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[JKent]

I have been using X-10 for maybe 20 years. My current set-up is very simple and minimal but there are problems:
I'm only using 3 or 4 devices:
*A2 is "Carriage Lamps"
*A6 is "Backyard landscape"
*A7 is "front yard landscape"

Everything "did" work at one time.
I have a bridge in my fuse box so the X-10 should work on both legs. I also have 2 receivers plugged into outlets.
A2 is a wall switch. It works if I push the button but will not work from the program, the hand-held remote or the keychain remote.
A6 and A7 are lamp modules plugged into the transformers for my low-voltage lights. They will not work from the program but WILL work from the hand-held remote.

These are simple on/off timer programs. No macros. I've cleared the interface, downloaded the timers, still won't work.
Unfortunately, I've been living with this problem for quite a while so I don't remember if there was anything new or changed that corresponded to the software and remote not working.
Could the wall switch module have gone bad? If that's the case why won't anything work from the software program?
Help! 

[Dan Lawrence]

We do need a bit more info.  What Version of AHP are you using?   

[dave w]

I have a bridge in my fuse box so the X-10 should work on both legs. I also have 2 receivers plugged into outlets.
Could the wall switch module have gone bad? If that's the case why won't anything work from the software program?

Are the timer commands actually being sent by the interface? Did you check the Activity Log?
I going to guess you have a noise problem (or your phase coupler has failed). You say you have "two receivers". Would that be the CM15A and a transceiver such as a TW751? If so, I would look for a noise source, starting with the same circuit as the CM15A which could be knocking out everything from it. A6 and A7 might be getting a command from your second transceiver. Try putting the CM15A in the same outlet as the second receiver (or just move it around the house) and see if things improve.

http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm

[Brian H]

Worked at one time and now it doesn't. Frequently is something has changed in the installation. Causing power line noise or signal sucking.
Like a new electronic device. Existing device deteriorating.
If your coupler is a repeater/coupler. It may have failed. If it is a passive one could have failed but more likely a noise maker or signal sucker.

Are the transformers controlled by Lamp Modules rated to be used on a dimmer?

http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm
http://www.act-remote.com/PCC/uncle.htm
http://www.davehouston.net/

[JKent]

Thanks for all the replies and help. I'm still working on this so here is an update:
Software version is the most current: 3.318
I forgot the CM15A has batteries that need to be changed from time to time. Opened it up and the batteries had leaked!  . Scraped some crud off the battery contacts and installed new. Plugged interface into different USB port (directly into computer this time) and outlet. Still cannot turn A2 lamps on with remote or from computer but if turned on at switch can turn off from remote.
If turned on manually, computer shows off but then if it is turned on/off from computer, lights go out.
Transceiver is RR501. I "thought" I had 2 of those but apparently not. Anyway--I moved it to a different outlet.
I have several lamp and appliance modules that I use for XMas lights so I took one, set it to A2 (same as the wall switch) and plugged in a lamp. It works from the remote AND from the computer. It is plugged into the same outlet as the CM15A. BUT the wall switch-operated carriage lamps still do not turn on from the remotes or from the computer.
I'll look at the troubleshooting tutorials. Maybe there is a "signal sucker" someplace (I had not heard of that before) but it seems odd that some things work, some don't. Anyway--thanks again and I welcome any more suggestions.

[dave w]

BUT the wall switch-operated carriage lamps still do not turn on from the remotes or from the computer.
Maybe there is a "signal sucker" someplace (I had not heard of that before) but it seems odd that some things work, some don't. Anyway--thanks again and I welcome any more suggestions.

It is more likely noise since everyhting worked at one time. A signal sucker would have been a problem all along, unless you just put it is service (new UPS? etc).
What new electrical gizmo did you just get? (cell phone charger, flat screen TV, computer, CFL/LED bulb, etc).
What electrical gizmo did you just move to a different part of the house?
Are the carriage lights CFLs?
Turn off all CFL and LED bulbs, do the carriage lights work now?
As far as " it seems odd that some things work, some don't". Nope not at all odd. It all depends on where the noise sources is with respect to the CM15A, RR501, and the target module receiving the commands.

[JKent]

Thanks Dave. I did try unplugging the plasma TV and associated receiver etc. No change.
The carriage lamps have always been incandescent.
I also tried running an extension cord from outlets near the carriage lamp switch (although I don't know if they are on the same circuit) to the interface. Same result: The lamp on an A2 module works but the carriage lamps do not.
Unfortunately I did not go on this forum when I first had problems so it's hard to isolate what's new. I'll try unplugging all the chargers (camera, cell, ni-cad batteries). Just a thought--would a whole-house surge protector, mounted outside on the electric meter and before the service panel have an effect?

[dave w]

Thanks Dave. I did try unplugging the plasma TV and associated receiver etc. No change. The carriage lamps have always been incandescent. Unfortunately I did not go on this forum when I first had problems so it's hard to isolate what's new. I'll try unplugging all the chargers (camera, cell, ni-cad batteries). Just a thought--would a whole-house surge protector, mounted outside on the electric meter and before the service panel have an effect?

Don't know. But my guess would be no. At least not the way you decsribe your problem. i.e. you have specific problem circuits...My first guess is the circuit your carriage lights are on and/or the circuit your CM15A is on. I think a supressor at the meter would load down everything. These whole house surge suppressors are common and have not been a source of comments / complaints on the forum, so I think they are pretty benign.

One test would be to turn OFF all breakers except the carriage lights breaker and the CM15A breaker and see if the lights work then. If they do it helps to confirm a noise problem BUT the source is likely on one of the OFF circuits.

[JKent]

Just for grins, I replaced the wall switch module and no change. Remote will turn it off but not on.
I hesitate to turn off all the circuits. I have 1 large box an 2 small subs. The circuits are poorly marked. The boxes and breakers are less than 10 years old but the house is over 75 years old. Originally had no electricity, then it was added bit by bit. A real maze of wires. Some circuits are probably over-loaded, others have 1 or 2 lamps on them.

[Brian H]

Try unplugging things like TVs; Computers; UPS units and anything else with electronic controls. Off is not a good test as they still have a power supply on the AC power lines.
We have even seen modern electronically controlled stoves, washer, refrigerators and dryers to name a few cause problems.