Pairing RR501 with XPS3

[smokey847]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum.  I discovered X10 while I was in search of how to control my landscape lights via our vehicles' home link controls.  I have the lights attached to an XPS3--I connected the neutral to the bunch of white capped wires via another short white fire coming from the XPS3.  The switch controls the lights with no problems. 

I excitedly plugged in the RR501 and programmed it, the remote, and the switch to House A Unit 1.  The RR501 is recognizing the remote, as it "clicks" when I press a key on the remote.  However, the light switch is not responding.  What gives?

Where should I begin? Thank you!

[Brian H]

Good chance the XPS3 is on one phase of the homes wiring and the RR501 is on the other phase.
The power line signals may not be getting from the RR501 to the XPS3.
You may have to do some trouble shooting. Like checking for power line noise or devices absorbing the power line signals.
A phase coupler may also be needed.
If you have a electric stove, oven or dryer. Turn it on and see if the XPS3 responds.
This is a quick but not always 100% test for phase problems.
http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm
http://www.act-remote.com/PCC/uncle.htm
http://www.davehouston.net/

[smokey847]

So I should turn on these appliances and then try using the remote?  Thanks for the links, but they are a bit confusing.  If it would come down to me having to isolate each electronic device in my home and purchase a filter for each, I can live without X10.  Not completely sure, however, if I am understanding the troubleshooting correctly.  Thanks so much for the help!

[Knightrider]

could just try plugging the rr501 into another outlet (one on the same phase).  Same circuit would be great, but newer houses generally don't run the lights and outlets on the same phase.  circuit.


EDIT:

Whoops! I mis-spoke.

[Brian H]

The 220 volt appliance test. Sometimes shows that the devices are on opposite phases of the house.

Easy things first.
Kinightriders suggestion on moving the RR501 to other outlets maybe the easiest.

[smokey847]

I will try moving the transceiver.  I must be ignorant, because I am still not understanding how to check with the 220v appliances.  So, turn on the dryer and then what? Haha

[dhouston]

Read this...http://davehouston.org/coupling.htm

I tried to make the explanation as clear as possible. Turning on the dryer has the effect of bridging the phases and may solve your problem.

However, if you have noise or signal attenuation problems, just bridging the phases may not help, even if the R501 and lights are on opposite phases.

The best test would be with a lamp module and RR501 in the same outlet.

[Brian H]

Turn On the dryer and see if the modules work in their original locations.
This is not a 100% test as dhouston pointed out.
If they work. The modules are on different phases of the house and the X10 signals are not reaching each other.

[smokey847]

Tried the dryer test to no avail. The signal is still somehow not reaching the switch.  How should I proceed?

[dave w]

Tried the dryer test to no avail. The signal is still somehow not reaching the switch.  How should I proceed?

Move the RR501 to different outlets, as Knightrider suggested. Try and get it on the same breaker circuit as the light, If the light starts working it will confirm the RR501 is working and you have a noise or phase coupling problem, Both fixable but you may need a coupler/repeater like XPCR or XTBIIR, or filters if it turns out to be noise.

[smokey847]

Would an Insteon phase coupler be compatible with my X10 devices?  I am trying to avoid the $150 wire-in unit.  I know the Insteon coupler simply plugs in.

[dave w]

Would an Insteon phase coupler be compatible with my X10 devices?  I am trying to avoid the $150 wire-in unit.  I know the Insteon coupler simply plugs in.

The plug in coupler for 3 pin dryer hook-up, does couple X10 signals as well as Insteon. But it does not amplify the signal as it couples. So is no help if you have any noise problems.

The X10 XPCR repeater can be found on eBay for 20 bucks, but it is a wire in unit.

[Brian H]

The Insteon Access Points used for coupling the phases do not send X10 signals.
They have a few passive couplers that should pass both Insteon and X10 signals.
The dryer one has been mentioned

[smokey847]

@Dave W,

I could do the X10 XPCR.  Would this likely eliminate my issue indefinitely? 

[Brian H]

It should couple the phases together and the resent signal would be stronger.
If you have a severe noise maker or signal absorber. An added filter on an offender could still be needed.