Smarthome's ApplianceLinc - Kills X10?

[Stinger]

Okay, I think I've read similar comments here, but I just wanted to confirm that others were still experiencing issues. I purchased the Insteon Appliancelincs from Smarthome, as they no longer sold the X10 only version of the product. The Insteon version is backward compatible with X10, so I figured it would be fine. Since installing 5 of these modules, I've had a large amount of issues with my x10 network and reliability has been very poor.

Does anyone have any idea why that might be? Is it a coincidence, or have others seen this as well?

I'm sending 4 of them back to Smarthome due to the recall, but I might be better off just buying 2-way appliance modules from X10 instead!

 

[Guy Lavoie]

One possibility is that since all Insteon modules are receiver/transmitters (and we know that transmitters tend to absorb X10 signals), your X10 signals are probably getting weakened by all the added transmitters.

 

[TonyNo]

In a mixed environment, there is evidence that Insteon drowns out X10 at a certain number of Insteon devices.

 

[fitzpatri8]

All two-way devices that speak x10 (i.e. devices that will confirm an action took place) , including Insteon v2, older 2-way *link devices, even two-way units or plug-in controllers from X10.com, will draw down signal strength somewhat. If your home network signal strength is marginal to begin with, a single two-way device from any manufacturer might send your network over the edge.

The usual advice for weak x10 signals applies: install a phase coupler, if you don't already have one; buy or borrow a signal meter and test other electronic devices in your home to find any "signal suckers", then install a filter between them and your powerline; look for known noisy appliances/CF light bulbs/UPS units/switching power supplies and install a filter between them and your powerline.

If this all sounds like a hassle, it is. That's why people are moving away from 30-year old x10 signalling to more robust protocols like Insteon, ZWave and UPB.

Tom

 

[upstatemike]

I'm sending 4 of them back to Smarthome due to the recall, but I might be better off just buying 2-way appliance modules from X10 instead!

Is there some reason why you need 2-way modules? I could never see the point of paying for 2-way in an appliance module so I always purchased the "PLC" version. Less cost and less line loading.

The Smarthome 2002SHL is half the price of Insteon, very reliable, and is in-stock.

 

[JeffVolp]

Actually, there are a few places where bi-directional modules come in handy. I put one on my soldering iron to make sure it is off an hour later. I did the same with my air compressor. Basically, it's wherever a set schedule is not ideal.

As others have said, any of these devices that include a transmitter will load the X10 signal. We had one central circuit with several transmitters that had marginal signal levels from the Ocelot before adding the XTB.

 

[Stinger]

The odd part is my x10 network was very heathly prior to installing a couple of these, but I need to get before and after numbers with my powerlinc. I've got a hardwired Leviton repeater and purchased two XTB's as well to boost signals sent.

To the question of 2-way, I use it primarily for the reporting feature. It keeps touchscreens and homeseer more "honest" with the true status.

In addition, the devices I control, I want to know for sure the status, like my gas fireplace, pinball machines and slot machines.

 

[JeffVolp]

Several have reported that the X10 portion of a combined system becomes unreliable after a few Insteon modules are installed. Each Insteon module contains a transmitter to echo Insteon commands. That same transmitter is just a signal sucker for X10. More Insteon modules mean more loads, and eventually the X10 signal becomes too weak for reliable operation. The XTBs should help.