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[griffindm]

Hi all,

First post here, though I've been lurker for answers to problems often.

I have an X10 home automation setup that was working like a champ 6 months ago. 3 lamp modules (2 plug in, 1 wall socket), security system, AHP. Everything was working fine, after I added the above signal coupler to bridge the phases back in 2006. Since then I added some noise filters to improve signal reception on the power lines. Then about 6 months ago I replaced the lamp modules (1 of which is on the opposite phase from AHP and the other one) with mechanical timers as I wanted to go to CFL lamps. I planned to get appliance modules to replace them, but it took me a while.

Anyway, I get the appliance modules in and they work fine on the primary phase, but the one on the other phase will not trigger there. It works fine on the same phase as the AHP transceiver. No new appliances since then, so I don't suspect a new noise villain. The Smarthome Signalinc plug-in coupler is 30 months old, so 6 months past warranty. I opened it up (easy to do) and everything looks fine. Nice heavy wiring and nothing burnt or out of place.

Do these things go bad quietly, or do they fail spectacularly? I've checked the system quite a bit, but I'm looking for ideas on things I might have missed.

Thanks!

Dave G.

[Brian H]

I would double check for a noise source or signal sucker. We have even seen here devices going bad over time when no new items where added to the installation home.
Spectacular failure not always could depend on how and what failed.
If you are electronically inclined. Check the resistance of the small L1 18uh coil. Guess you could also see if the C1 cap is OK. If it had shorted my guess would be the L1 coil would have smoked. If it opened a capacitor checker could test it. I guess a ohmmeter may give a brief kick if connected across the C1 as it charged. Bad solder joint on the small PCB could also be a trouble.

[griffindm]

I would double check for a noise source or signal sucker. We have even seen here devices going bad over time when no new items where added to the installation home.
Spectacular failure not always could depend on how and what failed.
If you are electronically inclined. Check the resistance of the small L1 18uh coil. Guess you could also see if the C1 cap is OK. If it had shorted my guess would be the L1 coil would have smoked. If it opened a capacitor checker could test it. I guess a ohmmeter may give a brief kick if connected across the C1 as it charged. Bad solder joint on the small PCB could also be a trouble.

Actually, I went out to dinner and came back with an idea. I misspoke when I said nothing new had been added. We had our Maytag washer go bad after 27 years of effort around 5 months ago. The new Kenmore washer was a suspect, and sure enough, when I came back and unplugged it, everything was working again. I have additional noise filters, but I need to check the amps on the washer and get a plug adapter to deal with geometry.

Thanks all.

[Brian H]

Glad you found it. You are not the first to have a new washer or dryer cripple X10 signals. I believe it is the new ones are now electronically run and now make power line noise or have filters in them to stop their internal noise from the line. That also can do X10 signals bad.
I have seen up to 15 Amp plug in filters [ACT brand if memory serves me]  and a 20 amp X10Pro wire in unit.