X10 FAQ


	Frequently Asked Questions Can I set more than one module to the same Unit code? Can I set more than one transceiver or transmitter to the same House Code? Why do some modules not work in some sockets, but when I move them to other sockets they work fine? Why do modules which are installed a long distance from the controller not respond to commands? Why do modules respond intermittently or sometimes not at all? Why do some modules turn on and off spontaneously? I want to remotely dim low voltage halogen lights with my X10 system. Is this possible? Can the X10 system be used with other devices, such as baby monitors and intercoms, which also send signals on the power line? I know about X10, but what is A10? How much electricity does the X10 system use? Can I set more than one module to the same Unit code? Yes definitely. This enables a number of lamps or appliances to be controlled simultaneously. You may wish to do this to control lamps or appliances that together would exceed that rating of one module, or you may wish to simultaneously control lamps or appliances in different parts of the house. Return to Top Can I set more than one transceiver or transmitter to the same House Code? Yes, you can. For example you may have a TM13 transceiver that works with an RF remote together with a bedside timer. In fact most X10 systems will receive commands from a number of different sources. You can also use two or more TM13 transceivers both set to the same House code to increase the effective range of your remote controls; however there are some provisos. The TM13 uses collision detection techniques to prevent two transceivers competing with each other if they both receive the same signal from the remote, however this can sometimes cause responses to slow down or light dimming to become less smooth. To minimise the likelihood of this happening, the TM13s should be located as far from each other as possible. Return to Top Why do some modules not work in some sockets, but when I move them to other sockets they work fine? There are two reasons why this might happen. The most common is where the electricity to the house or building is supplied by more than one phase. X10 transmitters send their signals only on the phase to which they are connected, which means that only sockets connected to that phase will receive the signals. This problem can be solved by installing one or more phase couplers (FD10) to transfer the X-10 signal from one phase to another. The second reason is that the modules are located a long distance away from the transceiver or transmitter and the signal has become too attenuated to operate them. See the separate question that addresses this issue. Return to Top Why do modules which are installed a long distance from the controller not respond to commands? As the distance from the controller increases the X10 control signal gradually reduces. To test to see of this is the problem try temporarily installing the transceiver or transmitter closer to the module that is not responding. If the module then operates you can assume the problem is most likely to be because the signal has become too weak. There are two possible solutions. Firstly you could relocate the transceiver or transmitter to a closer location or secondly you could install a signal repeater (SR9231 or SVX10) to boost the signal. It is not possible to use multiple transceiver modules to extend the RF range as they will cancel each other's signals. One other possibility, especially if the distance is much less than expected, is that another appliance is “absorbing” the X10 signal and preventing it from reaching distant modules. Appliances that are likely to do this are ones that have large inductive or capacitive loads (e.g. large electric motors). Test by turning off or disconnecting any suspect appliances. If you locate a culprit appliance installing a filter may solve the problem. Suitable devices are the AF300 Line Isolation Filter and the AF310 Band Pass Filter. Return to Top Why do modules respond intermittently or sometimes not at all? This will almost certainly be caused by another appliance or item of equipment interfering with the X10 control signal. Some older electrical or electronic devices or items that are malfunctioning could produce electrical noise on the power line. You should consider such things as television sets, computers, microwave ovens, washing machines, electric drills, welders and heavy duty tools. Unplug or disconnect suspect items until you find the culprit. Return to Top Why do some modules turn on and off spontaneously? The most likely reason for this is interference from another X10 system nearby. Maybe one of your neighbours also has an X10 system that uses the same House code. This problem is usually easily solved by changing to a different House code. As the default for most devices is House code A, this is the one most likely to cause interference problems. If interference from another installation continues to be a problem, it may be necessary to install a filter such as the FD10 to block external signals. Return to Top I want to remotely dim low voltage halogen lights with my X10 system. Is this possible? The Lamp Module (LM12) is not suitable for dinning low voltage halogen lights, however you could consider using the LW12 dimmable receiver or the LD10 DIN switch/dimmer as alternatives. These are professional products and will require connection by an electrician. Return to Top Can the X10 system be used with other devices, such as baby monitors and intercoms, which also send signals on the power line? The unique coding system used by X10 means that modules are highly unlikely to be activated by other equipment that also sends signals on the power line. However baby monitors and intercoms that communicate over the power lines may cause interference with the X10 signal and prevent modules from responding. There is no remedy for this other than looking for alternative equipment (such as a radio type) that does not cause interference. If you suspect that a neighbour may have a baby monitor or intercom that is causing problems with your X10 system it may be necessary to install a filter such as the FD10 to block external signals. Return to Top I know about X10, but what is A10? A10 devices are similar to, and compatible with, X10 devices. The A10 standard is an advanced version of X10, manufactured by Advanced Control Technologies, that provides a number of enhancements such as increased signal range, better immunity to noise on power lines and 2-way communication for reporting of the status of devices (all at extra cost of course). A10 devices are designed for applications in larger buildings such as office blocks, hotels and industrial buildings, but they still work just fine in home applications as well. Return to Top How much electricity does the X10 system use? Each X10 module consumes less than 2 watts, so power usage is very tiny. Don’t forget that every time you use X10 to turn off a light or appliance sooner than you would otherwise have done, you save electricity, so overall X10 can save money on your power bills. Return to Top