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Author Topic: X10 intermittent behavior  (Read 757 times)

entirelynutz

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X10 intermittent behavior
« on: January 23, 2024, 06:16:04 PM »

I have several X10 modules and switches that turn on at regularly scheduled times but won't turn off as scheduled.

I have some that won't turn on at their regularly scheduled time but will turn off at scheduled time if they were manually turned on.

I have others that aren't responding at all.

I even have one light that keeps turning on even though it doesn't have a scheduled time.

I have tried two different CM15A's with the same behavior.

The host computer is rebooted every night at 4AM.

Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this? Could it be an intermittent problem with the X10 bridge in my panel box?
« Last Edit: January 23, 2024, 06:41:14 PM by entirelynutz »
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brobin

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Re: X10 intermittent behavior
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2024, 09:21:58 PM »

Which bridge are you using?  Have a look at the troubleshooting FAQs at https://jvde.us/x10-troubleshooting/  and then we'll discuss next steps.  Sounds like interference being generated by a power supply. Anything new in the house?
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Brian H

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Re: X10 intermittent behavior
« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2024, 06:04:28 AM »

On OK but not off.
Can be the signal is strong enough to turn on but the noise generated by the load masks the signals.
Or the load is a signal sucker and again stops the signal from getting there.
Jeff's tutorials are a great place to start.
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entirelynutz

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Re: X10 intermittent behavior
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2024, 12:41:46 PM »

Thank you for your replies brobin and BrianH.

My bridge is an X10 PRO XPCR. It has been in use since 2010. Everything was working flawlessly until about 2 weeks ago. The only new thing is a smart TV installed at Christmas. Every thing was still working fine at that time. Now a number of switches and module are turning on and off at their regular times while other modules and switches fail to react to commands from the CM15A. I even have two appliance modules plugged into the same duplex where one turns on and off on command and the other does nothing. Even when modules are not responding to CM15A commands I am able to turn them on and off with an old Stanley Lightmaker Home Control Model No. 360-3090 plugged into a wall outlet.

I'm thinking that the bridge is failing. I have two rooms using the same X10 code. If I plug in the Stanley control in one room and push all on only one of the rooms comes on. If I move Stanley to the other room and push all on only that room comes on. If I plug Stanley into the same outlet as my CM15A and push all off only one of the two rooms goes off. I am going to switch wires for the bridge in my panel box later and see if the other room responds from the CM15A outlet.

This does not explain though why only one of two modules in the same duplex outlet works.
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brobin

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Re: X10 intermittent behavior
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2024, 04:08:31 PM »

Does unplugging the new TV make a difference?
Are any of the controlled lights LED's?
Does unplugging any wall warts make a difference?
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entirelynutz

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Re: X10 intermittent behavior
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2024, 09:15:52 AM »

I tried unplugging the TV and it made no difference. Three of the ceiling lights are LED and those were installed about 5 years ago and all 3 are working properly.

Not sure what you mean by wall warts.

Switching wires on the bridge made no difference but then that was a duh on my part. The CM15A was still on the same leg. I then plugged the CM15A into a circuit on the other leg and was able to control the non-responding modules but not the ones that were working previously.
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Brian H

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Re: X10 intermittent behavior
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2024, 12:52:15 PM »

Wall warts.
Small power supplies you plug into the wall. Like one you may see on a computer or powering other small devices.
The external power supply for the SC1200 Security Console and MT12A,MT13A and MT14A Mini Timer could be called a wall wart. Though they are special as it also has the X10 power line transmitter in it.
If moving the CM15A to the other phase and the ones not working now work. You maybe correct in the phase coupling issue. Another clue would be the ones that worked before do not or are spotty.
Did you check your breaker box? If the XPCP was installed using the instructions. Each of the two line connections would be through a breaker and both  neutral wires on the Neutral buss.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2024, 06:51:21 AM by Brian H »
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entirelynutz

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Re: X10 intermittent behavior
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2024, 11:26:11 AM »

My bridge is an XPCR which is totally inside the breaker box. I purchased a new XPCR from Amazon. I replaced the old one in the breaker box with the new replacement. Shazaam now everything on both phases are working as before. Apparently something in the old bridge stopped working.

I appreciate all the responses and suggestions.
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brobin

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Re: X10 intermittent behavior
« Reply #8 on: January 31, 2024, 01:59:38 PM »

Glad to hear you got it fixed!
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Brian H

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Re: X10 intermittent behavior
« Reply #9 on: January 31, 2024, 03:45:05 PM »

Good to see you are back in business.
There is a difference between the XPCP and XPCR.
The XPCP is a passive phase coupler. Level of X10 at one phase input is what is sent back on the other phase.
The XPCR is also a repeater. So it sends the signal on the other phase at a greater level.
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