Just installed the KeyPadLinc model #12064 in a three way circuit. For some reason it will not program in the setup mode.
I set up a PCS Smartswitch in the electrical box with the "Power anad Traveler" wires and the KeyPadlinc keypad in the box with the "Traveler and Load" wires.
The PCS switch works properly and the lights of the keypad work. But for some reason it will not program.
Can anyone give any suggestions?
Thanks

High the KPL is a transmitter and can not control any load. In order to set this up correctly you need to supply it 120V at all times. To connect this correctly, attach the black traveler to line at the main switch location and the white traveler to neutral in the main switch location. These should now be hot all the time and are connected to the KPL. The red traveler connects to you PCS load (also red) and then to you lighting load. The neutral to your load can come from either location and is shared.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Bill,
That's exactly how I have it wired and it still doesn't work properly.
And today I've noticed the keypad buttons light up randomly. They'll turn on and off at different times by themselves. I don't know if this means the keypad is defective or if there is noise in my electrical lines.
Alden

If you have 120V going to it all the time then it should work. The KPL when in toggle mode, will respond to other X10 signals (turn on/off key illumination) from other devices when they share the same programmed address. It could also be noise, how is everything else working?

Do you have another controller that you can hook to the Black and White wires where the KPL is? Something like a maxi controller (use alligator clip leads). This will at least tell you that you can transmit on these lines.

Let me know how it turns out. If it appears it's defective let me know and another is on it's way.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Take a look at the schematic at [Link: ourworld.compuserve.com] just to verify that the wiring is correct. It's the last example on the page.

Have you programmed a KeyPadLinc (KPL) before? The procedure can be a bit confusing at first. If programming isn't working it can be due to one of (at least) four reasons:

1. You aren't programming it correctly

2. Your programming commands are not reaching the KPL

3. Other X10 commands are interfering with your programming attempts

4. The KPL could be faulty

Let's address each one separately:

1. Can you get the KPL into the programming mode? Can you select the key you want to program? Can you toggle the key between modes?

2. Try programming from on outlet that's on the same circuit as the KPL. Try unplugging any likely noise generating devices (TVs, computers, UPS', etc.) and try programming again. Try moving the KPL to a different, temporary location for programming. If that's succefful you can move it back and it'll retain the programming.

3. If you have any kind of programmed controller (JDS Timecommand, Ocelot, HomeDirector, etc.) make sure it's off-line before attempting to program the KPL. Your programming commands may trigger events which will interfere with your programming.

4. If nothing works, have Bill replace it.

I had some trouble programming one of my three KPL's and it turned out to be a location-specific noise problem. I ended up moving the KPL for programming then returning it to it's permanant location. I'll need to address the noise issue as a more permanant sollution.

Everything else is working fine. I have four PCS switches and an IR543/Pronto. They all work flawlessly.

I have a Maxi controller which also functions at many different locations in the house. I'm not sure what you mean by using the maxicontroller with alligator clips.

The only other thing I can think of is to move the PCS switch and the KPL to a completely different 3-way location. Do you think that would be a worthwhile troubleshooting move? It sure would be a bit of work to do it especially if it won't make a difference.
Alden

Looks like I posted just before you did.

One addtional question? When to the lights blink on/off?

Larry,
I used your exact diagram to wire the switches so as far as I can tell they are wired properly.

To answer some of your questions:
1. Yes, it does enter into programming mode. And I can toggle each button between modes.

2. I have been using the maxicontroller on an outlet on the same circuit. But I also have all of my stereo equipment on this same circuit. So, my next step will be to unplug everything and try programming again.
If that doesn't work, I'll move it to another location like you suggested.
Will have to wait until tomorrow though as it's getting late
I will get back to you.
Thanks, Alden

And you just posted right before me........

The lights just blink on and off randomly. Does not correspond to any X-10 signals from either the Pronto/IR543 or via the switches/maxicontroller. I can't seem to find any rhyme or reason to it.

Definitely unplug all the stereo equipment. The circuit on which I was unable to program my KPL is the circuit with the entertainment system. It would be interesting to see if the lights stop blinking when you unplug the entertainment system.

My house has some definite noise problems. Using the AT004 test meter ([Link: homeautomationnet.com]) I've seen noise levels as high as 300mV and typically no lower than 65mV. 70mV is usually considered the max for reliable operation. The fact that I am able to operate in this environment says a lot for the PCS receivers.

I really need to take an afternoon to track down and filter all my noise sources...

The maxi controller with alligator clips was just to see if you could send a signal on these two wires. You can wire an outlet to these two wire and plug in your maxi controller or you can put a couple of alligator clip jumpers on the plug and attach it to the switch location wires. Just would like to see if the wires you are using will conduct the signals.

I wish signal analyzers were 10 bucks apiece I would include them in every order. They sure make your X10 life simpler.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Bill,

When I was having trouble programing that one KPL I did clip the AT004 right to the leads of the KPL but it STILL wouldn't learn while on that one particular circuit. It wasn't until I moved it to a different circuit that it would accept commands.

BTW, expect an order soon for some plug-in filters. I need to figure out how many and of what capacity but I've got some time off and will probably get to this soon.

Bill,
I've tries all of Larry's troubleshooting moves to no avail (unplugging the stereo equipment, moving it to another mocation for programming).

I think this KPL is defective. Can you send another one?
Thanks, Alden

It will be on it's way tomorrow. I hope this is just a fluke and not a switchlinc reliability carryover.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Thanks Bill for your help and great customer service.

Have you seen other problems with the Switchlink keypads?