Hello folks,

Is there any low cost amplified phase coupler available? The ones I researched are all over $200.00.
I read about the low cost solution for phase coupling but is there something similar for boosting the X-10 signal?

Thanks!

Martin :-)

One of the best aplified couplers is the ACT CR230. It's $129.00 from [Link: homeautomationnet.com]

Be aware that the ACT CR230 is not UL or CSA approved, so you install it at your own risk, not that there is anything wrong with it, but better be safe than sorry.

I am going to get the XPCR from X10, which is approved.

Does anyone have any feedback on the XPCR who has one.

Thanks


This message was edited by Blade9123 on 08/28/03 17:55.

Have you measured your signal level? Are you sure you need a boost is what I'm getting at. If it's just noise you don't need the amp. (and if it is noise a boost may not solve your problem, at least completely)

The idea is to get a signal that is sufficiently stronger than the noise so the CR230 will help in noisy environments.

The CR230 is in the approval process, I was told it should have approval in about 5 to 6 weeks. They expect the CR134 and 234 to be approved in 3 to 4 weeks. The approved units are unchanged from their current production and there has never been an issue with all the units in the field. It takes a long time to get these through the system, they were submitted at the beginning of the year.

The XPCR is a fairly old design compared to the CR230 but it was a good unit. I used to use plain couplers in small installations but have found that the repeaters just make everything work a whole lot better.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Ok, I guess I always thought to be truely reliable you had to get rid of the noise first, then worry about singal strength. The only problem I have is with the treadmill (when it's running). What would the best approach be there, a single (large) filter on the treatmill or bridge amplifier? All X10 is fine except when it's running. (I've got 3,400 sq ft and X10 running all the way into the back yard.)

You can't get rid of all of the noise. I was reading noise on the line on my new house before I'd plugged in a single item. You minimize noise and maximize signal strength.

What the current draw on the treadmill? There are 5A and 15A noise filters.

Bill,

Good to hear from you on the ACT CR230. I am not knocking the product at all! I would love to have one of them, but I want it to be approved. My dad is an electrician and said he will not install the CR230 if it is not CSA or UL approved (I live in Canada) or he could lose his license. I don't blame him since it is what he does for a living. It is very handy having an electrician in the family (very handy indeed - we wired my first house 4 years ago).

Anyway, I would love the CR230 because I have heard nothing but good things about it. Please keep me up to date on the progress of the approval. Here is my email address in case you hear that the approval is complete and could send me a quick email. Once approved you will have a sale from me.

btmaslen@ezlink.on.ca

Thanks again Bill

Bob

Smarthome.com. Here's one for $159. Not the same one I have, but similar. Works like a charm. Not only is it a coupler, but it amplifies the signal from a standard 0.5w to 5.0w. Everything works better and with one press of a remote.

[Link: smarthome.com]

Thats the X10 XPCR, also sold as leviton 6201, very old unit but it was reliable.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com