I'm trying to use the SlimFIRE remote to control the first-floor lights in my house, from both the garage (at basement level) and the bedroom (second floor). But SilmFIRE is pretty weak, and I have not been able to find an outlet to which I can plug in the transceiver such that the SlimFIRE signal is strong enough to always be received from both places. I am think of getting another transceiver and plug into a basement outlet. If somehow a SlimFIRE signal is picked up by both transceivers, would the control signals they send through the house wirings collide? What will happen? Can I atucally use to transceivers on the same housecode?

Thanks,

Gene

Gene,

I was in the same boat as you. I have a transceiver bundled in ActiveHome as well as one from FireCracker. I thought I could put one upstairs and one downstairs and this will make sure all the SlimFire Controls would work. THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT WAY. I read it from somewhere else probably in this forum, in a lot of the cases, if both transceivers received the same signal, the signal will collide or if the first one received the signal then 2 seconds after, the second one received the same signal, what will happen is you'll get the command twice (if you're executing a macro, it will execute twice).

I wasn't aware of the problem until I read it, then I realized I got the problems described above. In most case, the macro executed twice.

I found the Palm Pad is very responsive and maybe you can look into it. Otherwise, you may need to get a RF Repeater. The RF Repeater is kinda expensive though.

Simon

Simon,

Thanks for the tip. It wouldn't be as convenient to carry a palmpad around ...

I am curious what happens when two signals (of the same type, obviously) collide. I don't worry too much about getting macros executed twice -- mine are essentially a bunch of on's and off's, so doing them twice does not seem to be having a visible effect (and I wrong?). But I'd like it to
execute at least once...

Gene

Gene,

That's true, Palm Pad is kinda big.

In my previous experiences, the response from SlimFire was better than just one transceiver. However, if I was using Palm Pad, I always got problems. I guess if the two transceiver are placed further enough so there is only one can receive the signal at one time, you'll be fine.

I guess if the signal collide, it just wouldn't execute what you want (like the light wouldn't turn on). I don't think this will cause any harmful effects. However, if you're executing a macro or diming a light, you might have a problem. For example, if you press DIM once, it suppose to dim the light one level down. However, if the two receivers received the signal. What will happen is instead of sending DIM once, it will send it twice. But since your objective is to TURN ON/OFF, so I don't think this is an issue.


Simon

I'm not sure what kind of problems can occur if the signals collide. I also was told it was not a good idea, especially in trying to solve a "phase jumping" problem.

I did notice that with the ActiveHome software, modules and macros that are set for timed events have the option to have the signal sent as "multiple transmissions". You have to click on "Special" (right next to the Dusk/Dawn button) to display this option.

ActiveHome Help file describes this feature as:

"Checking this will cause the Interface to transmit its signals multiple times to make sure the signal gets through. Check this if you suspect that your house wiring might be susceptible to noise that might interfere will the signals sent from the Interface."

If the ActiveHome program allows this, I'm not sure why it would be bad for two transceivers to each send a signal just seconds apart???

Unfortunately, this feature is only allowed with timed events. If you try to enable this feature without setting it as a timed event, it will disable itself.

So, if you do have a second transceiver, it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

Otherwise, like Simon said, try the PalmPad since it has a much greater range. If it's only to be used around the house, just do what I do -- have several PalmPads lying around all over the house.

Or another thing to try: if you haven't replaced the Slimfire battery since you've received it, try doing so. The batteries sent along with the Slimfire are weaker than crap.

Good luck,
Roland

One suggestion is to hold the remote to your chin when you press the buttons. Yes, I mean it. This uses your body as an antenna and will improve the range by as much as 50 feet. I do this with my car alarm remote to also improve its range. Try it, it might solve your problems. The neighbors might ask “what in the hell are you doing?” but if it works, who cares.

Chris Couture

Only 50 ft? Maybe I'm special, but I can double the range if I can use it near my face. Must be the dental work. ; )

I have two transceivers both set to A1 in my home. I've never had a problem with colliding signals. ON, OFF and DIM signals all operate just as I'd expect.

As long as you use them on the same house code, you should be fine. The problem is when 2 X-10 signals of different codes are transmitted at the same time. This would only happen in IR applications where the IR codes are not house code specific (sending out say A1 on and B1 on at the same time). If you had 2 RF receivers and 2 Palm pads set to different codes (A and B) and pressed both 1's at the same time, then you'd have a problem because A1 and B1 would collide. The reason two of the same signals will work is because of a feature that allows repeated signals to be ignored. This feature is mainly used when a coupler is installed. If this feature didn't exist, all applications with a coupler would have repeated signal problems.

Hope this shed some light,

Chris Couture