Re: UPB

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

"Mark Thomas" <mrt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>
>Dave Houston wrote:
>> Are there any tools for measuring its signal strength? If you do not
>> get the expected coverage, how do you troubleshoot it?
>
>The powerline interface module (PIM) is far more sophisticated than,
>say, a CM11A. It has the capability of reporting pulse strength and
>measuring noise levels on the powerline. It's like having a built-in
>tester.
>
>One thing I like about PCS is that they have all their specs documented
>and open for anyone to use. Several descriptive documents are here:
>
>http://www.pulseworx.com/technotes.html
>
>I don't know the answer to your question of distance, although I think
>PCS has more detailed physical layer documentation available somewhere.

I've read the detailed technical docs at PCS and, quite frankly, they flatly
contradict much of the hype I've seen elsewhere. Maybe it's just a case of
PCS playing CYA but...

For instance, they state that a coupler "may" be required in split-phase
systems as the utility transformer will "greatly attenuate" the signal. The
specs also refer to repeater devices that sound like they function in a
similar manner to SmartHome's BoosterLinc devices. Three-phase systems
require special steps.

Given that the UPB pulses are essentially just noise pulses (capacitor
discharges), how are they distinguished from other noise pulses with similar
profiles like triac noise, ballast noise, impulse noise from motors, etc.?
This must be potentially troublesome as the PIM documentation says, "UPB
Noise is defined as any UPB Pulse that is on the powerline that is not part
of an actual UPB Communications Packet. This powerline noise can be caused
by many sources including fluorescent ballasts, electric motors, light
switches, etc." It certainly sounds as if it will be bothered by the same
things that bother X-10. Is it just the two-way protocol that makes it
robust? I can't see that helping in a really noisy environment.

What do surge protectors do to the signals?

Are there any wireless UPB control devices?

All of their documentation greatly exagerates the unreliability of X-10 and
misrepresents the X-10 feature set. When I see a company deliberately
misrepresenting things like this I become wary of their other claims.