Here’s an fascinating X10 amplifier project. a lot of of us have experienced X10 signal propagation issues at one time or another, so anything to assist the signals get with is welcomed. No mention of a 220V version however as it’s a diy job it may not be tough for somebody to redesign for European modules?
“Every when in a while you come across a product so beneficial that it modifications the basics of exactly how you online as well as work. Recently, I had the chance to assist beta test fellow newsgrouper Jeff Volp’s XTB (X10 Transmit Buffer) as well as I can state without hesitation that this is one of those “breakthrough” products. any individual who has an even moderately complex X-10 based system has a lot more than likely been sucked into the netherworld of signal attenuation. Transmission issues are the work of a range of demons, pixies as well as Orcs that inhabit the typical home’s power lines. The XTB is like a mighty electrical Excalibur, capable of slaying the motley army of X-10 demons with a single slash.
What is it? Well, it’s nearly like the mythical carburetor than runs on water. If it were a rifle, you’d never miss. If it were a cell phone, your phone calls would never be dropped. If it were a power drill, you’d be able to punch with stainless steel ingots as if they were butter. The XTB is an amplifier unlike any type of you’ve ever seen. It takes the real-time output of an X-10 transmitter like a TM-751 or a CM11A as well as turbo-charges it to previously unheard of levels in the X-10 world. (At least I’ve never heard of them!) The output is so high that both my Monterey Signal Analyzer as well as my ESM1 bar graph meter “pegged” out at their maximum levels (4v for the former, 5v for the latter) at a significant electrical distance from the XTB.
It was relatively simple to determine the voltage based on extrapolation. I compared the voltage decrease between point X as well as Y with a weak transmitter like the CM11A. then I repeated the readings with the XTB. based on the output voltage, I wrapped up that the signal exits the XTB at 22 to 24v. Admittedly, it’s nowhere near as exact as an o’scope however the attenuation ratios are relatively consistent in my home for point to point readings. If the CM11A clocked in at 50mV at a specific receptacle, adding the XTB would improve that reading to .25 volts, or about 5 times the original signal strength
Even with 10 X-10 filters deployed throughout the house, my humble abode is an X-10 nightmare. great deals of X-10 transmitters, great deals of PC as well as hi-tech gear, great deals of UPSs, changing power supplies as well as other tiny, twisting passages for X-10 signals to get lost in. In short, a home full of X-10 demons, prepared to take in or corrupt an X-10 signal at any type of time. I’ve gotten utilized to the truth that my wife’s stitching space was beyond the reach of X-10. She’s really happy that it is. When I plugged the Maxicontroller into the XTB the stitching space lights flashed on as well as off even though they never had before. The signal, as checked out by the Monterey, was a relatively low (but still extremely reliable) .11 volts. however what was a lot more peculiar is that the stitching space was on a different phase than the Maxicontroller. So what was coupling the phases?
I made a decision to inspect at the panel. all of the circuits on the phase opposite the transmitter were evidencing a consistent .11 volts. I turned off the central AC breakers, expecting to see the Monterey checked out 0 volts. No change. consistent .11 volt signal. I turned off the furnace. No change! I shut down EVERY breaker in the panel except for the meter as well as the TM751/XTB combo. That would definitely expose the “good” elf that was somehow coupling the two phases of my house. however when again, there was no change.
After a flurry of emails to Jeff, it ended up being remove what was happening. The XTB signal was SO strong it was coupling at the pole transformer! That may not be the situation with other houses. My power pole transformer is less that 100′ away from the breaker panel.
I threw the XTB every curve I might believe of, rummaging with my box of X-10 goodies for test candidates. I checked the XTB against a number of flavors of transceivers, from the RR501 to the TM751 as well as even the Robodog. If you’ve got a lot more than one transmitter, you may requirement a lot more than one XTB. Unlike Smarthome’s BoosterLincs, the XTB will only amplify signals from the device(s) plugged into the unit’s outlet.
While you can’t plug in a vacuum cleaner into that outlet, you can plug in a power strip as well as have the XTB amplify a number of gadgets plugged into that strip. I’ve currently got a CM11A, a TM751, a TW523 as well as a SmartMaxi-controller plugged into the outlet strip without any type of evident issues. I even plugged a CM11A into the XTB as well as then a TM751 into the CM11A ‘spass-through outlet without a glitch. I’ve likewise tried the Leviton All Housecode Transceiver, the X-10 tiny Timer, Mini-controllers, as well as the IR543. All worked without incident. The SmartMaxi (All Housecode Maxicontroller from Smarthome) with its macro ability was especially improved by the XTB.
One of the nicest benefits of the XTB is that it may enable you to kiss your active repeater goodbye. I disconnected my Leviton repeater a long time back since it would lock up far as well often for reasons I might never rather pin down. I avoided needing a repeater (or even a coupler) by utilizing TM751’s spread throughout the home at the extremely end of each circuit. This kept them from interfering with each other, mostly, however it truly produced issues utilizing a CM11A or TW523 based controller like the Ocelot. There was no method to insure that the output from either system was able to reach all of the circuit ends — up until now, that is. The XTB is definitely going to modification the method I’ve got my X-10 units deployed however it will be for the much better in the long run.
The XTB likewise turns out to be a extremely beneficial adjunct to my X-10 power line meters. With the XTB plugged into an outlet about 10’ from the panel, I see a signal anywhere in the house, which is about 1000 sq. ft. That’s been quite practical in discovering unusual signal suckers since I can see a signal as well as determine the attenuation whereas before the signal would be as well weak to even register on the meters.
I’m sure Jeff will fill in the pricing details as well as all the normal warnings. I’m starting off with two set up units since of my less-than-sterling solder skills. I’ll most likely even try building one of my own with a bit assist from a much better solderer considering that there are surface install elements that have to go on the board towards the end of the assembly process. I suggest getting at least one set up one. If there was a program called “This Old Circuit Board” Jeff would be one of the hosts. I showed the XTB to a friend, asking him if he might solder one for me. His comment was “not like that that’s perfect!” He was floored by the exactly how neatly Jeff had set up the beta. So was I.
If you’re trying to find an X-10 dragonslayer get yours hands on Jeff Volp’s XTB.”
X10 Transmit Buffer –
8th June 2006 – Jeff has added some comments about 240V operation in the assembly notes right here – .
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