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Author Topic: Only working in 1 room at a time  (Read 4913 times)

tkamplain

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Only working in 1 room at a time
« on: July 03, 2006, 11:13:33 PM »

I have been reading the post about using a phase coupler.  I tried turning on my dryer and it did not work.  What the problem is that it will only work in one room at a time. 

I have the CM15a. 

Help

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Brian H

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Re: Only working in 1 room at a time
« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2006, 06:18:51 AM »

You mean the cm15a will only control modules in the room where it is connected or is it a RF remote Range thing?

Is the cm15a and the computer on the same outlet or connected through a surge suppressor? Some computer power supplies and surge strips can absorb X10 signals and an X10 filter maybe needed.

Some devices make powerline noise that can mess  up X10 powerline signals. If you find an area that is real bad; try unplugging things like TVs and e;electronic thing.

What type of modules are you controlling and what is connected to them?

Dryer test is not a 100% foolproof test, but phase problems mostly cause 1/2 the homes outlets to not respond properly.
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tkamplain

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Re: Only working in 1 room at a time
« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2006, 11:02:02 AM »

It is not a RF range thing and I have not even tried to begin using RF yet because it is only working in one room.  Below is what I have tried today. 

I have unplugged everything in the house and it still will only work in one room. 

I have also tried turning off all the circuit breaker except 2 on the same polls.  The rooms were adjacent to each other and it still did not work.  It works great in the one room but when trying to go to other rooms it will not work.

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Dan Lawrence

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Re: Only working in 1 room at a time
« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2006, 01:20:53 PM »

Sounds to me you have a phase problem.

Apparently your house is wired strangely. Most phase problems are half the house on on phase and the the other on another phase, not just one room.

Move your computer to another room and see if AHP will address more modules than just a single room. If it can, you probably need to call in an electrician so your house is wired correctly.
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Brian H

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Re: Only working in 1 room at a time
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2006, 02:20:59 PM »

If the interface and modules will not even work on the same branch circuit. You may have a defective interface. Is the computer and interface in the same outlet? That could be a problem if the computer is generating X10 powerline noise or absorbing the signals.
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steven r

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Re: Only working in 1 room at a time
« Reply #5 on: July 04, 2006, 05:15:35 PM »

Grasping at straws he asks, "What room and how old is the house?"

If it is the bedroom and a fairly new house it might be on an arc fault breaker (required wiring now). I think there was a discussion somewhere here about someone having a problem that they thought was related to their breaker. I haven't had any problems with mine. (I just learned what they are and that I have them.)
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tkamplain

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Re: Only working in 1 room at a time
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2006, 10:36:04 PM »

Thanks for all the replies.  I think I am going to have an electrician look at my house.  It is only a few years old but the owner before me did a lot of work himself and I think that is the issue.

But however I found a work around while trying to get 2 rooms to work which is all I really need. 

I set up a TM751 in another room to receive RF commands from the CM15a.  Now every room works when I do it like this but if I take the TM751 out of the loop I am back to the original problem.  I am OK with it working like this but does everyone still think I have a wiring problem or something else.  I am still going to have an electrician look at it. 

Also, working like that I have found that both phases work as well. 

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steven r

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Re: Only working in 1 room at a time
« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2006, 11:24:50 PM »

...I think I am going to have an electrician look at my house.  It is only a few years old but the owner before me did a lot of work himself and I think that is the issue....
Probably a good idea. While anyone can do the time consuming process of labeling what is on each breaker, ask the electrician to identify what is on each phase. Knowing what's on each phase can be very helpful when setting up X10 automation. While he's there, have him check wiring polarity. (You can also buy a tester to check outlets for about $5.)

Be sure and let us know if you discover any "creative wiring". It's amusing what some do-it-yourselfers will do.
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Brian H

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Re: Only working in 1 room at a time
« Reply #8 on: July 05, 2006, 04:39:26 PM »

steven r; One of my friends had a dimming light problem on an added on porch. The previous owner [no lie here ::)] used 300 Ohm TV antenna wire to power the outlets :P
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steven r

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Re: Only working in 1 room at a time
« Reply #9 on: July 09, 2006, 05:10:24 PM »

steven r; One of my friends had a dimming light problem on an added on porch. The previous owner [no lie here ::)] used 300 Ohm TV antenna wire to power the outlets :P
He's lucky it didn't catch fire.
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