I have some (cheap) X-10 light switchs. They take bright, dim and off everytime. However, they take an on command about 30% of the time. They are all on different circuits. All other X-10 components work as they should. Could noise cause this (one command only) problem? Thanks for any advice!

-sadams

Note: the missed "on" commands can be sent from transceiver/remote, cm11a(menu or dwl) or a psc05--all with the same bad results.

Could be or it could be a phase problem. If you have an electric dryer or other 220V appliance turn it on and then check to see if the problem goes away. If it does you need a phase coupler installed in your breaker box. As for a noise problem I think the only way to check this short of a tester is to start unplugging or using the breakers to disconnect everything except the circuit that controls the light in question(and then everything else on that circuit.)Then if it works start turning everything else on one at a time until the light in question stops working.If you find the offending appliance you will need a noise filter. Try doing a search on this forum using the work "noise" and also "phase" for more help.

I agree with skipo. My only suggestion is install a signal bridge whether you find a noisy device or not (BTW, Sony TV's and most CPU are usually the culprit...and they don't need to be on to block or absord x10 signal). It's a lot cheaper in terms of time and aggravation to install a bridge and place filters on suspected noise makers. Just a suggestion.

Most of the retailers are offering a new bridge that plugs into your 220 service...no need to fart with the utility cabinet.

Boy, this forum saved me from pulling out what little hair I have left.

Just tonight purchased a small X10 starter kit.

All circuits worked all over the house. Then at bed time the lamp module in the den would not work. ?????

After reading this thread, I realized that the dryer was on earlier when I was testing. I turned the dryer back on and BINGO, the den lamp module worked.

I DO NOT like the idea of of installing a phase coupler in the breaker box. Electricity gives me a little fear. I read in an earlier thread that there was a device that plugged into the 220v dryer plug, and the dryer plugged into that.

Any ideas where I can get that?

BTW, I have been a regular here a RC for about two years, had a Sony universal remote RMAV 2000, then moved up to the Pronto. This site has saved my sanity several times, and I am very glad you guys are here to keep me calm in my new X10 adventures.

You can get the plug-in coupler at this link: [Link: smarthome.com] But that's not what I'd recommend.

First, it's a passive coupler which is OK at the breaker box but an active coupler will usually give much better performance as it actually amplifies the X10 signals instead of just passing them.

Second, a good passive coupler costs only $31 at the link below and the plug-in coupler is $99.95. (The active coupler is only $29.05 more at $129.00) [Link: homeautomationnet.com]

Lastly, the plug-in coupler isn't at the CB box so you're increasing the distance that the signals must travel (from the transmitter to the box, from the box to the coupler, from the coupler back to the box, then from the box to the receiver) so, depending on how much wiring is between your box and the outlet that you use for the coupler, you could have noticably worse performance than a passive coupler mounted at the box.

Regarding not wanting to open up your CB box, I agree, call in an electricial. You'll pay their minimum call charge which, in my area, is about $85. If there's any other electrical work you want done (adding an outside light, adding fixtures, pulling more romex for seperate control of light and fan on ceiling fans, pulling Cat5 for a computer network, etc.) this is a good time to do it.