CR234 Operation

[RKinOhio]

I have noticed that there are a number of CR234 coupler-repeater users that are members here, so I have a question that someone will have the answer to, I'm sure. I just installed a new CR234 and we are checking the performance looking for the improvements. I have noticed better remote response, but just by the luck of it I installed it after the nightly "on at dusk" lighting routines should have run, so that part of the test will wait for the 'lights out' later. My question is about the normal function of the 'error' light. Every time that I press the remote, one of two scenarios is displayed on the CR234. The LEDs either fire as 'receive','transmit',a rapid fire between 'receive' and 'error', followed by the 'transmit' LED, OR, a rapid fire between 'receive' and 'error', followed by 'transmit'. In every case the 'receive' and 'transmit' start and stop the communication and everything appears to be working. The 'error' rapid fire is more of a flicker and does not stay on. I didn't see anything like that in the 4 page instruction documents.

Is this normal or do I have some more work to do?

Thanks in advance for any clues that you can offer.

RK

 

[BLH]

What module are you using to receive the remotes RF signal and do you have more than one?
I know the TM751 is not polite and if more than one sends at the same time. Errors can happen.

I do remember when I was using a CR234. I turned switch #3 On to disable repeat known repeated signals.
I believe my CM15A some times got cranky when it was enabled.

If you change the switches in the CR234. I believe you have to cycle the power for the switches to be read again.

Sorry I can't be more specific. I have replaced mine with a XTB-IIR and have vague memories on how the CR234 acted.

 

[RKinOhio]

Thanks for the reply, BLH. I have 4 TM571's in the house. Did your system improve after you turn switch 3 on? How is it running now with the XTB-IIR?

Thanks,
RK

What module are you using to receive the remotes RF signal and do you have more than one?
I know the TM751 is not polite and if more than one sends at the same time. Errors can happen.

I do remember when I was using a CR234. I turned switch #3 On to disable repeat known repeated signals.
I believe my CM15A some times got cranky when it was enabled.

If you change the switches in the CR234. I believe you have to cycle the power for the switches to be read again.

Sorry I can't be more specific. I have replaced mine with a XTB-IIR and have vague memories on how the CR234 acted.

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

Are the TM751s all on different house codes?

 

[RKinOhio]

The TM571s are all set to the same house code. Two are on one phase and two on the other. The pairs are opposite ends of the house. Would that be causing me problems?

Thanks,
RK

 

[BLH]

TM751s are not polite. As they have no power line receivers in them to verify the power line has no X10 signals on it.
So they will just send X10 commands at will.

It could be that two or more of them on the same House Code. Are receiving the remotes command and sending at nearly the same time. Causing the signals to be corrupted and probably why the Error LED is now flashing on the corrupt X10 signals.

RR501s are polite and less likely to step on each other.

XTB-IIR is great. I also have the JV Engineering XTBM. Signal X10 meter.
With the XTB-IIR my lowest X10 signal in the house is 1.75 volt. On an outlet close to it. The X10 signal is 9.95 volts.

Now that I have mostly Insteon devices with an added X10 address for things like Palmpad remotes. The XTB-IIR knows enough to not garbage the Insteon commands.

 

[dave w]

Agree with BLH your problem may be multiple TM751 trampling on each other, corrupting X10 signal.

http://www.act-remote.com/PCC/PCCInst/cr234_instr.pdf

 

[RKinOhio]

First of all, I really appreciate the help here. Taking the advice from BLH, I pulled all of the TM571's and tested using the remote pad and the CM15A. No error lights! Everything worked well. Should I try flipping switch number 3 on the CR234 before I re-install the TM571 again? I have a fairly spread out home and the single receiver (CM15A) can’t cover the entire house. I should probably just buy a couple of RR501's, right?
Thanks,
RK

 

[BLH]

The CM15A is known for poor RF reception.
The X10 forums are full of antenna modifications and I believe there is one here also.
You may want to wrap some wire around the CM15As plastic antenna so the wire extends maybe an added 9".
It is easy to try and not a warranty buster.

The RR501s would be a better receiver than the TM751s.

I don't think switch 3 will change much with more than one TM751. It may if the CM15A gets into a signal firestorm with the CR234. You can try it On and see if it makes a difference.

 

[RKinOhio]

The update: I have removed the TM571's and the first night, everything ran very well; 100%. The next night one of the lighting controls (M1), which has 3 control modules associated to that code, turned on but did not turn off. The next night M1 neither turned on nor, after being remotely switched on, did it turn off, although it did dim as 9:00pm as programmed. Finally, last night, 3 of my programmed lighting controls (M1,M2,M4 - I am only including the routine numbers to show that the are different) didn't work. Right now, I am thinking that the CR234 was a bad investment. There are only two paths to go now as I see it; either fix it or replace it with another product.

You have all provided valued information and I would appreciate your thoughts now, too.

Thanks,
RK

 

[BLH]

The CR234 should take care of phase coupling.

Have you done any troubleshooting for noise or signal suckers {devices that absorb power line signals}?
Like is the CM15A on the same circuit as the computer and its accessories? Most are known noise makers or signal suckers.

What type of bulbs in the lights?
Turning on but not off. Can be things like CFLs on the switch making noise when On and the control signals can't turn the switch back off.

http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm
http://www.act-remote.com/PCC/uncle.htm

 

[RKinOhio]

The update, cont'd: I have a number of lights that are programmed to come on at dusk. I just watched the CR234 set through the paces. I had several receive, transmit, flashes, it paused, repeated, and then as it started again I saw the error light flash. The transmit light stayed lit longer than it had, and that repeated through another cycle, and then again. Of the six things programmed to happen at dusk, this time only two of them worked. Looks like I am going downhill here, doesn't it.
If I need to buy meters that could tell me where the problem is and if they wouldn't break the bank to buy them, I would. I would be happy to put filters on things if I should, but I would like a recommendation on a brand/type if someone knows of a dependable and affordable way to go. Kind of perplexed here.

When I think back of my first days with X10, it was great. I don't doubt that our constant addition of electronics in the house has caused some problems with noise. Would a XTB-IIR eliminate the problems? Can it be programmed with the Home Automation software or will I need to buy another package?

Thanks,
RK

 

[BLH]

Did you try switch #3 On?
Sounds like you are getting a signal fire storm with the CM15A and CR234.

The XTB-IIR is a coupler repeater like the CR234 is. So it would be a replacement for the CR234.
So what ever program you are using thought the CM15A would not have to be replaced.
It has the highest transmit signal I have ever seen.
Some have found that the signals from one. Is enough to overcome many power line signal problems. Though not all of them.

 

[RKinOhio]

Thanks, BLH. I hadn't turned it on, but I just did. I might have an answer yet tonight, but if not I will watch it again tomorrow at dusk.

RK

 

[RKinOhio]

BLH, I set switch 3 to on and I am still having problems. This problem is starting to make me wonder if I should scrap things and start over. The lights that are not functioning with the program are not on the same phase (leg), they are the furthest point from the controller, and they all respond very well to the remote control. Actually, one of them works, occassionaly. If the remote handles them well (much better than ever before), what could the problem be? You would think that noise wouldn't be an issue if the remote works well, right? Would a new controller be the answer? Is there a way to test them?

Thanks, RK