Re: Need input: Wierd Powerflash behavior

[prc1 <prc1CRAP@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks to all for your suggestions.  I decided to try the capacitor
approach and (Thanks Dan!) added a blocking diode.  A 2200 uF gives me
an ~ 22 second delay, eliminating the X10 signal collision.  I'm going
to try using a smaller cap for a shorter delay and I think that'll do
it.  MUCH simpler than writing a program for the HCS to watch for the
off signal, then sequence the turn off of the amps via software.  :)


On Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:55:11 -0500, prc1 <prc1CRAP@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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...  **
** To respond, remove the crap from my addy...  **