I know that my X10s won't work from just before dusk until dawn, and a lot of experimentation tells me it is noise from a neighbor that's overwhelming my units. I am using a phase coupler.
Will an amplifier/repeater solve my problem by being "louder" than the noise? And can't I wire it into a 240V outlet instead of wiring it into the power panel?
Thanks!!
I'm agreeing with Brian. Neighbors noise IS possible, and if from neighbor it should be attenuated enough that a good repeater like the XTBIIR would overcome. No guarantee, but the XTBIIR outputs one of the strongest signals of X10 repeaters. (Here comes the *butt*) But are you sure the noise isn't from within your own system? Noise from a neighbor is possible, but rare because of the distance attenuation. However another regular commenter had a neighbors outside CFL bulbed post light wipe out his entire system at night (like your description). His fix was to buy the neighbor new CFL bulb. FWIW I use GE 13W and 27W CFLs and although noisy, do not make noise in the X10 spectrum.
It is best to install a repeater at the panel. That will give you the strongest signal through your system. That said, I have a XTBIIR installed on a clothes dryer dog leg of about 25 feet. I still get about 2 to 3 volts of signal at opposite end of house, about 50 ft away.
