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[MRay50]

I have been using a mix of x10 controllers and modules for Christmas lights for 7-8yrs. Now this year I can't get them to work reliably. My main controller is an old RS 61-2677C. Some modules are RS and some Magnavox and some Black & Decker. I also have a Black & Decker 'Freewire Hub' and wireless remote. This all worked great together until this year. I can't turn some things ON, other modules take 3-4 ON button pushes and the dimming often goes from full OFF to full Bright. This all has worked flawlessly each year until now. I did unplug the RS 61-2677C and tried the B&D remote alone but it has the same problem...erratic behavior. What could of changed??? Everything is plugged in exactly where it was last year? There has been NO changes to any wiring or circuits except to replace an old 220v water heater with a new one of the same brand and model on the same breaker. No new LED Christmas lights...I am at a loss and miss my x10 control.
 

[dhouston]

Many new-ish things with switching power supplies spew noise onto the powerline, blocking X-10 operation. CFL & LED lights as well as power supplies for computer and mobile devices are frequent culprits.

[Brian H]

Even with no changes in the home. Sometimes devices can get old and start making more power line noise.
Also something as a new cell phone charger or just moving something to a new location can effect power line signals.
Jeff has a great set of troubleshooting tutorials.
http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm

Do you have any phase coupling between the two incoming lines from the street?

Any active X10 phase coupling/repeaters in the mix?

Since your modules are old. You may want to rotate the House and Unit Code dials a few time. We have seen them get intermittent and rotating the dials cleans the contacts.

[MRay50]

Brian thanks for moving and replying to my post...and the great link. When I say NO changes I guess I meant major changes. There have been many minor changes like replacing my PC tower power supply last week. I did turn off a couple of LED lights and a couple of lamp dimmers hoping to find something easy. I may just bring a scope home from work and look at the noise. I had a scope but gave it to my nephew who wanted to do computer repair.  

Update:
After doing some reading about x10 signals on the power lines I remember putting a cheap (made overseas) LED strip in my wife's china cabinet (need to keep her off Pinterest  ). I will unplug them tonight and try my system and I already have a notch filter coming to use with the offending device.

Update 2:
I was the programmable strip LED lights. I filter is on the way.

[Noam]

I know you already found the culprit this time, but keep in mind (for next time) that the culprit might not be *inside* your home.
A number of years back I had a problem that was caused by a failing CFL that was located on the porch ACROSS THE STREET!
It was throwing out a tremendous amount of powerline noise, and since that neighbor's house is on the same pole transformer as mine, the noise was making it all the way to my house - and interfering with my system. I solved the problem for $13 by buying him a pair of new CFLs for his porch lights.