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[jayman13]

Just wondering.  I have some switches that won't respond to powerline commands because of noise from some other CFL's but I would think will respond to RF commands.  I have a CM19a lying around so I was wondering if I plug that in in addition to my CM15a will that screw things up?

[hawk1]

Why?  The cm15 can send rf commands.

[jayman13]

Why?  The cm15 can send rf commands.

How do you then have it send RF commands as opposed to PLC commands?  Seems like that would be a good way to get around powerline noise after an antenna mod on the CM15a, no?

[dave w]

Just wondering.  I have some switches that won't respond to powerline commands because of noise from some other CFL's but I would think will respond to RF commands. 

X10 switches (and plug-in modules) do not receive RF. They only receive PLC.

Unless you are thinking a transceiver in a new location can get the PLC to the switches, you need to filter out your noise sources or look into a repeater to boost your PLC signals above the noise.

[jayman13]

I see.  Thanks for the response.

[hawk1]

Thanks Dave W for stepping in, I keep forgetting that's about all I use is rf.  Not everyone has a v572.   

[jayman13]

Thanks Dave W for stepping in, I keep forgetting that's about all I use is rf.  Not everyone has a v572.   

I was going to use a boosterlinc from smarthome.  Any thoughts about how well that works.  My home is probably around 3,000 square feet.

[hawk1]

I don't know about a boosterlinc but I use an XTB-II from Jeff Volp.  Very excellent amplifier/repeater that hooks directly to the breaker box.   

[jayman13]

I don't know about a boosterlinc but I use an XTB-II from Jeff Volp.  Very excellent amplifier/repeater that hooks directly to the breaker box.   

I'm kinda a newbie so that doesn't seem like something I could do.  Wouldn't I have to hire an electrician?

[dave w]

I was going to use a boosterlinc from smarthome.  Any thoughts about how well that works.  My home is probably around 3,000 square feet.

IMHO I don't think Boosterlinc is a good solution as it only amplifies the X10 signal of one of the power phases in your home. You would need a passive phase coupler in addition. A "repeater" not only amplifies the X10 signal on the originating phase in the home, but also couples that amplified signal to the other phase. You have two power phase in your home. Each is 120V AC from "Hot" to the neutral line.  Each is used for power to lights and receptacles throughout the home. Your 220V appliances like stove, HVAC, water heater, etc uses both phases. Since they are 180 degrees out of phase to each other, when combined, the total voltage (no longer referenced to neutral) equals the combined total of phase one plus phase two (or line 1 and line 2).

A 3000 sq ft home definitely needs a repeater and the XTBIIR is the best. If cost is a factor then the XPCR is available off eBay for about $20. But it will not perform like the XTBIIR. I don't think the BoosterLinc with passive coupling to the other phase will make you happy. It's signal will be much lower than what a repeater can do. Smarthome does have a plug-in repeater for a four pin dryer outlet if you have one. But the three pin dryer connection is more common.

[dave w]

Thanks Dave W for stepping in, I keep forgetting that's about all I use is rf.  Not everyone has a v572.   

O-o-o-h-h V572. That is on my Christmas list!

[Brian H]

JV Engineering also makes a plug in booster. I believe you plug the controller right into the outlet on the front case.
http://jvde.us//xtb/XTBR_description.htm