X10 won't work across different electrical circuits - HELP!

rjsmith26 · 20-05-2009, 8:53 AM

Hi,

I am in a new build house and just getting started with X10. I have an x10 lamp module plugged into the downstairs sockets and try to switch it on with a MC10 it works great - MC10 plugged into same circuit in fuse box as the lamp module.

If I plug the MC10 into the sockets upstairs – no response from lamp module at all (plugged into downstairs stocket). Plug the MC10 into the Kitchen - again no response from lamp module. (There are in effect 3 ring mains for sockets and multiple circuits for lighting). Socket rings - one for downstairs (excluding kitchen), one for kitchen and one for upstairs.

I have read that RCD’s can stop x10, (of which we have 2 in the house consumer unit) however the downstairs sockets and upstairs sockets are next to each other in the consumer unit under one rcd (by the looks of things)

I have also have bought a cm15pro which is having the same issue as the mc10. i.e. works if on same socket ring but won't if on a different ring to the lamp module.

Its almost like the fuses in the consumer unit totally isolate all x10 traffic just to that circuit and block it going anywhere else.

Can anyone advise any thoughts on what is happening / how to fix? I am concerned that I may need something to link/bridge the 3 ring mains? (although may also wish to link in other rings to outbuildings later).?

I want to put some micro modules in on light switches but am I going to have to some how link these rings also?

Thanks

Rob

m4rky_m4rk · 20-05-2009, 2:23 PM

Yes there are devices to couple the phases. You can also use the RF macros in the CM15 to make an RF bridge to another phase with an RF receiver plugged in either TM13 or IRRF7243 minicontroller...short range though, TM13 is better . I do this. The RF bridge is one way, ie no RF back to CM15. You can turn sockets on and off on another phase this way. The proper way would be to use phase couplers.

rjsmith26 · 20-05-2009, 2:46 PM

Thanks M4rky

Have had some feedback advising that may be due to interference - gonna shut down the house and turn stuff on slowly tonight to try and see if this helps. If it doesn't.....

How do you create the RF bridge - understands that the cm15 will transmit the command which will get collected by the tm13 and relayed on. Can this be setup in activehome pro (if so how do you ensure the signal goes via RF and not the neutral?)or do I need to use some other software?

Many thanks

Rob

m4rky_m4rk · 20-05-2009, 4:12 PM

Sounds like you have everything already. In macros section in active home pro select RF commands on top right drop down menu. Setup a macro with an RF command. It will then transmit the RF command to the TM13 which then passes it onto mains.

eg for socket A1 which currently doesn't repond
Set macro to send 'A1 on' RF command whenever CM15 sees x10 'A1 on'. On pressing 'A1 on' at minicontroller or IR remote etc the CM15 will see this on the mains where its plugged in and activate RF macro. RF command 'A1 on' will be sent to TM13 which if plugged in on same phase as A1 socket will then send 'A1 on' into mains loop wher its plugged in and A1 socket will switch.

Works for me. I am a rented house with a differnent phases on each floor and I do not want to install phase couplers.

rjsmith26 · 20-05-2009, 4:30 PM

M4rky

Great, thanks for that. Can I ask one final question. If I do this and the rf command goes from the cm15pro, gets picked up by the tm13, will the tm13 relay the signal to another non rf device on that ring?

e.g.

A1 on gets sent from cm15 via rf.

The TM13 on another ring has an address of A10. On this ring their is a light module with address A1.

Will the message get through?

A1 on from CM15pro>viaRF>TM13U when then transmits on>via neutral>to lamp module with address A1>Lamp comes on?

Just want to check that I understand it correctly?

Thanks

Rob

m4rky_m4rk · 20-05-2009, 4:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjsmith26

M4rky

Great, thanks for that. Can I ask one final question. If I do this and the rf command goes from the cm15pro, gets picked up by the tm13, will the tm13 relay the signal to another non rf device on that ring?

e.g.

A1 on gets sent from cm15 via rf.

The TM13 on another ring has an address of A10. On this ring their is a light module with address A1.

Will the message get through?

A1 on from CM15pro>viaRF>TM13U when then transmits on>via neutral>to lamp module with address A1>Lamp comes on?

Just want to check that I understand it correctly?

Thanks

Rob

Yes.... TM13 always has unit code 1. I think if TM13 has house code A and you want it to transceive house codes A and C you will need to set TM13 to house code P so that it will transceive all house codes. All unit codes and house codes can be transceived.

m4rky_m4rk · 20-05-2009, 6:03 PM

Forgot to say... if you find it is inteference from a particular device then you could try plugging the offending device into an x10 filter designed for this puprose. If its a really a big problem then there are x10 signal boosters too. I have a thread somewhere for a firm that makes them. Just ask I will dig it out if you need it.

ps I fixed a few typos in the above threads.. maybe they make more sense now... or maybe not