Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Geewiz]

I had to uninstall the XPCR. It caused what is referrer to as a "firestorm" or a signal storm. The CM15A is a 2 way device. The XPCR takes the received signal and repeats it. The CM15A sees that signal and resends it. Causing a neverending loop.
The XPCR is a waste of money if you have 2 way controllers. Sorry.  I learned from experience.  By the way, watch out for cheap compact fluorescent lamps. They can block signals.

This is the second statement I've come across on the boards here suggesting the XPCR is NOT compatible with the CM15A.

I started out a year ago with a Signalinc 4826B plug-in dryer unit.  It helped, but about 3 months ago I could no longer get any signal across the phases and was plagued with "firestorms."  Followed the troubleshooting tactics offered here and found/addressed/corrected what I could of the noise and signal sucker problems.  Firestorms are now quiet and I get very good, reliable control on the A phase with the 4826B plugged in, but still no control to the B phase. 

Last Saturday I wired-in the XPCR I had ordered but found it to be DOA, so I'll have to wait for the replacement to come in before sharing the results.  The good news is: the XPCR can be had for about $15 on ebay.  I see these same units for as much as $199 on some of the automation store websites!

Short of an definitive technical review of the incompatibility claim, it appears that in all things X10, somethings will work, and some things won't!  I've read so many accounts and claims as to what one product will do over another that my eyes are now permanently crossed.  I've read about how the XPCR solved all one users problems, but created nothing but problems for another.  I've read similar posts regarding the CR234, the XBT-II and even, yes, the Signalinc 4826B. 

One thing is certain: once on the X10 road, you'll soon be singing "What a long, strange trip it's been!"

[Boiler]

This is the second statement I've come across on the boards here suggesting the XPCR is NOT compatible with the CM15A.

I started out a year ago with a Signalinc 4826B plug-in dryer unit.  It helped, but about 3 months ago I could no longer get any signal across the phases and was plagued with "firestorms."  Followed the troubleshooting tactics offered here and found/addressed/corrected what I could of the noise and signal sucker problems.  Firestorms are now quiet and I get very good, reliable control on the A phase with the 4826B plugged in, but still no control to the B phase. 

Geewiz,

I'm a bit confused by the above.  Restating things:

• Your signalinc isn't producing firestorms anymore. (good)
• You have good communication on "phase A" (also good)
• Doesn't communicate to phase B???

Assuming that your CM15a is on Phase A, no communication on phase B may mean that your Signalinc flew south for the winter. 

The Signalinc is a repeater, it hears X10 on phase A (for instance) and repeats that info on phase B.  If your CM15a is on phase A, the signalinc will not improve the CM15a level on the same phase.

This unit is equipped with led's that indicate which phase the unit is receiving from and repeating to.  If I were a betting man (I'm not) I say your Signalinc went deaf, dumb, or both.  Try checking the led status while you're executing X10 commands (use a RF remote so you can watch the led's).

In regard to the XPCR - I don't have first hand experience.  I do know a number of people that have had good experiences with this unit. 

The post that you referred to indicated that the XPCR had problems with X10 2-way units and firestorms.  Again, not first hand experience, but I've operated my Leviton HCA02 repeater with up to 25 2-way units with no problems.  The Leviton unit does have significant problems when using X10 Dim commands.  I've read posts indicating that the Signalinc has similar difficulties.  X10 Dim commands are a repeated series of "Dims" that can last for several seconds.  There are no "gaps" between the "dims" (they do not conform to X10 standard protocol) and they are very hard on repeaters.

I solved my problems with Dim commands and firestorms by not using "DIMS".  I have Leviton switches which are capable of receiving extended code dim commands (direct dim - much faster and more reliable).  Some of the new X10 units utilize these commands as well.

Sorry, this is by no means a solution to your problems.  Maybe a little perspective?

Boiler

[Geewiz]

I suppose my post did tend toward rambling and wasn't clear about my experience. 

You are correct, Boiler, in that I believe the Signalinc "flew south."  I also suspect that the simultaneous cessation of firestorming and inability to pass signals across phases from A to B indicate the electronics in the Signalinc have somehow failed.  (The CM15A is on phase A, and all the modules on phase A respond very well throughout my 3 level, 4,300 sq ft home.  )

That's when I decided to go with a coupler-repeater at the electric service panel.  Not long after ordering the XPCR, however, I came across a couple of posts in various parts of the forum suggesting that the XPCR does not play well with the CM15A.  My XPCR was delivered over the weekend, but I found it was DOA and am now awaiting a replacement from the merchant. 

