Re: Trapped X10 ghost signals

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

I should also note that SmartHome's *Linc switches and modules are not
immune to this type of problem. There was a recent thread where a paper
shredder was affecting some of their 2-way devices which were then sending
their status to the powerline.

"Thierry Parent" <TParent@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>Just to contribute to the X10 home automation knowledge base, I discovered
>two weeks ago the reason of unexpected X10 modules lighted ON.
>
>Symptoms were :
>P16 ON triggered sometimes also P1 and/or one of the two modules coded on
>E10.
>P16 also triggered systematically E5.
>J3 ON triggered sometimes J1.
>
>Second case was quickly fixed. The reason was a wrong setup of smarthome
>2000STW module by defining the P16 as the "group scene" (secondary) address.
>
>"sometimes" means a periodicity of 1 time each three days, but at least one
>each week
>
>All the modules are based on X10 original design, but some are true European
>version (not converted), other US with a mix of appliance and lamp.
>
>Capturing the X10 commands with a CM11 or Powerlinc USB didn't provide any
>relevant information (no trace of issued commands relating to P1, E10 or J1
>command)
>
>By the fact that triggering occured only on one module of a shared address
>(E10) for two distinct module, I decided to exchange the module without
>improvement.
>
>I tried with a scope to tune the defect module (tuning self to improve 120
>kHz detection) without success.
>
>There was no real logic related to the module place. Some were far away form
>the distribution panel, other close and problem was not limited to one room
>but always to the same module with fixed address plugged at fixed places.
>
>Finally I discovered that the problem was a power switching supply providing
>the required 5V to my wireless router located very close to the breaker box
>and therefore my ACT X10 signal repeater.
>
>I have no rational explanation, just a fact. Remove the power supply and
>reliability is back. Let it on 24/24 and you will encountered false
>triggering in a week. I have already installed signal filter (especially on
>TV and computer plug) but, on the basis of my knowledge, filter are
>adressing loosing signal strength, not false triggering.
>
>It also seems that problem is related to the X10 original electronical
>design. I didn't encountered any problem with my smarthome or ACT modules
>(14 on a total of 37 globally installed).
>
>Hope it helps
>
>Thierry
>