This X10 coupler-repeater is similar to a non-amplified signal bridge, but with the added ability to regenerate an X10 signal and blast it out both legs of electricity simultaneously. Provided there is at least 100mV of incoming signal, the unit will boost the outgoing signal to 5-7 volts across, depending on the impedance of the home.
X10 Pro XPCR cuts through the (electrically) noisy worldI've been ready to give up on X-10 numerous times. Switching power supplies are everywhere in our homes: each 'wall wart' plug-in power supply for your tablet, smart phone, battery charger and 100 other examples all add electrical noise and interference to your power lines. Someone probably designed the XPCR because they saw the impending extinction of X-10 from a lot of more reliable but expensive challengers, like Z-wave, Insteon, Zigbee etc. If you follow a few simple guidelines, this unit should serve you well. Locate the XPCR and your X-10 controller close to each other AND your circuit breaker panel.
Both my controller (a CM-15A unit) and the XPCR are connected about 15 feet away from my circuit panel in the basement. Very simply, the XPCR seems to have a tuned filter which only lets through the frequencies that your X-10 controller transmits on.
These frequencies are sent to transistors in the XPCR that amplify the X-10 commands. Those amplified commands are sent on to your X-10 devices through your circuit panel and home's wiring. It has solved every intermittent X-10 problem in my 3000 square foot 3 story house.
X10 PRO XPCR Signal Coupler Repeater BoosterIn my situation it works conditionally. I have X10 controlled drive way lights that get their power from a garage about 250' from the house.
Turning these lights on and off has always been like a game of chance. I could've probably had people place bets if the lights would work or not.I first installed the unit in a breaker panel in the house and that didn't do a thing for it!
It was still very intermittent.I then decided to try installing it in a service breaker panel that is about halfway between the house and the garage. That did it in spades!
All bets are off now because it works every time. I am very happy.
X10 Pro Coupler Repeater AmplifierThis product does exactly what it says it will do. That is my personal experience and summation. I used the passive coupler for a long time with much less success. I simply was unaware of the active coupler. The XPCR coupler has successfully coupled my entire house whereas the passive absolutely did not. The true test was installing an X10 relay 165ft from the main panel in an outbuilding and communicating with it via X10. It works every time where the passive coupler never worked on that relay.
My house is not huge @ 3500 sq ft. Overall, I have reliable X10 communication between all phases. I have over 20 dim and relay modules in my system with 6 wired control positions and 6 wireless controls not including key chain controllers. In my opinion X10 should always have the XPCR installed.
I have recently purchased ISY-994i IR/PRO with 2413S. I have few X10 devices which I want to control through ISY. The problem is that the X10 signal from 2413S is very weak. This is how I have verified it:01.
If I connect Smarthome Insteon hub 2245-222 to the same outlet as 2413S, I can control X10 devices. With 2413S, the X10 devices just do not respond.02. The CM15A and 2413S are connected to the same circuit. The Activity Monitor in X10 Active Home Pro can see X10 signals generated by 2413 but the X10 modules do not respond.03. I have a 220V phase coupler installed at the dryer outlet.
The phase coupler has LEDs to indicate the status of X10 signal received/transmitted. When 2413S transmits X10 signals, the LEDs on phase coupler do not respond which clearly mean that X10 signal from 2413S is not even reaching the phase coupler. With Smarthome Insteon hub, the LEDs on phase coupler respond.This clearly means that the 2413S X10 signal very weak. I do not want to use the Smarthome hub because of its limited capabilities and buggy firmware. However, the poor X10 signal from 2413S is being a show stopper. Any ideas on how this can be boosted?
Do I have a bad 2413S? I am having a hard time believing that Smarthome Insteon hub and 2413S signals would have so much disparity.Thanks,Arun. Arun,Can you try to send the x10 signal twice and/or include it in a scene? Below is an example of setting the scene on in addition to sending a discrete X10 command to the device. Which in my noisy house works. A bit redundant. But works.IfFrom Sunset + 20 minutesTo 10:45:00PM (same day)Or Control 'livingroom - D' is switched OnOr Control 'Kitchen Island / - C' is switched OnThenSet Scene 'Xmas Lights' OnSet 'Outside Lights' OnSend X10 'H1/On (3)'Set 'Christmas Decorations' OnWait 1 secondSet 'Christmas Decorations' OnSend X10 'H1/On (3)'Else- No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action').
The phase coupler is Smarthome SignaLinc repeater model 4826A.02. The 2413S is not plugged in to any power strip, it is plugged directly into the outlet.03. I have tried unplugging CM15A but signal from 2413S still fails to activate any X10 device except one appliance module which is installed on the same circuit as 2413S and very close to the outlet into which 2413S is plugged.I need CM15A because ISY is absolutely not working with X10.04. I have tried a similar program to repeat X10 commands multiple times, but no luck.What is confusing me is that if I plug Insteon hub into the same outlet, X10 works fine. So, how come interference is not suppressing X10 signal from Insteon hub but is suppressing X10 from ISY? Arun- My experience when using HomeSeer was that the 2242-222 HUB 1 is stronger for x10 signal than a 2413 PLM.I had 2 RCS X10 Thermostats that usually worked ok, but when I switched to the hub were measurably better.
