Hi.

Been a long time reader/poster to the Sony remote forum, but my first time here!

I bought some SceneMaster switches from Bill based on recommendations on this forum, and have installed a couple, and am quite happy with them.

However, I've come across a rather mysterious problem, part of which I believe can be fixed with a phase coupler, but some possibly not.

Initially, I was having a hard time using the MaxiController to program the switches. I thought the Maxi was DOA, as the switches weren't seeing any signal (LEDs not flashing). I started trying to troubleshoot the MaxiController with the help of a plugin lamp module and a TM751 RF transceiver. After some messing around, I got the MaxiController to talk to the lamp module. A bit after that, the Maxi, from the same outlet I tried before, was sending signal that the PCSs could see, and I managed to program them.

Long story short, I've discovered that from most outlets in my house, the TM751 will work the Scenemasters reliably, usually without having to turn the oven on. The MaxiController, OTOH, rarely works at all, and even then, only from certain outlets. I've plugged the TM751 in, turned the switch on, immediately replaced it with the MaxiController, and it will not turn it off.

Is my MaxiController broken? Is its signal output just lower than the TM751?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

-Kaz

Kaz,

There should be no difference in signal strength on either of these products. X10 builds everything to the same spec 2 volts output, although since most of their products are made in China it would not be beyond belief that there would be some variation. I know it's a hassle on a $15 controller but if you would like to send it back I will test if for output and ship you a new one if it is not within spec. If you can't live without it, let me know and I will just ship a new one.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

You mention turning your oven on. Does everything work better with your oven on? If so I would say you have a phase problem. I could not get my activehome interface to work properly even though all my modules worked fine with the maxi controller and transceiver module. After phase coupler installed everyting works 100% of the time.

For $31 a phase coupler has to be cheaper than running the oven!

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Skipo,

It seems to work better _overall_ with the oven on (i.e. the TM751 works from more outlets), and I've already acknowledged that I need a phase coupler.

It still doesn't explain why when the Maxicontroller doesn't work when the TM751 does.

Bill, I'm going to poke around your site and see if there are any other items I want to get soon (phase coupler for example) and deal with the possibly defective MaxiController at the same time.

Thanks.

-Kaz

For me, the signal from the maxicontroller is stronger than the TM751.

The TM751 is so weak it's embarrassing!