Re: Intermittent operation of 3 appliance modules AM486

[Rich <rich@xxxxxxxxxx>]

The CM11A is disconnected from my PC and plugged into an outlet in a
different room.  There is no "hanging cable" issue.

Rich


On Thu, 3 Jan 2008 20:43:21 -0500, "John J. Bengii"
<nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>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
>