Re: X-10 RF troubleshooting

["Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx>]

"Dave Houston" <nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:44312352.856750640@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> You could do this inexpensively by using an 8-pin PIC with ADC (e.g.
> PIC12F675) and the RF receiver listed in the BX24-AHT Bill Of Materials
(on
> Jeff Volp's site).

Stop reading my mind!!! :-) I just sat down to write and ask if the BX24-AHT
could be modified to show a "good X-10 signal received" via an LED output.

> Pin 2 of the receiver gives a linear output which you can
> measure with one of the ADC inputs. Measure the amplitude
> difference between a pulse and space. You could use an LED
> indicator and vary the brightness as a function of signal
> strength using PWM.

By ADC I assume you mean Analog to Digital converter.  I'm afraid although I
can follow the concepts, translating that into a circuit diagram is beyond
my skills.  It may be that the RF sensing pen I wrote about could be up to
the task of finding a stuck ON unit if I'm able to mount it in a can and
operate it directionally.  I really surprised that there isn't a low cost
COTS solution to this problem.  I am going to mount the TM751/ESM-1 combo
inside an old 12" parabolic lamp reflector.  That should give me some
feeling for whether a battery operated unit would work well.

> You can probably get by with an inefficient monopole wire
> antenna and can power it with batteries. Just remove the
> batteries when it's not in use as the constant RF noise will
> drain them. Cost is about $10-15 exclusive of shipping and
> paying someone to do the soldering.

I don't think that I could design something even that simple, Dave.  :-(
If the reflector works, I'll be happy enough.

Let me know if you'll still be able to incorporate the RatShack wireless
thermometers in your new device.  I'll ship them out whenever you need them.

--
Bobby G.