before you and I.
 

[Brian H]

Yes I have seen other CM15A mods where they used a piece of RC antenna tubing.
On the early CM15A where the extra receiver wire was loosly balled in a knot. You could untangle it and pull it up through a new longer tube to extend it fully.