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[melede]

Does anyone have any experience with the XPCR coupler/booster. I have been chasing what appears to be noise issues.

[dave w]

I have owned three, X10 and Leviton flavors. But what is your question??

Can a XPCR generate noise?
No. Not unless it is bad.

Does a XPCR eliminate noise?
No. Although by increasing the X10 signal strength it can help the X10 signal overcome noise.

Does that help, or do you have other questions?

[Brian H]

Have you done any specific things to try and find noise?

Do you have any phase coupling at the present time?

http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm

[melede]

Brian: I have unplugged various likely culprits with questionable success. My only phase coupling is a .1 mfd capacitor currently off line as it doesn't appear to have an effect. I swapped breakers to keep all (I think) modules on one phase so this shouldn't be a problem.

Dave W: I am thinking of the ability of the XPCR to boost the signal. My home is under 2000 SF but I do have a lot of electronics, more than a few CFLs, a new steam washer and dryer with digital controls,, the usual microwave dishwasher etc all with digital controls etc etc. The biggest problem seems to be the AHP/CM15a doesn't always work. I have 2 APC UPS units that may be contributing to the problem. I ordered 2 XPF filters to isolate them from the house. I'm also considering the XPNR small filter if I can pin down the offending appliances.

Thanks much for the replys.

[Brian H]

I have an APC BX1000 UPS and it definitely absorbs power line signals.
I am using a Smarthome 10 amp Filterlinc on mine.

[dave w]

Dave W: I am thinking of the ability of the XPCR to boost the signal. My home is under 2000 SF but I do have a lot of electronics, more than a few CFLs, a new steam washer and dryer with digital controls,, the usual microwave dishwasher etc all with digital controls etc etc. The biggest problem seems to be the AHP/CM15a doesn't always work. I have 2 APC UPS units that may be contributing to the problem.

Yeah, you are going to have some noise issues all right.  The good news is you seem to be cognisant of noise and what can make it. Don't know how deep you are in X10 land, but the XTBM Signal Strength and Noise Meter from JV Engineering http://jvde.us/xtb_index.htm is an incedible troubleshooting device which will quickly pay for itself in larger systems just by saving you hours of trouble shooting. Otherwise it is the inverse of the old Verizon commercial....unplug something "Do I have X10?", unplug something else, "Do I have X10?"  unplug something else, "Do I have X10?" and so it goes. 

[melede]

Dave,  Thanks for the reply. I ordered the 2 XPF (20amp) noise filters to wire in front of the the 2 APC UPS units. I also ordered a XPCP booster. Nothing has arrived yet. Remembering my pre retirement PC tech support activities I like to make one change at a time to guage effectiveness. The other problem I have but didn't realize is the limited wireless range of the CM15a. (Mine is several years old but hasn't been used until lately.) Where I thought commands weren't working, at least some of the  problem was the wireless issue. I added a RR501 on the same house code at a better physical location the the computer interface at it has helped with the wireless somewhat. I've read a post about modifying the antenna but it seemed a bit extreme. If there is an option to replace the stubby antenna on the CM15a it might be worthwhile. I'm not an engineer but the antenna length looks pretty short for 120 Mhz. The antennas on the TM751 and RR501 are much longer.

My experience with X-10 acutally goes back to the late 70s and early 80s where I had an early computer interface and everything worked fine. Of course that was before all the digital and noise issues. My system sat in a box of many years until recently.

[dave w]

I also ordered a XPCP booster. Nothing has arrived yet.

I'm not an engineer but the antenna length looks pretty short for 120 Mhz. The antennas on the TM751 and RR501 are much longer.

My experience with X-10 acutally goes back to the late 70s and early 80s where I had an early computer interface and everything worked fine. Of course that was before all the digital and noise issues. My system sat in a box of many years until recently.

FWIW
A couple of corrections.

The XPCP is a passive coupler, which just passivly couples the X10 signal from one phase to the other. Is that what you wanted?

The RF frequency for all the X10 wireless transmitter gizmos (Palm Pads, Motion Sensors, etc) in the US is 310MHz, not 120MHz.  But your point is still valid. The stub on the CM15A is short for the 310MHz also. The 120 (KHz)  figure comes from the frequency of modulation of the one "bits" of the X10 signal which X10 controllers impose on the powerline. A zero bit is represented by no modulation in the individual bit time slot.

[Brian H]

Actually. In the CM15A the receive antenna is longer.
About half of the receive antenna is wrapped around the inside of the case. The other half is inside the plastic stubby antenna tube.

The whole transmit antenna is glued to the front cover.

[melede]

Dave,
I realized my mistake re the 120 vs 310 Mhz issue after my last post. I'm not sure how to recall a message on this forum. Anyway, error #2: I ordered and planned to try the XPCR not the XPCP as originally stated. Between adding filters on the PC and TV entertainment center and adding a signal booster I'm hoping to end the noise issue.

We are in a hilly wooded area in Western NC and very dark at night. Most of my efforts are focused on motion detectors to illuminate the driveway, paths and doors.
 The distance between homes is quite long. I can't even find the pad mount transformer feeding my house so I'm skeptical of interference from a neighbors house. I hate to invest in test equipment for a one time (I hope) issue.

Thanks again for your reply.

[npampel]

Hi Melede,

Welcome to the X10 forum, I too am from Western NC.  Good to see a neighbor on board. 

Cheers,
Nate

[dave w]

Between adding filters on the PC and TV entertainment center and adding a signal booster I'm hoping to end the noise issue.

 The distance between homes is quite long. I can't even find the pad mount transformer feeding my house so I'm skeptical of interference from a neighbors house.

Well you have a plan and that sounds like a good way to proceed. I am not a big fan of the XPCR because I have had several, and all (Leviton and X10 labels)  had the same "lock-up" sickness. Cycling the repeater's breakers would resurrect it for another month. Finially got an ACT CR234 and am happy with it, although saving for a XTBIIR.
I'm sure you are right, your description sounds like you could not be getting X10 signals from a neighbor (unless it is from Nate, who claims to be a "neighbor"     ).

And investing in test equipment is usually not worth while unless you have a large system, or just a X10 nut like many of us who frequent this forum.
Good luck