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[jclarkw]

I've been using a Leviton/Decora model HCA02 for years (before that, a CR230 from Advanced Control Technologies).  Now it's failed -- apparently totally dead -- and my signals no longer pass between power legs, although within legs everything still works.

I searched with Google, and the only comparable unit I could find was the XPCR Phase Coupler/Repeater by X-10 Pro.  I ordered one from Amazon and installed exactly as before, but it didn't do anything!  The LED didn't even illuminate on receipt of X-10 signals.  Several Questions:

Have others had trouble with these units?
Might I have inadvertently killed the new unit?  (I have a good-quality surge suppressor on the power system.)
Is there any alternative to the XPCR anymore?
Might I have better success ordering directly from X-10?

Thanks in advance for any help! -- jclarkw

[brobin]

There's one on ebay right now for $30. 
https://t.ly/VVnjv

A better option would be a JVDE XTB-IIr - IF you can find one. Sadly, they are no longer available.

[JeffVolp]

A better option would be a JVDE XTB-IIr - IF you can find one. Sadly, they are no longer available.

I wound up with some extra XTB-IIR PCBs.  I might consider a custom build, but it would be significantly more expensive because many of the components would have to be reordered at single quantity prices.

Jeff

[jclarkw]

There's one on ebay right now for $30. 
https://t.ly/VVnjv

A better option would be a JVDE XTB-IIr - IF you can find one. Sadly, they are no longer available.

Thanks, Brobin, for you helpful suggestions, but you still leave me wondering about the XPCR Phase Coupler/Repeater by X-10 Pro, especially since you refer me back to a used Leviton/Decora model HCA02.  Is the XPCR (still in production) known to be no good, or is it worth trying another from a different distributer?

Regards -- jclarkw

[jclarkw]

I wound up with some extra XTB-IIR PCBs.  I might consider a custom build, but it would be significantly more expensive because many of the components would have to be reordered at single quantity prices.

Jeff

Jeff -- I'm interested but would like an upper bound on total cost before committing.  I suppose it would cost significantly more than another try at the XPCR.  Please let me know if you're willing.

One of my problems is that, whatever I end up with for this house, I have another house using the same old HCA02.  I would like to lay in a couple of spares for future failures! -- jclarkw

[brobin]

It sounds like you had a defective one so if the HCA02 you had worked well, a new one should too.  BUT, as we increasingly add more electronic noisemakers/signal suckers in our homes the XTB-IIR will overcome all but the worst offenders.

Both the Leviton and X10 couplers are effective but not nearly as much as the XTB-IIR which transmits a 20 volt signal that will go where no signal has gone before.  It's definitely more expensive (2 to 3x when in production) than a new XPCR but it's worth it if you want virtually 100% reliability.  I've used the HCA02 and then 2 different versions of the ACT repeaters over the years but only the XTB-IIR solved all my signal issues.  Buy once, cry once - 100% worth it.

[jclarkw]

Thanks again, brobin.  I had ordered another XPCR from another vendor and just installed it.  It works fine, so I guess I'm OK until they, too, are discontinued.

Still interested in trying one of these XTB-IIR though, if JeffVolp is willing to produce one for an acceptable price...

Cheers! -- jclarkw

[brobin]

You can read more about it here as well the rest of the excellent info on his site:
https://jvde.us/xtb-iir/

[JeffVolp]

I wound up doing a custom build, and ordered enough components to populate the remaining XTB-IIR boards.  If anyone wants one, contact me directly.

Jeff