Module will not turn on with timer but turns off with same timer

[cajunrc]

I just switched from another program to AHP and I have a Wall dimmer that will not turn on with timer but turns off with same timer.  I can turn it on from AHP.  The version I have is 3.236

[eagle]

You may need to retrograde to an earlier version.  V3.228.

Just do a quick search or go the FAQ thread and you'll find all sorts of info about this including how to revert to the earlier version.

r,
eagle

[-Bill- (of wgjohns.com)]

I just switched from another program to AHP and I have a Wall dimmer that will not turn on with timer but turns off with same timer.  I can turn it on from AHP.  The version I have is 3.236

Have you changed the option under the AHP tools menu to "Send ON instead of BRIGHT 100" in macros?

[cajunrc]

I just changed to send on in modules.  I will see tonight if that works.  I had been using another program for the last 4 years and never had this problem.

[Dan Lawrence]

If it still won't turn on but turns off, then the problem is 3.236.  You will need to downgrade.

[cajunrc]

It still did not work,  I'll try the other solution.

[cajunrc]

If it still won't turn on but turns off, then the problem is 3.236.  You will need to downgrade.

I tried to find the link for downgrading to 3.228 but can't find any info on how to do it.

[Dan Lawrence]

Here's what you need:  Go to http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/activehome/  and look for ahp_updt_204.exe .  Save that and apply it over what you have now.   It will not affect any macros or timers you have now.  Once it is installed, open AHP and use the update link (or the flashing "Update Available" in the right hand bottom corner) to update AHP to version 3.228.

[cajunrc]

Downloaded and installed V3.228 Set new timer, still will not turn on but will turn off. Changed to "on" in place of Bright 100 in macros.  Set another new timer and still did not turn on.

[Boiler]

Hello cajunrc,

While AHP 3.236 did have some issues with timers, if your dimmer is turning off the timer function is operating properly.

Chances are you are using a "Soft-Start" dimmer.  We normally recommend using the LM14a module within AHP to operate soft start units.  We have a tutorial on these units over here: Soft Start Dimmer Problems.

The issue with these units is that they will not activate in response to a "Bright" command from the CM15a.  Older dimmer units would activate.

The tutorial may be a bit dated.  It was written using AHP V3.204.  As a result, some of the command sequences may have changed in later versions of AHP.

At the time the tutorial was written, AHP would execute commands as follows, depending on the options settings:

1) Simple on commands with "Issue on in place of bright 100%" unchecked.

AHP Timer
Send A1 On

X10 Communication
Transmit A1
Transmit A1, Bright 100% - This will not activate a soft start unit

2) Simple on commands with "Issue on in place of bright 100%" checked.

AHP Timer
Send A1 On

X10 Communication
Transmit A1
Transmit A1, On - bright 100% has been replaced with a simple ON command.  This works with the soft start units

3) Bright % commands ("Issue on in place of bright 100%" has no affect on these).

AHP Timer
Send A1 90%

X10 Communication
Transmit A1
Transmit A1, Bright 100% - Command starts with the bright 100% to get the module to a "known" level. This will not activate a soft start unit
Transmit A1, Dim 10%

4) Workaround Bright % commands ("Issue on in place of bright 100%" checked).

AHP Timer
Send A1 ON
Send A1 90%

X10 Communication
Transmit A1
Transmit A1, ON - Simple on command to get the module to start.  Note that this will activate the resume dim feature.  The module may not go to 100%
Transmit A1, dim 10% - The unit will respond to the dim command but may be at the wrong level due to the resume dim

5) Resume dim workaround ("Issue on in place of bright 100%" checked).

AHP Timer
Send A1 ON
Send A1 100%
Send A1 90%

X10 Communication
Transmit A1
Transmit A1, ON - Simple on command to get the module to start.  Note that this will activate the resume dim feature.  The module may not go to 100%
Transmit A1, Bright 100% Make sure the unit is at 100%
Transmit A1, dim 10% - dim the unit to 90%


6) LM14a interface (Re-identify the module as a LM14a within AHP).

AHP Timer
Send A1 90%

X10 Communication
Transmit A1
Transmit A1, Extended Code Bright - One command Instructs the unit to go to the proper level.  No problems with starting or resume dim.

[cajunrc]

This module is a WS467 which I have used for over 5 years.  I changed from the other software that worked this module and everything else because it would not run in Vista or Windows 7.  I have never had problems of this nature before, so the only thing I can assume is the problem is in AHP and should be fixed.

[Boiler]

cajunrc,

If your WS467 is 5 years old it may not be a soft start unit.  Please verify whether the unit ramps on slowly in response to a local button press and post back.

Please do not infer that I am in any way defending AHP.  On the contrary, I view the new features in the "soft start" as high end features.  It's the software that is fouled up and it's the reason I moved to "other technology" two years ago.

I don't spend much time on the forum these days.  I simply saw your post and thought I might be able to help...

[Dan Lawrence]

It's not an AHP problem. I suspect it's a noise problem.  There is some device in the room that blocks X10 signals went the timer turns the module on, but is turned off when the timer turns the device on.  Check what's else in the room besides the x10 controlled light/unit.  Get back to us with a list of what's in the room.  Also what's NEW in the room.

[Brian H]

Here is the data on the newer (2007) soft start WS467s.
If your are older some of the suggestions for newer ones do not work.

http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Newer_Wall_Switches_and_Preset_Dim

[Dan Lawrence]

I just switched from another program to AHP and I have a Wall dimmer that will not turn on with timer but turns off with same timer.  I can turn it on from AHP.  The version I have is 3.236

What was the "other program"?