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[hyrules]

I have a weird problem... my basement
switches (2 x WS467 and 1 X WS4777) all 3 of
them responding only to off command but not
the on command . My CM15A is also located in
the basement. I dont know if this problem is
hardware or software. thanks

[roger1818]

Hyrules:  This is a very common problem for
the X10 wall switches.  It could be one of
two things: a signal strength issue or a
powerline noise issue.

Just because the CM15a and the wall
switches are in the basement, doesn’t mean
they are on the same circuit let alone
phase.  The X10 signal weakens
significantly when jumping from one phase
to the other.  The best solution for this
problem is a phase coupler.

If you have a phase coupler, then the next
step would be to unplug (not turn off)
electronic equipment throughout your house
(TVs, computers, stereos, CFLs, etc) and
see if the switches start working.  If so,
install X10 friendly noise filters on those
pieces of equipment.

[hyrules]

Thank you for the quick reply. Your advices
sounds good to me and i`ll try them as soon
as i'm home.

[hyrules]

I'll probably have to buy a phase couple
since i dont have one. I dont know if the
dryer passive coupler is worth it or should
i buy a couple repeater to boost the signal.
But there is in fact a big price difference.

[roger1818]

Hyrules:  The rule of thumb is if your
house is less than 3000 sq ft, a Passive
Coupler is adequate otherwise a Coupler-
Repeater is better.  If you do decide to go
with a Coupler-Repeater, get the ACT
CR230.  It costs more, but others have
reported problems with the SmartHome and
Leviton brands of Coupler-Repeaters.

With regards to Passive Couplers, the
hardwired ones are slightly better than the
plug-in ones since you can put them closer
to the electrical panel to keep the signal
as strong as possible.  One other word of
caution is 240V modules will NOT work if
you have a plug-in (both 3 and 4 pin) or a
2-wire hardwired phase coupler.  If you use
(or plan on using) 240V modules, get either
a 4-wire passive coupler or a Coupler-
Repeater.

BTW: A good source for 3rd party HA
products is AutomatedOutlet
(http://www.automatedoutlet.com/).

I hope this helps.

[hyrules]

Thanks for the advices. they help alot.

[hyrules]

the problem is in fact that i need a Phase
coupler. I`ve tried my module from somewhere
else in the house and the lights are turning
on. But my slimline switch range is something
like 10 feet if not less that's weird...

[roger1818]

Hyrules:  Limited range with slimline
switches with the CM15A is another common
problem.  One thing to try is changing the
direction the antenna points.  Some people
find they get better range if the antenna
is pointing straight out or down (I find
the latter works well for me).  Optimally
you want the antenna (and thus the CM15a)
in a central location in the house,
preferably up high.

Other people had good results modifying the
antenna (either lengthening it or replacing
it with a connector to which a dipole
antenna could be attached).  These changes
would void the warrantee though.

[hyrules]

Well i wont waste time trying to play with
the antenna (as you and what i read on the
forums here and on accessx10.com tell me
that it's a common problem) i think i will
buy a transceiver TM751 it will work better
that way. A friend of mine as the old
version of the interface and this
transceiver and he tell's me that it work
fine a good distances.

[roger1818]

BTW I wrote a little tutorial on phase
couplers.  I put it up on the web at:

http://x10.webhop.org/Phase_Coupling.htm

My webpage is still under construction, but
I hope you find it useful anyway.

[hyrules]

Thanks it's quite interesting. Since i have
a good base and experience in eletricity and
electronics I will certainly find no problem
opening the breaker box and installing the
couple myself.