I have used a lot of X10 devices for a long time, mainly lamp modules and motion detectors. I have been trying the trial version of Indigo, using a 1132CU controller. I can send a signal to a device (a lamp module) to turn the lamp on and of BUT it only works if the module in plugged directly into the 1132CU. (The 1132CU can be plugged into a wall outlet or power strip, it doesn't seem to matter, but the lamp module will not work anywhere except when plugged into the controller.) From what I read, the problem is signal path, and there are an awful lot of electronics (computers, power strips etc), so I am not sure there is much I can do. But, if anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears.

My question, mainly though, is this... would it be any better using Insteon devices instead of X10?

Thanks much.

mntentman wrote:My question, mainly though, is this... would it be any better using Insteon devices instead of X10?

Absolutely yes

mntentman wrote:I have used a lot of X10 devices for a long time, mainly lamp modules and motion detectors. I have been trying the trial version of Indigo, using a 1132CU controller. I can send a signal to a device (a lamp module) to turn the lamp on and of BUT it only works if the module in plugged directly into the 1132CU. (The 1132CU can be plugged into a wall outlet or power strip, it doesn't seem to matter, but the lamp module will not work anywhere except when plugged into the controller.) From what I read, the problem is signal path, and there are an awful lot of electronics (computers, power strips etc), so I am not sure there is much I can do. But, if anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears.

My question, mainly though, is this... would it be any better using Insteon devices instead of X10?

Thanks much.

Sean's right - I'll expand a little on why. X10 signals are generally send and forget - you send the command but there's nothing to tell you if it was successfully received or acted upon. INSTEON has a much more sophisticated process for sending/receiving commands - it includes automatic retries, acknowledgments, and each device actually repeats the signal. All of this adds up to a much more reliable network.

There are, however, limitations that even INSTEON can't overcome - powerline noise/signal suckers. Even the most robust power line-based technologies are going to have problems with devices that cause extreme noise. UPSs, power strips, Plasma TVs, even some CFL light bulbs all have been known to cause noise. So, while INSTEON will generally be more reliable than X10, a really noisy device will still cause problems. It's by far the #1 cause of support issues for us.

jay wrote:UPSs, power strips, Plasma TVs, even some CFL light bulbs all have been known to cause noise.

Note that if one of the above ends up being the culprit causing problems, you can use a FilterLinc to isolate that device to prevent the problem. See our signal troubleshooting page for other troubleshooting ideas.

jay wrote:Sean's right - I'll expand a little on why. X10 signals are generally send and forget - you send the command but there's nothing to tell you if it was successfully received or acted upon. INSTEON has a much more sophisticated process for sending/receiving commands - it includes automatic retries, acknowledgments, and each device actually repeats the signal. All of this adds up to a much more reliable network.

It is also because Insteon uses BPSK (binary phase shift keying) instead of X10's OOK (on/off keying). This is very much like the difference between FM and AM radio. BPSK is more resistant to noise, which means the messages are less likely to be lost in the first place.

seanadams wrote:It is also because Insteon uses BPSK (binary phase shift keying) instead of X10's OOK (on/off keying). This is very much like the difference between FM and AM radio. BPSK is more resistant to noise, which means the messages are less likely to be lost in the first place.

Cool! (I'll take your word for it) - I'm not a hardware guy...

Well, I picked up a number of Insteon items and am still having problems. Let's start with this one...

#2414U plugged in to Mac and using Indigo 4. Using a LampLinc 2456. At first, using a distant outside, the Lamplinc was not recognized. Tried a different outlet and get it to set up. I can move it around the house, and it works in some outlets, but not others. Not using a powerstrip or anything else in the outlets where it is not working. Is there something I can do to better more consistent results? Thanks.

Do you have a pair of AccessPoint RFs? They are required to bridge your 2 power legs to create an INSTEON network. Without them, the problem is likely that your PowerLinc is on one power leg and the destination outlet is on another.

Well, Matt, that's the other issue. I bought the kit from Smarthome with the access points and the LampLincs. And I can't get the access points to work. When I plug the second one in, it just blinks. Have tried outlets all over the house and it doesn't seem to make any difference.

You should call Smarthome and see what they say. It could be an RF range issue (or maybe for some really odd reason all your outlets are on one power leg), but maybe you just have a bad AccessPoint RF. I'd get that figured out first, then I suspect your other problem will take care of itself.

Thanks, I'll do that. I wonder if one might be bad, as I can hear something rattling around inside it... although the light comes on.

...opened it up... just a screw that I put back in the right spot... but still not working.

I believe I have the APs working, I needed to look at the online instructions regarding the LED behavior, which is different than what Smarthome sent me (regarding the 2.0). However, I am still having problems with LampLinc working in some outlets and not in others. Frustrating, because I can't figure out any rhyme or reason to it. I do know that they are not working in the outlets where I WANT them to work.

mntentman wrote:I believe I have the APs working, I needed to look at the online instructions regarding the LED behavior, which is different than what Smarthome sent me (regarding the 2.0). However, I am still having problems with LampLinc working in some outlets and not in others. Frustrating, because I can't figure out any rhyme or reason to it. I do know that they are not working in the outlets where I WANT them to work.

Are you SURE you have them on different power legs, and not both of them on the same leg?

No... how do you tell for sure?