I suppose I was more interested in learning about alleged incompatibilities between the XPCR and the CM15A
 

[Brian H]

My SignalLinc Dryer Outlet unit made firestorms with the X10 Two Way modules.
Only on power up when they where asking the controller the last known state they where in. Also only some addresses would cause the firestorm. Some have reported the HCA2 also may cause firestorms. May actually depend on the exact installation and signals bouncing around. My CR134 has added switches to pick things like repeat known repeated signals and at 0 degrees only or 0 and 30 degrees of Zero Crossing.

[caudill22]

Geewiz,

My setup sounds similar to yours. I have 4400 square feet on 3 levels and I had issues with my CM15A sending commands to phase B. BTW, wy CM15A is on Phase A. After I installed an XPCR I now have 99% reliabilty. I have not had any problems with the CM15A working with the XPCR. I have one outside light by my garage that will on occasion not respond to a macro on my CM15A, however it is very random and not a big deal, it probably only happens once or twice a month.

In my experience, I have seen no issues with the CM15A and XPCR working together, in fact I would say mine work well.

[Geewiz]

Geewiz,

My setup sounds similar to yours. I have 4400 square feet on 3 levels and I had issues with my CM15A sending commands to phase B. BTW, wy CM15A is on Phase A. After I installed an XPCR I now have 99% reliabilty. I have not had any problems with the CM15A working with the XPCR. I have one outside light by my garage that will on occasion not respond to a macro on my CM15A, however it is very random and not a big deal, it probably only happens once or twice a month.

In my experience, I have seen no issues with the CM15A and XPCR working together, in fact I would say mine work well.

Our setups do indeed sound quite similar.

I've been playing with the XPCR this morning and have a peculiar experience....

I installed a dedicated double-pole, 20 amp breaker in the service box.  This is a GE electrical panel, and the double pole breakers will only install so as to span both phases.  I've also checked the voltage and confirm 220 between black and red wires, and 110 between black and white, and red and white. 

So, with the XPCR installed, I remove the Signalinc coupler repeater from the dryer outlet up on the second floor, flip on the new circuit breaker and...nothing.  No signals get to any modules on phase B, and there's no LED activity on the XPCR.   Now, here's the clincher...

If I plub back the Signalinc in the dryer outlet, the XPCR works.  At least, there is now activity on the LED.  And the modules on Phase B are working.  SOOOOOO... I'm really NOT spanning the two phases with the double-pole breaker...but how can that be??  I'm getting 220! 

Am I halucinating???  (I'm not doing any drugs.. really!)

[dave w]

If I plub back the Signalinc in the dryer outlet, the XPCR works.  At least, there is now activity on the LED.  And the modules on Phase B are working.  SOOOOOO... I'm really NOT spanning the two phases with the double-pole breaker...but how can that be??  I'm getting 220! 

Am I halucinating???  (I'm not doing any drugs.. really!)

Where are you getting the X10 signal on the powerlines? Can you move the controller or tranceiver to a different phase OR closer to the XPCR to see if it starts working? In other words, it could be the old Signalinc is seeing the X10 signal but the XPCR is father removed form the PLC transmitter and isn't seeing a strong enough signal to trigger the repeat. Might be a noise source or signal sucker on the same branch circuit as your PLC transmitter attenuating the signal.

[Geewiz]

If I plub back the Signalinc in the dryer outlet, the XPCR works.  At least, there is now activity on the LED.  And the modules on Phase B are working.  SOOOOOO... I'm really NOT spanning the two phases with the double-pole breaker...but how can that be??  I'm getting 220! 

Am I halucinating???  (I'm not doing any drugs.. really!)

Where are you getting the X10 signal on the powerlines? Can you move the controller or tranceiver to a different phase OR closer to the XPCR to see if it starts working? In other words, it could be the old Signalinc is seeing the X10 signal but the XPCR is father removed form the PLC transmitter and isn't seeing a strong enough signal to trigger the repeat. Might be a noise source or signal sucker on the same branch circuit as your PLC transmitter attenuating the signal.

