Re: Experience with X10Pro versus old X10?

["BruceR" <br@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

While I can't tell for SURE yet, I believe that most, if not all of my
Insteon problems are related to the never released beta version 2414X
Translator that is the heart of the system. As I will soon be replacing
that with RoZetta we will then know for sure.  I also plan to replace
all my V2 dimmers at the same time. Stay tuned for late September
update.

 Joerg wrote:
> Hello Neil,
>
>>>
>>>> Joerg,  Your best bet then would be to stock up on some X10
>>>> filters. They look just like the other plug in modules but you use
>>>> them on items that attenuate the signal or add noise to the line.
>>>> Your printer is a perfect example as are various TV sets, EMI
>>>> power strips, vacuums, etc. I have about 5 in my home and they do
>>>> a nice a job.  It's really a matter of lowering the noise and
>>>> raising the signal level.
>>
>> Vacuums tend to be noise generators (though I don't know what the
>> spectrum is). The other devices will sink the signal (attenuate).
>>
>
> It's pretty wide, goes up to several hundred kHz with gusto :-(
>
> The first vacuum cleaner I repaired as a kid had at least an
> elementary EMI filter in there, common mode choke and X-cap. The "new
> and improved" vacuums often show nada.
>
>>
>>> Yes, I made myself some and that fixed, for example, the problem
>>> that none of the modules at the south end of the house would work
>>> after I bought a Dell inkjet. I wonder how that thing ever made it
>>> through EMC cert.
>>
>> IMO the problem is the lack of understanding of the problem not the
>> product. Don't worry most people think it's noise on the line when
>> most times (but not always) its signal loss. The problem is that the
>> device is acting as a black hole (signals go into the device and
>> don't come out). A filter will make the device look like a high
>> impedance device to X10 frequencies (harder for the X10 signal to
>> enter) and less signal loss will occur. It's a low impedence device
>> to the AC (50/60 Hz).
>>
>
> That's why I check the signal levels with a scope or an RF millivolt
> meter. They are usually ok. But you are right, most lay people
> wouldn't have a clue about it. That's why I believe that X10 at it's
> present performance level will never really take off. People would
> bring the stuff back to the stores, saying "It ain't working right".
>
>>
>>> Well, my tolerance level for sloppy electronics design is quite low.
>>
>> And your using x10 ... one has to wonder. ;-)
>>
>
> Yeah, got a point there. But when I bought it years ago there was
> nothing else around at reasonable price levels. AFAICT there still
> isn't. I have read similar "works ... then doesn't work" stories about
> Insteon.