Lamp Module Poltergeist

[Brian H]

Are the modules lamp modules or appliance modules?
Unless they are dimmable. CFL normally should not be used with lamp modules.
Older appliance modules had local control that sometimes would turn CFLs back on.

[gluasad]

Are the modules lamp modules or appliance modules?
Unless they are dimmable. CFL normally should not be used with lamp modules.
Older appliance modules had local control that sometimes would turn CFLs back on.

Brian H,

They are lamp modules (LM465).  The bulb I was using was CFL but once I replaced it with a regular incandescent bulb the problem went away.

Thanks again.


PS, I have another little problem that you may be able to answer.  On one outlet in my house I have another LM465 plugged in.  I can turn it on and off using my palm remote and my keychain remote but I can't turn it on and off from the ActiveHome Pro software.  The weird thing is, when I turn it on or off using one of the remotes the switch in the ActiveHome Pro software switches on and off but when I try and switch it on or off from the actual software interface nothing happens.  Weird!

Thanks.

[Brian H]

Are the lamp modules the newer soft start ones?
If so what do you have it defined as in AHP?

[gluasad]

Brian H,

I purchased them very recently from x10.com and only received them 2 weeks ago.  I think they are the newer soft start variety.
In AHP I have them defined as Lamp Module.

Thanks

[Brian H]

I believe it was a few years ago soft start was introduced.

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

[dave w]

The weird thing is, when I turn it on or off using one of the remotes the switch in the ActiveHome Pro software switches on and off but when I try and switch it on or off from the actual software interface nothing happens.  Weird!

Is the CM15A your only transceiver for the RF remotes? (No Tm751)

[gluasad]

The weird thing is, when I turn it on or off using one of the remotes the switch in the ActiveHome Pro software switches on and off but when I try and switch it on or off from the actual software interface nothing happens.  Weird!

Is the CM15A your only transceiver for the RF remotes? (No Tm751)

Hi Dave,

I have both the CM15A and the Tm751

[Brian H]

Well the TM751 is not polite. So if it is on the same house code and also being tranceived by the CM15A it could garbage signals from the CM15A.

It almost sounds like in your case. You have a power line signal probelm. The TM751s power line signal can reach the modules in question. While the CM15As power line signal is not reaching the modules in question. The remotes RF signal is enough for AHP to send the signal even though it didn't make it. While the screen does change.

[dave w]

It almost sounds like in your case. You have a power line signal probelm. The TM751s power line signal can reach the modules in question. While the CM15As power line signal is not reaching the modules in question. The remotes RF signal is enough for AHP to send the signal even though it didn't make it. While the screen does change.

Yep, that's exactly what I was thinking also when I asked about a second transceiver. I think you nailed it.

gluasad, several forum "oldies" have documented that the CM15A has a lower X10 output compared to the older CM11A. I think this also applied to the RR501 and TM751 transceivers.

Have you thought about investing in a repeater and dump the TM751?

[gluasad]

It almost sounds like in your case. You have a power line signal probelm. The TM751s power line signal can reach the modules in question. While the CM15As power line signal is not reaching the modules in question. The remotes RF signal is enough for AHP to send the signal even though it didn't make it. While the screen does change.

Yep, that's exactly what I was thinking also when I asked about a second transceiver. I think you nailed it.

gluasad, several forum "oldies" have documented that the CM15A has a lower X10 output compared to the older CM11A. I think this also applied to the RR501 and TM751 transceivers.

Have you thought about investing in a repeater and dump the TM751?

Hi guys,

Hadn't thought about that but it looks like I may have to.  Although , I may keep the TM751 and use it for an isolated application.  In my home theatre room when I watch a movie and need to dim the lights.    Otherwise yeah, I think I will invest in the repeater.

Thanks guys, for all the help.

[Dan Lawrence]

BTW for "soft start" modules, use the LM14A for Lamp Modules and the AM15A for Appliance Modules.  Both are no longer made, but AHP still has them.

[gluasad]

I'm ok with buying the repeater but I wonder if someone could point me towards a supplier that has some in stock.  x10.com seems to be out of them and not taking orders for them.

Thanks.

[Brian H]

Many here including myself use the XTB-IIR. It blasts signals back on the power line.
http://jvde.us//xtb/XTB-IIR_description.htm

The ACT CR234 is also a very good one.
http://www.act-remote.com/PCC/PCCSpecs/cr234_spec.pdf

Some other brands have been reported to cause power line signal firestorms in some installations.

[gluasad]

Many here including myself use the XTB-IIR. It blasts signals back on the power line.
http://jvde.us//xtb/XTB-IIR_description.htm

The ACT CR234 is also a very good one.
http://www.act-remote.com/PCC/PCCSpecs/cr234_spec.pdf

Some other brands have been reported to cause power line signal firestorms in some installations.

Would this be one of the brands causing the power line signal firestorms? http://www.aartech.ca/4826a-smarthome-mfg-signalinc-repeater-4-wire.html

[Brian H]

I know the X10Pro XPCR and Leviton HCA02-10E have been reported as problems.
The Smarthome 4826 has a few threads here. A search for 4826 should find them.
I had a three pin version for my dryer and with a two way LM14A and AM14A. I got a few firestorms when they power up and requested a status from the controller.

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