The was an initialization metric for the thermostats based on retries and time to initialize, and it was better after switching to the hub. The hub was plugged into the same outlet that the PLM was.However I did not experience the degree of difficulty you are with X10 devices just not working in general. This makes me wonder if something is wrong with the PLM since you have 2 other powerline modules that work better, all other things being equal. I would call SH and make that case.Paul( Edit: Wasn't thinking HUB2 until I read Brian's post below). Hello Arun,You are not the first to complain about the X10 output level. I believe you are the first to compare the 2413S to a HUB and show the HUB as being more capable.I do not have any experience with the HUB. It's possible that it has a different output driver than the 2413S that allows it to drive higher X10 levels into your home wiring.
I say possible - not likely. The HUB advertizes the same Insteon output level as the 2413S (3.2 V-P into 5 Ohms). If Smartlabs had changed the output stage to increase the drive level, they would probably be adertising the fact - LOUDLY.I do have experience with the 2412S and older 2413S PLM's. I still have a number of X10 devices (Leviton switches, and outdoor floods) that I use with my ISY/2413S. Over the years I have measured the output levels of my 2412/2413 PLMs. Here's the facts as I know them:. The 2412/2413S PLM's have a lower drive current than your CM15a.
My 2413s will output @ 3.2V into my home wiring. My CM15a will output @4.1 V p-p. I still use both devices on a daily basis. Here are some reference values/traces:.
Others have had difficulties where the X10 output appeared 'lower' than the 'Insteon' output level. Woodchip documented X10 levels that were lower than Insteon levels in this thread:.
I do not have a good explanation for this other than the home wiring impedance being different at X10 and Insteon frequencies ( 120KHz for X10 vs 131KHz for Insteon). I would not call this 'normal'.
You asked about a method for 'boosting' X10 levels. I use a Jeff Volp XTBR plug in repeater. It's Insteon friendly and boosts voltage levels to 24V in my home. It's the reason that I can still use X10 in a 4500 sq. Home with 80 Insteon devices and computers/home theater(s)/etc.
I have only two filters in the home. Others use a Jeff Volp XTB-II repeater. It's a wire in equivalent to your signalinc repeater. Again, it is far more capable and will generate 18-20+volts on both phases.
I believe that forum member Brian H has one of these. Without an actual measurement of your PLM voltage level it's difficult to come to any firm conclusion. Your PLM may be marginally lower in output than the HUB (within tolerances) thereby allowing the HUB to function. I would say that it is 'suspicous' that your HUB can communicate via X10 where the PLM cannot.With the above said, I would first try moving your PLM/ISY closer to your breaker panel. This should give the PLM a better chance at communicating with your coupler.If moving the PLM does not work, I would think seriously about replacing the PLM. I can't think of a good reason why the PLM output would be lower than the HUB (both rated similarly).Lastly, if you plan on maintaining your X10 devices, think about adding a Jeff Volp XTBR or XTB-II to your system.
The HUB II doesn't officially support X10 but they have X10 support in the phone app. It allows you to add X10 devices and turn them on/off. X10 dimming is not supported. They even have X10 icons built into the app. The HouseLinc support is gone. Somehow HouseLinc software looks for handshake on port 9761 and the HUB II no longer provides the correct response.The Insteon signal is not getting corrupted so I am not sure why you want me to unplug 4826A/CM15A.
I am talking about X10 signal from 2413S not being able to activate X10 devices.Thanks.Arun,I'm sorry I am trying to follow what you stated here so any clarity would be great. Are you saying if the HUB II is plugged into the same wall outlet the 2413S PLM is able to communicate better in X10?Or are you saying when ONLY using the HUB II you're able to send On / Off commands via the HUB II Apps to control X10 devices?? Hello Arun,You are not the first to complain about the X10 output level. I believe you are the first to compare the 2413S to a HUB and show the HUB as being more capable.I do not have any experience with the HUB. It's possible that it has a different output driver than the 2413S that allows it to drive higher X10 levels into your home wiring.
I say possible - not likely. The HUB advertizes the same Insteon output level as the 2413S (3.2 V-P into 5 Ohms).
If Smartlabs had changed the output stage to increase the drive level, they would probably be adertising the fact - LOUDLY.I do have experience with the 2412S and older 2413S PLM's. I still have a number of X10 devices (Leviton switches, and outdoor floods) that I use with my ISY/2413S. Over the years I have measured the output levels of my 2412/2413 PLMs. Here's the facts as I know them:. The 2412/2413S PLM's have a lower drive current than your CM15a. My 2413s will output @ 3.2V into my home wiring. My CM15a will output @4.1 V p-p.
