I've got several X10 modules via several Firecracker deals I've signed up for. (Tsk Tsk. (: ) but one of them seems to have developed a problem. When I plug a lamp into the module it lights, but it refuses to switch on/off via any of several remotes. I've tried changing both the unit ID and the house ID with no effect.

Should I assume this thing is dead?

Without disecting it I can't prove your lamp module is dead. Run my diagnostic sequence below and you'll be closer to sure....

1) If you have another lamp module WORKING on another outlet, swap it with this one. If the "broken" one will work on the other outlet then it's the outlet at fault. Sometimes some outlets are on different circuits and don't "see" X-10 commands. If you have an electric clothes dryer, turn it on, then see if the "broken" lamp module works in it's old outlet.

2) Are you using an X-10 transceiver module (with an antenna) or IR543 transceiver(infra red) anywhere? X-10 modules don't receive commands from the remote, they receive X-10 signals along the power grid. It takes a transceiver to get the signal from the remote and convert it into X-10 commands.

3) Are you a nice, church-going, sociable, good natured, never swearing, always voting kind person? Sometimes electronic devices just don't like some people. Sometimes it helps TO curse at it. Sometimes you get a lemon and nothing helps. ;-)

Dave