I have a couple problems… I installed a Leviton Phase coupler (SmartHome 4823) per the instructions. Things are no better off than before. I have double checked and moved the breakers that the coupler is attached to around and nothing seems to help.

My second problem is that I can turn some lights on but not off. I am guessing this was the problem before I put a phase coupler in I just didn’t know it – assumed that the hot tub was on when the lights were supposed to turn on but not when they were supposed to turn off.

Here is a link to a diagram of my breaker box. Currently the breakers (a pair of tandem 15 amp breakers if that matters) are in the bottom left two slots (labeled on the diagram as 12/13 and 14/15). I have tried moving the one in 14/15 to 29/30 and that did not help.

Any ideas? I am a little frustrated.

Thanks in advance

X10 controlled lights frequently put a little bit of noise on the line when they're on. In a weak signal/high noise environment that little bit of extra noise can be enough to stop the signal from getting through.

Try unplugging any likely noise producers (TVs, computers, UPS power supplies, surge surpressors, etc.) and see if the problem improves. If it does, buy the plug in noise filters to isolate the noise producers.

FWIW, I have all of my TVs, computers, and UPS powersupplies on noise filters just as a preventative measure.

I'm not really sure, but haven't there been some posts in the past concerning the Leviton Phase coupler not working very well, if at all? Seems like I remember something like that. Don't know if that could be your problem or not, but thought I'd raise the question.

Deane

There have been a lot of problems with the HC series from Leviton. I have pulled a few out and got better reliability with nothing. Sorry to tell you this, price on it is real good but I have a lot of emails from customers that pitched this thing and were very happy they did.

Pays to read some of the old posts before you buy.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Thanks for the info. Is the XPCR any better? ([Link: smarthome.com]) Its not a Leviton its an X-10 Pro I accidentally bought that and was going to return it but I can return the Leviton if the other is better – or return both and get something else. I see one other suggestion – the CR230.

The XPCR is a fairly old unit and it used to be sold by Leviton also before they came out with the HA series. It's kind of an old design but it worked very well and was reliable.

I think the CR230 is the best one for the money, and the CR234 is the best unit period. Just want to let you know prices of both the CR230 and CR234 will be droping quite a bit at the end of the month. ACT is getting real agressive with their pricing.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Thanks, I think I’ll put the XPCR in if it’s a better choice than the Leviton unit. Looking at the price of the CR234 unless they are planning on dropping the price $100 I’ll stick with the XPCR.

If anyone knows (and can say) about the magnatude of the price cuts that would be helpful in making a decision.

Kirk:

One of the best ways to avoid problems like you encountered is to order from Bill E. at homeautomationnet (link above). Bill doesn't sell the stuff that doesn't work. And his prices and personal service are about the best around.

I have no quarrel with Smarthome whatsoever. They give good service and have a great catalog. Trouble is, they sell the good stuff along with the no-so-good, such as Leviton couplers. I'm kind of partial to someone who tries the stuff themselves before they sell it to me.

It always troubles me to see guys spending their precious dollars on something that shouldn't even be on the market, then having to fight the battle to get it staightened out.

I have the CR234 and it does a great job. Darn, I bought long before the coming price drop, but it's still good to hear about more agressive pricing by ACT. They make good stuff.

Deane

We just got the newly priced ACT products in early. And you will not be disappointed, (unless you bought them at the old price, or have a bunch on the shelf like we do). I think the biggest deals are big drop in their A10 technology CR234's the drastic reduction in the AF120 filters and the drop of $100 on their top of the line AT004 test meter.

Links are below if interested.

[Link: homeautomationnet.com]

[Link: homeautomationnet.com]


We did not get the new A10 technology scene switches that were promised but understand they will be priced about $40-45. For those of you that have not seen ACT's (now calling themselves HomePro) X10/A10 products they are pretty amazing, they can detect X10 signal through 30 volts of random noise, and were designed for commercial applications, good stuff.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Hey Bill,
I am trying to decide between the CR230 and the CR234 for my 1300 sq ft home. My installation consists of 8 Leviton 16383 switches, 5 Leviton HCM06-1TW switches 1 KeypadLinc 6 button, and a few other items I am sure that I am forgetting. All of this is controlled by a HouseLinc and 2 IR 543s. What would you recommend?

Thanks
Kenny


This message was edited by hotwire on 09/18/03 00:03.

The CR230 is adaquate for your home, I like the CR234 a lot but for your home you should not have much of a signal strength problem. I would put the extra mony into a couple of filters, and ESM1 signal meter. These will serve you better in the long run.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

I wish I had seen this about a week ago. I just installed a Leviton HCA02-10E earlier this week. What a waste! I'm still waiting on some AF120 filters, I'm hoping they are just the thing I need to resolve a few remaining issues.