I'll have to give that a try sometime this week when I get some spare time.  Thanks for the suggestions and I'lll let you know what transpires.
Regards

[caudill22]

Geewiz, any updates??? I am curious what the heck is going on. The only difference between your setup and mine is that I did not have the room for an additional breaker (my box is full) so I connected my XPCR to a couple of breakers already in use just making sure that each one was on a different phase. Your setup is the correct way, mine works but obviously not to code. I am eventually going to add another another breaker box, but didn't want to layout the expense for the sole purpose of adding the XPCR. Let me know if you have any updates, I almost wonder if your XPCR is bad.

[Geewiz]

This has been a dormant thread for quite a while, do to other matters taking priority, but thought I might now update this "long strange trip" with my X10 experience...

I kept the breaker switch for the XPCR off for the past 8 months and have been utilizing the Signalinc only.  As previously noted, I have been getting fairly good signals only on Phase A, and nothing on Phase B.  This weekend, I had a little time to play with the XPCR again so I unplugged the Signalinc from the dryer outlet, turned on the breaker that the XPCR is on and... lo' and behold I am now getting signal response on 80% of Phase B!

I've been wracking my brain trying to think of anything that has changed in the household.  There are no new electronics added or subtracted.  The only thing remotely I can think of is that I had to replace a PS on my computer.  That computer is on a line filter, by the way.

The other possibility...and this is only for X-Files fans.  My house is about 1,000' down-range from a fairly substantial "Naval Communications Training Station."  I am 50 miles southwest of DC, and the largest body of water nearby will accept nothing larger than a 12' rowboat.  So... why, you ask, does the Navy have a "training station" out in the countryside?  Seems the mountain they are on has a nice, clear line of sight into DC.  Draw your own conclusions from there! 

Now, during the past year, on a couple of occasions, cable crews have come through our neighborhood running new cables that go straight up the hill.  They aren't going in to improve our internet access, that's for sure! 

Could it be possible that some radio transmissions are being moved to cable transmissions and thus eliminating some potential interference?

Conspiracy theory?  Perhaps.  But maybe not? 

Anyway, since my last post, my XPCR has unexpectedly begun to perform very nicely!  I haven't fully tested all the Phase B outlets yet, so I'll have to do a little more work before making a final debriefing on the matter.

[Boiler]

I kept the breaker switch for the XPCR off for the past 8 months and have been utilizing the Signalinc only.  As previously noted, I have been getting fairly good signals only on Phase A, and nothing on Phase B.  This weekend, I had a little time to play with the XPCR again so I unplugged the Signalinc from the dryer outlet, turned on the breaker that the XPCR is on and... lo' and behold I am now getting signal response on 80% of Phase B!

I've been wracking my brain trying to think of anything that has changed in the household.  There are no new electronics added or subtracted.  The only thing remotely I can think of is that I had to replace a PS on my computer.  That computer is on a line filter, by the way.

Since you measured 220V across the breaker we can rule out a bad breaker.  Past that, it appears that you were not getting power to the XPCR (no led).  Check for bad connections/loose wire nuts.

The other possibility...and this is only for X-Files fans.  My house is about 1,000' down-range from a fairly substantial "Naval Communications Training Station."  I am 50 miles southwest of DC, and the largest body of water nearby will accept nothing larger than a 12' rowboat.  So... why, you ask, does the Navy have a "training station" out in the countryside?  Seems the mountain they are on has a nice, clear line of sight into DC.  Draw your own conclusions from there! 

It would appear that water is not a requirement for a naval base (go figure).  We have Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center located in Crane Indiana.  That's located just outside Bedford Indiana.  Never heard of Bedford, let's try Bloomington IN, roughly 60 miles from... the Ohio River???

Boiler

[dave w]

It would appear that water is not a requirement for a naval base (go figure).  We have Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center located in Crane Indiana.  That's located just outside Bedford Indiana.  Never heard of Bedford, let's try Bloomington IN, roughly 60 miles from... the Ohio River???

Boiler

Completely OT but the Newport Chemical Depot in Newport Indiana made heavy water for the Manhattan Project in the 1940s, and the Depot also made 100% of the very nasty nerve agent "VX". We just finished neutralizing the stockpile, so I now must dust off the resume. But Indiana doesn't just grow corn and pigs.