I am operating several X-10 lights through a OminiLT panel. Within the last month or so, everything has become erratic. It started with a hall light that would not turn off. I think that might be because there is a CFC in the circuit. The circuit has four lights on it, two CFC and two tungsten. But then, the outside lights either do not come on when they should or turn off before they should. They are all tungsten. We also have a tungsten light in the family room that will suddenly turn off or on. I have checked the Omni programming and all is as it should be. I suppose it could be neighbors since the system started being erratic after a long period of no problems. Could it be the X-10 interface? Might it help if I changed the codes? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Erratic X-10
- Thread starter alpalmer
- Start date
Spanky
Senior Member
Light dimmers give X10 a fit also.
You can try turning on an electric stove or the dryer and see if you can communicate with the X10. If so, you may need to bridge across the phases of the 240 volt AC to allow the signal to pass from one phase to the other phase of the power line. Phase couplers are available.
You can try turning on an electric stove or the dryer and see if you can communicate with the X10. If so, you may need to bridge across the phases of the 240 volt AC to allow the signal to pass from one phase to the other phase of the power line. Phase couplers are available.
Any new electronic devices in the home?
Many electronic devices can also absorb X10 signals or make power line noise.
In the X10 forums. We have even seen new electronically controlled things like stoves, washers, refrigerators etc. Cause problems. Cell phone chargers also seem to be a common problem.
Many electronic devices can also absorb X10 signals or make power line noise.
In the X10 forums. We have even seen new electronically controlled things like stoves, washers, refrigerators etc. Cause problems. Cell phone chargers also seem to be a common problem.
BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
Thanks to all for responding. I realized that most of the problems began when I started using a new computer and monitor. The computer is much larger and more powerful than the one I had before and the monitor is a large widescreen. There is much that I do not know about X-10, like electronic objects sucking up the signal. Will probably look at some kind of signal booster. Suggestions?
BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
Without a doubt, the X-10 Pro's XPCR Coupler (and I've tried the Leviton and Act also).
You CAN have a reliable X-10 system (as I do) BUT you HAVE to condition your home and isolate the signal sucks first. If you don't do this, the coupler will have only marginal results.
You CAN have a reliable X-10 system (as I do) BUT you HAVE to condition your home and isolate the signal sucks first. If you don't do this, the coupler will have only marginal results.
Deane Johnson
Active Member
With X-10, you're going to need filters on some things. My experience has been that Samsung TVs are terrible about creating problems with X-10. I use ACT filters, I assume there are brands available.
You can figure out what needs a filter by unplugging one thing at a time and seeing if it helps. Remember, unplug the device from the AC, don't just turn the item off to test. Sometimes the offending circuitry is not removed by the on/off switch.
The Elk X-10 meter was very helpful, but apparently has been discontinued. I think there are other things similar on the market, but I don't know the cost of those. The advantage of a test meter is that you can unplug something and actually see what effect it might be having on the signal.
You can figure out what needs a filter by unplugging one thing at a time and seeing if it helps. Remember, unplug the device from the AC, don't just turn the item off to test. Sometimes the offending circuitry is not removed by the on/off switch.
The Elk X-10 meter was very helpful, but apparently has been discontinued. I think there are other things similar on the market, but I don't know the cost of those. The advantage of a test meter is that you can unplug something and actually see what effect it might be having on the signal.
I have the JV Engineering XTBM X10 meter.
It reads both a noise level at the outlet being tested and the X10 signal level when a signal is on the power line.
If you have a active coupler repeater. When it first powers up. It sends an X10 signal on the line and then reads the signal being returned from the repeater.
http://jvde.us/xtb/XTBM_description.htm
I also have one of their XTB-IIR repeaters. Blasts a signal all over the house. If you have a mixed system like I do. It respects Insteon signals and does not step on them.
http://jvde.us//xtb/XTB-IIR_description.htm
One thing on X10 filters. The X10Pro XPPF is rated at five amps. If you constantly push it to five amps. It gets warm and starts to smell. Does work well for lower amperage devices.
The Smarthome ten amp FilterLinc and ACT fifteen amp AF120 both work well for me.
It reads both a noise level at the outlet being tested and the X10 signal level when a signal is on the power line.
If you have a active coupler repeater. When it first powers up. It sends an X10 signal on the line and then reads the signal being returned from the repeater.
http://jvde.us/xtb/XTBM_description.htm
I also have one of their XTB-IIR repeaters. Blasts a signal all over the house. If you have a mixed system like I do. It respects Insteon signals and does not step on them.
http://jvde.us//xtb/XTB-IIR_description.htm
One thing on X10 filters. The X10Pro XPPF is rated at five amps. If you constantly push it to five amps. It gets warm and starts to smell. Does work well for lower amperage devices.
The Smarthome ten amp FilterLinc and ACT fifteen amp AF120 both work well for me.