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Author Topic: Question on filters  (Read 3737 times)

HerrJansen

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Question on filters
« on: September 13, 2011, 11:16:03 AM »

Hi,

Im confused.

If a filter to be plugged into an outlet is supposed to keep distorting plc signals from interfering on my power line, why does my alarmsystem capable of sending plc signals and plugged into on of these filters still sends plc command on the power line THROUGH the filter?

Did I miss something ? :-)
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dave w

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Re: Question on filters
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2011, 12:16:44 PM »

Hi,

Im confused.

If a filter to be plugged into an outlet is supposed to keep distorting plc signals from interfering on my power line, why does my alarmsystem capable of sending plc signals and plugged into on of these filters still sends plc command on the power line THROUGH the filter?

Did I miss something ? :-)
Maybe. Which filter are you refering to?

http://www.x10pro.com/pro/catalog/platform.html#filters

Using the X10 XPPF or XPF filter as an example. The XPPF blocks all noise in the same frequency range as X10 commands. Meaning it does block everything....noise and X10 commands alike. The idea is to place it at a known noise source to block the noise from getting on to the homes powerlines. So if your X10 alarm system is sending commands through a XPPF and these commands are actually controlling modules down the line, then the XPPF is poo-poo (a technical term you may not be familier with but it means "crappy"  rofl ).

There are other filters like the XPNR which filter noise frequencies above and below the X10 command frequency, thus allowing the X10 commands to pass relatively un-attenuated.  

Why do you have your alarm system plugged in to a filter? You must filter at the source of the noise, not at X10 command senders or receivers.
« Last Edit: September 13, 2011, 05:25:57 PM by dave w »
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Brian H

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Re: Question on filters
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2011, 02:20:07 PM »

Are you using one of the filters dave w showed or another brand like an Act AF120, Smarthome FilterLinc?
If by chance you are using a FilterLinc. Only the bottom outlet is filtered. The pass through on the front is not filtered and directly to the power line.

Please give more details on the filter, what is still seeing the X10 signals from the alarm system and the alarm system model.
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HerrJansen

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Re: Question on filters
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2011, 04:05:32 PM »

Thank you for you replies. :)
I live in Germany and use the european 220V X10 devices

Filter - http://www.marmitek.com/en/product-details/home-automation-security/x-10-home-automation/special-modules/fm10.php

Security System - http://www.marmitek.com/en/product-details/home-automation-security/x-10-security/safeguard.php


Maybe you are right and the filter is just "broken"... :) I have two other and will try them aswell.

The reason for blocking the alarmsystem sc9000 to the power line is complicated but important.
There is no way to prevent the sc9000 from tranceiving RFs to PLC and I have a 3phase repeater/coupler working. As I learned the sc9000 has no collision detection nor is it polite and wait for the line to be free before sending.
When I arm the house the light on the porch goes on and off _three_ times due to the repeater and the right order mixes up many times, meaning the last command is ON and leaves the porch light and all other A1 A2 devices ON.

Unfortunately the sc9000 system is not as configurable as I need it to use a coupler repeater on all three phase.

I need the house working.... So the need for the repeater wins and the sc9000 is supposed to shut up and simply listen to the rfsec and makes noise/calls me as needed :)
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Brian H

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Re: Question on filters
« Reply #4 on: September 13, 2011, 04:13:46 PM »

Thank you for the added information.
I can see why you need to filter the SC9000 as it is like our SC1200. The SC1200 has no way to turn off the transceiveing of RF devices and it is not polite.

I looked at the specifications tab of the filters sales page.
It has a 14dB signal reduction and my guess is enough of the SC9000s signal is sneaking through to the three phase repeater coupler.
« Last Edit: September 13, 2011, 04:24:03 PM by Brian H »
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HerrJansen

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Re: Question on filters
« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2011, 03:34:11 AM »

hmm, thanks for your help...

I might just go for another security system. (WAF problem to be solved... ;) )

For I need a real security system with some X10 send capabilities and not a X10 System mit security functions.. ;)
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Brian H

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Re: Question on filters
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2011, 06:34:19 AM »

That maybe a good way to go.
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