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GENERAL INFORMATION & TROUBLE SHOOTING
HOW DOES X-10 WORK?
X-10 components use the existing 240V mains wiring to communicate (using X-10 signals). You can build a complete system using
the three different basic kinds of components available in the X-10 system:
1. Modules: These components will receive X-10 signals and will switch or dim an attached lamp or appliance.
2. Controllers: These components will transmit X-10 signals, thus will control the Modules.
3. Transmitters: Wireless components such like remotes and motion sensors. The signals of these components will be
received by a controller with transceiver functionality (TM13 or the console of an X-10 security system). The transceiver
will translate the signals from the transmitter into X-10 on the power line.
ADDRESSES
You can select up to 256 addresses by setting the two code wheels on the modules. The two code wheels divide the address into a
House Code (A to P) and a Unit Code (1 to 16). On controllers, generally only the House code only is selectable. When modules
and controllers are set to the same House Code they will work together.
RANGE OF X-10 SIGNALS OVER THE POWER LINE AND HOW TO INCREASE THE RANGE
The X-10 system is based on power line communication (PLC). The range of the X-10 signal is very much dependent on the local
circumstances. An average range is a cable length of 80 meters.
If you have difficulty with the range of your X-10 signals, please pay attention to the following facts:
1. When more than one phase is used for your electrical system, it is necessary to couple these phases for the X-10 system. For
coupling, you can use the FD10 Phase Coupler/Filter or the CAT6272 Active Repeater available from Envious Technology. You
only need to use a coupler when your Modules and Controllers are divided over more than one phase (more than one circuit on the
same phase is ok).
2. It is possible that X-10 signals are being attenuated (reduced) by devices connected to your power lines. In a normal home
situation this should not pose a problem (the X-10 system uses active gain control to eliminate the effects). However, it is possible
that a particular device in your house is attenuating the signals so much that the range of the X-10 signals is decreased
significantly. If you have a range problem it is wise to try to locate the device causing the attenuation simply by unplugging it and
testing the difference in your X-10 system. When you find the offending device, you can use an FM10 filter module (available from
Envious Technology) between the power line and the offending device. Known devices that can cause attenuation include PC
Monitors, PC’s with heavy internal power supplies, Old televisions, Photocopiers, Fluorescent lights, Energy saving lights.
3. The mains power does not stop at the front door of your home. Everything that is attached to mains nearby can have influence
on X-10 signals (eg Heavy Machinery). If you think that external devices are influencing your system, it is advisable to install an
FD10 Phase Coupler/Filter on each phase entering the house (there is normally only one phase). The filters will block X-10 signals
coming into or going out of your house and will also match the impedance for the mains.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
• CAN MY X-10 MODULES SWITCH ON/OFF SPONTANEOUSLY?
The actual X-10 command send on the power lines is a digital signal which could not be generated by any other device, noise etc.
It is possible that an X-10 system installed at one of your neighbours is using the same house code and that their X-10 controllers
are controlling your modules. To solve this problem, change the House Code(s) that your system is using or have an FD10 Phase
Coupler/Filter installed at your incoming mains.
• WHY WON’T MY MODULES RESPOND TO MY CONTROLLER
Make sure that the House Code on all Modules and Controllers are set to the same House Code (A to P). Controllers without a
House Code rotary wheel can operate with all House Codes.
• WHY WON’T MY MODULES RESPOND TO MY REMOTE CONTROL/WIRELESS TRANSMITTER?
When you use a remote or wireless transmitter (MS13 motion sensor etc), you will need at least one TM13 transceiver module
installed in your house. These components will translate the radio signals sent from the transmitter to the X-10 signals sent on the
power line. Only one transceiver should be installed for all remotes/transmitters set to the same house code.
• AM I ABLE TO INCREASE THE RANGE OF MY REMOTES BY USING MORE TRANSCEIVER MODULES?
Yes, you can use more than one TM13 transceiver in your home when the range of your remotes is not sufficient. The TM13 uses
so called ‘collision detection’ to prevent signals being disturbed when more than one TM13 is transmitting on the same house code.
TM13’s will wait for a quiet power line before transmitting their data. To prevent your X-10 system from becoming slow or to prevent
the dimming of modules from becoming less smooth, make sure that the TM13 units are placed as far away from each other as
possible.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
If you believe that your product is faulty and have read fully through the information above, please contact your original place of
purchase. Proof of purchase will be required. For more information on the above and on other products offered by Envious
Technology, please visit our webpage at www.envioustechnology.com.au
www.envioustechnology.com.au