Re: XTB, reliablity, etc.

["Jeff Volp" <JeffVolp@xxxxxxx>]

<craft.brian@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1165015879.904855.296380@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

> I understand what it does. It just doesn't help much for wired devices
> that send x10. It only helps for things you plug in, which are RF
> transponders and PC/microcontrollers. So, to actually use the XTB, you
> will end up moving all of the user inputs to RF so they can be relayed
> through a transponder to the XTB. Wired transmitters such as light
> switches won't benefit. Even if you pop open the XTB and wire it
> in-line with a wired controller, you'd need one at every location you
> want to put a controller, which would be expensive and difficult to
> install.

The XTB works with any plug-in X10 device like the maxicontroller, CM11A,
TW523, or RR501.  Most light switches are receivers only, and they will
receive a stronger signal for more reliable control when using the XTB.  You
are correct that the XTB was not designed to boost the output of wire-in
transmitters like the Leviton 16400.

The XTB and XTB-II are both intended to boost the output of your primary
automation controller to boost signal levels throughout your house, and
increase reliability.  The XTB cannot boost the output of remote
transmitters.  However, the repeater function of the XTB-II can do that if
the remote transmitter can get an acceptable signal to the XTB-II.

Jeff