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[sir_rob]

I got the passive coupler first.  It did not do the job, so I got the XPCR...

I have to agree with you on the noise issue.  I ordered another RR501.  That will take care of the problem for now, but I fear that I still have a noise problem lurking.  At least I will be able to have a functional system even before I track down the source of the noise/problem.

[dave w]

Noise sources are switching power supplies which are appearing in everything. Suspects are computers, flat screen TVs (even when "OFF"), power bricks for laptops, etc. cell phone chargers or any "wall wart" that is very light weight, like nothing inside. And certain brand CFL bulbs. Disconnect these starting on the suspect circuits, and see if communications improve. If so start plugging things back in until you find the culprit.

[Noam]

I'm not sure I understand what you are trying to do.
Are you triggering the macro to turn on the charger, or do you have the macro and the appliance module set to the same address, and are triggering both at the same time?

I suggest you try setting the appliance module to a DIFFERENT address than the macro, and use the macro to turn the appliance module on.
That way, you can separate the actions and see if the problem is with the CM15A not hearing the remote, or the appliance module not hearing the CM15A.

[sir_rob]

I am having the "on" signal from the wireless remote to the transceiver turn on the module and trigger the macro (same address).  The macro then turns the module off after a period of time.  One way to guarantee that AHP hears the "on" signal and always turns the module off appropriately would be to set the macro to a different address and set the macro to turn the module on, and then off after a period of time.

I have confirmed that the problem is that AHP does not hear the signal from the transceiver from certain electrical outlets.

FYI - I have put filters on almost every computer and TV.  I do not use CFL bulbs (we use a lot of dimmers).

[Noam]

One way to guarantee that AHP hears the "on" signal and always turns the module off appropriately would be to set the macro to a different address and set the macro to turn the module on, and then off after a period of time.

Correct. If you turn the module on with the remote (instead of the macro), you have no way to know if the macro started or not.

I have confirmed that the problem is that AHP does not hear the signal from the transceiver from certain electrical outlets.

Actually, it is the CM15A that isn't hearing the command on the powerline. AHP only knows what the CM15A tells it.

FYI - I have put filters on almost every computer and TV.  I do not use CFL bulbs (we use a lot of dimmers).

Filters might not fix everything. You may need to do more extensive troubleshooting.
Have you tested without the battery charger plugged in? Try plugging in something simple as a test (like a table lamp with an incandescent bulb), and see if you can control the module that way. It is possible that the battery charger itself is the noise source.

My personal recommendation is to do the "Breaker Box Test." In a nutshell, you first need to map out your breaker box, and make sure you know EVERYTHING that is controlled by each circuit.
The first test is to shut off one circuit at a time, and test the powerline communications each time. If it works with one specific circuit turned off, then you have something on that circuit that is either causing noise, or sucking the signal.
If you can't find a single circuit that causes the problem, then you might want to try the opposite test. Turn off ALL of the circuits, EXCEPT the ones that have your transceiver and the CM15A. Create a simple test macro and try it with only those two circuits on. (You probably want to also turn on the circuit with the repeater on it). If THAT works, then try turning things on one at a time, until it stops working.
If it doesn't work with only those two circuits on, and you have disconnected EVERYTHING else on those circuits, then you may need a more powerful coupler/repeater, or a booster like the XTB-IIR (www.jvde.us).
The XTB-IIR (Jeff Volp designed a really great device!) will replace your current coupler/repeaters, and your CM15A plugs into it. It gets wired into a dedicated double-pole (two phase) 220V circuit at the breaker box, and should be mounted close to the breaker box. Your CM15A plugs into the front of the XTB-IIR.
The XTB-IIR takes any powerline commands the CM15A sends, and boosts their power level before blasting them out on both phases at the same time. It also takes any powerline signals it sees on one phase, boosts them, and sends them to the other phase (as well as sending them to the CM15A).
It can overcome a lot of noise (and signal suckers), and may just resolve your issue. However, there is an expense in buying it (and hiring someone to install it if you aren't comfortable working in your breaker box). You may want to do some testing first.
Jeff also makes the XTBM signal meter, which might help you find the source of your noise problems.

[dave w]

Seems like all of us "X10 Oldies" are continully saying and re-saying exactly what Noam has said so well here. If only we could find a way of force feeding to every newbie with the " Can't get modules to work..." etc. etc. etc. questions

[Brian H]

We have a few troubleshooting threads and I guess we can gently point them out to the user.

[sir_rob]

Thanks for the advice.  I actually have done most of what Noam recommended and installing the filters fixed most of the problems.  The XPCR fixed the rest.  I suppose that something could have changed since then, or perhaps I was not as thorough as I thought I was.

The battery charger vs. a lamp plugged into the module makes no difference.  The problem is that the CM15A does not "hear" signals from transceivers plugged into certain outlets.

At this point, I suppose I just need to retest for noise/suckers on a few circuits.

[Noam]

Thanks for the advice.  I actually have done most of what Noam recommended and installing the filters fixed most of the problems.  The XPCR fixed the rest.  I suppose that something could have changed since then, or perhaps I was not as thorough as I thought I was.

The battery charger vs. a lamp plugged into the module makes no difference.  The problem is that the CM15A does not "hear" signals from transceivers plugged into certain outlets.

At this point, I suppose I just need to retest for noise/suckers on a few circuits.

Testing for noise again is never a bad idea. yo might be surprised about what could be causing the noise.
Have you tried testing at different times of the day?
Last summer I had a problem that was only happening at night. It turned out to be my neighbor's outside porch lights (he had a bad CFL). They were only on at night, so that was the only time the noise would affect my system. I was amazed at how much noise that one bulb was creating, to be able to travel through the power lines all the way across the street. Replacing the bulb fixed the problem.

Another test you might try, is to plug an appliance module into the outlet where you use the CM15A, and try to activate it from a transceiver plugged into those same outlets you were using. I suggest checking those two circuits for other devices, and disconnect everything else to be able to do a clean test.

[Noam]

We have a few troubleshooting threads and I guess we can gently point them out to the user.

What we need is an EASY way to do that.

[sir_rob]

Another test you might try, is to plug an appliance module into the outlet where you use the CM15A, and try to activate it from a transceiver plugged into those same outlets you were using. I suggest checking those two circuits for other devices, and disconnect everything else to be able to do a clean test.
[/quote]

Great idea!