X10 issues

[Brad900]

Ok I have just a few X-10 switches (4) and a couple appliance controllers for fans in my NYC apartment (closet). In the beginning all was good I had 2-3 wireless controllers and 1 corded controller, everything worked without a hitch. In time my cordless controllers ceased to function but the corded ones work 95% of the time (I just have issue turning "on" the bathroom light- but that's behind a half-wall and about 22 feet away- turning off however is not an issue).

I tried unpluging all my electronic equipment to no avail- still no wireless controllers working- corded ones were fine.

Also as a note this is a "pre-war" building and in each of my switches I have only 2 wires- white and black.

While I have access to a breaker box there is no way for me to install a phase coupler.

I am now thinking about replacing my switches with these modules:
http://www.homeautomationnet.com/shoppi ... asp?id=969
Does anyone know if this will help my issues- or am I screwed do to my old old wiring and line noise etc.?

[The Robman]

I wonder whether you would have any better luck with an IR543 box, which you can also get from HomeAutomationNet.com for under $20.

[Brad900]

Rob,

I already have that unit- it works pretty flawlessly for me except every now and then it seems to get "stuck" where the red led light will stay on and the lights will not turn on- the unit will hold in that state for a bit and then reset itself somehow and all will be fine.

I think that I have an IR handheld remote kicking around somewhere from X10 I'm going to try it tonight....

Thanks though!!

[The Robman]

That sounds like you may have a faulty unit, as I've never had that happen with my IR543. Also, you don't need an X10-IR remote to work the IR543, you can use any OFA remote that has the HOME/0167 code loaded. You can also load the code into any JP1 capable remote.

[mdavej]

Mine used to get stuck too. Then I moved it away from all my other Audio/Video equipment, and never had any more problems.

[Brad900]

Thanks mdavej that really helped regarding the unit getting stuck!!

[Brad900]

OK- well I have now moved cross country and I have the same issue! All my corded controllers work great but the wireless ones- nada!! I don't get it!!

[The Robman]

Is it too late to move back?

[Brad900]

You bastard!

I just can't figure out why a corded unit would function perfectly, from anywhere in the house, but the wireless units get nada.

BTW- Portland rocks! Loving the west coast- which is quite a statement from a former NYC dweller!

[Dabbith]

The things I can think of are:

Is your wireless receiver set to the same housecode as the switches?
Could the batteries in your wireless controllers be dead?
Have you tried putting your wireless receiver in the plug where your corded unit works to test?

If none of those help, it might help to know what model wireless remote and what wireless reciever are you using?

[sub0]

You bastard!
, but the wireless units get nada.
!

If you hv multiple wireless remotes, and the wireless receiver don't work, your receiver is dead. Happened to mine after a few years (forgot the partnumber; its the one with the buildin appliance relay). Easily repaired. Think the same should apply to the TM module.

Inline with the live AC is a small 110uH inductor that feeds the dc circuit. That small inductor can easily become open over time, or if there is an AC spike. Replacing that with a 220uH (couldn't get any 110uH where I lived) got the transceiver working for a few months. Then it died again. The 2nd time, the inductor was fine, but the small 5V regulator it was feeding was dead. This was probably already damaged during the event which killed the original inductor. Replaced the 5V regulator, and the wireless receiver has been working fine for a couple of years now.

Samewhere on the side of this site are links that should take you to a schematic of the wireless receiver. If you are not handy with this kind of repair, get a new receiver.

Hope this infor helps.