Re: Need input: Wierd Powerflash behavior

[Ronbo <ronbo@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

prc1 wrote:
> I've updated my home theater with a new A/V processor that has 3
> trigger voltage outputs.  I installed three amplifiers for the theater
> in my basement, and these do not have trigger inputs.  They do have
> hard on/off switching with a rocker switch on their front panels. I
> had the idea of hooking up X10 Pro PSC01 Powerflash interfaces to the
> trigger outputs, then plugging each amp into an appliance switch. When
> the preamp turns onand the PSC01's are in the proper setup modes
> (Input: voltage, operating mode: C)  the PSC01s send an "on" command
> as they're getting +12 VDC on their inputs and the amps turn on.  When
> the preamp turns off, the voltage goes away and the PSC01s send an
> "off" signal. The amps then go off.  Simple, right?
>
> Yes and no.  The PSC01's are plugged into an outlet strip that's
> plugged into the same outlet that the amps (and their appliance
> modules) are plugged into.  Everything's on the same phase and side of
> the breaker panel.  The amps will turn on A-OK, but will not turn off.
>
> Troubleshooting:  I've used the TEST buttons on the PSC01s, and
> everything turns on and off as it should.  I've used a mini controller
> and can manually turn the amps on and off with no problem.  I've used
> an handheld RF controller and again, everything works. The appliance
> modules will respond to the "All lights off" command just fine.  I've
> measured the voltage at the PSC01's inputs.  The +12VDC is switching
> on and off as it should.
>
> So, why would the Off commands not be transmitted, or why wouldn't the
> appliance modules respond if it were being transmitted?  What else
> could I try to isolate the problem?
> ** To respond, remove the crap from my addy...  **


It sounds like the power supplies of the amps are jamming the signal
from the PF module. That would account for why they turn on but not off.
Have you tried different house codes or unit codes? Also don't let the
fact that a handheld does shut them off. I have had that problem many
times when my CM11 would not activate something yet my  RF transceiver
will. Also if your equipment includes an LCD or Plasma set those Power
Supplies are extremely troublesome to X10 signals. Actually I have that
condition with a lamp module close to me Samsung LCD.

Hope this helps, Ron