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Author Topic: Socket Rockets takes new code... Then forgets.  (Read 4391 times)

Caggeyder

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Socket Rockets takes new code... Then forgets.
« on: March 23, 2011, 04:29:40 PM »

I have six socket rockets, and all of them have had the same issue... I can get them to program in a lamp, then they don't work after I uninstall them from that lamp and put them someplace else... I thought they were supposed to retain their code... I also don't seem to be able to reprogram them after that, though the programming has been something of an issue overall so that may be why that isn't working. I've tried reprogramming them with my NStinct remote, but that also doesn't seem to work. I've just gotten the entire kit today, and this is the first thing I want to get working.. I've got very little electrical expertise though, I'm afraid.
If anyone could provide any troubleshooting or insight into this I'd appreciate it greatly. Thank you.

I had the lamp module working with my PC as a test case, if that is of any use... These are the components/software I have, only the software/pc module is installed, and the socket rockets which I cannot get to work.

1   3-pin Appliance Module   AM466
1   ActiveHome Pro Computer Interface and USB cable   CM15A
1   Camera Remote Controller   CR12A
1   Console for DC8700 Monitor Plus Security System   DC821
1   Nstinct Remote   IR34A
6   Screw-in Lamp Module   LM15A
1   Lamp Module   LM465
4   EagleEye Motion Sensor   MS14A
1   Slimline Switch Decorator White   SS13A
1   Small Wireless Transceiver   TM751
1   Wireless Night Watch B/W camera   XX20A
ActiveHome Professional Software
AHP Plugin - Security
ActiveHome Pro Smart Macro Plug-in
AHP Plugin - AVX - Video
AHP Plugin - ANT - Network
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Brian H

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Re: Socket Rockets takes new code... Then forgets.
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2011, 04:37:59 PM »

If they where forgetting. A1 is the default.
Try a command to A1 and see if it then responds.

Try moving it back to the programming lamp and send the address you programmed into it.
If it has not changed.
It should go on at the first command.

If they are still responding to the new address in the test lamp but not where you moved them to.
You may have power line signal problems to the new areas.
http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm
http://www.act-remote.com/PCC/uncle.htm
http://www.davehouston.net/noise.htm
http://www.davehouston.net/coupling.htm
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Caggeyder

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Re: Socket Rockets takes new code... Then forgets.
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2011, 05:11:19 PM »

Thanks for the rapid response, when I moved a couple of them back to the test lamp which is plugged into the same socket they started working on the signal I programmed them to.. They will turn on via the PC command, NStinct command and SS13A command, but will not turn off through any of those means, and I attempted to use the SS13A to try it in the other room, and I'm assuming I just have too much electrical interference in between the CM15A and the LM15A... Does living in a quadruplex apartment building make this system essentially untenable, and a signal will be unable to travel the requisite 30 feet?
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dave w

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Re: Socket Rockets takes new code... Then forgets.
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2011, 05:40:34 PM »

when I moved a couple of them back to the test lamp which is plugged into the same socket they started working on the signal I programmed them to.. They will turn on via the PC command, NStinct command and SS13A command, but will not turn off through any of those means,
ON but no OFF...are you using CFL's? Certain brands of CFL bulbs put electrical noise on the powerline when on, hence, the X10 OFF signal can't get through. Try them with a standard incandescent bulb as a test.

If you can turn the SRs on but not off, it isn't likely to be a problem from your three neighbors.  Also consider a phase coupling problem. Also take the TM751 out of the system and retest. You should not use a CM15A in the transceive mode AND a TM751 in a small space. The TM751 is "blind" and will transmit on top of a CM15A transmission corrupting both signals. They can be used togeather but there are a lot of cavets. Lots of information on this fourm about CM15A and TM751 co-existing. Search both terms. Also search "noise" and "phase coupling". Or go here: http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm
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Caggeyder

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Re: Socket Rockets takes new code... Then forgets.
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2011, 05:55:34 PM »

Regular GE Softwhite Incandescent bulbs... One is a CFL, but that's one of the ones that is 30 feet away and I cannot even get to turn on. The TM751 hasn't even been pulled out of the box yet... It came in a package, I wasn't really planning on using it. The only things I have attempted to install are the socket rockets themselves, and the CM15A. I was hoping a coupler would not be necessary since I would have to get permission from the owner of the building before messing about in the apartment's actual electrical work. The distance required is, as I said, only about 30 feet, so I had assumed it would not be an issue...
Thanks again.
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dave w

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Re: Socket Rockets takes new code... Then forgets.
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2011, 06:07:58 PM »

Regular GE Softwhite Incandescent bulbs... One is a CFL, but that's one of the ones that is 30 feet away and I cannot even get to turn on. The TM751 hasn't even been pulled out of the box yet... It came in a package, I wasn't really planning on using it. The only things I have attempted to install are the socket rockets themselves, and the CM15A. I was hoping a coupler would not be necessary since I would have to get permission from the owner of the building before messing about in the apartment's actual electrical work. The distance required is, as I said, only about 30 feet, so I had assumed it would not be an issue...
Thanks again.
No, 30 feet should not be a problem unless your have noise or coupling issues. Sometimes you can identify a phase coupling issue by turning on a 220V appliance (stove oven, or clothes dryer?) and re-testing. If things begin working,  it a coupling issue.

As far as working on the wiring, do you have a 220V dryer hook-up? Smarthome.com has a repeater that plugs into a three pin dryer outlet.
« Last Edit: March 23, 2011, 07:03:40 PM by dave w »
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Brian H

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Re: Socket Rockets takes new code... Then forgets.
« Reply #6 on: March 23, 2011, 06:32:55 PM »

If the CM15A is connected to the same outlet or circuit as the computer. That can be a problem.
If the outlet, that is thirty feet from the CM15A, is on a different circuit. It could be on the other phase of the wiring or noise.
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