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[mikk]

I have the CM11a now and trying to get it all working. I had this same issue with the CM15a which returned the 1st one and got another b/c thought was defective. same issue with 2nd one. returned that figure would try a new cm11a i got off ebay.  Its funny b/c the  20yr old CP290 i been using works fine and is relaible to turn ALL my lights, appliances off and on but the latest software and interface having issues. has anyone had this problem and wondering if the fixed it or just go back to the CP290? Thanks.

[dave w]

You are rambling. What specifically is your question..."my CM11A don't work my CP290 does, why?" ?

The old CP290 put out a strong power line signal. Stronger than the CM11A and much stronger than the CM15A. So,
Do you have phase coupling in your home?
Do you have a repeater?
Have you looked for sources of electrical noise?
How big is your home?


Start here:
http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm

[Brian H]

Are any of the modules that dim soft start? Where they slowly turn On and Off or go instantly On and Off?
If they are the older ones that go On and Off instantly. In AHP if it is a recent version. They have to be defined from the Before Soft Start Tab or you may not be able to control them correctly.

Could also be a signal issue as pointed out.

[mikk]

Yes! that is basically my question. Why dont i have issues with an 20 yr old cp290 and have issues with the latest technology? my house is small bungalow and built in the mid 40's. wiring is original 2 wire wiring except where i updated. repeater or line noise? dont think so...I was hoping to just plug it in, program cm11a and good to go. but what seems to work fine with AHP is the CM19a. but i'd need to leave a pc on all the time and trying to avoid that by using stand alone interface. I was just wondering if it was a common problem.? thx

[dave w]

I was just wondering if it was a common problem.? thx

Yes, the CM15A is world renowned for weak PLC output and poor RF sensitivity. You might reconsider noise. For giggles, unplug all you switching power supplies, and turn off all CFL bulbs,  and test. Switching supplies are common in cell phone chargers, corless phone base stations, flat screen TVs, computers, power blocks for notebooks and printers, generally any "wall wart" adaptor that feels very light in weight. Then retest using CM11A or CM15A and see if there is an improvement.  If there is, filters and/or a repeater will probably make your system work again.

[mikk]

Brian, i have a mix of old modules some are old radio shack brands. They work fine with my old(cp290) interface. maybe i need new x10 ones to use with AHP?

[mikk]

I was just wondering if it was a common problem.? thx

Yes, the CM15A is world renowned for weak PLC output and poor RF sensitivity. You might reconsider noise. For giggles, unplug all you switching power supplies, and turn off all CFL bulbs,  and test. Switching supplies are common in cell phone chargers, corless phone base stations, flat screen TVs, computers, power blocks for notebooks and printers, generally any "wall wart" adaptor that feels very light in weight. Then retest using CM11A or CM15A and see if there is an improvement. 

I will def try that. come to think about it i have all my outlets with those items connected. guess they dont make things like they use to anymore.lol

[dhouston]

I measured the output of several X10 PLC transmitters (see http://davehouston.org/x10-sig.htm). I found the CM15A to be a little better than the CM11A but the CP290 was much better than either. So, your troubles are probably related to the lower signal level. Eliminating any signal suckers may fix things.

[mikk]

I measured the output of several X10 PLC transmitters (see http://davehouston.org/x10-sig.htm). I found the CM15A to be a little better than the CM11A but the CP290 was much better than either. So, your troubles are probably related to the lower signal level. Eliminating any signal suckers may fix things.

Interesting looks like my old CP290 had double the signal strength of my CM11a. I see why some people modified the CM15a. funny x10 doesnt carry the cm15a anymore. i dont see it listed on there site.

[dave w]

funny x10 doesnt carry the cm15a anymore. i dont see it listed on there site.

X10 has been going down a bumpy road. Their Chinese manufacturing plant closed the doors last year and they have had to sit up a new manufactuer. So far only their simpler products, main stay, products are back in production.

They have said there will be a *limited* run of CM15A available soon. Keep watching the web site or this board for availability.

[mikk]

funny x10 doesnt carry the cm15a anymore. i dont see it listed on there site.

X10 has been going down a bumpy road. Their Chinese manufacturing plant closed the doors last year and they have had to sit up a new manufactuer. So far only their simpler products, main stay, products are back in production.

They have said there will be a *limited* run of CM15A available soon. Keep watching the web site or this board for availability.

I dont think i'd get another cm15a. have same issue as i do now. probably dedicate an old pc to run ahp and use a cm19a. since that seems to trigger my modules no problem. but i'll tinker to see if this cm11a improves.

[mikk]

Well got it working for the most part. 
plugged cm11a into tv outlet.
still have a module(s) turn on but not off or dim. 

[Dan Lawrence]

Brian, i have a mix of old modules some are old radio shack brands. They work fine with my old(cp290) interface. maybe i need new x10 ones to use with AHP?

If the modules work.  I have old style (non-soft-start) modules from Radio Shack, Sears, RCA, what have you and X10.   They all still work fine, AHP doesn't care, they are all modules.  They all have the standard house/modules settings.

[mikk]

Brian, i have a mix of old modules some are old radio shack brands. They work fine with my old(cp290) interface. maybe i need new x10 ones to use with AHP?

If the modules work.  I have old style (non-soft-start) modules from Radio Shack, Sears, RCA, what have you and X10.   They all still work fine, AHP doesn't care, they are all modules.  They all have the standard house/modules settings.

seems like low signal from the cm11a i'm getting here from this forum. still trouble shooting the interface.

[dhouston]

seems like low signal from the cm11a i'm getting here from this forum. still trouble shooting the interface.

While the CM11A output is about half that of the CP290, its output (~5Vpp) is about the same as that of the CM15A. As many users here can attest, the 5Vpp is adequate IF you attend to any noise or signal sucking issues.

And, now, is the best the to understand and address this as each added piece of electrical gear is a potential signal sucker or noise source. If you find the ones you have now and get it to where the CM11A signal is sufficient, you will have a baseline and it will be much easier troubleshooting when you add a new piece of gear that causes problems.