X10 signals not reaching all of the house?
Hi,
Just invested in some Appliance and Lamp modules, as well as a TM13 and a CM12 PC Controller - my house has an interesting feature, in that it appears that signals to modules do not travel from one side to the other.
If I put a load of modules around the house, only the ones on the same side of the house as the CM12 or TM13 (whatever I use to drive them) respond, the others do not.
I've put the TM13 either side and can then reach the 'other' modules
How can I determine what is causing this - all the sockets are on one 'side' of an RCD but they are 3 separate rings (downstairs, upstairs and an extension)
I figure that with a 2nd TM13 on the 'other side' remote switches will work manually, but PC control (misterhouse or whatever when I Get round to it via the CM12U will be an empty one-sided experience due to this?
-- Do I just live with it,and put 2 CM12's in? - and hack the control logic to drive the two of them on perhaps separate (or the same house codes)
-- shall I (get an electrician of course to) fit a 13A socket 'right next' to the consumer unit and site the CM12 there in the hope that it might 'reach' every module?
**unexpected X10 hassle!**
Any advice appreciated!
Mart.
Simular problems (please help)
I received my X10 starterkit yesterday and tested the modules.
I found out that all modules are working, as long as I connect both TM13 and module to the same double power outlet. At the moment that I use seperate "double poweroutlets" for TM13 and module, the X10 signal is not received by the module.
I do have a 1 phase system, but it is divided in group 1-4 and 5-8 with both their own earthingswitch.
Do I need a phaseconnector module or does somebody know another solution ?
(I will check again this evening for all groups if the system works when I connect the TM13 and modules within 1 group)
hmm. Will have to check my Halo lighting too.
Update on my original post.
With a combination of swearing and trial and error, I've found a power outlet upstairs on the upstairs ring that the TM13 is able to reach all the sockets via, except for one in the dining room.
To clarify, with 'switching off' HALO units, are we talking total disconnection?, as in the UK we only switch the live, so the netural is always on on the transformers when they're attached to a lighting circut?
Might also have to try hiring the signal-strength meter set from letsautomate to see if we're talking a weak signal - does anyone know if the tester set can show ambient 'noise' on the circuit as well - when the X10 is not transmitting to allow isolation of noisy devices?
After this one, all I need to do is build a soundproof enclosure for all the appliance modules! - I can hear a module relay from upstairs all over the house, they must have sourced the most noisy Relay's they could find *BANG* *BANG* - it's not like they are that monster either, as the AM12 is rated at 500W isnt it? -- btw, are the 3rd party X10 appliance mods any quieter?.. the TM13 relay is passable, it's not too noisy.
Mart.