Re: Intermittent operation of 3 appliance modules AM486

[Rich <rich@xxxxxxxxxx>]

On Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:47:56 GMT, Rich <rich@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>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

I think I have the solution, or at least part of it.

I noticed that all the modules switch properly when we are not at
home.  I deduced that the problem may be an appliance that is turned
on and creating noise on the line.

I tracked the issue to four CF lamps.  One was a suspect last year
when it was in a different location in the house.  The other three
were small CF floods that I installed in recessed sockets  on a porch.
I'm not sure exactly when those were installed so they may not have
been present last year during the Christmas season.

The problems with these four lamps were not constant.  IOW, if any one
of the lamps were on, some modules would not turn on, or if on, they
wouldn't turn off.  Having all of the CF's on (which is typical for us
at this time of year) sometimes many modules would not switch on and a
few would not turn off.

I replaced the three small floods with conventional incandescent and
the other CF with a different brand CF.  All modules seem to be
working now.

The next question:

Are some brands of CF noisier than others?  The offending CF's that I
have found are N'Vision and Phillips.  The Commercial Electric CF that
I used to be able to get at HD seem to work fine.

The other oddity that I've noticed is when there are noisy CF's in the
house, modules that will not respond to an addressed OFF command will
sometimes respond to an ALL UNITS OFF.

Also, modules that are physically close to the noisy CF's are not the
units that fail to respond.  That doesn't make sense to me.

Rich