Mini controller question

[Leayer]

Hi,
In my home there is 220 VAC coming in to the breaker box and converted to 110 VAC on two legs. If I plug X10 into leg 1, it will not communicate with X10 modules plugged into Leg 2. There are devices that plug into 220 VAC outlet and connect the two phases. Have you had any experience with this?  The other fix would be to add another mini controller.

[HA Dave]

I user a dryer plug phase coupler on my setup. They may not be as easy to find as they once were.

[Leayer]

Thanks for the advice. This phase coupler is unavailable but still looking.  See this capacitor and let me know what you think! Thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/X10-Phase-Coupler-Signal-Bridge-Stops-Most-Intermittent-X10-Problems-/161908395202?hash=item25b27e0cc2:g:F94AAMXQhpdRvhWP

[Brian H]

Thanks for the advice. This phase coupler is unavailable but still looking.  See this capacitor and let me know what you think! Thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/X10-Phase-Coupler-Signal-Bridge-Stops-Most-Intermittent-X10-Problems-/161908395202?hash=item25b27e0cc2:g:F94AAMXQhpdRvhWP

Do you need the 3 or 4 prong version of the Smarthome Passive Dryer Coupler? The linked manual covered both models.

There was also a Smarthome Coupler/Repeater. In both 3 and 4 prong versions.
http://cache-m2.smarthome.com/manuals/4826a.pdf

Not the best idea. That capacitors does not look like one designed or rated for across AC power use.
We have seen the plain capacitors across the two incoming power lines. Burn up or just fail.

They do make passive phase couplers that are made to couple X10 and Insteon signals across the power lines. Both of these
could be found on some independent dealers for less. The Smarthome one says Insteon but it also does X10.
https://www.x10.com/x10-pro/specialty-devices/couplers-repeaters/xpcp-ratio-passive-coupler.html
http://www.smarthome.com/signalinc-insteon-2406h-phase-coupler-hardwired.html

You can also get X10 power line repeaters. They take the signal at the breaker box and resent it at full strength back on the other line. X10Pro has the XPCR. JVDigital has the best line in the business.
https://www.x10.com/x10-pro/specialty-devices/couplers-repeaters/xpcr-coupler-repeater-amplifier.html
http://jvde.us/index.htm

[JeffVolp]

See this capacitor and let me know what you think!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/X10-Phase-Coupler-Signal-Bridge-Stops-Most-Intermittent-X10-Problems-/161908395202?hash=item25b27e0cc2:g:F94AAMXQhpdRvhWP

While better than nothing, the capacitor does not "PROVIDE OPTIMUM COUPLING OF X10 SIGNALS".  It has a capacitive reactance of 13 ohms at the X10 carrier frequency.  A series-resonant tuned circuit provides much better coupling.  And as Brian said, even though it is rated for 630VDC, that capacitor is not marked as X2 rated for across-line operation.

For a good passive coupler, look for the X10 XPCP.  You might also want to read my troubleshooting guide on couplers:

    http://jvde.us/x10/x10_couplers.pdf

Jeff

[bkenobi]

I used the passive phase coupler (forget the model number) and it worked well.  I had issues with reliability so I decided to upgrade to a coupler-repeater.  I decided to opt for the XTB-IIR but the X10 version might have worked ok too.  The one I have (many others do too) is not the cheapest option, but it's by far the best thing I've done for signal reliability.