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[dave w]

Well, you could always shotgun the electrolytic caps. X10 WTI likely went for cheap parts. Semi conductors, coils, and resistors age pretty well,  'lytics...not so much

[bkenobi]

I could replace the caps but I wouldn't have thought age would be an issue.  The sticker says 10L51 so the module is 5 years old.  that said, if I could source the caps from the same place to avoid $$ shipping, I'd go ahead and swap them.  My DMM can check capacitance, but I don't know how to check installed caps.

[dhouston]

The PSC04/PL513 have two 6-pin optocouplers. The one that connects to pins 3 & 4 of the RJ11 connector is the one I suspect.

[bkenobi]

The optocouplers are easy to replace, so I might as well do both.  Any idea of a source for a compatible unit?  I did a quick search for LTV4N35 but only found data sheets.

EDIT:  I found some on google shopping search but for too much.  $5 each + shipping wouldn't be worth it since I found new modules for $10/ea on ebay.

[dhouston]

If a new module fixes the problem there's no reason to waste more $$$.

[dave w]

I could replace the caps but I wouldn't have thought age would be an issue. 

I just fixed a Neato vacuum that would lock up when the batteries would get low. The fix was a key 100uf 'lytic. Neato was less than three years old.

[bkenobi]

I'll hold onto the old one for a rainy day project.  I have a WS467 sitting on the bench it can join.

[IPS]

I have been having a similar problem with my AHP. I have a V572RF32 which uses PSC04. I thought it is causing a signal jam as its light kept flashing and could not get any remote to work. So I replaced it with XTB523. It worked fine for a while then it all started again. The activity log was recording 3/sec. at least. Changing CM15A didn't do any thing. Been having a long discussion with Warren of BVC. That where I got V572RF32.
Also the phase coupler LEDs were going crazy. It would stop if CM15A was unplugged. After a while even that had no effect. So I realized that noise is not from any AHP module but some other device.
To cut it short, finally located the circuit that was the culprit. Found it by turning one breaker off at a time. Turned the breaker of. Plugged in V572 with PSC04. No flashing LED. But still no control on AHP. So gave up in fraustation.
After few hours just used a iPhone app and it all started to work. Tested with one of HR 12 and it worked too.
So now have to find out what on that particular circuit is the cause of my days of anguish.

Now I'll check out if the V572RF32 is doing what it used to that is range extender and convert security modules like DS10A to switch to use its HC/UC  for macros for garage door alarm and others.


This is my latest tango with AHP in general and PSC04 in particular. And hope all is well.

[Brian H]

You may want to look at this X10 Wiki entry. Regarding signal firestorms with a CM15A and some X10 coupler repeaters.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Known_Issues_with_ActiveHome_Pro

[joe s.]

A few years back I was changing out my Smarthome 1132CU, for HCA software (which needed either CM11 or CM15 to generate the PLC).  I "unretired" my CM15.  It seemed to work at first but then started signal storming.  I could shut down the storm by power cycling my coupler/repeater (XTB-11R).  Within a couple days it would start the storming again.

So, I gave up on my (very old) CM15 and installed XTB232 (its like a high spec CM11).  I've never had a storm since.

[IPS]

Brian I am using ACT phase coupler. It has been working for a few years.

Joe I too almost gave up but then all started working after I turned off the breaker. Will post my findings in few days.

Thanks for your response.

[Brian H]

ACT CP000 passive or CR234 Active coupler repeater?

[bkenobi]

I received the new PL513 modules a couple days ago and spent a few minutes with them last night.  The peculiar thing is that the original does not seem to cause issues when simply plugged in at this time like it was before.  When I hooked it up last night, the LED stayed lit but so did the new ones.  The old one seemed to degrade the signal strength from the XTB-IIR by 1-2vpp.  Another interesting note was that the new ones (actually several years older and not the pro model) provide a larger signal strength hit by ~1vpp.  I haven't tried using these to verify that they function with the Arduino since that's in the attic.