XPS3/XPSS issues with CFLs - HELP, going crazy

[Brian H]

The electronics in the daylight sensor may cause a noise problem with CFLs if it uses a triac style component. If it has a relay control less likely to be a problem.

So the sensor maybe causing a problem.

[ggrote]

Makes sense ... I have no idea what the guts are ... they are builder-grade units and some are already faded from the sun ... I haven't tried CFLs in them because I understood that the WS467 wasn't compatible with CFLs ... I've been shopping around for replacement fixtures with motion sensors built in so that I wouldn't even need the X10 stuff, but I have yet to find a model that has the looks and functionality that I want for an affordable price (I have 14 of them around the house, so every $20 matters!).

But maybe I will yank one of the fixtures down and temporarily replace it with a basic fixture and see if that makes a difference in how well the WS467 performs ... as long as someone from the HOA doesn't wander by while I'm in the act 

[madbrain]

I finally had the Leviton 6287 filters installed between the XPS3's and the load. Went through great expense to have an electrician install an extra box in the home theater.
Unfortunately, no change to the behavior. IR543 still hangs when trying to turn off the lights during the bulb warm-up period. Sigh.

[Brian H]

Are the CFLs in question. Physically shining on the IR543?
I have seen reports of some IR devices being confused IR emissions. Like from plasma TVs or maybe warming up CFLs.

[madbrain]

Brian,

I moved the IR543 inside my AV rack as opposed to on top of it. So the ceiling light from the CFLs doesn't shine directly on it. The issue is still the same. The IR543 freezes, and lights can no longer be turned off via remote. Most of the CFLs are FEIT brand.

There is no plasma TV in the room. Nothing else was producing any light except the CFLs. I just entered a completely dark room (no windows), pressed the XPS3 switch on the wall to turn on lights. Then went to the couch to turn them off via IR remote. Then IR543 froze.

[dave w]

When the XPS3s and IR543 were first installed, and I had the incandescents in there, there was no issue.

With the 6287s you have pretty much eliminated CFL electrical noise. Not much left but optical noise from the CFLs. Either go back to incandescents. Go back to incandescents for the cans closest to the IR. Or try putting a "awning" or focusing tube over the IR pickup in the IR543.

[madbrain]

Brian,

I just noticed that when I put my hand in front of the IR543 when it was locked, it unlocked immediately. This was repeatable.
At this point, it looks like it is indeed some of the light from the CFLs still reaching into the front and confusing the IR543 ...
I pushed the IR543 further back into the rack so it will receive even less / no lights from the CFLs .. I will have to check again since the bulbs are now warm.

I have at least 12 IR components in the same location and none of them experience any problem from the CFLs receiving IR signals, from the same Sony RM-AV2500 universal remote that I am using to control the IR543.
I am inclined to say the IR543 is a piece of crap. Wish there was something else out there that didn't get this kind of interference .

[Brian H]

I looked at the X10 IR protocol.
It seems to be a fairly simple code and uses a 40KHz IR pulse.
I then looked at some of the CFL specifications I found online.
Seems some CFLs use a 45KHz frequency for their electronics. Some are lower like 35KHz.
Maybe when cold they are close to the 40KHz IR pulses used by the IR543.

[dave w]

Madbrain, did you read my Apr 24  12:19:32 PM post?

Try a 1" piece of 1/2 PVC tube as a shield on the IR pickup of the IR543

[madbrain]

Dave,

Madbrain, did you read my Apr 24  12:19:32 PM post?

Try a 1" piece of 1/2 PVC tube as a shield on the IR pickup of the IR543

Yes, I read your post. I think any shield is likely to prevent the signal from the remote from getting through. I need a wide enough range as I use the remote from far away (20ft).
I don't think that's very practical.

[madbrain]

I looked at the X10 IR protocol.
It seems to be a fairly simple code and uses a 40KHz IR pulse.
I then looked at some of the CFL specifications I found online.
Seems some CFLs use a 45KHz frequency for their electronics. Some are lower like 35KHz.
Maybe when cold they are close to the 40KHz IR pulses used by the IR543.

Don't most IR remotes/devices use 40 kHz ?
None of the other A/V devices with IR receivers are affected. Only the IR543 .

[dave w]

I think any shield is likely to prevent the signal from the remote from getting through. I need a wide enough range as I use the remote from far away (20ft).
I don't think that's very practical.

Yes, it would definitely make the input to the IR543 far more directional, which was the idea.
At least you have confirmed it is a optical problem between the IR543 and the CLFs. If you can't fix it at the 543 end that leaves the CFLs for resolution. Maybe a different brand?
Good Luck.

[Brian H]

X10s designs are not state of the art. So it just could be the design of the IR543s electronics.

I actually found a schematic of the IR543 in an old Circuit Cellar Magazine Article.
Since it was in the June/July 1989 magazine it maybe diffrent in newer units.
Not allot in the IR detection section.