Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[sgurusha]

Folks:

I'm using a couple of WS467 modules to control my driveway lights.  These modules are located in a garage which is not heated.  When I installed them they were working fine when controlling with the Palmpad.

Now that the temperature has dropped below 0 degrees Celsius, I am finding that they are not functioning with the Palmpad.  If I go to the switch itself they work.  By remote they either go on, but not off.

Any suggestions why this is the case and how I can resolve the issue?

LMK.

Thanks.

Regards,
sgurusha

[Puck]

sgurusha: Welcome to the forum.

I too have a WS467 light switch in my unheated garage and it has worked fine when the outside temperature dropped below -20C. Since these are electronic switches as opposed to mechanical, I don't think temperature is the problem. But I wouldn't go so far as to rule it out completely though.

From you description of what is happening, it sounds more like a signal integrity issue. There could be an electrical noise source or a signal sucker between your transceiver and the switch.

BTW, what are you using for a transceiver and how many transceiver (and their house codes) are you using?

If you haven't already, read up on MAP / MEASURE / CORRECT to help you isolate the source of the problem. If none of the information there helps eliminate the problem, the switch itself could very well have a temperature sensitive component.

[dave w]

If I go to the switch itself they work.  By remote they either go on, but not off.

FWIW
I agree with Puck, this sounds more like a signal integrity issue. If the cold effected component values in the PLC receiver circuitry of the WS467, it would effect all PLC commands, not just the "OFF".

[sgurusha]

Thanks.

I currently have only one TM751 setup in the home.  The other modules work fine with the setup.  Mind you, the other modules are indoor.

I wondering if the following could be the cause of the issue.  Prior to this not working I had a SPST switch that would turn on the my house outdoor and driveway lights.  What I wanted to do is isolate the driveway lights from the house outdoor lights.  So I thought I put in a couple WS467 modules.  I this worked in August.

Over the weekend, I put a timer so that the house lights would go on automatically.   This is one of those units that replaces the existing SPST switch (Intermatic).

Now the house lights go on and off, okay, but now the WS467 are not responding.

Would this be the issue?  If so, why?

[Puck]

Over the weekend, I put a timer so that the house lights would go on automatically.   This is one of those units that replaces the existing SPST switch (Intermatic).

Now the house lights go on and off, okay, but now the WS467 are not responding.

Would this be the issue?  If so, why?

Since the problem started after installing the timer, it would be my first suspect. If it's an electronic timer, it's probably either generating noise on the electrical line and causing interference or it is attenuating the X10 signal.

[-Bill- (of wgjohns.com)]

Over the weekend, I put a timer so that the house lights would go on automatically.   This is one of those units that replaces the existing SPST switch (Intermatic).

Now the house lights go on and off, okay, but now the WS467 are not responding.

Would this be the issue?  If so, why?

Since the problem started after installing the timer, it would be my first suspect. If it's an electronic timer, it's probably either generating noise on the electrical line and causing interference or it is attenuating the X10 signal.

Yes, I recall someone else having the same kind of problem after installing one of those timers!

[Walt2]

I have WS467's in both my unheated but attached garage, and out in my totally unheated backyard shed.  They work fine regardless of outside temps.

However, that isn't always true.  I did have a WS467 in my garage a while ago that would die when the temps dropped.  I just deemed it "bad", and replaced it.  The replacement worked fine.

I am sure that X10 doesn't cold-test each module.  So, nothing "weeds out" modules that will not work well at low temperatures.  BTW, I doubt very many manufacturer cold-test each product on their assembly line.  So, this isn't a "dis" on X10.

[sgurusha]

Thanks Puck and Bill.

Question, is there a device or module that could be added to shield or filter the interference?

[Puck]

Question, is there a device or module that could be added to shield or filter the interference?

I'm not familiar with the inline filters, but you may need something like this: http://www.smarthome.com/4834.html

There are probably other types around, but make sure the load current rating is sufficient.

[Charles Sullivan]

I have WS467's in both my unheated but attached garage, and out in my totally unheated backyard shed.  They work fine regardless of outside temps.

However, that isn't always true.  I did have a WS467 in my garage a while ago that would die when the temps dropped.  I just deemed it "bad", and replaced it.  The replacement worked fine.

I am sure that X10 doesn't cold-test each module.  So, nothing "weeds out" modules that will not work well at low temperatures.  BTW, I doubt very many manufacturer cold-test each product on their assembly line.  So, this isn't a "dis" on X10.

I once called X-10 Tech Support and asked for the temperature specs.  The only answer I could get was "room temperature".

[sgurusha]

So last yesterday we had a power failure and the timer failed.  So I'm thinking of replacing this.  Is there a X10 timer I can use?

[Brian H]

X10 makes a small Timer Controller that you may want to look at. MT12A is the newer recently released one. Has an LCD type readout and can remember 64 times.
Limits are one house code and only Units 1-8. Sales pages of X10 show a few deals including the MT12A today. Since it is a controller you would still need a device for the lights. So maybe this isn't answer.

I found a real old X10 publication 'X10 Powerhome Applications manual  Says that the ICs in the modules are made for 32 to 122 degrees F; but that modules all generate some heat so most will go below 0F. As others have pointed out each module may act differently so some may work others may not.