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[hdtvluvr]

Well, I got 2 years out of my x10 doorbell extender setup which makes it just as reliable as the wireless doorbell extenders I used in the past.

Here is my original post requesting help on setting everything up:  http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=19164.0

Anyway, the doorbell chime works because it sounds off when I unplug and replug it into an outlet. However it will not sound when I press the doorbell button at the front door or the test button on the Pro powerflash module. I changed the location of the x10 chime to an outlet in the same room as the powerflash module and it still will not chime using the powerflash test button. Does this mean the powerflash module has died? How long should they last? How can I further test/troubleshoot? I did check the settings on the module and chime and they are correct (so they didn't accidentally get changed) for communication and the module is set to: Input to A. Mode 3.

We have had several power outages so I guess they may have affected the module.

[Brian H]

Are you using the doorbell interface mentioned in the original post or using the low voltage AC from the bell directly into the Powerflash module?
The A-B input switch is A for voltage input or B for dry contacts like from the doorbell detector board.
Mode 3 sounds correct. Send an On to the address set on the Powerflash when activeted and an Off when deactivated.
The test switch should send an On when pushed and an Off when released if the mode is set to 3.

Try rotating the House Code and Unit Code Dials on both the chime module  and the Powerflash a few times. One of them could be dirty and the code maybe not matching the dials.

Do you have any other X10 controllers that can send an On and Off to the chime module to see if it is working?
Do you have any other X10 receivers you could set to the address of the Powerflash and see if it can control them?

[hdtvluvr]

I'm using the low voltage from the bell. Never purchased the doorbell interface.

I do not have any other controllers but I have 2 chime units and neither works.

The powerflash module is wired to the doorbell, plugged into 110 and pressing "Test" doesn't sound the chimes.

Rotated the house and unit codes several times on the module and chimes - still no go.

The powerflash module is the PSC01. It seems that it may be discontinued. If mine is bad, what is the replacement?

[dave w]

Plug powerflash and the chime in same extension cord. Make sure they are both set to the same House Code and Unit Code. Disconnect at least one wire from the the door bell. Now try the Test button. If no chime, either the P.F. OR the chime could be bad. Even though the chime makes noise when you plug it in, does not verify the PLC receiver circuitry in chime is good.

No other X10 transmitters or modules to do further testing?

[Brian H]

Try the extension cord tests with both chime modules you indicated you have.
If both don't chime from the Powerflash. The most likely thing is the Powerflash has failed.
Yes the Powerflash is discontinued if the EBay vendors are correct and I have not seen a direct replacement for it.
I will see if I can scout out anything that may work.

Chime modules sounding when plugged in is normal. All of mine do the samething.

[hdtvluvr]

Disconnected the powerflash from the current doorbell. Plugged it into a multi-outlet extension cord along with a chime unit. Pressing Test did not cause the chime module to chime. Tried the other chime unit and no-go there either.

This is the only X10 setup I have so I don't have any other components for testing.

[Brian H]

It is pointing towards the Powerflash module.
You may want to do a search for the three common part numbers used for a Powerflash.
X10 PF284
X10Pro PSC01
Leviton 6330.

I believe I did see a 6330 on a web site and someone on EBay is using the shortage for a $89.99 Buy It Now. 

The Insteon 2450 I/OLinc can have an X10 address added to it to send an On when its sensor input is tied to ground with a dry contact relay or the ELK930 Telephone/Doorbell ringer boards. It can not accept any voltage input like the Powerflash can.

[hdtvluvr]

Thanks. I'll look for one of the 3 part numbers you listed.

If I don't have any success I'll check back to see how to change the system to the Insteon 2450.

[hdtvluvr]

OK, I found a leviton 6330 and installed it today. On Input A - Mode 3, plugged in and no wires connected the test button activates the remote chimes. It also activates the chimes using the test button when the wires are attached. 

When I ring the the doorbell (which the 6330 is attached to) the remote chimes do not activate. 

What's next?

[Brian H]

Disconnect the two bell wires from the 6330. Set the mode switch to B. Use a short piece of wire and short the two input screws together.
The chimes should go off.

Set the mode back to A and connect the bell wires back to the 6330.
If you can measure the voltage across the input terminals when the bell is rung that could also give us clue.
I have not seen any DC powered bells lately, but you may want to try the wires in both directions connected to the input terminals.

[hdtvluvr]

Well, it seems on this new unit the "clicks" for modes A and B as well as Modes 1, 2 & 3 aren't that distinct. After playing with the switches I was able to set them correctly and the remote chimes now work. The unit is in a part of the room where it isn't likely to get bumped or played with so I guess I'm good to go. I did buy 2 when I found these so hopefully I can get 5 years out of the pair. Then hopefully there will be a better solution. Thanks again!

[Brian H]

Glad to hear it is finally working for you.
From your findings. It does sound like the original Powerflash had failed.