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

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

The TesterLinc also requires the latest model of their PLC interface. Sorry,
but it's pre-coffee in the morning so I can't recall its name (nor mine).

"Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>"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