2012-09-11, 18:53
Here's a few tips for X-10 users:
1. Do not plug your controller or modules into a power outlet strip. Go directly into the plug. Many outlet strips have rudimentary power filtering circuitry built in that will attenuate the X-10 signal resulting in intermittent operation.
2. In the US, power is brought into residential buildings in two phases. Half your 120V outlets will be connected to one phase, half to the other. Your X-10 controller will inject signal on whichever phase it is connected to. To get to the other phase, the X-10 signal has to travel to the big transformer on the pole outside your house and back down the other phase. The result is intermittent operation on half the circuits in your house. This can be fixed by using a "phase bridge". These can take the form of a plug and socket that you plug into a 240V outlet (like a dryer or stove), or a small module that can be wired into your breaker box. If you want your X-10 to be dependable, invest in one of these.
3. When interfacing software to the X-10 controller software, send each signal two or three times with a small delay between, if possible. This covers the case where noise, or other X-10 transmissions collides with the signal.
1. Do not plug your controller or modules into a power outlet strip. Go directly into the plug. Many outlet strips have rudimentary power filtering circuitry built in that will attenuate the X-10 signal resulting in intermittent operation.
2. In the US, power is brought into residential buildings in two phases. Half your 120V outlets will be connected to one phase, half to the other. Your X-10 controller will inject signal on whichever phase it is connected to. To get to the other phase, the X-10 signal has to travel to the big transformer on the pole outside your house and back down the other phase. The result is intermittent operation on half the circuits in your house. This can be fixed by using a "phase bridge". These can take the form of a plug and socket that you plug into a 240V outlet (like a dryer or stove), or a small module that can be wired into your breaker box. If you want your X-10 to be dependable, invest in one of these.
3. When interfacing software to the X-10 controller software, send each signal two or three times with a small delay between, if possible. This covers the case where noise, or other X-10 transmissions collides with the signal.