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Old X10 Modules Failing?

  • Thread starter (PeteCresswell)
  • Start date
P

(PeteCresswell)

Jan 1, 1970
0
About 20 years ago I had the brilliant idea of installing
X10-controlled floodlights under the eves of the house and
putting the X10 modules that control same up in what passes for
an attic.

Now something's getting flaky. There's this one set of lights
where I can hit "All On" on a controller and the lights come on,
but "All Off" will not turn them off - even though other lights
do get turned off.

We've been through a couple of other similar happening. In one
case, another controller would turn all lights on via "All On",
but no lights responded to "All Off".

The obvious is that the modules up there are at the end of their
lives and need tb replaced.

But I'm fishing for some other explanation before I crawl up
there and start ripping things out - and running Romex down the
soil stack to someplace more accessible to locate the new modules
in.

Controller "volume"? Some interaction with other devices on the
same circuit? Something with different circuits in the house
blocking some X10 commands?

Anybody have experience?
 
T

Tim

Jan 1, 1970
0
If you are using CFL bulbs, try turning them off. I have noticed they
seem to cause flaky operation in a usually stable setup at my house.
Prolly due to the line noise they generate, especially if they are on
the same line as the RF receiver / line transmitter unit.

- Tim -
 
P

(PeteCresswell)

Jan 1, 1970
0
Per William R. Walsh:
Maybe you know all that. I mention it just because it's so easy to
forget about it...or at least I have found that it's easy to forget.

I am flattered... but no, I don't know any of that.... I had
heard somewhere about the surge protector thing.
There are other things that can cause problems with X10
communications. Surge protectors (don't plug X10 modules into them)
intercoms that communicate over the household wiring, CFL bulbs, and
switchmode power supplies can all cause problems.

Would PC power supplies be "switchmode"?

-
I actually gave up on my X10 stuff at the one house because of
interference.

Did you find an alternative? When I was trying to get mControl
working on my server, I dabbled briefly with Insteon units.

Got beau coups CFL bulbs... gonna try turning them all off as
soon as I hit "Send" on this.
 
P

(PeteCresswell)

Jan 1, 1970
0
Per (PeteCresswell):
Got beau coups CFL bulbs... gonna try turning them all off as
soon as I hit "Send" on this.

No go.

Next, I'm re-installing mControl. If I can figure how to get
the Insteon interface working, I'll point it at the offending X10
switch.
 
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