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4 © MARMITEK
Marmitek X-10 signals very much depends on the local circumstances. On average the range
is a cable length of 80 meters.
If you have difficulties with the range of your Marmitek 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 Marmitek X-10 signals. For coupling you can use FD10 Phase
Couplers/Filters. You only need to install a Phase Coupler/Filter when your wall outlets and
light switches are divided over more than one phase (more than one group is no problem).
For bigger buildings or longer distances we advice you to use an active repeater instead of
passive FD10’s.
2. It is possible that Marmitek X-10 signals are attenuated by devices and lights which are
connected to the power line. In a normal home situation this effect is negligible (the
Marmitek X-10 system is using active gain control to eliminate the effects). However, it is pos-
sible that a particular device in your house is attenuating the signals so much that the range
of Marmitek X-10 signals is decreased significantly. When you have range problems, it is wise
to try to locate the device which is attenuating the signals simply by unplugging devices from
the power line, and testing the differences in range for your Marmitek system. When e.g.
your conclusion is that e.g. your computer monitor is attenuating the signal, you can use a
FM10 Plug-in Filter between the power line and the monitor to eliminate the effects.
Known devices which can cause attenuation are:
PC Monitors
PC’s with heavy internal power supplies
Old Televisions
Copiers
Fluorescent Lights
Gas Discharge Lamps (Energy Saving Lamps)
3. Some (old) devices are able to disturb the signal by transmitting noise on the power line.
Because the Marmitek X-10 signals are transmitted on 120 kHz, only noise on or near this fre-
quency will have influence on the range. When you use a FM10 Filter to connect this device
to the power line, the noise will be filtered.
4. The Marmitek X-10 protocol has several mechanism to avoid modules to be switched on or
off by other sources than your Marmitek X-10 Controllers. However, it is possible that the
Marmitek X-10 signals are disturbed by e.g. baby phones which are in TALK mode (continu-
ous transmission). When these kind of signals are present on the power line it is possible that
the Marmitek X-10 signals will not come through.
5. The mains do not stop at the front door of your home. Everything that is attached to
mains nearby your home can have influence on Marmitek X-10 signals (e.g. heavy machinery).
If you think that your system is influenced by devices out of your house, it is advisable to
install FD10 Phase Coupler/Filter on each phase entering the house. These filters will block
signals coming into or going out of your house, but will also match the impedance for the
mains. The FD10’s will not only filter but will also couple the phases (please see 1).
FAQ
What is the reason for modules to switch on/off spontaneously?
It is possible that a Marmitek X-10 System is installed at one of your neighbours using the
same House Code. To solve this problem try to change the House Code of your system, or
have FD10 Phase Coupler/Filter installed at your incoming mains.
SW10.qxd 02-11-2006 17:20 Pagina 4