Re: Problem With X10 Transceiver Module (RR501)

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

In general, they don't die from inactivity but the code wheels are
lubricated where they contact the circuit board. I've had new modules that
would not work due to excess lubricant (lots of it - the module worked once
I removed most of it) and have seen reports from others about dried up
lubricant that interfered with setting house/unit codes.

Do you have any way to monitor the powerline (e.g. ESM1)? You might try
setting another lamp or appliance module to the same address to doublecheck
that you are actually sending the code you think you're sending.

David White <whitedavidp@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>I got this thing many years ago in a group-buy of new X10 stuff from
>X10.com. Never needed it until now. I need and extra lamp module and
>figured I could just use this. No need for radio-control, just want
>control from normal, wired controllers.
>
>But the thing does not appear to be working. In the online manual, I read:
>
>1. Plug the RR501 Transceiver into any 120V AC outlet. Fully
>extend its antenna.
>2. Use a dime to set the Housecode dial on the RR501 to match the
>X10 Modules and remote control you will be using it with.
>3. Set the slide switch on the RR501 to the code you want it to
>respond to (1 or 9).
>4. Plug a lamp or appliance into the outlet on the RR501 (observe
>the ratings on the back of the RR501).
>5. Press the small button on the RR501 to test that the lamp/
>appliance goes on and off.
>
>I get nothing when pressing the small button. Further, when I try to
>control it using a controller plugged into the same outlet, I get
>nothing. I am sure the house and unit codes are set appropriately.
>
>Is this thing just dead? Perhaps it was DOA? Do X10 modules die just
>lying around in a box? Is there anything I can try inside to fix this thing?
>
>Thanks.