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[davmar]

I have a four-button X-10 controller (Leviton #16400) set to a base code of E6.  The system has connected switch modules with E1-E16 code settings.  Pushing the On toggle of any of the controller buttons has no effect on the connected modules.  Toggling the first button (E6) Off turns module E8 On.  Toggling the second button (E7) Off turns module E7 On. Toggling the third button (E8) Off turns module E9 On.  Toggling the fourth button (E9) Off has no detectible effect on any E code module.  There are no macros using the E code at all on the system.  Switch modules can be controlled correctly using the Smart Home software. What could be causing the strange behavior of the controller?

[Walt2]

A friend of mine had a problem like that.  His was due to having a compatibility mismatch between the face part and the base part.   Apparently, the store didn't know the difference, and simply went by the fact that the two could physically plug together.   Basically, you cannot mix 16450 series faces/body with the old 6400 series faces/body.

[davmar]

Two different Leviton 16450-S (4 button on/off) keypads will not work with three different Leviton 16400 controller base units, even though the label on the keypad states "For use only with 16400 controllers".  However, either a Leviton 16450-4D (3 button on/off plus dimmer) or a Leviton 16450-2D (1 button plus dimmer) do work with all of the same controllers.  Since the part numbers are supposed to be compatible then either the 16450-S keypads are defective or they are not compatible.  If the latter is the case then there would be no way at all to ensure that a keypad would work with the controller for which it was intended.  Since one of the 16450-S keypads causes the controller to send non-sensical signals, and the other 16450-S keypad on the same controller is completely non-functional I can only hope that they are both defective and new replacement 16450-S keypads will work with the existing 16400 controller bases.
I have installed dozens of both X-10, X-10 Pro and Leviton brand switches (but it looks like to me they were all made in the same Chinese factory) and controllers in my residence and the failure rate of the hardware from all vendors is truly astonishing, either DOA or premature failure in service.  I would estimate that 10% of all of the units I have purchased had to be replaced (so far).  I would never attempt to create a "Smart Home" again with these products.  If anyone has any clue as to how to ensure compatibility between controller bases and keypads (old vs. new or ?) please post the answer.

[Walt2]

Are the 16400 and the 16450 series really cross compatible??   

In my decades of X10 usage, I have yet to get anything that was DOA. 

[Boiler]

davmar ,

I'm not sure that the faceplates have any "smarts" in them.  I would think they would be designed as a set of contact closures that the base unit interprets an sends out as the appropriate X10 commands.

Any chance that the contacts are oxidized?  You might try "cleaning" them with a pencil eraser or electrical contact cleaner (be careful of the plastic).

I can see no reason why your 2 and 3 button devices would operate and not the 16450-S.

Like Walt, I've never had a X10 DOA and have yet to have a problem with a Leviton device in service.

Boiler

[JeffVolp]

Like Walt, I've never had a X10 DOA and have yet to have a problem with a Leviton device in service.

I can also say all my "Leviton" X10 compatible switches have worked perfectly, including five 16400 keypads.  The one failure I have had was a Leviton switched receptacle, which I believe is actually a re-branded X10 product.

Regarding your probem with the 16450-S, that is a scene controller face, not just ON/OFF control.  From the Leviton DHC Tech Manual:

"Four-Button Scene Lighting Control Face *
Four Scene Control keypads transmit ON/OFF commands to execute four separate programmed lighting scenes for multiple Cat. Nos. 6343 and 16383 Dimmer Switch Receivers and Cat. No. 16293 Switch Receiver with Scene Capability.
* The 16450-S and 16450-SD utilize extended code format."

and:

"Programming 16450-S and 16450-SD Scene Controllers: Press program button on 16450 keypad unit until flashing LED programming mode begins. Set all Scene Capable Switch Receivers to desired levels. Press the left side of the ON/OFF Scene Control rocker switch that you wish to program. Press program button on 16450 keypad again to finish. Transmitter and receivers must be set to the same address."

Jeff

[Boiler]

Jeff,
Just to clarify -
The 16450-S only sends extended code Scene Commands?

It is therefor not compatible with standard X10 brand non-scene capable components?

Sorry, I'm just trying to make sure.  I read the same description that you posted and didn't "get" the fact that all transmissions might be "extended code".  If this is the case, it doesn't seem like a very compatible device (unless you have a Leviton only install).

[JeffVolp]

Just to clarify -
The 16450-S only sends extended code Scene Commands?

It is therefor not compatible with standard X10 brand non-scene capable components?

That is my understanding.  Their standard 4-button face is the 16450-4.  The 16450-S is for the high-end Leviton switches that accept scene commands.

Many gas stations sell diesel fuel, but that doesn't mean any car can use it...

Jeff

[Boiler]

Jeff,
I'll grant you that the description you provided, if read closely, indicates these are scene only faceplates. 

Here's another snippet from the same manual-

"Key Control Pads - The 16450 Group of Key Control Pads allows users to exercise ON/OFF switching control of lights and appliances as well as full-range dimming of incandescent and magnetic low-voltage lighting. Depending on the Key Control Pad chosen, they also can provide scene-lighting control over multiple incandescent and magnetic low-voltage lighting loads as well as "panic-button" control to turn ALL LIGHTS ON"

Words like "also" and "can" don't jump out at me and tell me that some of the devices are "only" scene transmitters.

To make your Diesel fuel analogy more propper, a gas station would place the fuel in the same pump (next to the gasoline), the same nozzel size, and label it 20 Octane (nominal rating for Diesel).

davmar,
To answer your original question - these faceplates can be made to work with certain Leviton Scene enabled switches.  To do this you'll need to follow the Scene setup in the Leviton Manual. 

They will not work with Smarthome, X10, or X10 pro devices. 

You probably want the 16450-4 (on/off) or 16450-4D (dimming).