Hi Gang

I just purchased two new Leviton switches, a single pole and a 3-way, models: 6381 and 6383.

I use an X-10 brand computer interface and a Leviton HCA02 repeater/bridge/amplifier.

My problem is that the single pole switch will only turn the lights off, ( when I use a remote, X-10 software macros set-up) but not on and and both switches refuse to dim to the level I have preset in the computer/software interface. They just come on to a level I'm not sure where it came from?

I had been using the X-10 brand switches before which worked the way I wanted them to( they just kept coming on all by themselves at odd times!, I had been told that the Leviton switches were better with noise)

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thank you, Glenn

Sounds like you might have a lot of noise on your powerline. When those lights are on they add a small amount to the noise but that is just enough that the switches can't hear commands anymore. Try unplugging all likely noise sources (TVs, computers, any surge supressors, etc.) and see if performance improves. If it does, you'll need to issolate any noise producers with noise filters.

A signal/noise meter is very helpful in tracking down X10 problems. If you have more than a couple of receivers then I'd recommend getting one now that there is finally an affordable meter available. Take a look at the ESM1 for $50.95 on the following link. If you don't want to spend that much you can rent an AT004, the meter I have, for $34.95/week. Either meter will immediately show you if you have noise or signal strength problems.

[Link: homeautomationnet.com]

Glen,

If you were the one asking about the HCA coupler repeater, remove it from the system and see how the Levitons work. Also remember the downside to the Levitons, is they require Leviton code to do extended features. Some software programs can accomodate this code but not all. Leviton tries to box you into an all Leviton solution by making their products require non standard X10.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Thank you both very much for the replies. Yes, I am the one asking about the HCA and yes, I have removed it without any improvement and quite honestly nothing seems any different!

Bill, when you speak of software not being able to accomodate the code necessary for extended features, can I ask you what is meant by this? As I mentioned I use the X-10 brand computer interface, is there a better interface to use to program the lights? What would you suggest for a quality switches?

Thank you, Glenn

Glen,

If by computer interface you mean PSC05/TW523 there really isn’t anything else. This device just passes commands so it will pass the Leviton code without a problem. The problem is that not all software can send Leviton code. I know Homeseer and Applied Digital have written it in, but Active Home and Other X10 programs have not. Your HCA experience is typical of what I always hear, they do nothing or cause systems to stop working, not what you spend money on a coupler repeater for even if it is a good price.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Bill

By computer interface I mean the one that comes with an X-10 kit typically and the Activehome software. This is what I have. I have added extra switches of course, plug-in adapters and noise blockers.

If I were to start from scratch, what would you recommend for components for a basic system? At this point I would like to control one 3-way switch, a single pole switch and a plug-in adapter for a light in my theater. I guess I would also require an interface, is this what an Ocelot is for? and software to program the macros.

If this is getting out of forum protcol, do you have a private e-mail address Bill?

Thanks again, Glenn

Look at the Homeseer 30 day demo:

[Link: smarthome.com]

Or ActiveX:
[Link: homeseer.com]

This is a lot cheaper than the Ocelot route.

This message was edited by paulhubbard on 06/10/02 14:58.58.

Glen,

Your needs are quite simple, I would go with a PCS switch and an IR543 and that’s it. We have a scene starter kit for $99, [Link: homeautomationnet.com]. If you decide to expand use a ACT CR230 coupler repeater to assure reliability. This is not the cheapest way to go but it works really well and gets you away from the Leviton scene trap. Homeseer is a really nice product but for a few lamps it's overkill.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Paul

Thank you form the information/Links, I have downloaded the software and I am in the process of trying it.

Bill, this kit looks interersting, would I be able to add an additional 3-way switch and a lamp module to this and have the lights behave differently with the push of a button? If I understand this kit is it IR? my light switches are NOT in a direct line view to where I would want to operate the buttons/controller.

Bill, could I call you or email you with my particular situation? I don't want to bore the rest of the folks here with my situation.

Thanks again, Glenn

Glenn, au contrare! Your questions and the answers are of interest to us all. That's how we are able to help you and others. Believe me, we all learn something, even when we're not the one who posted a particular question. So, please continue to post!

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Glen,

E-mail is usually the best way to get me, during the day I tend to be quite busy, but I will certainly also take calls. Phone number is listed on out web site.

The IR control is for a standard remote, but any X10 transmitter can control these switches and their scenes. You need to use the PCS slave switch for 3-way applications, but I know a lot of customers replace their 2nd switch in a 3-way application with a switch transmitter, like the XPT series. Using a transmitter in this location you can control several lights or scenes from one location (it’s also easier to wire).

Hope this helps.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com