Re: Intermittent operation of 3 appliance modules AM486

["John J. Bengii" <nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The CM-11 sends out random codes if you leave it unplugged. It has
been a long time for me since using a CM11 (sofwtare was too dumb) so
I forget the exact details but I think you cannot leave the serial
port unplugged for some reason or it goes nuts.

"Rich" <rich@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:5fmqn3plid6jpr3ir0bqms9p2vmd7eljh4@xxxxxxxxxx
>I have a system in my 2600 sq ft home that I use for controlling my
> Christmas lights in season and just a couple of other lights during
> the rest of the year.
>
> I am having fits with it because of seemingly random control
> failures.
> Although I have read and extensively researched for trouble-shooting
> ideas on the web, I cannot seem to locate the source of the
> problems.
> Like many stubborn technical problems, I may have multiple causes.
>
> I hope someone can see my problem and suggest a trouble-shooting
> method that will help me.
>
> Specifically here is my system:
>
> (1) Sundowner Controller SD533
> (1) CM11 Computer interface, programmed and disconnected from my PC
> (1) Wall Dimmer WS467
> (1) Wall receptacle SR227
> (8) Appliance modules AM486
> (1) Phase Coupler/Repeater XPCR
>
> The program in the CM11 turns on all devices at 4:30pm and off at
> 11:45pm.  This program worked fine last year, but this year I am
> having issues with three of the AM486's on one end of my house.
>
> The devices intermittently refuse to turn on and off.  Usually they
> will turn on but not off, but sometimes they don't turn on either.
> One
> of the AM486 is more problematic than the others.
>
> Last year I had a simple phase coupler of a 0.1uf cap connected
> inside
> my breaker panel.  In the course of trouble-shooting I discovered
> that
> the cap had failed.  Instead of simply replacing the cap, I decided
> to
> install a Phase coupler/repeater - XPCR.  This device was installed
> in
> a utility box with short connections into my breaker panel.
>
> My trouble-shooting actions:
>
> Swapped the intermittent AM486 modules with others- problem remained
> in the original locations.
>
> Changed address of the intermittent AM486 modules- no change
>
> I programmed the CM11 with two fast macros- one to turn everything
> on
> and the other to turn everything off.  Set these to A5 ON and A6 OFF
> so I could test from my sundowner controller.  When I issue the A5
> ON
> and then the A6 OFF , the CM11generates the commands and everything
> USUALLY works as it should.  There is a delay of several seconds
> from
> the A5 and A6 button-push and the actual device operations- I
> presume
> this is normal and due to the CM11 interface.
>
> All devices USUALLY turn off with the ALL UNITS OFF from the
> Sundowner
> controller.
>
> Since the CM11 and the Sundowner controller CAN control the devices,
> I
> conclude that the programming is done correctly and that the command
> signals are being transmitted properly.  Is that a bad assumption?
>
> The problem is that at the programmed turn off at 11:45, three of
> the
> AM486 don't always shut off.  At that time. the A6 OFF and the ALL
> UNITS OFF don't USUALLY work either.
>
> So I have a system that mostly works but intermittently fails.  I
> have
> tested the system using A5 & A6 commands to the CM11 with various
> appliances on and off.  I've tried my furness, TV, and all my CF
> lights around the house.  I have not found any CF or appliance that
> is
> causing interference.  Every time I trouble-shoot the system
> everything works.  Later at the programmed times the devices fail
> (remain on).
>
> BTW, my entire house is filled with CF lights.  Last year I did find
> one CF that was apparently causing interference but only when it was
> turned on.  I replaced it with another CF light and the problem was
> gone.  This year I can't find any CF lamps that are causing a
> problem.
>
> I don't have a signal level meter and really don't want to invest in
> one unless there is just no other way.  Really, how much money do I
> have to spend just to control Christmas lights?
>
> TIA.  I hope someone can help me.
>
> Rich