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Author Topic: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03  (Read 6822 times)

snooz48

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Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« on: February 18, 2012, 08:02:52 PM »

I have a ceiling fan set up with a x10 PHR03 remote to a Transceiver RR501 plugged into a 2456s3 appliance module.  The ceiling fan is plugged into the controlled outlet on the appliance module and the Transceiver is plugged into the Always on outlet on the Appliance Module.  I've had this set up for about 3-4 years.  About 3 months ago, I started having intermittent problems.  Ocassionally, the fan would not turn on, sometimes after pressing the on button the fan would come on after a delay of 5-10 seconds, sometimes the fan would not turn off.   I replaced the Transceiver and appliance module.  Everything worked fine for 3 months.

I am now experiencing the same kind of problems.  I can hear a clicking sound when I press the On or Off, but nothing happens.  I have replaced the batteries in the PHR03 Remote.  A couple of days ago, I had to go up in the attic to unplug the fan because I could not turn it off with the remote.  I unplugged everything and tried to install it like a new system and it worked.  The next day, I could not turn the fan on with the remote.  This morning, before I called  Smarthome to try to trouble shoot it over the phone, I tried it again and it is working.  How can I determine whether the problem is the Remote, Transceiver, or the Appliance module? 

What kind of warrant does the Transceiver and Appliance Module carry?

Thanks 
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Brian H

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2012, 08:17:37 PM »

The 2456S3 is an Insteon Module so I would say you have added an X10 Primary Address to it.

When you added the X10 address did you use the On or Off X10 command? If you used the On command you turned on local control sensing and it can be falsely triggered by noise from things like fans.

Next time it acts strange. Unplug it for thirty seconds and reconnect it. See if it again acts OK. Sometimes noise can confuse the processor in the 2456S3.

Substitute a light bulb for the fan in the outlet and see if it then goes On and Off properly.

What is the revision number on the sticker for the 2456S3? Early ones where kind of touchy.

Warranty on a 2456S3 is two years unless you bought the seven year optional extended warranty.

Is there something else the RR501's switched outlet is controlling as you are not using its outlet for the fan.

Is the clicking noise coming from the 2456S3 or the RR501?
« Last Edit: February 18, 2012, 08:59:48 PM by Brian H »
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Brian H

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2012, 09:03:23 AM »

Maybe a Factory Reset and a fresh start would be the best way to go.
Unplug and disconnect everything.
Wait at least thirty seconds.
While holding the set button. Plug the 2456S3 in and continue to hold the set button for five seconds.
Release the set button.
When the relay clicks on and the LED lights. The factory reset is done.
Reprogram your X10 address into it.
Hold the set button until the LED flashes.
Then send the X10 Address you want to use over the power lines three times. The LED should stop flashing.
Use the X10 Off command to ignore local sensing.

Since the setup was working for a few years. Have you checked the fan for possible problems?
« Last Edit: February 19, 2012, 11:10:19 AM by Brian H »
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snooz48

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2012, 09:53:46 PM »

Thanks for your suggestions.

This thing is driving me nuts! 

I tried doing the rest thing.  Nothing worked after that. 

Totally flustered, I decided to order an X10 AM466 3 pin appliance module to replace what I my present appliance module and receiver.   The day after I ordered the AM466, I tried to turn on my ceiling fan ... it works fine.  I tried turning it on and off...everything OK. 

I'm happy that it is working, but frustrated.  What is going on?  Any ideas?
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Brian H

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2012, 06:45:02 AM »

The factory reset removes the X10 address in it and it will have to be reprogrammed.
http://www.smarthome.com/manuals/2456S.pdf
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snooz48

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2012, 07:01:37 PM »

A couple of days later, I cannot turn on the attic fan! 


I just received the AM466 appliance module.  I set it to K which is the same as the Remote.  Plugged it into the outlet and plugged the attic fan into the module.  Pressed On on the remote and nothing happens. 

I thought this was the easy solution...I guess not.  What am I doing wrong?
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Brian H

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2012, 07:14:33 PM »

An X10 AM466. With the RR501 receiving the RF commands from the PHR03.

Did you set the Unit Code dial to match the Unit Code for the button you are using on the remote?

Make sure the 1-8 or 9-16 switch on the remote is set to match the Unit Codes you are using.
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janetrandall

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #7 on: December 09, 2012, 06:55:28 PM »

I have an x-10 Pro PHR03 to turn on the backyard lights.  There is a delay turning them on, which is not a problem, but suddenly last night I couldn't get them to go off.  I tried and tried and then went down and unplugged them.  (The top of the two-plug outlet responds to the remote; the other is always on.)  I then plugged the cord back in (without waiting 30 seconds -- hadn't read this yet) and the lights went back on again. I just bought this item and have used it maybe 8 times.  I'll try with the 30-second wait, but if not, what should I do? 
Janet Randall[/size][/size][/size][/size]
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janetrandall

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #8 on: December 09, 2012, 07:11:14 PM »

if anyone has an answer, please email me directly at randall@neu.edu.
Thanks.
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Brian H

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #9 on: December 09, 2012, 07:19:02 PM »

Try the PHR03 while standing next to the X10 controlled outlet.
What model is the X10 Outlet you are controlling.
What model transceiver are you using to take the RF signal from the PHR03 and put it onto the power lines?
If the outlet clunks a few times. It has probably failed. With the small plastic switch actuator inside the outlet breaking.
« Last Edit: December 09, 2012, 07:21:06 PM by Brian H »
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dave w

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #10 on: December 10, 2012, 09:51:02 AM »

Also,  what kind of bulbs do you have in the fixture? CFLs and LED bulbs can generate electrical noise which might block the OFF signal. As CFLs age they can become noisey. So there are instances where X10 used to work but later fails due to the increasing noice from the old CFL.

Try plugging the transceiver in the "always on" outlet and see if the light works. If so, you may have a noise problem.
http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm
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bkenobi

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Re: Intermittent on/off problems with X10 PHR03
« Reply #11 on: December 10, 2012, 03:35:48 PM »

I'm not clear on your setup, but it sounds like you are using an SR227 outlet for your lighting.  If so, I have used one of these at my old house for several years and am currently using them in a couple locations at my current house.  I found that if the outlet gets moisture in it, it does not responds correctly (similar to what you have described).  Once it has a chance to dry out, it will function again normally.  If you are not using this in a good quality outdoor enclosure, you should correct that.  I have the outlets in such an enclosure currently and have not had any issues with them at all.

This is basically what I'm using.
http://www.amazon.com/MM710C-Weatherproof-Outdoor-Receptacle-Protector/dp/B0013FRYH8
 

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