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Topic:
X-10 Lights Mysteriously Turn Off
This thread has 3 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Tuesday July 27, 1999 at 14:53
Michael B.
Historic Forum Post
I am having a problem with my new X-10 system. I started with the IBM Home Director kit, (which I know does not have the best modules) but what is happening now, is that my lights will mysteriously dim or turn themselves on and off without any intervention.

I have changed house codes with no change in behavior. I thought that it might have been related to my AC clicking on and off, but with controlled tests this did not reproduce the problem. Different outlets don't matter, as I have devices on both phases of the house in different areas with the same problem.

I am awaiting the arrival of some high end PCS switches so I will experiment with them to see if the problem occurs.

How can I prevent this behavior from happening, it is driving my wife nuts. I don't think a signal bridge will help as the on-off commands get through without a problem. I think it might be related to noise in the electric lines, but how do you filter it out.

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

Michael
OP | Post 2 made on Wednesday July 28, 1999 at 04:01
Jim Fouch
Historic Forum Post
I don't think your problem is noise - X10 signals are sent something like A1 and then A-OFF (or ON, or DIM, or whatever) with each signal being a 12 to 20 bit (I forget exactly) binary code which occurs at the zero crossing point of the sine wave of the electrical power - so, if I have this right, your chance of off having random noise send a X10 signal is less than winning the lottery every day for a month.

Noise would have the opposite effect - it would garble an X10 signal.

If the above is correct, then it follows that a X10 transmitter, either internal or external to the house, is sending the signals. To determine whether a neighbor on the same transformer is sending the signal or whether one of your devices is farkled (a highly technical computer term), you can turn on the lights controlled by X10 and then unplug all of your transmitters.

Transmitters include universal modules, mini and maxi timers, transceivers, Switchlinc switches, smart controllers, and possibly something else I can't think of at this hour.

If after doing this, you still have a problem, then I would conclude that the source of the trouble is outside your house. The good news is that there are two solutions: (1) find the neigbour on the same transformer and agree which codes each of you will use, or (2) install a signal blocker. These devices are made both by X10 Powerhouse and ACT - my guess, and that is all it is, is that the ACT unit would be better - and that is why I buy things like this from people like Robert - even if his prices are not the absolute lowest in the known world, and I think they are pretty good, his knowledge and experience can save one a lot of time, money, and frustration.

I believe the signal blockers also act as a signal bridge.

The bad news is that these devices require the neutral wire to pass through them after the electric meter but before the electric panel, so unless you are very very comfortable with this kind of work, it is a job for a qualified electrician.

Now, in the other case, where unplugging all your transmitters does solve the problem, add them back one at a time until you find the one that is the culprit and replace it. This is a slow and tedious, especially with an intermittent problem and an unhappy S.O. but at least the solution is not expensive in terms of parts and outside labor.

Good Luck, Jim.

The Law of Inanimate Objects: They either don't work, break down, or get lost.
OP | Post 3 made on Wednesday July 28, 1999 at 07:12
Michael B
Historic Forum Post
Thanks for the info. The good thing is that I only have three transmitters at this point (a computer control module, the remote module, and a mini desktop module) so my testing should be easier than most.

Thanks again for the help.
OP | Post 4 made on Thursday July 29, 1999 at 18:20
Larry Boyers
Historic Forum Post
One situation that can cause random operation is if there's a loose connection.

I just had a free-standing lamp that started to come on at apparently random intervals. The lamp was connected to a simple X10 light module (plug-in type). I eventually noticed that the light would come on it the lamp was touched or bumped which led me to the problem. The bulb was loose in it's socket which made an intermittant contact when the lamp bumped. That intermittant contact was seen by the X10 module as someone using the modules local control feature.

Regards,

--LB


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