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[hyrules]

First problem:
Macro conflict...
whenever i issue a execute command to a
certain macro it trigger the opposite one in
the same group. eg: I trigger the off command
for all the lights in the basement the
program will alternatly send on / off / on /
off to finally turn off the lights. It's not
the first time it happen to the macros.

Second problem:
Ghost command or command conflict...
sometimes my units receive ghost command.
Like last night my bedroom module received a
on command resulting in the lights turning on
a 5:30 am not really funny when you are awake
by that. Another day my mother complained
that she turned off the lights basement 3 or
4 times because they kept coming back on i
looked closely at the activity monitor for
both case and the on command was in both case
sent to the unit. I dont understand why but i
know for a fact that i`m the only person
around with x10 modules. I have reason to
believe that the macros are the problem in
both case. these a from the activity log
before and after the event of this morning

************ yesterday *************
505    05/04/2005 10:05:11 pm    Receive    A On
(Lampe plafond)

506    05/04/2005 10:26:19 pm    Receive    A10
(Lampe plafond)

507    05/04/2005 10:26:20 pm    Receive    A Off
(Lampe plafond)

********* Today *************

508    05/05/2005 5:29:07 am    Receive    A Bright
10(Lampe plafond)

509    05/05/2005 5:37:20 am    Macro    E1 (Cote)

510    05/05/2005 5:37:20 am    Macro    E2 (Devant)

511    05/05/2005 5:37:20 am    Macro    E Off
(Cote, Devant)

512    05/05/2005 6:00:23 am    Macro    A5 (Lampe
Cuisine)

513    05/05/2005 6:00:23 am    Macro    A Bright
100(Lampe Cuisine)

514    05/05/2005 6:10:01 am    Receive    A5
(Lampe Cuisine)

I'm now thinking about making my own software
to control my x10 units with the sdk since i
know c, c++ and object oriented programming
very well.

[hyrules]

That's this morning

539    05/05/2005 9:02:24 am    Receive RF    A Unknown

540    05/05/2005 9:02:24 am    Receive RF    A Unknown

541    05/05/2005 9:23:34 am    Transmit RF    P16 On

on entry 541 P16... i dont even have a unit
on that housecode letter.

[martin]

Looks like the previous bug on the Activity
Monitor. Do you have the latest update
installed?
I also had a "Lampe Cuisine" strange
behavior before I got a phase coupler and
some noise filter modules.
Might also be double RF reception, are you
using some TM751 or RR501 with your CM15A?

[hyrules]

i`ve just update to the latest software this
morning but the problem happened with the
latest version (problem with the basement
lights) that's why i got back to the
previous. I have a
TM751 RF module indeed with me CM15A i think
i will need a noise filter... but at 5:30 Am
what could cause noise in the house. I know
that the only thing on a this time is my
aquarium filter ,air pump and water heater,
and my computer in the basement. I dont know
if alarm clock could cause that but they are
always plugged in and a couple of other thing
which i think could not cause that much noise
on the power lines.

[martin]

Using TM751 with CM15A will cause your
macros to double trigger (even if you
specify your TM751 House Code not to be
transceived by CM15A) as the RF trigger will
get picked up by both units. When the macro
command is only On or Off, the issue is less
problematic compare to complex macros and
dimming functions.
You may need to tweak your House Codes
setting and change your CM15A location. I
also use TM751s but my macros are all picked
up by CM15A only.
There are multiple potential sources for
power line noise (never heard of alarm clock
problems, so you can rule this one out),
such as computer, computer UPS, large TV set-
up, large freezer (I recall Joe S having
this problem), etc…

[hyrules]

I know for a fact that the CM15A RF range is
not far. Right now the CM15A is in the
basement and my TM751 is up one level so i
doubt that the RF command goes that far. But
knowing the problems of the CM15A I will look
into that, As for the noise i have indeed a
freezer and a 32 inches tv... might also be
caused by the ceiling fan but they are always
on so... thanks for the answers

[hyrules]

Is there a another way to identify which
household equipement is generating noise
aside from unplugging them ( like the freezer
which might not be a good idea ) ?

[martin]

Hyrules: it’s mostly a trial and error
process. A PLC signal meter would help you
but it’s not always worth the expense if you
use it only once. Do you have modules right
now that behave erratically? Like turn On
but not Off with a PalmPad or PLC
controller? That would be a good start.
Computer’s power bars and surge protectors
are also a common source of power line
noise. Try unplugging them for the night.

[hyrules]

Not at the moment but like you said i will be
on the lookout to see if something in
particular trigger my units. All my units
respond to on or off command ( i had to
install a phase couple though ) and like you
said i wont spend on a signal meter that cost
alot to use it only one time. I will try as
you say for the powerbars thanks.

[hyrules]

I know for a fact that there is something
generating noise since my parents have hard
time listening to the radio in their bedroom
on the AM band they get alot of static and
when they move it elsewhere the radio work fine.

[martin]

Hyrules: the kind of noise that would
interfere with proper X10 operation is on
the power line, the AM radio captures in the
air noises. I highly doubt there would be a
relation between both type of noises.

[joe s.]

Strangely enough....there is a
realtionship.  Here's a cut/paste from:
http://www.hometoys.com/htinews/feb03/articl
es/chadwick/debug.htm   (very good article)

"If you don't have a meter, you can try a
portable AM radio tuned to an unused
frequency near the low end of the dial
(around 550 to 650kHz). A noise source near
120kHz will often generate 5th and 6th
order harmonics near this AM band. Carry
the radio with you and move it near AC
outlets while listening to the noise. The
louder it is, the closer you are to the
source. Use the noise to guide you, and
you'll hopefully find the source."

[hyrules]

Nice tip ! thanks i'll try that. I knew there
was a relationship between theses noise.

[martin]

Great tip! Thanks Joe S!

[hyrules]

Hey i`ve just tried this trick and it works
really well you know exactly what's
generating noise and i dont have to tell you
that almost every objects is generating but
Tv and computer tend to generate alot more .