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[Geewiz]

I sent the first unit back because it simply wasn't working.  The seller replaced the unit and, having wired it in, this one isn't doing anything either.  Now I'm thinking: what am I doing wrong??

I installed a dedicated double pole 20amp breaker installed across both phases.  Ran 14AWG 3-wire (red/black/white) from the service panel to a metal gang box next to the service panel.  Attached the white wire to the neutral buss bar, the red wire one breaker connection and the black wire to the other breaker connection.  Then took the leads from the XPCR as follows: white to white, red to red, black to black.  Capped off the fourth wire, which is another black for 3 phase installation.

Switched the breaker on and, nothing.  The CM15A is plugged in on the A phase and modules on that side continue to work.  Modules on the B phase will not respond (though they will if I plug the Signalinc dryer coupler back in.)  There is no LED activity on the XPCR.  I tested the leads at the gang box and am getting 220 there. 

Either I've done something wrong, or I received a (second) bad XPCR.

Does anyone have any insight, and is there any way to test the XPCR?  I'm at a loss.

Thanks!

[Brian H]

Can't remember if we checked this last time.
Did you check for 220 VAC between the Red and Black Lines and 120 VAC from the Black or Red to the White Neutral?
Tell us what the Red to Black reads.

[Geewiz]

Can't remember if we checked this last time.
Did you check for 220 VAC between the Red and Black Lines and 120 VAC from the Black or Red to the White Neutral?
Tell us what the Red to Black reads.

Yes: red to black reads at 220, and black to white, and red to white, both read at 120.  Power is definitely there!

[Brian H]

Well with the voltages looking good and no LED Activity it maybe bad. The install sheet shows the Black wire next to the Red for a split phase. Is that the one you used? I believe the older sheet just said use one of the two Blacks.

With the CM15As signal getting to the breaker box and then back on the dryers branch circuit to the old repeater. Would indicate the signals where getting to the main panel.

[dave w]

After two defective X10 units, you might consider manufacturers such as  Jeff Volps XTB-IIR,  (Jeff monitors this forum) or to an ACT model CR234 (check Smarthome.com).

[Brian H]

I have an ACT CR134 split or three phase unit myself. I ordered a CR234 split phase one and the vendor subbed a CR134 as they where out of the CR234s.

[Geewiz]

After two defective X10 units, you might consider manufacturers such as  Jeff Volps XTB-IIR,  (Jeff monitors this forum) or to an ACT model CR234 (check Smarthome.com).

Just goes to show what happens when you try to go for the low-cost $15 "I can't believe they're selling them for this low price." 

I've been looking at the two alternatives you mention.  Is there any concensus as to which unit would win in a race?

I have an ACT CR134 split or three phase unit myself. I ordered a CR234 split phase one and the vendor subbed a CR134 as they where out of the CR234s.

How's your satisfaction level for this unit?  I gather there's no operational difference between the 134 and the 234, other than the 134 3-phase capability?

[JeffVolp]

I've been looking at the two alternatives you mention. Is there any concensus as to which unit would win in a race?

The CR134 is a well regarded repeater, and is the one I recommended myself before designing the XTB-IIR.  You can read what some others say about that unit here:

http://jvde.us/xtb/xtb_reports.htm

Jeff

[Brian H]

The CR234 has 2/3 of the PC Board populated with the third phase part empty. The CR134 has all the board populated. To change mine to split phase one switch is set. This same switch in the CR234 also has to be set the same.
I got the CR134 when my CR234 [maybe 6 months old] started not repeating on the second phase and sending garbage on the line. The new one has been 100% so far. Maybe again 6 months.
The vendor I used; sent me a copy of the ACT Engineers technical explanations of what each switch does in details.

[Geewiz]

After two defective X10 units, you might consider manufacturers such as  Jeff Volps XTB-IIR,  (Jeff monitors this forum) or to an ACT model CR234 (check Smarthome.com).

Okay...I'm ready to take this to the next level and will buy either the CR234, or the XTB-IIR.

I've read as much as I can find on both products and am convinced that the XTB-IIR is the way to go, but, being something of a neophyte, admit confusion as to just how the XTB-IIR is implemented.

Does the XTB simply replace the XPCR in the gang box located next to the service panel?  (I've got a dedicated 20amp double pole breaker already wired with the XPCR.)  Then, does the CM15A need to be plugged in to the XTB?  This would require me to run a long extension from the basement service panel for the USB connection to my computer and antenna mod in my first floor office. 

[dave w]

After two defective X10 units, you might consider manufacturers such as  Jeff Volps XTB-IIR,  (Jeff monitors this forum) or to an ACT model CR234 (check Smarthome.com).

Does the XTB simply replace the XPCR in the gang box located next to the service panel?  (I've got a dedicated 20amp double pole breaker already wired with the XPCR.)  Then, does the CM15A need to be plugged in to the XTB?  This would require me to run a long extension from the basement service panel for the USB connection to my computer and antenna mod in my first floor office. 

The XTB IIR wires in same as the old XPCR across both phases of the house mains.

http://jvde.us/xtb/xtb_ordering.htm

The CM15A does not connect to the XTB IIR. The XTB IIR receives CM15A transmissions via it's connection to the 120V lines.

[JeffVolp]

Then, does the CM15A need to be plugged in to the XTB?  This would require me to run a long extension from the basement service panel for the USB connection to my computer and antenna mod in my first floor office. 

Just to clarify this, the XTB-IIR can either provide direct X10 Boost to a CM15A plugged into its AC receptacle, or it will operate as a repeater if the CM15A is located remotely.

There is a benefit to direct X10 Boost in that both halves of a X10 transmission are boosted in amplitude.  That can provide slightly faster response for modules that do not receive the weaker signal from the CM15A itself.  Also, the XTB-IIR does not currently "repeat" extended commands because of the possibility of a collision, but it does transmit them completely in the X10 Boost mode.  A forthcoming firmware update is planned to repeat the 31-bit "doublet" extended commands produced by the CM15A.

If it is inconvenient to co-locate your CM15A with the XTB-IIR, you can use it strictly as a repeater.

Jeff