UPB killer

[Steve]

Well, I started to have some really strange issues with my UPB network again, actually to the point where I am considering switching over to Jetstream to avoid the powerline altogether. I know I have been anti wireless but I feel it may be time to try something else. Although in truth I may probably wind up with some sort of hybrid network. Since I do need to keep some inline modules, etc, I got to troubleshooting the latest issue. I had alot of noise, mostly on 1 phase but it bled to the opposite phase at times. The noise was wreaking havoc on the system to the point that switches would not verify in UPStart, command would not work, etc. To make a very long story of troubleshooting short I finally identified what was freaking out the network. At first I thought it was my UPS, but it turns out the UPS was actually filtering out some of the noise. The culprit turned out to be a regular old Heath/Zenith Motion Light. If it is in 'standby' mode with no light on at all, it spews noise and essentially shuts down the network from any kind of proper operation, especially on any device on the same phase as it. When the light comes on, the noise also stops, so it must be something in the light control/dimmer circuit.

I am posting at this time I guess mostly as info to warn anyone with UPB from using this device since I would think it may be somewhat common or popular.. If anyone is using this device already along with UPB and not having any issues, I would love to hear from you.

 

[Lagerhead]

FWIW --

I have (had, a few weeks ago it was taken out for good when a bulb blew) a Heap/Zenith SL-5312/5318 that did not interfere with X-10 performance.

 

[webmtn]

We used to see quite a few complaints like this with Gen 1 UPB devices. Gen 2 devices have really reduced these issues. However, we still see a few - just a handful out of the many installations we have supported. I have one dimmer in my lab that acts like you are describing - the only markings I can find on this dimmer indicate it is a Lightolier T1000 dimmer. It only has two leads and wires in between the hot wire and the load wire. The switch has to be set to a low dim level to get the noise.

I had a similar situation a couple of years ago in a house in Las Vegas (this was Gen1). There was noise that occurred that created issues with UPB. I found the culprit to be an uplight that had a ballast and a small halogen bulb that the homeowner used to uplight some plants. What was really odd was that the homeowner had 4 identical lights - same manufacturer and model number - and only one of them caused the problem. I don't know if the issue was a defective lamp, poor design, or just a quality issue. We replaced it and the problem went away. I have the problem lamp in our lab to use for testing.

Occasionally, we run into a fluorescent lamp that causes us problems, even with Gen2 devices, especially when located on the same circuit and far away from the PIM or a controlling transmitter. We do have a very small choke that is rated at 1A that we can install and filter out the noise. We've had pretty good luck with it. It is a small, two leaded device, and will fit into the j-box with the switch. If you're interested, contact me.

 

[drozwood90]

We used to see quite a few complaints like this with Gen 1 UPB devices. Gen 2 devices have really reduced these issues. However, we still see a few - just a handful out of the many installations we have supported. I have one dimmer in my lab that acts like you are describing - the only markings I can find on this dimmer indicate it is a Lightolier T1000 dimmer. It only has two leads and wires in between the hot wire and the load wire. The switch has to be set to a low dim level to get the noise.

I had a similar situation a couple of years ago in a house in Las Vegas (this was Gen1). There was noise that occurred that created issues with UPB. I found the culprit to be an uplight that had a ballast and a small halogen bulb that the homeowner used to uplight some plants. What was really odd was that the homeowner had 4 identical lights - same manufacturer and model number - and only one of them caused the problem. I don't know if the issue was a defective lamp, poor design, or just a quality issue. We replaced it and the problem went away. I have the problem lamp in our lab to use for testing.

Occasionally, we run into a fluorescent lamp that causes us problems, even with Gen2 devices, especially when located on the same circuit and far away from the PIM or a controlling transmitter. We do have a very small choke that is rated at 1A that we can install and filter out the noise. We've had pretty good luck with it. It is a small, two leaded device, and will fit into the j-box with the switch. If you're interested, contact me.

I'd be interested in learning about the choke. Do you have a part number? I don't have issues, but it'd be nice to have that in my back pocket in case once develops!

Thanks!

--Dan

 

[Steve]

Yes, that is good info. I imagine you are referring to the PLC-ILC (bottom of page). There are no docs on it. I did not know it was rated at 1A. In any case, my light is 300W so that would make it a 2.5A current draw. Don't know if a few of these could be wired in parallel or serial or whatever or if there is a slightly higher current one, but if not I guess it won't work.