AC Jr + DC8 + X-10... X-10 do not switch

jlfnjlf · 03/30/2007, 09:56 AM

OK so I have only been working with this AC Jr for 2 weeks. I have a DC8 and all is well. I want to control a few other things with the remaining 4 ports so I picked up some X-10 modules and the signal injector for the power lines. I programed a device to B1 in the controller, and set my module to house code B and unit code 1. I get no response when I manly switch the device with the controller. AM I missing something, or am I one of the lucky ones who may never know all the possible frustrations with X-10. After 2 weeks I wish I had gotten the AC3 with an extra DC8. I will be saving my pennies for the upgrade, but in the time being I would like to see the X-10 work just once.

Thanks in advance,

John

vid151 · 03/30/2007, 03:38 PM

few quick thoughts ...

is you x10 signal injector on the same circut as the device module ?

swap the cable from the ACJR and the DC8 with the one from the DC8 and the X10 module then check if the DC8 still works ( checking if the cable from the DC8 to the X10 is bad )

good luck...

Dave

clp · 04/02/2007, 11:25 AM

It sounds like something is causing interference w/ the X10 communication. Here are some things to check/try:

- Make sure that the control interface is plugged into the AquaController with a 4 conductor telephone cord. The light should blink off when commands are sent out, but otherwise will be on.
- Make sure that the control modules x10 addresses match the configuration of the AquaController. The default AquaController program is listed in the back of the manual.
- The control interface and control modules should plug into the same circuit. If not, you may need to install a signal bridge.
- Do no use power strips with active surge suppression as they can attenuate the x10 signal. Use inexpensive powerstrips.
- With the AquaController try to turn on and off the control modules. Go to Control & Status -> Manual Control. Select the device you are having trouble with and repeatedly turn it on and off. Note that commands are only sent out when you press the select button.
- If you have added any new equipment to your tank, turn it off, and then repeat the Manual control test.
- Try switching to an unused X10 address on the control module and in the AquaControllerâ€™s configuration.
- Try swapping the control module with a known good one and see if the problem persists.
- Try power cycling the AquaController. Remove the 9V battery and unplug the AC adapter at the same time.
- If nothing is working try shutting off all appliances around your tank, and then try the manual on/off test. If something is causing X10 interference around your tank, it is likely an electronic ballast. Once the interfering device is found use an X10 noies filter (part # NF5) to isolated from the power in your house.
- To avoid X10 noise problems, use the DC4, DC4HD, DC8 boxes instead. They have hardwired control and are immune to powerline noise.

Curt

03/30/2007, 09:56 AM	#1
jlfnjlf Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Out of my mind (in Citrus Heights, Ca) Posts: 824	AC Jr + DC8 + X-10... X-10 do not switch OK so I have only been working with this AC Jr for 2 weeks. I have a DC8 and all is well. I want to control a few other things with the remaining 4 ports so I picked up some X-10 modules and the signal injector for the power lines. I programed a device to B1 in the controller, and set my module to house code B and unit code 1. I get no response when I manly switch the device with the controller. AM I missing something, or am I one of the lucky ones who may never know all the possible frustrations with X-10. After 2 weeks I wish I had gotten the AC3 with an extra DC8. I will be saving my pennies for the upgrade, but in the time being I would like to see the X-10 work just once. Thanks in advance, John __________________ John L. Ford I never want to be an expert, I just want to know all the stuff they know. Then I can decide for myself if it is valid information. Current Tank Info: SAID GOOD BY TO REEF ON FEBRUARY 23 2008 125g planted discus tank

03/30/2007, 03:38 PM	#2
vid151 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Pella, Iowa Posts: 235	few quick thoughts ... is you x10 signal injector on the same circut as the device module ? swap the cable from the ACJR and the DC8 with the one from the DC8 and the X10 module then check if the DC8 still works ( checking if the cable from the DC8 to the X10 is bad ) good luck... Dave

04/02/2007, 11:25 AM	#3
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	It sounds like something is causing interference w/ the X10 communication. Here are some things to check/try: - Make sure that the control interface is plugged into the AquaController with a 4 conductor telephone cord. The light should blink off when commands are sent out, but otherwise will be on. - Make sure that the control modules x10 addresses match the configuration of the AquaController. The default AquaController program is listed in the back of the manual. - The control interface and control modules should plug into the same circuit. If not, you may need to install a signal bridge. - Do no use power strips with active surge suppression as they can attenuate the x10 signal. Use inexpensive powerstrips. - With the AquaController try to turn on and off the control modules. Go to Control & Status -> Manual Control. Select the device you are having trouble with and repeatedly turn it on and off. Note that commands are only sent out when you press the select button. - If you have added any new equipment to your tank, turn it off, and then repeat the Manual control test. - Try switching to an unused X10 address on the control module and in the AquaControllerâ€™s configuration. - Try swapping the control module with a known good one and see if the problem persists. - Try power cycling the AquaController. Remove the 9V battery and unplug the AC adapter at the same time. - If nothing is working try shutting off all appliances around your tank, and then try the manual on/off test. If something is causing X10 interference around your tank, it is likely an electronic ballast. Once the interfering device is found use an X10 noies filter (part # NF5) to isolated from the power in your house. - To avoid X10 noise problems, use the DC4, DC4HD, DC8 boxes instead. They have hardwired control and are immune to powerline noise. Curt