Can't program Insteon Switch in X10 mode

[htsource]

I'm trying to program a few Insteon switches in X10 mode, but I'm having a heck of a problem. I followed the instruction here:

1) Set SwtichLinc Relay to linking mode by pressing ahd holding the Paddle Top for 10 seconds until the top LED in the LED bar begins blinking slowly and the controlled light flashes

2) Using an X10 controller, send the following sequence three times in succession: x10 primary address followed by the ON command

3) Once SwitchLinc Relay has received the preceding sequence three times, SwitchLinc will confirm that it has its Primary X10 Address by blinking the top LED in its LED bar and flashing the light that it's wired to

Just wanted to make sure, for (1) if I press and hold the paddle top for 10 seconds, top LED blinks, and the bottom LED blinks rapidly. Not sure what the "controlled light flashes" refers to - bottom LED?

For (3), the light never flashes and after 3 x10 commands, the paddle LED continues to flash. I'm using a Maxi controller and I can control other lights no problem.

Thanks for your assistance.

 

[htsource]

Just to make sure, am I suppose to send the House code + Unit code 3 times without sending the ON command? So on the Maxi controller, I set the dial to the House Code, and just hit the Unit code 3 times without hitting ON?

P.S. For Maxi controller, I have the old x10 one but I did use the same one to program some Insteon switches I purchased few months back.

Thanks.

 

[htsource]

Hmm, I might have a flaky switch

As soon as I turn on the light on that new Insteon switch, none of the other lights work anymore when I controlled remotely.

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

Try sending the signal more than 3 times.

 

[Digger]

Hmm, I might have a flaky switch

As soon as I turn on the light on that new Insteon switch, none of the other lights work anymore when I controlled remotely.

I have seen defective switches that caused comm failures on other switches. Once I replaced those switches my comm failures went away. While many people will swear its noise from computers, tv's etc it can also be defective switches and all of the filters in the world wont do any good.

 

[htsource]

I tried sending many commands but still nothing. I'm guessing it's a bad switch. Will replace it with another one tomorrow to see how it goes.

Thank you.

 

[BLH]

I believe the X10 on or off has to also be sent. Not sure if the Switclinc relays have to see the on or off. I know mine worked fine with the on or off being sent.
ApplianceLincs HAVE to see the X10 on or off; as it picks; if the Local Control is turned on or off.

 

[htsource]

Thank you guys, I took that switch and brought it to another circuit, I was able to program it right away. Something with the noise I guess. I tried programming the switch first, then brought it back. I was able to turn it on, but not off. At the same time, I can't control the adjcent switch anymore.

It's very weird.

 

[jkarney]

Do you have a X-10 signal meter? If not it would be worthwhile to get one (i.e. Elk ESM1 X-10 signal meter). This would really help find your noise sources and signal suckers. And above all save alot of time.

 

[htsource]

Yes, I have the ELK signal meter and I was using it last night to test for noise, no noise that I could see from the meter. Singal though, it wasn't going through as soon as the light was turned on. When it was off, maybe at 1V. At the same time, I found out I might have the ACT coupler installed wrong at the panel!

I'm thinking now if it's noise from the fixture itself. However, I have the same type of fixture in other areas and they control just fine. I confirmed the Insteon switches are okay.

 

[CollinR]

I was able to turn it on, but not off. At the same time, I can't control the adjcent switch anymore.

It's very weird.

If it's a 3way circuit you may have the master/slave reversed. Although I think off but not on is more common in that senario.