Re: X10 question

[Kevin Hawkins <tivo@xxxxxxx>]

Title: Re: [ukha_d] X10 question

        X10 is unfortunately a very picky system. I have a ring of 4 sockets in one room, alternate sockets on this ring work the others don't. There are some ways around it.

        The easiest and most practical (as Stuart says) is to move the transmitter (PC interface) to a closer location if possible). Generally the receivers (lamp/appliance modules) are sort of fixed cos that's where the lamps etc are physically located. Play around with different sockets for the PC interface you will probably find a location that works for all modules. Trying as close t the fuse box as possible is often a good idea. Once your PC interface is programmed it does its own thing so it doesn't need t be close t your PC all the time (only for programming).

        Switch off at the wall socket as many appliances as possible and see if things start t work - if they do then switch things back on gradually to find a culprit device that is killing the X10. You can buy a filter from people like LetsAutomate t then cure this ( it's like a mains adaptor that goes between the  plug and socket). Note you must switch off at the socket - not just the ON/OFF switch. If your sockets are unswitched then you must pull the plugs out.

        This will cure 90% of problems unless your house is very large. If it doesn't then you will need either some X10 amplification / repeaters or to use some 'transcoding' of house codes. Basically you have a device that listens on one housecode and transmits the same things it hears but on a different housecode.This device sits between your CM12U and the 'deaf' modules. I use this in my house as it is very spread out. It works well but is a little cumbersome for control -also the dim / bright becomes less predictable.

        If your house is large or has solid walls stay away from the RF transceivers as well as they will disappoint in their range. Mine won't work from one room t the next unless you're near the door  (3' thick walls).

        Let us know how you get on.

        Kevin

       

> There are a couple of things you can
> try:
>
> How big is your house, ie how far away is the thing you're trying to
> control?
> Unless you live in a mansion this is unlikely to be a problem. Just to
> rule
> this out, try locating your CM12U as close t  the middle of the house
> as you
> can and see if that make any difference to which rooms work and which
> don't.
>
> What's more likely is that there is some interferecne coming from
> something.
> Try unplugging things to see if the problem goes away. It's more than
> likely
> that something is killing the X10 signal with it's interference (and I
> seem
> to remember certain brand of TV are worse for this than others.)
>
> I also know that there are people on the list who have had the same
> problem
> as you too.
>
> On Sunday 01 July 2001 21:54 pm, you wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I have finally got round to starting on our Sitting Room/Home
> Cinema and
> > have been planning to use X10 for lighting control etc.
> >
> > Before I started to place orders for the modules I need (and
> hopefully a
> > Pronto if I can convince SWMBO), thought I would play around with
> my
> > existing "Take Control" starter kit I got from Homebase
> last year to try
> > and show the missis how clever it was. Horror upon horror, plug
> in the
> > lighting module, set up the Active Home software, click the
> switch and
> > ..... nothing! Check the lamp works in that socket OK - yes. Try
> again -
> > still nothing. Move lamp and LM12U to another socket ( just next
> to the
> > CM12U) and ... it works, try in the kitchen - it works... try in
> the family
> > room - nothing, hall, nothing, sitting room... nothing.
> >
> > We only have one phase and one consumer unit... how come I cannot
> control
> > in all the rooms.... this is quite worrying.. I can see all my
> schemes
> > falling round my ears here!!
> >
> > Any ideas out there?
> >
> > Thanks in advance
> >
> > Alex Durkin
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ____________________________________
> > Automated Home UK
> > http://www.automatedhome.co.uk
> > ____________________________________
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject t  http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
> --
>
> Stuart Grimshaw <stuart@xxxxxxx>
> -
> t:07976 625221
> f:0870 7060260
>
>
>
> ____________________________________
> Automated Home UK
> http://www.automatedhome.co.uk
> ____________________________________
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject t  the Yahoo! Terms of
> Service.

--

____________________________________
Automated Home UK
http://www.automatedhome.co.uk
____________________________________

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject t  the Yahoo! Terms of Service.