Re: Best Way to Amplify X-10 Signal?

[Brian S. Schang <brian@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Wed, 01 Mar 2006 07:13:18 -0500, Brian S. Schang
<brian@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>To make a long story short, I've had much success using X-10 for
>lighting control. Although I have a smaller house, I have made sparing
>use of Leviton plug-in filters (I forget the model number) for the
>electrical devices I have that tend to attenuate the X-10 signals. I
>try to be cognizant of the devices I add so that I can pinpoint a
>problem when it occurs. I've been fairly successful.
>
>Now, however, I'm in a project to finish my basement. I'm staring to
>get flakey X-10 behavior, and I know exactly where the problems are.
>I've moved my computers from upstairs to the basement and have not
>reinstalled the filters yet. I'm sure that if I were to reinstall
>them my problems would go away.
>
>Here is my question ... is this really the best way to handle this
>problem? While I've been successful using these filters, I have
>friends and family that have been equally successful using repeaters
>and amplifiers. Which is the most robust solution?
>
>I ask simply because as I finish the basement, I'll either need to buy
>more filters or buy another solution, such as a repeater or amplifier.
>I want to try to put my money towards the most robust solution. While
>I don't want to throw money away, I'm willing to spend more to get a
>better solution.

Thanks for all of the good feedback. Seems unamimous in that filters
would be a better choice than repeaters/amplifiers since I have been
successful with the filters in the past.

The only potentially complication is that when moving my computers
downstairs I upsized my UPS. I have a 1000W unit now which exceeds my
filter's rated capacity of 120V and 5A (600W). I have been using
Leviton model 6288 filters.

Given that I need more capacity, are there any filters that will work?
If not are there any good alternate options?

Thanks again for the help.

Brian Schang