Need X10 help. I am trying to control x10 wall modules using and ir543 and x10 remote. Results are sporadic at best. I read on line about phase coupling problems, noise on the power lines, and power sucking that can all cause problems. I don't quite understand all this information. I need to determine definitively the exact cause of my problem or problems before I can start working on a solution. How can I figure out exactly what is causing my poor x10 performance? Just for the record sending x10 ir signals to the ir543 and pressing directly on a command button on the ir543 both produce the same results which is poor at best. Thanks for any help.

Steve

Hi Steve, X10 is really not a very suitable lighting control technology if reliable performance is important.

It's based on technology that was developed almost 40 years ago when home electrical systems and the devices plugged into them were very simple.  With all the electronics in homes today, there's just too much that creates interference or attenuates the signals.

Phase couplers and signal boosters will help, but it's nearly impossible to make X10 work 100%.

You'll need X10 test equipment to try and isolate your problem.  I don't work with X10 much anymore, but this is the tester I own... not sure if it's still available: [Link: act-remote.com]

The thing you'll find with X10 is that even if you do manage to get it working, it will can stop working anytime you plug in a new electronic device, or move an electric device to a different outlet.  I've seen entire X10 systems quit working because of a single small night light plugged into an outlet.

 

Thanks for the info. Is there an alternative to x10?

Lutron makes several lines including RadioRa2.

There's also zwave and insteon technologies.

I had x10 yeasrs ago. I just startd experimenting with some zwave products we'll be supporting. So far the zwave has been easy to implement, configure, and relable in commands received.

We put RadioRa2 inmy brother's house with great results.

I'm sure others will have feedback for you.

Lutron mqkes several lines including RadioRa2.

There's also zwave and insteon technologies.

I had x10 years ago. I just startd experimenting with some zwave products we'll be supporting. So far the zwave has been easy to implement, configure, and relable in commands received.

We put RadioRa2 inmy brother's house with great results.

I'm sure others will have feedback for you.

My guess is that Insteon is best for you. It is even compatible with X10. Call the folks at http://www.smarthome.com. They have excellent tech support for do-it-yourselvers and can help you make the transition.

You know, I've wanted to try some of the Insteon stuff in my house but when I go to the review people are constantly saying they seem to fail at a high rate. Do you think those reviews are accurate, from what you have heard first hand?

I just installed a Micasaverde Vera Lite at my home. Pretty easy setup so far and performing well. It interfaces with z wave, Insteon, and X10. I plan on testing its integration with RTI. I understand they work well together.

Unix based so a lot of flexibility. Might be an option for using existing X10 while adding zwave or Insteon.

I switched my whole home from X10 to Insteon with an ISY994 controller.

I never had any X10 problems. When the house was designed and build I had a very good ground installed, with a neutral to every box. I also used a repeater/coupler (which I have for sale) which boosted the voltage and repeated the signal.

X10 was not a mesh system as z-wave and insteon are. I am not familiar with RadioRA. I currently get 100% reliability on the Insteon devices and the control system is on iPads talking to the ISY over wi-fi.

Steve

X-10 is, indeed, problematic. I would suggest making a small circuit to test operation; both ir543 and lamp module plugged into the same duplex. Expand from there. You may be able to get lucky and relocate either the ir543 or the load you wish to control and improve performance.

Are you CI or DIY?
Is this for your own use or use in a client's environment?

I wouldn't touch X10 with a ten foot pole!

DIY.

I figured out why my X10 was not working properly. I have a bad power supply on a laptop in my bedroom. I started shutting down breakers one at a time. When I shut down the master bedroom breaker the X10 started working perfectly. I then went to the master bedroom and started unplugging things one at a time. When I unplugged the laptop things started working fine. Thanks to everyone for your, input, help, and suggestions.

Steve Kovacs

FWIW: You can buy a 'X10 noise filter' that you can plug your 'problem' power supply into that might clean up that issue.