XTB II Review

["BruceR" <razrbruce@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tonight I installed my XTB II after completing a 4 hour assembly session
a few nights earlier. It would have gone faster if I weren't so rusty on
the resistor color codes but I wanted to triple check every step so I
wouldn't have to go back and troubleshoot later.  My efforts and caution
paid off as the device powered up and worked on the first try!

I decided to take advantage of the TW-523 emulation function and
eliminate the TW-523 unit completely.  I wired the XTB II to both legs
of power using a dryer plug and outlet that I had installed when trying
a Boosterlinc a few years back.  Next, I plugged the Power Line
Interface cable into the Stargate and the XTB II using a standard
modular telephone cable.

Now for the results (drum roll please...):  SHAME on X10 for not
producing this product themselves 20+ years ago!  Jeff Volp has hit
another homerun with this product.  The original XTB is good for what it
does and I was quite happy with it but the XTB II delivers strong
signals everywhere in my 8500 sf home without any additional couplers or
repeaters.  I didn't remove any of my filters but I suspect I don't need
them all now.  If this device were available a year ago I probably
wouldn't have bought any Insteon stuff.  As for Insteon, The XTB II does
nothing adverse to the Insteon signaling.

To sum up, the XTB II is worth every penny and more.  If you enjoy kit
building as I do, and you have time, excellent soldering skills, a low
wattage iron and patience, go for the kit, otherwise, let Jeff build it
for you for the small additional charge and get a fully tested plug 'n
play unit that works right out of the box.  Aside from my Stargate
controller, the XTB II is the most important and valuable piece of X10
compatible hardware I've purchased in the 24 years I've been using this
stuff!

THANK YOU JEFF!!

Aloha & Happy New Year,
Bruce Robin