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[bkenobi]

A little correction.  I thought I had measured caps in the nF to MF range, but that was wrong.  I found the cap that I measured and it was a mF not MF.  I then checked the manual for my meter and it confirmed that I can read 40nF to 100uF range.  The manual doesn't explicitly state the maximum value so I don't know how much above 100uF (if any) I can measure.

I went to RS and confirmed that all 4 caps in stock were not readable by my meter so I don't know if the original was bad or not, but it I replaced it anyway.

As for the voltage across the cap, I measure 18.5VDC.  So it appears the new diodes are working correctly.  Any other thoughts?

[Brian H]

On a X10 controller that was probably old. Changing the capacitor was a good move. I always change the power supply capacitors whan working on an X10 or Insteon Module.
18.5 volts looks about right for the X10 modules I have measured or seen schematics of. Some used a slightly lower voltage some a higher voltage.
The revised Appliance and Lamp Modules with the new manufacturers surface mounted transistors. Have about a 3.5 volt supply.

I will think on your very low output. My next thought maybe the power line transmitter having a bad part.
X10 used a common part number power transistor in many of their controllers power line output transistror. See if you have a 2SD667A transistor in it.

[bkenobi]

I pulled the transistor next to the LED and found the part number.

Code: [Select]

D677
A  C
2F 4
It's clearly a D667 transistor but appears to be a different model number than you posted.  I tried to locate a datasheet on this one but came up empty.  I found a datasheet for the transistor you indicated (2SD667A) which includes a test procedure.  I'll try that and see if I can determine it's bad.  If so, I'm not sure where to source one of these from (either the direct replacement or your model number).

[Brian H]

The added characters on the transistor are things like Date or Manufacturers Codes. The SD is the parts prefix.  Most times the SD is not on the transistor. Just the base number.
I got the number from one of the X10 schematics and maybe different than the one in your controller

[bkenobi]

Ahh ok.  I found a couple test procedures (one from the datasheet, the other from vetco.net).  I'll test it and replace it if bad.  Vetco and Fry's both carry them and are both local so I could potentially pick them up when I have time to drive to the store.  Too bad Radio Shack doesn't sell parts anymore...

[bkenobi]

I used the datasheet from here for the 2SD667A:
http://www.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/pdf/63046/HITACHI/2SD667A.html

The emitter, collector base configuration was used based on page 1.  My meter indicates it provides 1.25V max.

Code: [Select]

E-C L
E-B L
C-E L
C-B L
B-E .624
B-C .621
So, according to the Vetco guide, the NPN transistor is good.  I wasn't clear on the test values for the datasheet tests.

http://www.vetco.net/blog/?p=184

[Brian H]

Was the transistor out of the circuit? If not try it out of circuit.

Emitter to Collector Low and Collector to Emitter Low. Is a shorted transistor.

[bkenobi]

Yes, I removed the transistor.  So you think the transistor is bad?  I can try to pick one up tomorrow if the store is open.

[Brian H]

A low resistance reading between the Collector and Emitter in both directions of the probes. Is a shorted transistor.
You may find a low value resistor in the Emitter circuit that has burned open or the output transformer burned open.

You may get a similar schematic of the CP-290 from here. Page 3 of the zip file is the X10 transmitter area.
Use the back up choice for the CP-290 as Idobartina's site is not there anymore.
http://www.edcheung.com/automa/circuit.htm

[bkenobi]

Ok, I'll get a new one.  NTE382 is listed as a substitute and is available locally.  I'll give it a try tomorrow hopefully.

Happy new year!

[bkenobi]

Vetco isn't answering their phone so I guess they aren't open today.  Not surprised but unfortunate.

[bkenobi]

I was able to stop by Fry's yesterday and picked up a new transistor.  Prior to installation, I tested using the same procedure as before.  I was surprised to see exactly the same results as the old transistor, so I retested it too.

Code: [Select]

Test  Pin   Old   New
E-C   1-2   L     L
E-B   1-3   L     L
C-E   2-1   L     L
C-B   2-3   L     L
B-E   3-1  .618  .625
B-C   3-2  .615  .623
I installed the new transistor anyway.  After reassembly, the output signal is exactly the same (0.15).  The only other components that are left at this point are resistors, diodes, and a few ceramic capacitors.  Seems the logic side works, so it must be a power side issue though.

[Brian H]

I will go back over the whole thread and see if I can think of anything more.
I am very puzzled by your ohmmeter readings. E-C and C-E should not be a low resistance.

You may want to check the voltage from the Collector to the Emitter when it is not transmitting.

[bkenobi]

Code: [Select]

E-C  18.61
E-B  0
C-B  18.61

[Brian H]

Can you verify that you posted the correct part number. Maybe it is a 61-2677B or 61-2677C. If so it is an X10 MC460 Mini Controller and I have a schematic of a MC460.
The E to C voltage would indicate it is not shorted.
The meter you used to measure the transistor out of circuit. Was it a digital or analog meter type?