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What are the real differences between CM11A and CM15A?

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starkruzr:
There are two I know of that are obvious -- the CM11 uses serial whereas the CM15 uses USB, and the CM15 includes a transceiver whereas the CM11 does not.

But, if:

* You don't plan to ever use Windows software to control your X10 network, and
* You have, like, THREE other transceiver modules to use,
Is there really much of a functional difference between them?

Brian H:
The CM15A has both a RF receiver and transmitter in it. CM11A does not.
CM15A has a much larger internal memory to store downloaded programs.
CM11A is discontinued and I have only seen one independent dealer that bought a late production run of them.
When the CM11A is disconnected from AC power. It can't be accessed until its constant requests to reset its clock is done.
Active Home for the CM11A doesn't like any newer operating system than XP and that is spotty. If you are using another program maybe in Linux. Then things maybe different.
AHP for the CM15A, CM15K {TM751 with CM19A} has been updated to run on the CM11A but you have to get a registration number to not be nagged and have unreliable operation's.
The dealer that bought the last CM11A production run has made a deal with X10 to allow you to Purchase a registration number.

starkruzr:
So it sounds like if one has other transceivers (am I right in thinking that transmission happens between wireless X10 devices and any transceiver connected to the network, regardless if it is built into the computer interface module or not?), there is essentially no functional difference, if one plans to do all of one's automation on non-Windows software that will always be turned on.

dhouston:
The CM11A plus TM751 lack only an RF transmitter. AFAIK, the transmitter in the CM15A is used only for sending commands to X10 camera mounts (e.g. Ninja). If that is needed, there are simple ways to accomplish it. Differences in memory are not meaningful if you plan to have a computer running 24/7.

The CM11A communications protocol is published while that is not true for the CM15A.

* http://software.x10.com/pub/manuals/cm11a_protocol.txtThe CM15A has a slight advantage in PLC level - about 6Vpp vs. 5Vpp for the CM11A. The CM11A output also tapers off during the 1ms window but this can be cured by changing resistor R12.

* http://davehouston.org/x10-sig.htm
* https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en&fromgroups=#!topic/comp.home.automation/axugzRBQZYoThere is also a problem with the CM11A locking up under certain conditions. And, it can go berserk if it's RS232 cable is connected to the CM11A but not to anything on the other end.

* http://heyu.org/docs/CM11A_Reliability.txt

Brian H:
The Transceiver take X10 RF signals from things like Motion Sensors and Remotes. And send the commands on the power lines to modules and controllers. They do nothing with existing power line X10 signals.

One thing I forgot. The CM15A can do all sixteen House Codes and the sixteen Unit Codes in each House Code.
All the other X10 Transceivers like the TM751 and RR501 can do one House Code and the sixteen Unit Codes for that House Code.
You need one for each House Code you have using RF signals.

Some folks are using the CM11A with software that was never written with a CM15A controller in mind. So it is a viable controller in some cases.

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