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Author Topic: Computer prevents chime from working  (Read 9704 times)

Magaboo

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Computer prevents chime from working
« on: June 21, 2006, 01:04:01 PM »
???
Hi All,
I've install:

2 - MS14A  -  EagleEye Motion Sensors (1 front door/1 back door).
2- SC546A -  Sensor Chimes (1 downstairs, 1 upstairs in office).
1- TM751    -  Small Wireless transceiver.

The system works as advertised as long as I UNplug  the computer in the upstairs office.
With the computer (turned ON or OFF) plugged into the AC outlet, the chime no longer works in any of the upstairs outlets.
The downstairs chime works ok with the computer plugged in or out.
I would appreciate any comments from anyone with the same or similar problem, especially if they where able to find a solution to this peculiarity.

Many thanks in advance.
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Tuicemen

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #1 on: June 21, 2006, 01:21:53 PM »
Sounds like you need a noise filter for you PC check out this link for how to size and some other suggestions
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Magaboo

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #2 on: June 21, 2006, 01:40:28 PM »
 :)
Hi Tuicemen,
Thanks for your reply.
I'll try to get a hold of one of those filters. Hopefully, this will correct the situation.

Have a Great day.
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Magaboo

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2006, 06:14:40 PM »
Hi all,

Well, I've installed one of those filters (XPPF - 5amp), but the problem persists  :-\.
Anyone have any additional ideas?
Perhaps I'm destined to live without a X10 system  :(.

Thanks for your idea, Tuicemen.

Paul

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Brian H

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2006, 06:40:48 PM »
If you also have a surge protector. Make sure it is on the filtered side of the setup. They can also suck up X10 signals.
One real long shot here. I have actually seen a computer power supply so noisy. It could kill my whole houses X10 signals and kill every radios reception to add more insults. Someone here actually had to filter a filter.
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Magaboo

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #5 on: July 04, 2006, 07:09:24 PM »
Hi Brian H,
Thanks for your reply. I have tried your suggestion already, but the problem persists. I'll try a different power supply for my machine - perhaps that'll help. Life was easier before computers  :D .

Paul
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-Bill- (of wgjohns.com)

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2006, 08:34:07 PM »
Just my two-cents (what's that acutally worth now days?).

I couldn't get an appliance module or a chime module plugged into outlets on the same circuit to work.  But they worked before!  After some hair-pulling, I discovered that the power supply brick for my wife's laptop computer (being plugged into the same outlet as the lamp and the same circuit as the chiime) was the problem.

Solution?  She doesn't plug in there anymore!  ;D
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Magaboo

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2006, 10:17:17 PM »
Hi Bill,
The idea of X10 systems is quite good, but a lot of people seam to have some rather strange problems trying to set things up.
My set up works just fine using any outlet in my house, as long as I don't plug my computer in  :'(.
Unfortunately, I need my computer. I'll try a new PS for my machine. Perhaps that will cure my problem.

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Dan Lawrence

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #8 on: July 04, 2006, 11:16:14 PM »
It may or it may not.

Pllug the PC and any printers into a XPFF Filter.  It will handle a PC, monitor and at least 3 printers without any problem.
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Magaboo

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #9 on: July 05, 2006, 12:44:28 AM »
Hi Dan,
You're right, changing the PS may or may not solve the problem, but I have to try something.
I did plug the powerbar, which feeds all my components, into the filter, but that didn't fix the situation.
Your comment is certainly appreciated.
Thanks.

Paul

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Magaboo

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #10 on: July 05, 2006, 02:05:01 PM »
Hi,
Well, here is the scoop on my problem for those that may encounter a similar situation.
I've replaced the power supply in my computer this morning and my X10 system now works as advertised. Even without the filter. It's amazing how a seemingly good power supply can screw up the whole system and installing a filter (XPPF) is no guaranty that it will fix the problem.
Many thanks to, Tuiceman, Brian H, -Bill- (of BXVC) and Dan Lawrence for all your comments and suggestions. Your effort is appreciated.

Paul (Magaboo)
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Brian H

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #11 on: July 05, 2006, 04:30:31 PM »
Glad you found the problem.
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TakeTheActive

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #12 on: July 06, 2006, 10:00:05 PM »
Quote from: Magaboo on July 05, 2006, 02:05:01 PM
...I've replaced the power supply in my computer this morning and my X10 system now works as advertised. Even without the filter. It's amazing how a seemingly good power supply can screw up the whole system and installing a filter (XPPF) is no guaranty that it will fix the problem...
Maybe the FILTER was defective?

If you're serious about X-10, you should consider buying a ELK ESM1 X-10® Signal Meter.

Also read my Apr/17/2004 @ 6:57 PM post in: > > > ADVICE TO X-10 NEWBIES FROM AN X-10 OLD-TIMER... < < <
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Brian H

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #13 on: July 07, 2006, 07:07:50 AM »
Filter could have been bad. Then again I have seen one Computer Power Supply, so dirty; no filter in the world would probably fix it.
Some have had to actually use 2 X10 filters cascaded to fix the problems. Some also think it could be noise sneaking back on the Neutral as most filters from X10 have no coils in the neutral return.
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Magaboo

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Re: Computer prevents chime from working
« Reply #14 on: July 07, 2006, 06:25:13 PM »
Hi,
Your quite right. The filter could have been defective, but how can you tell unless you have one of those signal meters. I know for sure so that the computer PS was the cause of my problem. Perhaps in the future I'll find a use for the filter.
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