Re: Lynx X-10 Analyzer (WAS Re: Decora HCPRF)

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

I don't think there is any simple way to use an appliance module as a signal
strength indicator. The PLC_IN level is diode limited (i.e. it will never be
greater than about ±0.7V).

The ESM1 transformer output is 12V AC. You should be able to lengthen it,
within reason, without serious degradation but it would be better to just
plug it into a 120V extension cord. In general, the higher the voltage the
longer runs can be without losses.

Actually, both signal strength and number of cycles are important. The X-10
PLC protocol (both standard and extended commands) is explained in detail in
XTC798.DOC available on the X-10 web site. I've reformatted it as a text
file (the original is nearly impossible to read) and made it available on my
web page.

     http://www.mbx-usa.com/xtc798.txt

The first paragraph explains why the cycle count is important.

It's a simple matter to convert the ESM1 to 220V - just replace the 120V:12V
AC wall wart with a 220V:12V AC version. However, I'm not sure why you would
want to do this unless you live in Europe.

"Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>"BruceR" <brNOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>
>> Mark my words. You will end up buying the ACT 004.  You seem serious
>> about having the ability to really see what's going on with your
>> installation and you want to be able to do so from anywhere in the
>> house. IOW, you're like me (at least in that regard).
>
>We're beginning to own a lot of the same test equipment, that's for sure!
>:-)  I've even thought that the ESM1's are cheap enough to use as sensors at
>the breaker panel and the far ends of the longest branches.  If any one of
>three starting showing signal loss, I'd not only know about it, I could
>vector in on it.  As much as I can, I try to keep tracking of what gets
>plugged into the AC outlets, but it's not always possible with other
>technologically-inclined family members around.  It seems to me that
>someone's got a mod to turn old appliance modules with bad cams into remote
>signal strength sensors.  To me that status of the powerline is almost like
>the house's pulse.
>
>Dave, if you're reading this, do you know how much distance there can be
>between the ESM1 wall wart and the meter assembly?  Would it be possible to
>mount the wall wart at the breaker panel and cut the wires from the meter
>head to the PS and splice a very long cable in between so that the wallwart
>sits in the basement and the LED display is mounted so I can see it from my
>desk?  Somewhere I read that the distance might be critical, but I can't
>seem to find that message again in Google.
>
>> The TesterLinc is
>> tempting but I don't think it's going to be "satisfying" in telling you
>> what you want to know. Consider biting the bullet... most places will
>> give you a 30 day return privilege (some exclude test equipment for
>> obvious reasons).
>
>The TesterLinc lost its luster when Dave pointed out it came with a rather
>large tail.  I don't like the "units" approach to signal measurement when
>there's already a pretty good standard to use: volts.  I suppose I could
>mount the interface and an extension cord along with the TesterLinc in a
>larger box, but that's pretty kludgy.
>
>The ACT unit's ability to read 220V could be a big plus in my next house.
>Even the Monterey can't do that.   I wish either the ACT or the Monterey had
>a USB links.  Then my choice would be simple! Sometimes you can learn an
>awful lot from stored logs.  Taking and saving a snapshot each quarter would
>reveal an overall system degradation you might never notice otherwise.
>
>I should be cleaning out the grill for the holiday but here I am fiddling
>with Lynx and the newly arrived OmniLT.  This stuff is just too much fun.
>The puzzle for today is how to switch over from a leased ADT unit to the
>OmniLT with the least amount of disruption.  I was thinking of reusing ADT's
>old door switches and sensors, but the only way to really stay protected
>24x7 is by getting the LT operational on all its own sensors.  Then I can
>use the ADT stuff as backup or HA sensors once I'm sure the LT has worked
>out.