Powerline Interface Module Pulseworx vs HAI

[Basildane]

As for me, I don't have signal issues.
Because when I plug a PCS PIM into the very same outlet, then the whole UPB network is rock solid with 100% reliability for all devices, and zero noise (or very close to zero).

Unplug the PCS and plug in the HAI pim into the very same outlet, the whole system is unstable, 1/2 of the devices don't even respond.

As said in another thread, we immediately thought we just had a defective HAI pim, but no. Replaced it 3 times and they all behaved the same way.

 

[ano]

I have both PIMs. I have never had trouble with either failing, but I can tell you that the Pulseworx PIM is MUCH stronger, and its louder. You might think this is good, and in some ways it is, but it also cause noise on almost everything plugged in my house. A slight buzz is heard on power amps when it transmits, and it cause electrical noise on other devices in my house. So if you don't need super power, the HAI (or Simply Automoted) PIM works fine. If you want the strongest one, its the Pulseworx PIM, although for most its probably overkill.

 

[ggdowski]

My mystery was solved this weekend. There was a programming issue between UPStart and PCAccess because of incompatible passwords. I also had a large noise problem due to a TV in close proximity to the OMNI. I think installing a filter will solve this problem.

 

[bjr72]

ggdowski - I had a similar issue; my PIM anywhere else in the house was fine, but in the closet where it "lives" it didn't have as strong of a signal. One one hand, it's quite distant on one phase; on the other - the bigger issue I noticed was that on the same circuit, very close to where the PIM was, was another large noise generator.

Where your omni is, do you have a battery backup or a lot of wall warts? My specific culprits were both an APC UPS and a DirecTV power injector. By placing those behind a noise filter it cleared up all my problems. If you have an equipment rack it'd be wise to make sure it's filtered; and always with UPS's.

Either way you have some real signal issues if you're not seeing all your devices most, if not all of the time. I use Simply Automated switches, and they're very helpful. If you want to get some community support, start your own thread and we'll share what we know.

I see he solved his problem, which is good.

But when I check the output of my APC UPS, it's clean. It more or less just monitors, filters, and passes the line voltage through, unless it detects a spike, undervoltage, or loss of utility power. In that case, the electronics kicks in and it runs off of battery power. Running off of battery power is noisy because it's manufacturing it's own sinusoidal approximation.

My UPS is within 3 feet of the OMNI box and phase coupler. No noise, no issues.

 

[bjr72]

I have both PIMs. I have never had trouble with either failing, but I can tell you that the Pulseworx PIM is MUCH stronger, and its louder. You might think this is good, and in some ways it is, but it also cause noise on almost everything plugged in my house. A slight buzz is heard on power amps when it transmits, and it cause electrical noise on other devices in my house. So if you don't need super power, the HAI (or Simply Automoted) PIM works fine. If you want the strongest one, its the Pulseworx PIM, although for most its probably overkill.

Thanks for the info about the difference between the two units. Looks like I'll be fine with a standard HAI PIM.

 

[Mr Spock]

I have both PIMs. I have never had trouble with either failing, but I can tell you that the Pulseworx PIM is MUCH stronger, and its louder. You might think this is good, and in some ways it is, but it also cause noise on almost everything plugged in my house. A slight buzz is heard on power amps when it transmits, and it cause electrical noise on other devices in my house. So if you don't need super power, the HAI (or Simply Automoted) PIM works fine. If you want the strongest one, its the Pulseworx PIM, although for most its probably overkill.

Great info. Thanks for sharing.