Re: X10 Question

[Paul H <thisisme@xxxxxxxxx>]

Oh boy, speaking of a failing memory... I forgot I have modified all my
appliance modules -- clipped the diode -- to disable local control.
I always disliked that "current sensing" feature.  eg:

http://www.hectorg.net/hobbies/projects/aquarium/x10applianceadaptermod.php

Maybe that's what's keeping me from having chattering appliance modules.

On 3/23/2015 5:20 PM, Paul H wrote:
>
> Ah, thank you Don for jarring a fading memory.  I have had (rarely)
> appliance modules go bad -- the "chattering" effect you describe.  But
> not for years, and I have thirty appliance modules now in use.  Maybe
> once you've found a X10 module with decent caps you're good to go.
>
> Never had a palm pad (use a half dozen) or tabletop mini controller or
> infrared sensor go south.
>
> Have a WGLDesigns V572 paired with an XTB-523 to make the RF happen.  A
> PSC05 worked fine too; I got the XTB-523 just because I find Jeff Volp's
> products to be amazing in general.
>
> Haven't used lamp wall modules or the dimming button switches so I can't
> comment on them.  I do have a universal module PUM01 controlling a
> thermostat; it's lasted forever.  And of course I've a device to carry
> the signal across my two wiring legs.
>
> Everything works with amazing reliability once the noise issue is
> understood and defeated.  Perhaps living in California with low humidity
> and mild climate has extended the life of my X10 devices.
>
>
> On 3/23/2015 4:32 PM, Don Wiss wrote:
>> On Sat, 21 Mar 2015 17:45:14 -0700, Paul H <thisisme@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>
>>> I've found X10 devices to be remarkably reliable, and long-lived
>>> (decades).  The plastic will yellow and they continue chugging along.
>>> Time does not seem to effect their sensitivity.  I have dozens of X10
>>> devices, and the only time they've caused me grief is due to noise from
>>> other hardware.
>>
>> I stopped using X-10 stuff when I moved to a 123 year old house. It was
>> built before electricity was in the neighborhood. Circuits go all over
>> the
>> place. I tried once and gave up.
>>
>> In 1988 I renovated a loft and it was all X-10. I was having modules
>> go bad
>> after a few years. The electrolytic capacitors used were cheap and
>> failing.
>> The modules would then chatter.
>>
>> I gave away all my left over controllers. Or so I thought. I recently
>> came
>> upon four wall switch modules. Three Levitons from 1988. And one more
>> recent from Smarthome. New in original boxes. I need to get them on
>> Craig's
>> List for free.
>>
>> I'm in Brooklyn, if someone wants to swing by and pick them up.
>>
>> Don. www.donwiss.com (e-mail link at home page bottom).
>>
>