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

["BruceR" <brNOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxx>]

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). 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).

From:Robert Green
ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx

> "BruceR" <brNOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>
>> You're heading down the same tester path I took.
>
> I'm beginning to notice that!
>
>> The TesterLinc at $89 is probably too good to pass up.
>> The "quality" level it reports is interesting but I like to
>> see what's happening. The Monterey is certainly a good
>>  unit but when there's a problem it reports lots of
>> "BSC" (Bad Start Code) messages when that's not really the problem.
>
> I'll probably end up with the Testerlinc, too, because it's a lot
> easier to justify than the Monterey and seems to be remarkably
> similar as well.  The Lynx is not practical for moving around much.
> In fact, my plans to run it on an old laptop were not well-reasoned.
> The software looks as if it would run best on a very large display.
> Also, when I went to check it just now, it was flashing the screen on
> and off, with a WIN32 message about a parameter problem.  Not a good
> sign.  I'm going to try it on another machine.
>
>> I think that's the same issue Dave pointed out.  The ACT 004 not only
>> provides accurate readings but can test 220 volt lines if you need to
>> (using a different plug in power connector) and also has a transmit
>> function with selective signal output levels.
>
> That's something I've needed on several occasions  I can fake it with
> a neat pair of spring clips that can keep a transmit button on a
> minicontroller mashed down and a surge protector that's known to
> attenuate the signal by 1volt.  But the ACT looks far classier.
>
>>  I haven't really needed to log data to a PC to shoot trouble so
>> that's not part of my criteria.
>
> It shouldn't really be part of mine, but I'd like to be able to port
> the information I discover to a format that's postable on the web.
> I'm not sure what I am doing will come to anything, but I can't help
> wondering if some housecodes are more prone to colliding than others.
> There have been so many strange reports here over the years it's
> almost like CHA's own version of UFO sightings.  Having the ability
> to transfer readings to messages will make it easier to get feedback
> from the CHA brain trust.  I lost a lot of banked SAF with the
> "Hawkeyes in every room" experiment.  It was pretty nightmarish
> having the wrong lights turn on while the right lights wouldn't.
>
>>  See: http://www.act-solutions.com/PCCSpecFrame.htm for a spec sheet
>> and here's where the manual is found:
>>  http://www.act-solutions.com/PCCInstFrame.htm  Click on AT004 on
>> these pages. CAUTION: I think a read of the manual might get you
>> diving into the seat cushions looking for spare change to add to
>> your tester budget!
>
> Thanks for the citations.  Well, there's a website selling Leviton DHC
> rocker switches 5 for $100.  That's a savings of $250!! Just enough
> to buy the meter!!!
>
> The ACT004's a nice unit, but the Testerlinc might satisfy my tester
> needs better if used along with the Lynx unit (if I ever get it
> working
> correctly - time to RTFM).
>
> Thanks for your input, Bruce
>
> --
> Bobby G.