Problem with remotes and CM15A

[remulon]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum and have just purchased a CM15A along with a number of modules. I am experiencing problems with the remotes I have, SS13A (slimline switch) and UR73A-2 (5 in 1 remote). I can configure the remotes to any house code I want and have verified they work. The problem is that both remotes need to be within 2 feet of the CM15A before they can be sensed. I have verified this by looking at the activity log and see the correct house code and unit code are recognized (when the remotes are within two feet of the CM15A).

Remote Configuration

Both are set to House Code D

Hardware Configuration

Monitored House Code is set to A - example HC10LM lamp module is addressed to A 1
Transceived House Code is set to specific and 'D' is checked 

Observations

Installed modules can be turned on and off from the PC
When I look at the 'Find Other Computers' my modules show as green under the A column.
The remotes show up as a red box under their set house code at their set unit code and all other unit codes show a yellow box under the house code.
If I reprogram the remotes to a different house code and change the tranceived house code to match, now the same thing happens under the new house code ( red and yellow ) where all the unit codes were clear under the house code previously.

Am I missing something here or does it look like serious RF interference or a faulty CM15A?

Thank you for your comments in advance.

[Puck]

Am I missing something here or does it look like serious RF interference or a faulty CM15A?

The CM15A's reception antenna is not well designed. This is a common problem (unfortunately).

There is a lot of information on this topic in the forum. Here is one of the more popular with some remedies that work well: Project To Increase Range Of CM15A

[remulon]

Yes - I have seen information on this topic. This seems more than a poorly designed antenna, no reception > 2 feet? I did the 'wrap wire around antenna' fix and this increased the 1 foot reliability reception. Originally it was missing about half of the signals with the remote within 2 feet, now it gets about 90% within 2 feet. I suppose it is some progress....

[Puck]

This seems more than a poorly designed antenna, no reception > 2 feet? I did the 'wrap wire around antenna' fix and this increased the 1 foot reliability reception.

Sure sounds like a defective receiver more than the usual poor reception.

Some remotes have a limited range as well, but 2 feet is really bad. The UR73A should be giving you good range.

[Brian H]

2 feet sounds way too short even for e CM15A. I would also say it is defective.

[remulon]

After a bit more relocation etc. I was able to go up to 10 ft or so. I suppose I will do more troubleshooting before I decide to send back or do an antenna mod.

In regards to the antenna mods where some of you have placed the antenna in the attic, do you find the RF reception in the basement to be OK?

Thanks again for your comments,
R

[dave w]

After a bit more relocation etc. I was able to go up to 10 ft or so. I suppose I will do more troubleshooting before I decide to send back or do an antenna mod.

In regards to the antenna mods where some of you have placed the antenna in the attic, do you find the RF reception in the basement to be OK?

Thanks again for your comments,
R

remulon
I have a crude 1/2 wave mono pole in the attic (actually 18" of shield stripped away from the center conductor of some RG-58). Yes I have adequate coverage in the basement. I can get at least 60 feet outside of house with a Palm Pad (the limit of my test, it is probably good for more).

I agree with everyone else, it sounds like you have a sick CM15A.

[cnpalmer]

I've read the tutorial/article regarding the RF adapter and mod'ing the CM15A case etc.

The article describes a future article for an antenna construction.

Has anyone done this follow-up article or can someone recommend a decent antenna to use to attach to the RF adapter once the mod is done?

[jtykal]

I use a set of old TV rabbit ears (set at right-angles with each "ear" extended to 18.25" (which seems to be the magic number for a half-wave antenna). I've had some success with this, but I'm still not getting consistently reliable data from my DS10A sensors. I'm currently working on poking holes through walls so I can get an antenna into a centrally located closet in my house. If relocating my rabbit ears does not provide sufficient coverage, then I'm going to build one of these...

http://www.shed.com/tutor/mr26ant.html

CM15A with Software... $49
Radio Shack hardware for the f-mod:  $10
Antenna parts and coax cable:  $28
Getting a reliable RF signal to the CM15A... PRICELESS!  (and apparently, darn near impossible...)

[steven r]

...Getting a reliable RF signal to the CM15A... PRICELESS!  (and apparently, darn near impossible...)

...or an RF signal from  the CM15A to control cameras.   

[remulon]

Just to let any interested persons know...

The CM15A was returned and a replacement received. Same set up as before but the RF reception is definately better - now up to 20' in spots. Looks like there is quite a variance in performance of new units. That good old Chinese quality culture.

Within 2 hrs of doing this test the old soldering iron came out and the 'J' mod was done. A quick addition of the 18" stripped cable wire antenna upped the reception to approx. 60'.

Next I built the the antenna linked to by jtykal in #8. This has boosted reception to 100' plus. Antenna is just sitting on a pillow on a bed, it is going to be moved to the attic once I fish a wire thru.

The short of it - these things actually work if you put a proper antenna on it.

R

[zach1234]

Just to let any interested persons know...

The CM15A was returned and a replacement received. Same set up as before but the RF reception is definitely better - now up to 20' in spots. Looks like there is quite a variance in performance of new units. That good old Chinese quality culture.

Within 2 hrs of doing this test the old soldering iron came out and the 'J' mod was done. A quick addition of the 18" stripped cable wire antenna upped the reception to approx. 60'.

Next I built the the antenna linked to by jtykal in #8. This has boosted reception to 100' plus. Antenna is just sitting on a pillow on a bed, it is going to be moved to the attic once I fish a wire thru.

The short of it - these things actually work if you put a proper antenna on it.

R

I am going to talk to a supervisor tomorrow and see if they will allow mods. I will see if people that have the "no questions asked" warntee will be penalized. I will try my hardest to get the ability to mod. Then I can do it.

[Dan Lawrence]

I gave you a positive. Lets hope X10 USA sees the light, not only for mods, but possibly a antenna mod may be designed and made a permanent part of the CM15.

[zach1234]

I know if we all called them they would allow it. I thought the Protection plus means if it gets under the wheel of your car its covered why is a mod not covered.

[dave w]

I know if we all called them they would allow it. I thought the Protection plus means if it gets under the wheel of your car its covered why is a mod not covered.

I doubt it. No company in their right mind would honor a warrenty on obviously hacked equipment. If the equipment does not work, the immediate thought from the company standpoint will be the hacking caused the failure. And there is a lot that could go wrong in the "F" connector mod.