Re: X10 Passive Couplers

[Joerg <notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Jeff,


> When using the XTB in a house with X10 devices on both phases, a good
> passive coupler should be installed to propagate the strong XTB output
> signal to the other phase.  The inexpensive .1uF capacitor often recommended
> is NOT a good match for the XTB.  That has a capacitive reactance of 13 ohms
> at 120KHz, and is barely adequate to transfer the energy from a normal X10
> transmitter.  It will also not discriminate between X10 signal and line
> noise, and will couple any high frequency line noise directly across the
> phases.
>
> The XTB should be used with a series tuned circuit, using a capacitor and
> inductor as a minimum.  Should you want to roll you own, a .22uF
> 630VDC/250VAC capacitor in series with a 8.2uH inductor, similar to the
> Miller 5800 8R2, will give good performance.  However, the more elaborate
> passive filters sold by X10, Leviton, and Smarthome will provide the best
> performance.
>

You might want to add a fuse just in case that capacitor decides to
croak. Happened at a friend's house and he said the kaboom in the wee
morning hours made him jolt out of bed in one second. It was an AC rated
cap, sounded like a gun shot.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com