New Poweflashes Stink!

[Brian H]

The voltage difference is a good way to see what version you have. I have seen a schematic of an older ones input. X10 has some unique ways to do things. Since it is a powerline driven power supply and has to be isolated. They have a oscillator/transformer circuit that makes the voltage. When the contacts close it changes the circuits oscillation characteristics and the change triggers things.

[p25416]

One of the other Board guys told me that his local X10 reseller confirmed the problem and had contacted the manufacturer, so we may hear something back that way. I hate to tear one of these open, so many of the components are unmarked or are part of a single chip that it is tough to determine differences.

As for me, I am going to see if I can hit up some of the resellers for a few older models just in case...

[steven r]

...One of the other Board guys told me that his local X10 reseller confirmed the problem and had contacted the manufacturer, so we may hear something back that way....

It's ashamed that we have to pursue such an indirect approach to find it out. Please post anything that you hear.

...As for me, I am going to see if I can hit up some of the resellers for a few older models just in case...

I'm inclined to agree! Do we have date code(s) to avoid?
I have 2 powerflash applications in my setup. One triggers from a voltage output of my alarm panel to flash my lights. The other is a dry contact application that might not preform as well with the lower voltage. Since I use it in the automated closing of my garage door, I really am not interested in pressing my luck if I had to replace it with a "new & improved" model.

[p25416]

I am hoping other people on the board have avenues where they can explore this as well so we can get answers. I'm with you though, there isn't much information. When I contacted 2 of my normal resellers, they first told me I didn't know what I was talking about and then checked and confirmed what we had found... but didn't have answers. To their credit, they offered to replace the ones I bought, but only with more of what they had...namely lot 07h33..... :-(

"Bad" lot is 07h33 but again, it depends on your app.