I recently purchased the Home Director Starter kit and add on kit. The wall switch from the add on kit works properly with local control, and can be turned off by remote (either computer or handheld) with or without the oven being on, however, I am unable to turn the light on other than my local control.

Any ideas on why the module can be turned off but not turned on.

Any and all help greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Michael

Michael,

This is a common problem. Please see my post on this forum dated 7/13/99 - Why aren't my X-10 commands getting through?

One additional piece of information regarding wall switches. The type that you have are very cheap and are not very sensitive to X-10 commands. There are newer, more sensitive switches that may work in your situation without the need for an amplified signal bridge. The only way to tell for sure is to purchase a switch and try it. Even if you still need an amplified signal bridge the new switch is a good investment because it offers other features like soft start and memory dim.

We offer a complete line of home automation products, and excellent technical support with every purchase.

Robert
RCI Automation
rciautomation@csi.com
[Link: ourworld.compuserve.com]

I have purchased some of the newer true rocker switches with AGC technology (anxiously awaiting UPS now), but I was hoping to use the "CHEAPO" switches to operate my exterior lights, as I don't care about dimming or any of the other features that are present in the higher end switches. I planned on eventually getting an amplied signal bridge, but I was truly concerned about whether the switch was defective and needed to be replaced. Other X-10 devices (IE appliance and Lamp modules, the same "CHEAPO" quality) work great within 5 feet and same circuit of the malfunctioning switch.

Thanks for your info Robert you have been a HUGE help in this forum

Michael,

The only way to tell if your switch is defective is to try moving it to a different location, plug a X-10 transmitter into the same electrical circuit, and try it. Many times the switch will work if the X-10 signal is strong enough. If it doesn't work there, try moving it to another circuit and try again. If you find that you are able to turn the switch on and off with an X-10 command, the switch is functional. Another way you might test it is to replace the switch with another "cheapo" switch and see if the new switch behaves any differently. If the new switch works, the old one probably is defective. Without the amplified signal bridge it is pretty much a hit and miss operation.

Thanks for your positive comments on my posts to this forum. I hope that I have shown that when it comes to purchasing home automation products, the lowest price is not the only factor to consider. I believe that competent technical advice and support is a major factor that needs to be considered, but unfortunatly often is not considered in the purchase decision. If one is considering installing or expanding a home automation system, considerable money and frustration can be saved in the long run by purchasing the "right" components for their system. This includes consideration of the future expandability of the system. I am a firm believer in providing customers with all the information they need to make an informed purchase decision.

Robert
RCI Automation
rciautomation@csi.com
[Link: ourworld.compuserve.com]

Oops. I think I typed Michaels name in the Name box instead of mine. Anyway, the last post was from me.

Robert
RCI Automation
rciautomation@csi.com
[Link: ourworld.compuserve.com]