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[sufferincats]

Hi,

We have been using x10 and its predecessors to control our lights since 1988 and the system has worked beautifully.  Since this past August when there were thunderstorms the lamp modules have become unreliable.  At that time Verizon also installed their fiber optic network along our street.  We bought new palmpad remotes, LM 465 lamp modules, and TM 751 transcievers but the problem persists.  Sometimes the lights work in the morning and not at night, and sometimes they will turn on but we can't get them to turn off.  Several years ago when we bought all new devices we were able to stand out in the yard and dim the lights in every window of the house with the keychain controller.  So naturally this is very perplexing. 

The only thing I can think of is RF interference.  Local power lines run along our street (they always have), and it has always been almost impossible to receive AM radio inside the house.  The system has worked extremely well until this past summer, which sort of coincides with Verizon installing fiber optic cable and equipment.  So I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this sort of failure and if there is any remedy. 

To further illustrate the problem, in order to make the lights work you have to walk around the house and find a spot , which is usually near  the lamp module.  The appliance modules work a bit more reliably.  Any help you can offer will be most appreciated since we have always loved this system.

Sufferincats

[dave w]

  Since this past August when there were thunderstorms the lamp modules have become unreliable.  At that time Verizon also installed their fiber optic network along our street. 

The only thing I can think of is RF interference.  Local power lines run along our street (they always have), and it has always been almost impossible to receive AM radio inside the house.  The system has worked extremely well until this past summer, which sort of coincides with Verizon installing fiber optic cable and equipment. 

If the power lines have always been there but your problem popped up last August, it probably isn't the powerlines. Nor is it likely to Verizons fiber. What TV, computer, printer, etc did you get new last August? Did you put more than oneTM751 in service around the same time? Multiple TM751's usually work against each other.

Search this forum for "noise". Also, since your system worked fine since 1988 and assumming you do not have a phase coupler installed, did you recently get a new stove, or dryer with electronic controls or clock?

[HA Dave]

Since this past August when there were thunderstorms the lamp modules have become unreliable. 

That is what I see as most important. Maybe a [now] damaged device is causing a problem. Or more than likely a NEW item (a simple cell phone charger left plugged-in could do it).

UN-plugging everything... except the X10 modules would tell. If x10 works OK then... it was something plugged-in. Then plugging the rooms back in...room-by-room and you can track it down.

Also.... you may want to do a little searching here at the forum on CFL's.

P.S. Don't forget, basements and garages are rooms too.

[sufferincats]

Thanks for your help! This will take a while but it will be worth the time to get things working again.

What is a Phase Coupler??

sufferincats 

[Boiler]

sufferincats,

You can test your TM751 reception range by plugging a lamp directly into the unit and transmitting at it's house code and address 1.  Find the distance where you can reliably activate the lamp.  If this is significantly greater than the distance that you can activate your Other lamp and appliance modules, your RF reception is fine and you are dealing with a powerline noise problem.  If it not, get back with us and we'll do some "head scratchin".

If you do have good RF range direct to the TM751 outlet, you'll need to start looking for possible "new" noise or signal absorption sources (new devices on your powerline)

A good place to start it the thread located here : Topic: X10 Issues? Please Read This First!

This thread explains powerline noise, phase couplers, and POSSIBLE RF INTERFERENCE from cable connections (hadn't read that last one before - a belated thanks to Tuicemen).

Boiler