Re: X10 Question

[Paul H <thisisme@xxxxxxxxx>]

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).
>