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Author Topic: Socket Rocket will turn on but not off with switch  (Read 3766 times)

Liz4891

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Socket Rocket will turn on but not off with switch
« on: March 28, 2009, 09:32:03 PM »

My ceiling fan has four socket rocket lamp modules (LM15A) and I am controlling it with the Slimline Switch (SS13A) I have CFL bulbs in them. The light will turn on, but then it won't turn off. Then when I turn it off on the lamp switch then turn it back on the lights are off until I hit the button on the slimline switch then they turn back on. Whats strange is it will work on the other lights I have in the house with the same setup. Any ideas how to fix this?
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BVD

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Re: Socket Rocket will turn on but not off with switch
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2009, 02:23:04 PM »

Quote
I have CFL bulbs in them.

The LM15A Socket Rocket Instructions specifically state Do NOTuse fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps do not have a filament. A lot of the X10 devices depend on a slight leakage current through the filament. What else are you using to Transceive the RF to the power lines? TM751, RR501 etc. First I think I would try replacing the fluorescent lamps with incandescent.

Hope this helps!
Bob
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Dan Lawrence

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Re: Socket Rocket will turn on but not off with switch
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2009, 03:30:45 PM »

Sounds to me the  Socket Rocket is failing.  I have CFLs in 9 different  Socket Rockets and no problems have ever cropped up.
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Brian H

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Re: Socket Rocket will turn on but not off with switch
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2009, 04:02:33 PM »

Many have used CFL bulbs in Socket Rockets with no problems. Though they do use a Triac to control the output. They don't dim and most CFL bulbs are happy in them.

X10 most likely says not to do it as a Cover My Backside statement. On the off chance a certain brand CFL doesn't play nice.

The Socket Rocket does not steal power through the load.

I have seen some CFL brands make power line noise in a Socket Rocket.

The problem could be a weak signal that is strong enough to turn them on but any extra noise is enough to prevent the Off from getting to the Socket Rocket.
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dave w

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Re: Socket Rocket will turn on but not off with switch
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2009, 05:38:38 PM »

Liz4891

I agree with Brian, I think it is a signal problem. I also have CFLs and Socket Rockets which "play nice".  In my office I have four CFLs in a fan and when I turn the lights ON my ELK X10 signal level meter goes off scale. Your CFLs may put out so much noise when ON that the Socket Rockets do not see the OFF signal. There is no way to filter noise for a Socket Rocket. You might try:

1. Reducing the noise by replacing one or two of the CFLs with incandescent bulbs to see if you can turn them OFF.
2. Getting a GOOD high power repeater which will boost the X10 signal to be much greater levels than the noise (i.e. ACT234 or XTB IIR).
3.  Moving whatever X10 transmitter/transceiver you are using to put the X10 PLC signal on the house powerlines (CM15A, TM751, RR501, Mini Controller, Mini Timer, Maxi Controller, etc .), to the same circuit your fan is on, which will increase the X10 PLC signal to the fan lights.
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