This does not sound like you have a problem with your X-10 transceiver. I would suspect the Palm Pad IR strength. One way to test the IR transceiver is to use another IR remote control that has the X-10 IR command set. Many preprogrammed universal remote controls have this command set built into the firmware of the remote. If another remote works well with the transceiver, then the transceiver is most likely fine.

Robert
RCI Automation