As I was putting together a test macro (to help another forum member) I learned something new.
My test configuration consisted of the following:
1) Lamp on A12
2) Lamp on C9
3) Motion sensor on C9.
4) Housecode B Monitored
5) All Housecodes transceived.
With the above configuration I would simulate the motion sensor with a Rf remote and turn on lamp C9. No problems, everything worked as expected. I was trying to demonstrate some of the problems that can occur when activity (high traffic) from motion sensors is transcieved onto the powerline.
I then added a macro at address C9 which triggered Lamp A12.
1) Lamp on A12
2) Lamp on C9
3) Motion sensor on C9.
4) Housecode B Monitored
5) All Housecodes transceived.
6) Macro on C9. Turn A12 on.
When I again simulated the motion sensor (Rf-C9 on) the macro executed and lamp A12 turned on. No problem -
WRONG. My lamp at address C9 did not turn on. I checked the configuration an verified that all addresses were transceived. Checked activity monitor - the CM15a was not transceiving the Rf C9 on command (also verified with a testerlinc).
Event Date/Time Action Data
0 06/10/2007 10:26:34 pm Receive RF C9 On
1 06/10/2007 10:26:35 pm Macro A12 (AM466 TV)
2 06/10/2007 10:26:35 pm Macro A On (AM466 TV)
I removed the C9 macro and the CM15a began to transceive the C9 on command again. Definitely not what I had expected! The Macro execution is taking precedence over the command being transcieved and effectively blocking it.
Bottom line is - Adding a macro to the same address as a lamp module blocks transeived inputs to that address.
I have this situation in a number of places in my home where I use macros to track the status of lights in the house. I haven't noticed the problem because I don't typically use the Rf remote to activate these lights. There are of course work arounds, but in order to generate a work around you need to know the problem exists.
I'm not sure if this has been documented before - if not, hopefully it will help the forum readers.
The Boiler
Update 6-18-07: To those of you with "older" CM15a'sThe above tests were conducted on my "new" CM15a (Date code 06L50, Firmware revision M) and I stand by the stated conclusion.
When I performed the same test on my "old" interface (Date code 04I38, Firmware revision E) I found that it did transceive the Rf command and then executed the macro.
Rf handling/Macro execution if very dependent on the Firmware revision! Firmware revision M
Event Date/Time Action Data
0 06/10/2007 10:26:34 pm Receive RF C9 On
1 06/10/2007 10:26:35 pm Macro A12 (AM466 TV)
2 06/10/2007 10:26:35 pm Macro A On (AM466 TV)
Firmware revision E
Event Date/Time Action Data
0 06/18/2007 5:06:13 pm Receive RF C9 On
1 06/18/2007 5:06:13 pm Receive C9 (New Module)
2 06/18/2007 5:06:13 pm Receive C On (New Module)
3 06/18/2007 5:06:16 pm Receive A On (AM466 TV)
4 06/18/2007 5:06:19 pm Macro A12 (AM466 TV)
5 06/18/2007 5:06:19 pm Macro A On (AM466 TV)