ActiveHome (not pro?)

[FixItPete]

I'm seeing a simple signal bridge/coupler, like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/X10-PHASE-COUPLER-SIGNAL-BRIDGE-FIX-X-10-PROBLEMS_W0QQitemZ390001932320QQcmdZViewItemQQptZHome_Automation?hash=item390001932320&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

(you simply put it between the two breakers on opposite poles) and it is only $1.00

Or... the ones that I see for about $30.

What is the deal/difference?

Seems sort of odd...

[Brian H]

The one in you link is a simple .1uf cap looks like a 650 Volt DC and the seller said was good for 250 Volts AC.
I had one at one time myself. Only I used a 250 Volt AC X2 type cap designed to be use on power line connections.

In some couplers that may be all that is in them; a capacitor.

Others like the X10 Pro one has a set of tuned transformers in them and is tuned to the X10 line frequency of 120 KHz.

Others have a coil in series with the capacitor to tune it to around 120 KHz. The Smarthome one comes to mind. I found that exact setup in their Dryer Outlet one. A cap and coil in series. Connected to the 30 Amp pass through outlets two Line Pins.

Adding a simple cap may work fine; but is most likely not to code. Most of the preassembled ones also require a set of breakers dedicated to the coupler to meet code. Again some just use an existing set.

[FixItPete]

Thanks!  I think I'm going to go with the one for the dryer pass-through... safer is better.

Thanks again!

Pete

[tom j]

You really should consider Pro, think you would LOVE IT.

Tom j.

[FixItPete]

For this location I am going to stick with the old CM11A and the original Pro.  It works well.  I just installed the Booster/Bridge and everything seems to be working perfectly.  I want to fiddle with it some more...

I just ordered a cheap "guaranteed to work" $3.50 USB to Serial cable and software from eBay... if it doesn't work, the person promises to make good... so we'll see.

For a different location, once I'm certain that the CM11A is solid, I'll likely go with the Pro.

We'll see.

Just wanted to say thanks to all that helped!

Pete