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[paul warshawsky]

I want someone to reassure me that this is the right step and will fix my problem.  I have been using X10 in my home for over 5 years, and almost every time I buy something new I have to rearrange my X10 setup.  Here is a summary of my history up to date.

My home: 3 levels, 1000 ft each, constructed in 2001 (in Canada - up to Canadian electrical code...)

First setup: My CM15a was in my office (top floor) so it could stay connected to the computer.  This was a problem because my computer would crash going into standby, so I started leaving it disconnected but it was easy to plug in.

First problem:  Then I got a new computer monitor.  Now my X10 system was completely unreliable.  (Lost track of time, macros didn't work, etc...)

Second setup:  Moved the CM15a into the basement.  I needed another transceiver down there at the time so this killed two birds with one stone.  To program the CM15a I brought my laptop home.  This worked for a few years.

Second problem:  Bought a DVR and switched to digital cable.  CM15a started losing time.  Moved it back upstairs.  Only controlled some lights.  Moved it all around the house and finally found a place where it seems reasonably reliable (occasionally odd things happen.)  What I've noticed is this: commands that don't originate in the CM15a (i.e. go through a transceiver) work fine (i.e. lights on/off bright/dim).  Anything that comes from the CM15a (timers, macro) will controll some lights and not others, depending on where the CM15a is plugged in.  This sounds to me like an issue with the strength of the output from the CM15a.

Intended solution:

It sounds like a phase-coupler with a repeater will solve my problem, give me reliability and let me move the CM15a where it is most convenient for me (my office near the computer).  This assumes that the XPCR will be able to see the signals from the CM15a (it is down in the basement, the office is on the top floor.)  Even if I can't leave the CM15a in the office at least I hope to have the reliability issue fixed.

Does this sound reasonable?  Does anyone have any better suggestions.  I'm not interested in trying a bunch of things that may/may not work - I'd rather go to the definitive solution.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Paul

[Boiler]

I want someone to reassure me that this is the right step and will fix my problem.  I have been using X10 in my home for over 5 years, and almost every time I buy something new I have to rearrange my X10 setup.  Here is a summary of my history up to date.

My home: 3 levels, 1000 ft each, constructed in 2001 (in Canada - up to Canadian electrical code...)

...
It sounds like a phase-coupler with a repeater will solve my problem, give me reliability and let me move the CM15a where it is most convenient for me (my office near the computer).  This assumes that the XPCR will be able to see the signals from the CM15a (it is down in the basement, the office is on the top floor.)  Even if I can't leave the CM15a in the office at least I hope to have the reliability issue fixed.

Does this sound reasonable?  Does anyone have any better suggestions.  I'm not interested in trying a bunch of things that may/may not work - I'd rather go to the definitive solution.

Paul,
Unfortunately I don't believe anyone can give you a "definitive" answer.  X10 is, unfortunately, very installation specific.  As you've already noted, adding electrical devices to your system has reduced the reliability.  That's the nature of the beast.

I'm actually surprised, given the size of your home, that you've been able to operate for this long without any coupling (no passive coupler installed?).  The XPCR is a rather capable device and will probably solve the majority of your communication problems.  Am I willing to say that it will resolve all of your issues? Sorry, can't do that.  That depends entirely on the number and type of "other" electrical devices installed in your home.

In order to "definitively" solve your problem, you'll need to invest some "sweat equity" by mapping your electrical system and identifying noise and absorption devices.  If you can identify which devices are causing problems, you can either use a filter to eliminate the noise/absorption or boost your signal levels using a coupler/repeater (XPCR).  Beware, however, that coupler/repeaters can create issues with "dim" commands.  I use a Leviton HCA02 coupler/repeater (similar to the XPCR) which has definite problems with dim commands (I need to be very cautious when using them).  I do not have first hand knowledge regarding the XPCR and DIM's.

Here's a knowledge base link on the subject: Phase Coupling


You can start mapping your system by determining which phase(s) your X10 devices are on.  If you can communicate with all the devices on phase A but not phase b, your a good candidate for coupling.  If communication is sporadic on both phases you may have additional work to do. 

The following is a layout of one of my sub-panels.  In this panel breakers 1 & 2 (located across from each other) are both on Phase A.  Breakers 1 & 3 (vertical) are on different phases.



The next step would be to determine problems areas and devices.  Since you probably don't have an X10 signal meter, it won't be easy to quantify problem locations in your house.  I've done this in the past using the CM15a and a palmpad remote.  This works far better if you have a helper (and a patient one at that).

• Unplug any transceivers (use only the CM15a for transceiving)
• Pick a X10 module in a convenient location that you would like to control and configure the CM15a to transceive RF commands to the device.
• Plug the CM15a into the same circuit (branch) as your target device and verify that you can reliably control it.
• Begin moving the CM15a to other branch circuits (breakers) on the same phase and verify operation.  If you find a location you cant control from, look for electrical loads (TV's, DVR's, computers, CFL's) and unplug them.  If unplugging a device corrects the communication problem, note the device and location on your "circuit map".  It's a candidate for filtering.
• Move to the opposite phase and repeat the process.

When you have completed the above you'll have a map of your system along with a list of possible problem devices.  You can now make an informed decision on whether to amplify (coupler/repeater) or filter offending devices.  The answer may well be both.  Either way, you'll be far better equipped to handle any future problems that arise.

The above process for far simpler if you are using an Elk ESM1 signal meter.  It can give you a "definitive" measurement of both background noise and X10 signal level. 
These devices are available as loaners from some vendors.  If you decide that the coupler/repeater is the way you want to go, Automated Outlet carries both the XPCR and offers "loans" on the Elk ESM1.

Hope this helps,
Boiler

[Brian H]

I would add some X10 type line filters to any device known to make noise or absorb X10 signals. Start with the computer that made things unstable.
Phase coupling or repeater maybe a big help for devices on the opposite phase as the sending unit.