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[contactme247]

I recently bought the mini timer and seven socket rockets to control/automate my lights.  I must not understand how to program the device exactly.  I have 2 front porch lights that is set up on button 1. (I screwed the bulbs in the sockets and the socket in the porch lamp--then I pressed the #1 button 3 times as instructed until the light came on.  I proceeded to do the same for the garage and backyard lights so I  moved the timer closer to each location to eliminate running all over the house.  However, I cannot get the other sockets programed nor will the porch lights turn on when I press the on the button.  The only time the porch lights will come on is when I plug the timer to the outlet nearest the light switch.  So, not only can I NOT get the other sockets programmed I can only control my porch lights when the mini-timer is near the switch and adjacent outlet.

Now, if I individually test the rockets using my lamp in the living room they all work.  BUT if I move the timer to my bed room or to another room the lamp will not come on.

Is there anything I am doing wrong?  I was so excited to start this simple project since this is my first but I'm very frustrated and have been for the last four hours trying to figure it out.

[Brian H]

Easiest way to program a Socket Rocket is a temporary setup with a table lamp and the sending unit in the same outlet.
You have 30 seconds after power on to send the signal three times. Put one in the table lamp. Turn it on and send the code you want three times. It will remember its settings even when power is removed and you move it to the place it is to be used.

Have you looked at the tutorials on how X10 signals work?
It sounds like you have a signal problem in your home. Most homes have power line noise makers or signal absorbers that can make X10 unreliable. Also most homes are split phase and the X10 signals have a problem getting to the other phase.

[contactme247]

Easiest way to program a Socket Rocket is a temporary setup with a table lamp and the sending unit in the same outlet.
You have 30 seconds after power on to send the signal three times. Put one in the table lamp. Turn it on and send the code you want three times. It will remember its settings even when power is removed and you move it to the place it is to be used.

Thanks Brian.  I did just that for all Sockets after I posted.  They all worked using this method BUT when I placed the Sockets where I needed them I could not get them to function.  Also, when I programmed the last Socket with the "temp set-up" I unplugged the timer and moved it to another room and nothing happened - - but the moment I plugged the timer into the same outlet it worked.

What can I do?  Should I look for other means to automate my house since X10 is not working right.  If may problem is signal noise/absorbers or split phase as you say what can I do?  My home is new construction if that matters.

~Stubbs~

[Tuicemen]

What can I do?  Should I look for other means to automate my house since X10 is not working right.  If may problem is signal noise/absorbers or split phase as you say what can I do?  My home is new construction if that matters.

All home automation prodicals have there problems You need to do some reading most problems can be solved if your willing to spend the time (some will take longer to figure out then others)
Do some advanced searching or check out the thread Topic: Having ActiveHome Pro Problems? Please Read This First! (Read 17035 times)   Although I created the thread originaly for AHP users the links there will help for most X10 problems

[Dan Lawrence]

Easiest way to program a Socket Rocket is a temporary setup with a table lamp and the sending unit in the same outlet.
You have 30 seconds after power on to send the signal three times. Put one in the table lamp. Turn it on and send the code you want three times. It will remember its settings even when power is removed and you move it to the place it is to be used.

Thanks Brian.  I did just that for all Sockets after I posted.  They all worked using this method BUT when I placed the Sockets where I needed them I could not get them to function.  Also, when I programmed the last Socket with the "temp set-up" I unplugged the timer and moved it to another room and nothing happened - - but the moment I plugged the timer into the same outlet it worked.

What can I do?  Should I look for other means to automate my house since X10 is not working right.  If may problem is signal noise/absorbers or split phase as you say what can I do?  My home is new construction if that matters.

~Stubbs~

Use a MC460 Desktop controller to send the signals. Once the Socket Rocket is programmed with the address it can be moved anywhere.  Add the  Socket Rocket to AHP and it's good to go.  I have several  Socket Rockets all over my X10 system and every one of them was programmed with a lamp and and a MC460 in the same place - a lamp on a table in my Living Room.

[contactme247]

Dan you stated "Use a MC460 Desktop controller to send the signals. Once the Socket Rocket is programmed with the address it can be moved anywhere.  Add the  Socket Rocket to AHP and it's good to go."

If I get the MC460 does that mean it will replace the mini-timer (MT10A)?
AND are you saying that I will need to upgrade to the ActiveHome Pro . . . I assume AHP is its acronym?

The specials on Pro is about $50 if I remember right. 
 
~

[Brian H]

The MiniTimer should program the Socket Rockets as it can send out X10 On signals manually.
MC460 is the Maxi Controller if memory serves me and can do all 16 unit codes. has all manual buttons.

[contactme247]

The MiniTimer should program the Socket Rockets as it can send out X10 On signals manually.
MC460 is the Maxi Controller if memory serves me and can do all 16 unit codes. has all manual buttons.

The mini-timer does program the Sockets when I place it in a lamp and its plugged in the same outlet.  However, as stated in the original problem (May 5) the timer and Sockets do not communicate when I move either to its proper locations.  What I was trying to understand from Dan's reply is if I needed to get the Maxi Controller or just upgrade to AHP package.

Thanks for the all help.
I will also read Tuicemen's links that was provided in the reply.

[JimC]

contactme247,

Sounds, to me. like a phase coupling or noise problem.
Do a search for both and you should find solutions.

Jim

[Brian H]

Maxi Controller is not needed unless you want another controller in a new location. Since they program and then not work in the permanent location. I also think you have a signal problem. Maybe a noise maker signal sucker or phase problem. A rough test for a phase problem; that is not a 100%; is. Turn on an electric dryer or stove and see if dead areas are better. If so a signal coupler or signal repeater is needed. Reason I say not 100% is we have begun to see modern electronically controlled appliances interfere with X10 signals.
I doubt that the CM15A interface and the AHP Program to run it would do much better. Most X10 transmitters have about the same signal level. Actually I have seen a test where the TM751 had a larger signal than a CM15A.