X10 System still not stable

[FixItPete]

 

I am running a CM11A to control lamp modules, appliance modules, and 2 socket rockets.

I have some of them setup as timers and there are times when I come home and the lights are not on as they should be, or they go off when they shouldn't.  Some of the lights work well and are stable, but one of the socket rockets often doesn't work when it should and one of the switch modules goes off when it shouldn't (for example).

I have installed a Signalinc Repeater 3WIRE 220V Coupler & Signal Repeater and that *helped* a lot, but I still have these issues.

What else can I do?

Thanks,
Pete

[Jsnlong]

Have you looked in to noise signals or signal suckers.

http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=7951.0

[FixItPete]

I have not, and I likely have A LOT of "suckers"...

Lots to read...

[Jsnlong]

Yea everything thing is different. I have 4 cell phone chargers plugged in with no problems but others have found them to be a mess. My LCD TV plays tricks with any X10 stuff plugged into the same outlet.


SO have fun on the "Sucker" search.. It really s just  unplugging things to see if that helps takes awhile but will help allot.

[dave w]

I have not, and I likely have A LOT of "suckers"...

Lots to read...

More than likely you will have more noise generators than signal suckers, but the outcome is the same....X10 does not work.

Like Jsnlong said, start unplugging things. Noise generators are things like newer TVs, especially flat panels, computers, "wall warts" with switching power supplies like cell phone chargers (any wall wart that feels much lighter in weight than the wall wart that powered your cordless phone of eight years ago), Game Boy power supplies, microwaves, "power bricks" for your notebook, etc.

Signal Suckers can be UPS for computer, or power strips with surge suppressors and "EMI" "RFI" filtering.

[FixItPete]

I do have a lot of power strips...

This should be fun. 

[x10dude]

Pete,

I had ALL sorts of noise generators when I jumped on X10 (a couple of months ago, and it seems like forever now). I ended up getting a bunch of noise filters (4-15amp & 15-5amp). I've used all of them in the process of addressing my issues. I recommend you go on eBay and buy a bunch of the 5amp filters and use one for each power strip to make sure the strips or whatever ends up plugged in doesn't cause noise. Of course, this exercise may help you determine what you REALLY need plugged in. Sometimes, for convenience, we left stuff plugged in (phone chargers, laptop chargers, etc.), but now, everyone at home is "trained" to only use the power strips that are plugged into a noise filter.

BTW, the biggest noise generators for me were my sound system (component rack), my washing machine, my wine fridge, and my high-end UPS system. They overpowered most of the smaller filters in other parts of the house until I put 15amp filters on each of them.

[dave w]

I do have a lot of power strips...

This should be fun. 

A simple power strip, or strip with surge protection isn't likely to be a problem. If they say anything about "filtering", then that could be a problem.

You can also try "brute force isolation". Select a light/location that reliabaly does not work. Now you need to start sending repeated ON-OFF to the Appliance Module, either with the CM11, or a remote and a TM751. Beginswitching off breakers one by one and check each time for the light to be flashing. Obviously avoid turning off breakers for the CM11 circuit and the non working light. If the light begins working, the breaker you just tripped off contains a big noise maker or a signal sucker. From that point it is easier to isolate the offender.

[FixItPete]

Thanks for all the advice gang.

Get this.  I'm already to do my "checking" to see what could be the cause... guess what?

The system is now working like it should!

UGH! LOL.  I'll wait until it happens again and log it.  I'll get to the bottom of it.  The "filters" are pretty inexpensive on eBay... so I'm sure I can solve the problem.

Thanks again,
Pete