Powerflash modules

[dbemowsk]

I am wondering how much difference there is between the X10 Pro PSC01 and the X10 Powehouse PF284.  I acquired a small handful of the PF284s and am just curous.

Dan

[-Bill- (of wgjohns.com)]

Given the same date of manufacture, probably none.  The best any of us here have been able to sort out, the "Pro" modules may have somewhat better quality control.

[Brian H]

I have had vendors substitute a PSC01 for a PF284.
I also feel it is mostly the label on the case and maybe quality. At one time a X10Pro had a longer standard warranty.

[Charles Sullivan]

This message:
  http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=14151.msg78584#msg78584
dated December 2007 claims that newer versions of the PowerFlash have a substantially lower open-circuit voltage in contact-closure mode than newer versions - something like 1V versus 5V.  This would affect the ability to detect a contact closure at the end of a long wire run.

A response in the same topic indicates that standard X10 and X10pro units with 2006 date code stickers still have the 5V output.

[Brian H]

One other thing I found with an older Date Code 02L39. In the Dry Closure Mode. The sensing voltage is opposite from the + and - Markings used to indicate the DC Input Polarity. If you are using a solid state switch it may need the leads reversed to work. My ELK-930 Doorbell Detectors solid state output didn't work until I swapped the leads.

[Charles Sullivan]

One other thing I found with an older Date Code 02L39. In the Dry Closure Mode. The sensing voltage is opposite from the + and - Markings used to indicate the DC Input Polarity. If you are using a solid state switch it may need the leads reversed to work. My ELK-930 Doorbell Detectors solid state output didn't work until I swapped the leads.

I just noticed that myself on my PSC01 which has an output voltage of about 5.9V.  But it's missing a date code sticker so I can't tell the vintage.

[dbemowsk]

The PSC01s are the newer ones being sold today.  The PF284s are the older ones if I am not mistaken.

Dan

[Brian H]

If you have a voltmeter. Just put it in the day contact mode and measure the voltage on the + and - terminals.
My old one reads almost 6 volts with no load on it other than the meter.