X10 signals over long distances...

[mp]

Hello,

Wondering how long of wire runs X10 signals
can travel without losing significant
strength?  I know interference from
electronics etc can make a difference, but
can x10 signals stay stong at wire lengths
of 200 feet and more?

Also, do modules like Appliance modules
generate interfecence and can you run
several modules right next to each other
(ganged) on a circuit without problems?

Thanks much,

MP

[SteveRF]

I have a workshop located about 150-175 feet
from my home and I control a couple of
devices with a remote from the house.  Of
course, the distance is too far for my
current configuration to use a rf remote from
way out there to a CM15A set in the middle of
the home.  It may be workable when I mod the
CM15A for an external antenna.
SteveRF

[Brian H]

If the controller is on the same circuit as
the 200' it would most likely work. If it
has to go to the breaker box on a branch and
then out another one maybe depends like you
said on noise ans signal absorbers. If it
was on the other phase of the house I doubt
it would with out maybe a repeater near the
box. Each receiver in a module may slightly
absorbe some signals, but two way modules
can be a problem if too close. Each has an
X10 transmitter in it and when it is not
sending the transmitter absorbs X10 signals
from the transmitting module. You can get
signal boosters for branch lines but I have
no idea if they wirk well.

[1132 User]

MP, People have had trouble with X-10
commands comming from neighbors homes that
are on the power distribution transformer.
Now the secondary windings on a transformer
have many many feet of wire of wire in them
and the signal still gets there, so I don't
think you need to woory about the wiring in
your home if it is a home of average size
3000 sq ft or less. Now if your home is
bigger than that them maybe you will need
to add aditional hardware along the way.

[Charles Sullivan]

MP:
The length of the run is probably of minor
importance compared with the loads and noise
sources you have hanging on it along the way.

I strung together four 3-wire extension cords
totalling 230 feet in length.  With an X10
transmitter at the beginning and an X10 lamp
module and 100 watt lamp at the end, there
was no discernable difference in X10 signal
level between beginning and end as measured
with an Elk ESM1 X10 Signal Meter.  (This
meter has a precision of 0.5 volta and I
measured 3.5 volts.)

[mp]

You guys rule!  Thanks for the input!

[roger1818]

MP:  I don’t mention anything about signal
distance, but I have written a couple
articles on troubleshooting common X10
signal problems.  You can find them at:

http://www.x10.webhop.org/Phase_Coupling.htm

and

http://www.x10.webhop.org/Powerline_Noise_an
d_Noise_Filters.htm

I hope you find them useful.