Any X10 Experts out there?

[(B)reef Encounter]

I'm having problems with my aquacontroller and X10 control modules.I don't know if the controller is sending bad signals or if I have interference in the lines.I have a bank of eight modules and five of them turn off/on randomly,one is on 24/7 and the other two work properly.I installed a bridge on the electrical panel hoping this would fix it,but it didn't.GRRRRRR.I'm stumped.Does anyone have any advice on how to troubleshoot this.

[dtiedke]

Did you install a bridge or a filter? If you installed a bridge, that only allows the signals to reach multiple phases in the home....it doesn't filter your panel from outside signals (other x-10 units in the neighborhood).

You can install a filter at the service panel like this one that should eliminate the outside interference. I also use x-10 with the aquacontroller, and can tell you that there are a lot of things you can try to help reduce the problem.

First, try a different letter code for the problem units. Keep trying different ones until the problem stops.

Second, you might want to make sure it isn't getting interference from your lights...try and make sure all ballasts are isolated and mounted as far from the x-10 unit as possible.

Third, disable the "auto-on" feature of the modules. To disable the local control feature, read this.

Fourth, you can try to use single-outlet noise filters found here. I have found that this sometimes helps.

Finally, you could get the PC module and hook your computer up to the wiring to "listen" for bogus signals. This would tell you if the aquacontroller is malfunctioning. If you detect the signal on the wire, disconnect the aquacontroller and continue to monitor the wire.

They are a little tricky to get going, but once you have found all the "bugs" x-10 can be pretty reliable.......good luck


Dave

[(B)reef Encounter]

Thanks Dave.I'll give em a try.

[(B)reef Encounter]

Thanks Dave.I'll give em a try.

[(B)reef Encounter]

Thanks Dave.I'll give em a try.

[(B)reef Encounter]

Don't know what happened there.Three posts at once.That will boost my post count real quick.

[dougc]

What kind of lighting ballasts are you using? I bought my AquaController II from someone who was using BlueLine ballasts, which are known to cause a lot of grief with X10. I use all IceCap ballasts and don't have any reliability problems. Also, some Power Compact ballasts will trigger the "local control" feature in some X10 modules, causing them to turn on when you are trying to turn them off. To isolate the source of the interference, you can unplug everything, test the X10 modules, and then start plugging in one thing at a time and retesting.

FYI, try to keep all the wiring for the AquaController as far from other electrical wires and power cords as possible. Although I have not had problems turning modules on and off, I have seen interference problems, mostly from the electronic ballasts, that cause wacky temperature and pH readings.

[(B)reef Encounter]

Thanks Doug. I'm running a dual PFO ballast.I'll try the unplugging strategy next.This is baffling me.