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[dave w]

bkenobi,

I assume this has become a "mission" for you, because these can be had in the form of the MC10 from X10.com for 30 bucks, and you have spent way more than that with your time invested.

I am going to see if I have a X10 or RS "Mini Commander" in my junk box for you.   

[Brian H]

At this point and most of the components are tested.
I would suspect something is bad in T1 the tunable coupling/ oscillator transformer, C3 the capacitor that couples the X10 signals to the power lines or C6 that tunes T1 to the X10 120KHz.

[bkenobi]

Correct, I needed a mini project and this fit the bill 

If the problem is more than replacing a couple diodes, a transistor, and a capacitor then it's not worth the money to fix it.  I'll probably try to source a maxi controller at this point so I can control all of the outdoor lighting.  Or, just use the spare HR12A in my spares box.   

[dave w]

Correct, I needed a mini project and this fit the bill 

Yeah, I understand that. I have a dead Smarthome Maxi Controller that I have been trying to fix for two years. It started out as a bad filter cap, but now the target seems to be moving. I think I have soldered on the miniscule PC board runs too much, and should toss it, but it has become a mission.

[Brian H]

I guess a few of us have a mini project.
Mine is an Insteon 2456S3 ApplianceLinc.
Short on the main 30 volt power supply. Most likely a 30 volt zener as they have the reputation of failing. Problem is it is on the PCB and there is a electrolytic cap electrically and mechanically across it. Mounted horizontal over it and they got over generous with the component mounting glue holding it. Cap and diode are encased in this hard blob of goo. I bought a few new diodes and it is just sitting there for months. With no action on my part.

[bkenobi]

Fate, irony, luck...

I just picked up a free box of X10 components someone on Craigslist didn't want any more.

[Brian H]

Lucky find.
Looks like a nice assortment. Including one of the interfaces that looks similar to the B&D style transceiver.
Maybe I saw a Sundowner also?

One of these days I may have to use Craig's List myself to clear out things.

[bkenobi]

There's some kind of garage door controller in there.  I'm not sure what it is/how it works, but I suspect it's linked to the PowerFlash in some way.

I'm pretty excited about the quantity of non-soft start modules including one 3-way.  I can't complain, but I wish the second 3-way was an older one as well since I really want to swap them in to the garage.

There's also 2 mini-controllers and some kind of IR receiver/mini-controller.  That PR511 is also brand new (insulation stubs on the wires even).  Not sure what else I NEED, but a lot there that's either backups or an option to play with.

I thought the last box I picked up for $25 was pretty good but this one for free is 10x better.  Can't complain for either though.   

[dave w]

SCORE!