Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length

Author Topic: Issues with installing X10 Modules in a Dorm Room  (Read 3366 times)

NightMadness

  • Newbie
  • Helpful Post Rating: 0
  • Posts: 2
Issues with installing X10 Modules in a Dorm Room
« on: October 02, 2010, 05:26:26 PM »

Dear X10 Forum Experts! ;D
I live in a dorm room in college. I have a lamp module and the transceiver (the one the only receives RF and is also a appliance module). I have 3 wall outlets. the 3 wall outlets don't seem to be able to talk to each other. as a last resort i would run a long cable but before i do that, i figured i would ask here if anyone faced this before and is there anything I can do to make the x10 signal go through?
 
the transceiver and module do work when connected to the same power outlet on the wall or a surge protector


P.S.
i don't want to go near the electric panels or circuit breakers also am I not allowed. :angel:
Logged

nybuck

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Helpful Post Rating: 17
  • Posts: 405
Re: Issues with installing X10 Modules in a Dorm Room
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2010, 05:36:05 PM »

I would not imagine that the outlets in your dorm room are all that far apart - electrically speaking.  I would guess it is noise on the lines, often caused by laptop or cell phone power supplies.

You can start by reading Jeff Volp's troubleshooting guide here:
http://jvde.us/x10/x10_filters.htm

Good luck!  ;D
Logged
>!

dave w

  • Community Organizer
  • Hero Member
  • ***
  • Helpful Post Rating: 139
  • Posts: 6116
Re: Issues with installing X10 Modules in a Dorm Room
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2010, 06:03:17 PM »

I live in a dorm room in college.
It isn't uncommon for large buildings to use 3 phase power. As nybuck implies, it is unlikely that some of the outlets in the room is on one of the other two phases...but it is possible. Try looking for noise sources like nybuck suggests, but the long extension cord may be your only alternative with out phase coupling devices which must be installed at and/or between circuit breaker panels.

Bummer, but is only for a few years.... :'
Logged
"This aftershave makes me look fat"

Brian H

  • Community Organizer
  • Hero Member
  • ***
  • Helpful Post Rating: 305
  • Posts: 13295
Re: Issues with installing X10 Modules in a Dorm Room
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2010, 06:42:14 PM »

Try unplugging your computer or laptops AC cord and see if things change.
Also do not have the TM751 transceiver or the lamp modules on a surge suppressor. Many have noise filters in them that X10 signals are absorbed as noise.
Logged

HA Dave

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Helpful Post Rating: 175
  • Posts: 7127
Re: Issues with installing X10 Modules in a Dorm Room
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2010, 07:36:30 PM »

...... as a last resort i would run a long cable but before i do that, i figured i would ask here if anyone faced this before and is there anything I can do to make the x10 signal go through?

Everyones replies were very good.... also try moving the TM751 to one or both of the other outlets and see if that helps. But before you run a cord accross the room... you could just use a 2nd (or even 3rd) TM751 and get the same result.
Logged
Home Automation is an always changing technology

Brandt

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Helpful Post Rating: 11
  • Posts: 728
  • Sorry miss, I was giving myself an oil-job.
Re: Issues with installing X10 Modules in a Dorm Room
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2010, 10:42:33 PM »

Plug the lamp into the TM751 and turn it on/off with Unit code 1 of whatever housecode it is set to. I don't recommend A.
Logged

NightMadness

  • Newbie
  • Helpful Post Rating: 0
  • Posts: 2
Re: Issues with installing X10 Modules in a Dorm Room
« Reply #6 on: October 03, 2010, 01:34:03 AM »


I would not imagine that the outlets in your dorm room are all that far apart - electrically speaking.  I would guess it is noise on the lines, often caused by laptop or cell phone power supplies.

The problematic outlet is connected to a wall switch could that switch could be filtering somehow?
the signal wont transfer to the switched outlet from any other outlets.
As you suggested, I even tried unplugging everything in the room, laptop charger, cell phone charger and my fan.
Logged

Mellowmark

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Helpful Post Rating: 6
  • Posts: 195
  • M M Electric
Re: Issues with installing X10 Modules in a Dorm Room
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2010, 07:37:01 AM »

One if the two outlet are on a different circuit. It probably is on another phase and you will have a coupling issue.  If you plan on keeping it simple using multiple transceivers will help allot. They also will make good gifts when you graduate.  Use the R5501 unit instead of the TM751. They will bridge the gap without having to effect  any thing outside your room.  And they play nice together

Also make sure you leave the switch on all the time. If it is off the signal will not get to the device you want to controll.

Worst case you will need a R5501 And a lamp module at each location for dimming control.
Look at it this way it's only one room. 

Have fun It is only the beginning.
Logged
M M ElectricMan
 

X10.com | About X10 | X10 Security Systems | Cameras| Package Deals
© Copyright 2014-2016 X10.com All rights reserved.