UPB and X10 interference / failure

[swb_mct]

(Asking again to see if anyone new has solved this problem)

The most experienced contributor on this forum agreed to remote into my dedicated HAI computer to check out the UPB problems on our home's OMN-IIe network. Using UPB Upstart, he could not detect the presence of any HAI communication on our network.

However, UPB still works on several wall switches, but several others have failed at different times and 3 HAI UPB 6-button wall keypads all failed at the same time. I have been replacing failed UPB with X10, with X10 being more than half off all the controls we have.

But, X10 dead zones have surfaced as well. I have wall outlets where I connect an X10 table-top controller and an X10 dimmer to the same outlet and the controller cannot control the dimmer. Fortunately most of our home and outbuildings still work with X10. I have a boxes full of switches, dimmers and modules and have bought current model replacements without success.

I have tested multiple UPB PIMs and X10 PowerLine interface devices with no difference.
I installed a UPB phase coupler which made things worse causing more UPB switches to stop working.

I turned off every power breaker in the house except for our OMNi2 system and a couple of test circuits that have no possible noise emitting attachments. Having no AC powered motors or computer networking devices powered at our made made no difference.

The only thing I can't test for is our Power Company has a radio controlled power relay on our lot line which which controls our "Freedom Heat" power switching for peak and off-peak usage. They transmit controls on their own network of transmission towers . . as far a timing of the problem we have, their deployment of this radio transmission system may be in the same time frame.

Could this be it . . . we

We also have and EATON telephone surge protector attached to our panel and a three EATON power status indicators on our panels.

What next ?

 

[ano]

Unlike X-10, UPB rarely is bothered by noise, at least most of them are, it has to be VERY strong. So I assume your house is 120v, two phases, so you have 240v as well. Do you know if all the outlets that DON'T work are on the same phase? UPStart will tell you the phase, either Same or Other. Couplers are OK but much better is a repeater. It goes in your breaker box. You can still find them around. Some items that really do a number on UPB signals are UPS power supplies, Plasma TVs, and Panasonic microwaves.

 

[McKinneySmart]

Unlike X-10, UPB rarely is bothered by noise, at least most of them are, it has to be VERY strong. So I assume your house is 120v, two phases, so you have 240v as well. Do you know if all the outlets that DON'T work are on the same phase? UPStart will tell you the phase, either Same or Other. Couplers are OK but much better is a repeater. It goes in your breaker box. You can still find them around. Some items that really do a number on UPB signals are UPS power supplies, Plasma TVs, and Panasonic microwaves.

...agree with adding a repeater.
I have been using UPB for 20+ years. I had intermittent issues when using a coupler (any brand.)
Installing a phase repeater was a lifesaver.

 

[pete_c]

Here went with a phase repeater for UPB and a Volp X10 interface for X10. The Volp dual phase interface worked great.