I've recently installed some X-10 wall switches and an IR543 to use with my Pronto. I also have an X-10 6-1 remote, a TM751 and some little pocket-sized RF remotes. I have a wall switch upstairs set to house code A, unit #14. I can turn this light on and off with the RF remotes but I can only turn it ON with the Pronto. I figured it must be a Pronto CCF problem but then I tried the All On code (from the Pronto) and all the lights came on. I then tried the All Off code and all the lights went off EXCEPT for unit #14. I then tried the RF remote and it turned the light off. So then I did a 1,2,14,ON combination on the Pronto and 3 lights came on. I followed that up with the Off button and 1 & 2 went off, 14 stayed on. What's up with this?

Mike,

This sounds like a noise problem. I think you are on the edge of the ability of #14 to distinguish it's commands. Your TM751 is not the greatest unit, but it does appear to be putting out a slightly better signal than your IR543. Without a signal analyzer its really guess work to know what’s going on. What is #14? If it's easy enough you might try swapping it with another device to see if the problem is at the location or with the device. If the problem stays at the location it's a sure bet that it's a signal problem of some sort.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

I have the same situation, where one distant light module won't respond to a signal via my IR543, but will respond to any RF signal. It doesn't matter what device number the remote light module is set to. It simply matters how far it is physically from the IR543 in my house.

My IR543 is plugged into the same outlet strip that all my other home theater devices are plugged into. If I move it to a different outlet, all by itself, it WILL get the signal to that far lamp module. I've concluded the home theater devices (probably just one of them) or the power strip itself is creating enough interference to weaken the signal strength of the IR543. My RF transceiver is in another room altogether, and occupies an outlet all alone.

Experiment. Move the IR543 to different outlets. Change the device code or the problem device and see if that helps. With a little experimenting you can deduce the actual problem. However, you may still not be able to resolve it. X10 is great technology, but it's a little flawed. Sometimes there isn't a reasonable solution.

Dave

I would not say that X10 is flawed, it is more the case of understanding how it works. If you create a properly coupled noise free platform (power lines) for it to work on, it is quite reliable and very powerful. There are better systems that are more forgiving, but so far none are in X10's price range.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Okay, I'll try moving the IR543 somewhere else but it seems odd that the IR543 can turn the light on but not off. I'll try changing unit codes on the problem wall switch to something I know works first just to make sure the IR543 doesn't have problems.

Bill E the website www.homeautomationnet.com says IR543 is backordered, did you get it?
Also I'd like to know how to teach a learning remote to use IR543.

IR543's are finaly back in stock. To teach a learning remote to send X10 IR543 commands you need a donor remote capable of teaching it these IR commands. Most people buy something cheap like the PUR08. If you have a programmable remote it may have the codes available in its library.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

This light wouldn't be a low voltage halogen with an electronic transformer, would it?? Because I had that problem also. When the light is OFF, the electronic transformer has no effect, therefor the X-10 commands work. When it's on, it only responds to a very strong signal.

No, just a normal incandescent bulb. The problem is now fixed. I just moved the IR543 to a different wall socket and everything works. Thanks to everybody for their help.

While I am at it, can you tell me if NetCallerID requires caller ID service from my phone company? Inquiring minds want to know.

Bill_E
I have 6-in-1 remote, so I am anxious to get IR543. Your site rocks.

Bill_E, I got IR543 and it works great, the delivery was fast, I am a happy camper, thank you for great service. The unit is in great shape, took minutes to set up, another minute to teach my remote, it is now in macros, I only need to move a finger once.