UPB Phase Coupler?

[Mike P]

Hi,

I have installed two UPB switches so far. The first is a single HAI 600W dimmer, Works perfect from the first time I programmed it. The second is a single HAI 600W dimmer with two remotes, At first I could not get it to respond to upstart. I changed the breakers around in the sub-panel the circuit is powered from(from one phase to the other). After that the switch has been perfect. Both switches are being controlled by my Elk M1.

My question is, Do I need a phase coupler? I have 8 more switches arriving today and before I install them and start troubleshooting any problems, Should I order one?

My house is about 5000sqft, I have a main panel with a 100A sub-panel mounted next to it, a 100A sub-panel in the garage at the other end of the house, and a 100A sub-panel by my pool pumps about 300' from the main panel.

Thanks for any input,

Mike

 

[rfdesq]

Before ordering a phase coupler I would look at the new Generation II split phase repeater http://pulseworx.com/tools_.htm.

 

[Event5]

Hi,

I have installed two UPB switches so far. The first is a single HAI 600W dimmer, Works perfect from the first time I programmed it. The second is a single HAI 600W dimmer with two remotes, At first I could not get it to respond to upstart. I changed the breakers around in the sub-panel the circuit is powered from(from one phase to the other). After that the switch has been perfect. Both switches are being controlled by my Elk M1.

My question is, Do I need a phase coupler? I have 8 more switches arriving today and before I install them and start troubleshooting any problems, Should I order one?

My house is about 5000sqft, I have a main panel with a 100A sub-panel mounted next to it, a 100A sub-panel in the garage at the other end of the house, and a 100A sub-panel by my pool pumps about 300' from the main panel.

Thanks for any input,

Mike

Are you using UPStart for programming? What is the signal strength between your PIM and the switches? (anything above 9 on the 0-100 scale should work fine) If you have a lamp or appliance module, you can walk around the house testing both phases in all parts of the house as well as outside. Do you see any noise on the scale?

It is generally suggested to use a phase coupler. Unlike x10s signal at 4+volts, the UPB signal, is 40volts+ and can travel 2 miles on the line. Given that, the signal can be coupled by the transformer on the poll down the street and still be strong enough to reach it's destination. Some have had solid operation without a coupler. Your mileage will vary. As I said above, look for a signal above 9 (usually on the other phase)

There are 2 types of phase couplers. Inverting and non-inverting. Either one can improve the signal(if needed) However, one may work better than the other depending on the "electrical inviorment"

I installed UPB in 2 10,000sqft homes. On had a good signal with just 1 inverting phase coupler. The other home required a coupler in every panel to get a usable signal on the other phase.

Dave

 

[nightwalker]

The short answer is YES install one or like someone said take a look at the Generation II split phase repeater. Why drive yourself crazy chasing troubles, it takes all the fun out of this stuff. No install is complete without one, IMHO of course.

Hi,

I have installed two UPB switches so far. The first is a single HAI 600W dimmer, Works perfect from the first time I programmed it. The second is a single HAI 600W dimmer with two remotes, At first I could not get it to respond to upstart. I changed the breakers around in the sub-panel the circuit is powered from(from one phase to the other). After that the switch has been perfect. Both switches are being controlled by my Elk M1.

My question is, Do I need a phase coupler? I have 8 more switches arriving today and before I install them and start troubleshooting any problems, Should I order one?

My house is about 5000sqft, I have a main panel with a 100A sub-panel mounted next to it, a 100A sub-panel in the garage at the other end of the house, and a 100A sub-panel by my pool pumps about 300' from the main panel.

Thanks for any input,

Mike

 

[bfisher]

I have UPB with about 30 switches/outlets/modules - and never used a coupler until recently. After 3-4 years, I finally missed a signal! I have a button on our touchscreen that can manually turn on/off our christmas tree lights. When our den LCD was on, the Christmas lights would miss their signal (plugged in to the same breaker (they were in the same room)).

I bought a coupler (didn't know about the GenII stuff), and everything has worked flawlessly again since installing it. Worth the $75 or whatever it cost.

 

[LightenUP]

I know for a fact that the physical phase allignment will give you better performance than just adding the couplers. Not to mention the expense is only associated to time not more components.

Also a pitfall my be if there is noise on either phase the couplers will introduce that noise to both phases which would be an undesired result.

The split phase repeater is designed not to add the noise to the other phase so if I had to, I would phisically phase allign when I could, or try that Split-Phase repeater, though it maybe hasn't passes ETL approval yet and would need to be installed properly, usually outside of the panel by code.