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[Dumpster]

I'll start off assuming that it's the operator, but I'm very disappointed with the software and hardware purchased so for for AHP.

1. The interface device can't seem to be cleared. Try as I might, every time I try to clear it, the memory usage remains unchanged. In addition, even when I change the amount of dimming for a device macro using RF commands (say from 10% to 70%), the 10% dim still persists. If I change my macro from interface device to PC, then I get the right amount of dimming. If I change it back to interface device and _download_ it still sends out 10%. No matter what I do, the interface device seems to retain the old value.

2. The manual has very little information about what different menu commands are supposed to do. e.g. File -> Merge or Tools -> Clear interface memory.

This is good for starters. Overall, I'm very unhappy with the results I'm getting. I've been using the X10 products for over 20 years but it seems my venture into this software and RF world of X10 is changing my whole attitude toward the company. 

[Dan Lawrence]

Since you are new purchaser of AHP/CM15A, be aware X10 sends you AHP version 3.236, which is considered a buggy version.  Here's what you can do to get a stable version of AHP.

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.  When it is installed, open AHP and use the update link under Help to update AHP to version 3.228, the last good release of AHP.

[Brian H]

Newer wall modules and lamp modules are soft start and AHP has to be fooled to have them work better.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Newer_Wall_Switches_and_Preset_Dim
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/SoftStart

There is more detailed AHP information in the X10 wiki.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/ActiveHome_Pro

[Dumpster]

First, thank you for the suggestions. 

I've dowloaded and installed 3.204 but when I select to update, AHP closes but nothing else happens. I've tried rebooting w/ the same result. I am now 'stuck' at 3.204 for now but will re-install 3.236 if I hear nothing new. 

Thank you for the info and links to the wiki's.

One of the things I've found is that the memory usage report (tools-> hardware config) is based on the file that is open at the time, not a query of the connected interface device. Therefore, after a clear interface memory command (tools -> clear interface memeory), nothing changes in this report. 

[Brian H]

I had the samething happen to me.
I used eagle's manual update method and it worked.

Here is a thread on the upgrade.

http://forums.x10.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=dfj4eoeq205d9d5eb71a546ej5&topic=15240.15

Look at page 2 eagle gave directions on how to manually install the update.
It is on your computer, if you ran the find updates, but for reasons unknown. Does not autorun.

[Dumpster]

OK. These instructions worked. Now at 3.228.

Back to real issue ...
I'm trying something very simple  Macro, K5, with one RF command, set M5 absolute 50% ...
But the activity log shows a command to dim 10%.
Events Report : 06/20/2010 11:27:38.843
Event Date/Time Action Data
0 6/20/2010 11:18:41 AM Transmit RF M5 Off
1 6/20/2010 11:18:42 AM Transmit RF M5 On
2 6/20/2010 11:18:42 AM Receive M5
3 6/20/2010 11:18:43 AM Receive M Off
4 6/20/2010 11:18:43 AM Transmit RF M Dim
5 6/20/2010 11:18:43 AM Receive M5
6 6/20/2010 11:18:44 AM Receive M On
7 6/20/2010 11:18:44 AM Receive M Dim 10

If I use a module to do the same thing, I get this in the log.
Events Report : 06/20/2010 11:32:39.828
Event Date/Time Action Data
0 6/20/2010 11:32:08 AM Transmit M Dim 40(M5 test module)

I need to Tx RF to reach the module as it's not responding over the wire.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

[Brian H]

What is the M5 module?
No X10 power line modules have an RF receiver in them. Except the transceivers and a few of the consoles.
Are you sending the RF to a transceiver in a different part of the home. To get the signal to the M5 addressed module?

[Dumpster]

The M5 is a WS467 wall switch. (actually, M5 doesn't exist, i'm test for M4 but don't want to keep turning the light on/off all day )
I'm using an TM751 to receive the RF commands.

In any case, the RF commands being xmitted appear to be wrong.
RF command coded: DIM 40%. RF command logged: DIM.
I expected the RF command Tx'd to be DIM 40 no matter what since the RF command doesn't consider the type of module receiving the command.

If I program the macro to turn off, turn on, dim50, dim50, dim50, dim50 I see the desired results in the log (4 DIMs).

Thx!

[Dan Lawrence]

If the WS467 is set to M5, no M4 command will affect it.  If another module is set to M4, it's reacting to the signals.

[Dumpster]

Thank you Dan, but I'm trying to trouble shoot the actual RF command right now.
(I probably shouldn't have mentioned M4 as it appears to have muddied things.)
M5 doesn't exist. I'm not observing the actual behavior, but viewing the log.

For example, when the RF command is programmed for M5 60% absolute,
the log shows what is getting Tx'd is simply DIM, not DIM 40%.

0 6/20/2010 11:18:41 AM Transmit RF M5 Off
1 6/20/2010 11:18:42 AM Transmit RF M5 On
4 6/20/2010 11:18:43 AM Transmit RF M Dim


p.s. I originally observed this problem with my M4 module. No matter what I programmed the M4 RF dim command for, it never dimmed more than 10%, ever. I began looking at the log and saw that the RF command never went out with what I programmed it for. So, rather than sitting here turning M4 on/off for hours, I started testing with M5 since the RF command doesn't care if the device exists or not. It just transmits blindly. Hope this clears up any confusion

[dave w]

Dumpster
I came to this party late so go easy on me, but must ask why - o - why are you issuing RF commands to PLC modules?  

I believe Brian H addressed this, but telling the CM15A to control a plug in module or wall switch (both controlled by PLC commands, not RF) via RF commands is like walking around the block to get to the back door. Under these conditions, I doubt the activity log would have accurate logging.
As example: in your macros, don't issue as RF commands unless you are controlling a Ninja camera base or a TM751 tranceiver.

[Knightrider]

This may get stranger, as I have tried to duplicate the problem and come up with a 5% drop over Dumpster's 10%.

[Dumpster]

I came to this party late so go easy on me, but must ask why - o - why are you issuing RF commands to PLC modules?

Late is fine! Great to be getting some help
I'm using RF commands because the PLC commands are not reaching the modules.
I've been using X10 modules for years and this has always been a problem in this house. 

I believe Brian H addressed this, but telling the CM15A to control a plug in module or wall switch (both controlled by PLC commands, not RF) via RF commands is like walking around the block to get to the back door. Under these conditions, I doubt the activity log would have accurate logging.
As example: in your macros, don't issue as RF commands unless you are controlling a Ninja camera base or a TM751 tranceiver

Yes, I realize this is not a good situation, but for whatever reasons, this is my current situation and I'm not yet in the mood to pay an electrician to install a phase coupler  (gonna be running around to the back door for now ) Ref X10 help article http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Setting_The_CM15A_to_send_RF_Commands


In any case, if one is going to sell a product with advertised features, one would like them to work. I started out saying this could very well be operator error, but for now, it still seems like a bug to me. 

[dave w]

I'm using RF commands because the PLC commands are not reaching the modules.

Ah-ha! I understand now.

Although my guess is a repeater would solve your problems. As far a electrician to wire up a repeater (IMHO don't mess with a passive coupler), altough I am not a fan of the Smarthome.com clothes dryer outlet repeater,  it has a fair track record and requires no wiring.

As far as your problem being a "bug" or "the operator"...my money is on "bug".

[Dumpster]

Although my guess is a repeater would solve your problems

I hadn't noticed such a device. I'll go take a look 
Thx!