X-10 signal booster XTB-II in 220-240V / 50hz the success story continue.

["tparent" <tparent@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Received last Friday my XTB-II kit

I followed the development of the XTB project since a while. X10
european users are encountering the same problems than US. New
electrical devices like switching power supplies, TV, computer are a
true nightware for X10 signals. The only difference is the fact that
there are only one or two signal repeater available at prohibitive
price for 220V-240V / 50hz .
I was also very curious to discover the difference between a signal
repeater like the CR-244 and a signal booster (like XTB-II).

Fast delivery, well wrapped box, no doubt about that, XTB-II is made
for crossing the ocean.

To be honest, I was very surprise to discover the high quality level of
the kit. No parts were missing, all the components where wrapped in a
smart way avoinding confusion between diode and zener for example.

Didn't encountered any problem during assembly phase. All the
components required for the 220-240V  50hz were provided and fit well.
Just take care that you should solder a specific strap for operating
the transformer in 220V (explained and printed on the board).

I will not say that you should do your first soldering steps with this
kit, but if you have basic understanding of electronical parts labeling
(resistor color, capacitor value, pin 1 of IC), you will not encounter
any problems.

It took me 3 hours to assemble it. You should certainly go faster, but
as an "oldtimer", I like to take my time and enjoy step by step the
assembly.

Unlike other electronical kits, this one contains ALL the required
parts including the housing, diode cap, screw, heat sink .... This is
really great especially the housing with the PCB fitting exactly at
screw holes.

To plug the device, I split an extention cord in two and screwed the
corresponding wires on the PCB. So, you will be able to use the plug
dedicated to your country.

Tips :
1.	Always use assembly notes as reference. Don't take care of value
printed on the board (330 ohms, 8.2 mH), trust first the component
reference (R12, C3 etc..).
2.	Like explained in assembly notes don't worry about the fact that
some component places stay free.
3.	Take care of the 220 ohms resistors, some are 1W, others are 2W.
4.	Don't forget to put the fuse on its holder before starting your
test. You can spare a lot of time especially in my case ;-))).

Ready for the fireworks ??? OK, let's plug for the first time the
XTB-II with a maxi controller as emitter and the most noisy plug of my
home (the computer one) as 220V powerline connection.

And..... IT WORKS at the first attempt. No trigger to tune, no jumper
to put, the XTB-II is ready to use (if you want some customisation, you
are able to do it through sending specific X10 sequences (not required
in my case)).

The differences between "before" and "after" XTB-II are
impressive.

The never reachable before "plug", including with the already
installed CR-244 repeater surrenders at the first X-10 command.

The fast "ON-OFF" switching sequence are reliable and fast.

All the room of my home are now reachable wherever they are located
(close to TV or Game console etc...).

It looks like a dream.

For sure XTB-II is not "the all one" solution to X10 issues, but it
provides for a reasonable price a true improvement without huge wiring
modification or filters plug.

ESM-1 signal tester confirmed this very positive feeling. Wihout
XTB-II, no signal were detected at "rebel" plug, With the XTB-II, 2
bars are ON and the green X10 signal is blinking at each command. No
strength weakness, whatever will be the X10 sequence or a infinite
repeating DIM/BRIGHT commands, the signal stay strong and reliable.

Thank you Jeff, thank you for bringing "a light" in the darkness of
X10 issues.

For people encountering X10 issues and wanting to go deeper with XTB-II
solution, take care :
1.	XTB-II is a signal booster for single phase installation (dual for
US version).
2.	Only controlers pluged to XTB-II input will be boosted
3.	XTB-II include a XM10/TW523 functionality (I didn't have the time
to test it).


Thierry