Slimfire Signal Distance Problems

Started by dstartz, October 17, 2010, 07:38:00 PM

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dstartz

I recently installed a Universal Module X-10 (UM506/PUM01) connected to magnetic contacts attached to my garage door. I set up macros in my AHP to turn on a light in the house and sound a remote chime (SC546a) when the door opens and keep the light on as long as the door is open. Once the door closes the light goes out and the chime sounds again. (That way I can hear if the door has closed if I can't see the light.)

Today I installed a Powerflash module(PSC01/PF284) inline with my garage door opener. I set up a macros in my AHP so that the chime sounds when the Powerflash is activated (double chime says the door is opening; single says it's closing).

My plan was to use a Slimfire remote (KR19A) to activate the Powerflash, but I'm having trouble getting it to activate from a distance. I installed a transceiver (TM751) in the garage and now if the garage door is closed and the Slimfire is on the outside the opener will activate, but only if you're no more than 4' from the door. (The transceiver is just inside the garage door.)  :-\

What can I do to extend the distance I can be from my house and still get my garage door to activate using the Slimline?

(I'm trying to use Slimlines so that I can have additional garage door openers w/o spending a fortune.)

HA Dave

Quote from: dstartz on October 17, 2010, 07:38:00 PM
What can I do to extend the distance I can be from my house and still get my garage door to activate using the Slimline?
(I'm trying to use Slimlines so that I can have additional garage door openers w/o spending a fortune.)

What I think your saying is.... your using a Universal Module to open your garage door... and you want to extend the range of the Slimfire remote (KR19A)/transceiver (TM751) setup.

Since you must have a door opener installed... I'd just pick-up a new [garage door] remote for it at sears or your local garage door place or big box store. They are cheap and much, MUCH more secure than X10. You can even look on-line for cheap prices.

But if you want to increase the X10 RF range around that big metal door.... get as far away from the metal door as you can. The metal garage door grounds out the RF signal [sorta].
Home Automation is an always changing technology

dstartz

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on October 17, 2010, 08:04:02 PM
get as far away from the metal door as you can

Do mean get the Powerflash, the transceiver or the Slimfire as far away from the metal door as I can?

HA Dave

#3
Quote from: dstartz on October 17, 2010, 08:36:55 PM
Do mean get the Powerflash, the transceiver or the Slimfire as far away from the metal door as I can?

The antenna of the transceiver. Near a window would be best. And you can use an extention cord if needed.
Home Automation is an always changing technology