Re: Preventing Random X-10 Code interference...

["Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx>]

> I have now plugged these filters into the wall, and plugged the
> monitors into the filters.
>
> Unfortunately, the problem is not stopping at all.

I just got my Monterey analyzer today and the first thing I did was test a
15A  AF120 ACT against a 5A Leviton 6288 filter.

The sending source was a BSR Maxi controller and it read at 4+ volts
unfiltered when plugged into an outlet on the same power strip as the
analyzer.   When I plugged the maxicontroller into the 15 amp ACT filter, I
could still see a signal when sent by the BSR.  The signal was weak - 30mv -
but it was there.  When I plugged the Maxi controller into the 5 amp
Leviton, there was no evidence of any X-10 signal.

So my conclusion is that the larger filters do not filter as well as the
smaller, 5A ones.  Since your LCD's only draw 1A, why not go with the
smaller, not larger filter?  The Leviton 6288's are under $20 at Worthington
and other vendors.  I have some CTX LCD's whose switching power supplies
disturb the X-10 signal really badly and the Leviton's (and their cousins in
the X-10 pro line whose model # escapes me) have fixed those as well as a
number of other problems.  It was helpful to have a wattmeter (the
Kill-o-watt) to determine the maximum draw of a device to be protected.  The
ACTs have a nice, built-in circuit breaker - but they are huge, too.

I got the ACTs for a space heater that uses IR to control it that causes
X-10 voltage drop and to filter an HP5 laserjet.  They've worked pretty well
to control X-10 sucker problems but I don't believe they behave well with
noise problems.  I have a set of felonious CF bulbs that generate enough
noise for even my ELK meter to see.  As soon as I figure out how to use the
noise analysis mode of the meter, I can evaluate both filters for noise
rejection from a device like a compact fluorescent.

--
Bobby G.



"Michael G." <514mike@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1121887169.179401.300150@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Hi guys! I'm back!
>
> Hopefully someone can lend a hand with this problem...
>
> I recently bought two LG LCD 19" monitors.
>
> Around the same time, I noticed many lights were turning on by
> themselves throughout my house.
>
> After a lot of detective-work (ie. turning off circuit breakers in the
> house night after night after night), I put two and two together, and
> determined that these two monitors were causing the problems!
>
> My Activehome "X10 Code Usage" grid lights up all over the place after
> one day.  On the other hand, when I turn off these monitors, rarely do
> I see a random code!
>
> A few months ago, I purchased two AF120 15A Plug-in Filters from
> Smarthome.  The monitors draw only 1 amp of current.
>
> I have now plugged these filters into the wall, and plugged the
> monitors into the filters.
>
> Unfortunately, the problem is not stopping at all.
>
> When the monitors are off, all is good.
>
> When the monitors are on, I still get random X10 signals every few
> minutes.
>
> What do you guys think?
>
> 1 - Am I using the wrong type of filters?  Are these types filters
> meant for units that absorb legit X10 signals?
>
> 2 - Are these filters the wrong amperage?  Since they are 15A, and
> the monitors are 1A, does that mean they are too powerful (if that's
> possible?)
>
> 3 - Could these filters simply be defective?
>
> Your assistance is greatly appreciated!
>
> They do affer another product, but it's $130!  It's a 500-Watt
> Isolation AC Power Supply
>
> http://www.smarthome.com/4836.HTML
>
> That seems like overkill.  These monitors are only one amp!
>
> Any ideas would be helpful.  My entire X10 system (3 housecodes worth
> of modules) has been rendered useless.  Every 15 minutes, another
> random code is generated.
>
> Thank you!
>
> Mike
>