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[LHFARM]

We remodeled and completely rewired our home in the mid-90s.  I had been using X-10 prior to that but upgraded to Leviton switches.  I've controlled my water pump in an underground pump house.  On the same circuit (some 200' from the house) is my CarTel driveway alert.  I run HomeSeer and switched from a CM11a to a TI103 a couple of months ago.  I've also added Z-wave during the past year.  The transformer (our drive is 1400' long, through the woods) feeds a 340(?) amp base, which feeds 200 amp panels in the stand-alone garage, 200 amp panel in the barn (some 450' from the meter) and a 200 amp panel in the house.  In the house is a second 100 amp sub-panel and an automatic transfer switch panel for our stand-by generator.  The generator and barn were added in the past year.

All had been working well, including sending X-10 to the barn to start the heater block on my tractor.  My CarTel unit stopped working and I replaced the Powerflash unit.  That didn't solve the problem.  It would work sometimes, but not consistently.  I had replaced the water pump in the pump house (after the problems began), but added a 20amp filter, just to be sure I didn't have a noise problem.  That didn't solve the problem. I replaced my Leviton 6299 coupler with a XPCR coupler/repeater.

After searching here, I ordered an XTBM from Jeff and it arrived today.  There are very low signals in lots of places.  I measured at the one outlet half way to the pump house and it read 0.02.  I can't get into the pump house until this weekend because of the cold.  What are the chances that the signal sucker is on different circuit?  The pump house and the TI103 are on separate circuits in the transfer switch.

Any advise on how to proceed greatly appreciated.

Barry

[Brian H]

I bought some Intermatic Home Settings ZWave devices when they where discontinued. Mostly as a curiosity and they where dirt cheap

I found they are a severe power line signal sucker. Since they are RF only. They used a .1uf 275 volt AC power line rated capactor. Directly across the AC power input.

Part of your problem maybe the ZWave devices you installed.
Though it does sounds like you have many paths the signals are traveling.

With you XTBM connected. You could maybe unplug some devices {ZWave and other electronic devices} and see how the signal levels are effected.
If the ZWave modules are wall switches. They may have a safety disconnect switch for changing bulbs safely. You could toggle off.

http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm
http://www.act-remote.com/PCC/uncle.htm

[LHFARM]

I did find one Intermatic lamp module that was definitely sucking signals on one circuit.  With it plugged in, I got a reading of 0.36.  Unplugged I got a reading of 1.23.  I only have 3 of these.  The others seemed to make only a minor difference, but there was a difference.  I have 5 Leviton Z-wave switches and 1 ACT.  I'll have to kill the circuits to test those.

It is 10 degrees here, so haven't tested the pump house or garage to see if there is an improvement on those circuits.  I do appreciate you pointing me in the direction of the Z-wave units.

Barry

[dave w]

It is 10 degrees here,

Yeah, same here.   

I have found a three word mantra which seems to help if I keep repeating it:

"Tampa, Datona, Pensacola,"  "Tampa, Datona, Pensacola," "Tampa, Datona, Pensacola," "Tampa, Datona, Pensacola,"

[LHFARM]

OK, moved the TI103 circuit to the main panel (have spare breakers since adding the generator).  The numbers just pretty much reversed- i.e. in the kitchen an outlet that was reading 0.07 now reads 1.34 and another that was 2.03 is now 0.13.  So what does this mean?

I'm assuming I've swapped phases, but does it also mean the new coupler isn't working?  Guess it is OK, since I just replaced the old coupler and the results are the same.

Suggested next steps?

Barry

[dave w]

Did you disconnect the Z-Wave stuff and retest?

To me the low signal indicates you do have the TI103 on the other phase and that phase has a nasty signal sucker(s) on it, assuming the XTBM did not indicate noise.

BTW you said you moved the TI103 to the main panel, how long is your serial run from the computer (nothing to do with your delimma, I run Homeseer and TI103 also and have wondered how for I can I can separate from PC).

[LHFARM]

First, have a dedicated circuit for the TI103 in the media closet.  So just moved it to a different breaker.

Now FOR THE BIG FIND    The coupler was not wired correctly 15 years ago.  It was wired to a breaker on each SIDE of the panel, but ON THE SAME PHASE.  So I've seen an improvement everywhere.  I do have the one Z-wave unit and a surge protector that is doing some serious sucking.  I'll replace that, along with filtering my HP laptop.

Drove down the drive and no alarm, so problem not solved yet.  Still think there is a big sucker out there.
Barry

[Brian H]

Finding the miswired coupler is a start in the right direction.

[LHFARM]

I knew something wasn't right when I changed the circuit and signals flipped.  The XPCR was blinking like it was working, but something wasn't right.  Can't believe that it has worked as well as it has for 15 years.

That signal meter is a really great tool.  Sure glad I purchased one.

Thanks,
Barry

[Brian H]

Yes the XTBM is a good troubleshooting tool.
I have a ELK ESM1 and a Smarthome TesterLinc. Both are OK, but my XTBM is my new favorite.