I still use both devices on a daily basis. Here are some reference values/traces:. Others have had difficulties where the X10 output appeared 'lower' than the 'Insteon' output level.
Woodchip documented X10 levels that were lower than Insteon levels in this thread:. I do not have a good explanation for this other than the home wiring impedance being different at X10 and Insteon frequencies ( 120KHz for X10 vs 131KHz for Insteon). I would not call this 'normal'. You asked about a method for 'boosting' X10 levels. I use a Jeff Volp XTBR plug in repeater. It's Insteon friendly and boosts voltage levels to 24V in my home. It's the reason that I can still use X10 in a 2400 sq.
Home with 80 Insteon devices and computers/home theater(s)/etc. I have only two filters in the home.
Others use a Jeff Volp XTB-II repeater. It's a wire in equivalent to your signalinc repeater. Again, it is far more capable and will generate 18-20+volts on both phases. I believe that forum member Brian H has one of these. Without an actual measurement of your PLM voltage level it's difficult to come to any firm conclusion. Your PLM may be marginally lower in output than the HUB (within tolerances) thereby allowing the HUB to function. I would say that it is 'suspicous' that your HUB can communicate via X10 where the PLM cannot.With the above said, I would first try moving your PLM/ISY closer to your breaker panel.
This should give the PLM a better chance at communicating with your coupler.If moving the PLM does not work, I would think seriously about replacing the PLM. I can't think of a good reason why the PLM output would be lower than the HUB (both rated similarly).Lastly, if you plan on maintaining your X10 devices, think about adding a Jeff Volp XTBR or XTB-II to your system.I have already tested by moving the ISY-994i and 2413S to basement where the outlet is directly connected to the breaker panel by a 10-12 ft. The X10 signal does not activate any X10 device. The 4826A does not show any X10 activity.
The HUB II has no problem controlling all X10 devices from this outlet. This is what led me to believe that signal output from 2413S might be too low.Even if I install XTB-IIR, there is no guarantee that the 2413S signal will even reach the XTB-IIR. The ISY-994i IR/PRO has to remain in the living room because I use Logitech harmony to control lights and it works well.I definitely want to try a second 2413S to see if this one is faulty.
The problem is that I had purchased the entire unit from Orchestrated Home via their eBay outlet. They said that the unit is brand new and has full warranty from Universal Devices. So I am not sure who do I contact to get a replacement 2413S.
I only mentioned the old Smarthome Repeater Coupler for your future information. Not your present problem.If you had corruption. You could look at the device.My CM15A with my XTB-IIR turned off. Is 3.75 volts on my XTBM. An old 2412S and newer 2413S PLMs both had about 2.75 volts.
This was expected as the CM15A is known to have a higher power line signal over any of the Smarthome PLMs.Thanks for the information on the App doing X10 while we where told X10 support was not there at all.If your test shows no X10 signal indications on the 4826A. It is looking more like the 2413S may have X10 issues.I have not seen any ISY994i kits directly from UDI including a PLM.Smarthome has them in kits with the PLM and ISY994i. You may need a clarification from the Ebay vendor. Arun,I'm sorry I am trying to follow what you stated here so any clarity would be great. Are you saying if the HUB II is plugged into the same wall outlet the 2413S PLM is able to communicate better in X10?Or are you saying when ONLY using the HUB II you're able to send On / Off commands via the HUB II Apps to control X10 devices??01. Only HUB II plugged into an outlet. The 2413S is unplugged completely and ISY-994i powered off.
I can control all X10 devices via the HUB II app.02. Only 2413S is plugged into the same outlet and ISY-994i operational. HUB II is completely unplugged. No X10 control.All the testing I have done with HUB II or 2413S is only with either one of these devices plugged in. I have never plugged in both devices at the same time.Thanks.
For the benefit of others in the forum could you please indicate the production date, hardware, firmware, of the HUB II you have on hand.I ask because Smartlabs has been known to release the same product with the same model number but have introduced or left existing features either prior to removing them, or introducing them to the public.This has been seen quite a few times over the years and this may explain why your (square box) $39.XX HUB II still allows X10 messages to be sent.Unless, this is some kind of.Easter Egg. feature they have simply not called out! This is great insight and conversation to be considered for others in the same boat.
I just looked at the 2413S Sales Page on the Smarthome web site.X10 is no longer listed as supported.Since they are in the process of removing X10 support from present models and future new modules.There is a chance the latest 2413S no longer will do X10. Though I have not see anything indicating it was dropped in the developers area but we frequently have to find out the hard way something is gone or changed.If you can report the information on the PLMs labels and what firmware your ISY994i reports. It would help.