Just wanted to update this thread with what I did to solve the problem. A few weeks ago, I went ahead and followed the suggestion above to buy an isolation transformer. Kinda pricey solution for one problem device, but really had no other choice (albeit probably a good thing for this $3K tv, since the power here sucks). Got the Tripp Lite IS500 (500 watt). Plugged it up on the filtered side of an existing Filterlinc. Turned the TV on and let it get all warmed up throwing all kinds of noise out and wholla... I had full communication again! Turned lights on the problem circuit on and off many times with out missing a beat. Before, when that TV was on, a number of lights on that circuit would get a signal maybe ~40% of the time.
But, just for good measure (and since I still had the rare occasional module not respond, but it was this way before the TV), I went ahead and ordered a TI103 from Homeseer. Been using it for a couple of weeks now and I don't think I've had a single module miss a command. I was somewhat reluctant to invest more in X10 stuff, but I just don't have the budget right now to start migrating to newer tech and X10 still works wonderfully for me. I must say that I was impressed with the build quality of the TI103 and the documentation is probably one of the best I've seen for a simple device with a simple purpose. I know that sounds stupid, but when I purchase a product, a lot of times my gut feeling on quality is based on the time put into the documentation, I don't know.
Anywho... both of those are great suggestions for anyone poor like me still hanging onto X10 and having little problems.
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Originally posted by TreeFrog View Post
I would think that the wired in-line product jackpod mentioned above would be good for you, however (and I am no electrician) I would have this filter mouted somewhere inline that is going to be accessible in the future. I wouldn't permantly mount it in the wall unless maybe it would fit into some kind of gang box (which you could cover with one of those blank faceplates). That product he mentioned is desribed directly as a "noise" filter, which may mean it is designed differently that the smarthome line of filterlincs. If I recall, smarthome usually markets filterlincs for use more to keep x-10 from going into devices that would absorb them. Noise filtering seems to be a second priority.
LCD's have switching power supplies which are a big "absorber" of X10 signals, so it could be that your LCD is just sucking all the signal when on
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Originally posted by jackpod View PostYou might also try the smarthome 15a plugin. You might be overloading the 10a plugin filter
Originally posted by Mark S. View PostI am planning on wall-mounting an LCD, with cable and power on the wall behind it. But it does not look like I'll have a whole room behind the mount for a wall-wart-sized filter (especially my ACT filters). Any ideas?
Do you have crawl space above that room? You could leave yourself a place to try different filters between the main and the power going down the wall to the tv and change it out as necessary. Just an idea.
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I am planning on wall-mounting an LCD, with cable and power on the wall behind it. But it does not look like I'll have a whole room behind the mount for a wall-wart-sized filter (especially my ACT filters). Any ideas?
Mark
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I don't have a large lcd tv so I don't know if this will work for that, but I use several of these on my large items http://www.automatedoutlet.com/produ...0&cat=0&page=1
on my pond pump. my 2200 ups, the 10k btu window air conditioner in my equipment closet and the circuit for my office. You might also try the smarthome 15a plugin. You might be overloading the 10a plugin filter
I have been happy with these. Being wired in you have to be creative in connecting them. I use either a metal junction box with pigtails or a multi gang plastic remodel box with a blank plate
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Originally posted by Xtension View PostI have a Vizio LCD that practically knocks out one end of the house. A filter helped slightly but I eventually ended up using an isolation transformer. Rather expensive compared to a filter but it made a night and day difference. The power 'conditioners' for AV systems (Monster) won't work either as they do not provide true line isolation.
Here's a 500 watt model from Radio Shack for $160
I switch the transformer off when I'm not using it since it draws about 20 watts unloaded.
These isolation transformers remind me of a battery backup. I'm not sure a battery backup does isolation when it is on A/C power. The 20 watt problem doesn't bother me much, as, according to specs, this tv draws 20 watts sitting off anywho. Considering I paid over $3K for this tv, I think this would be one of the best types of surge protectors to use to protect it as well.
Thanks for the great suggestion. Looks like that's the way I'm headed (and quickly).
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I have a Vizio LCD that practically knocks out one end of the house. A filter helped slightly but I eventually ended up using an isolation transformer. Rather expensive compared to a filter but it made a night and day difference. The power 'conditioners' for AV systems (Monster) won't work either as they do not provide true line isolation.
Here's a 500 watt model from Radio Shack for $160
I switch the transformer off when I'm not using it since it draws about 20 watts unloaded.
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Originally posted by TreeFrog View PostDon't want to bring up an old thread, but I have a related issue. A few weeks ago, I received my nice, new 52" Samsung lcd. I replaced the CRT that was in the living room with this. The CRT (as well as the stb, receiver, etc) were all on a 10-amp filterlinc and never had a problem. The new tv is now on that same filter. Now, when that nice new hdtv is powered up, that entire circuit in my house becomes almost unsable.
Unless I missing something, I thought that is what these filters were supposed to prevent. Do these filters only stop x-10 from going to whatever is plugged into them as opposed from stopping noise from these devices getting back out to the power line?
Or has anyone had the filterlics just go completely out and/or quit working effectively?
I was thinking of ordering a few more, just for good measure, but my home was working flawlessly for a long time and if these filters are not effective against this type of noise getting through, then I need to look for another solution to getting these tv's noise off the line.
Any experience? I know it's sad I'm still on our old friend x-10...
RHS
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Don't want to bring up an old thread, but I have a related issue. A few weeks ago, I received my nice, new 52" Samsung lcd. I replaced the CRT that was in the living room with this. The CRT (as well as the stb, receiver, etc) were all on a 10-amp filterlinc and never had a problem. The new tv is now on that same filter. Now, when that nice new hdtv is powered up, that entire circuit in my house becomes almost unsable.
Unless I missing something, I thought that is what these filters were supposed to prevent. Do these filters only stop x-10 from going to whatever is plugged into them as opposed from stopping noise from these devices getting back out to the power line?
Or has anyone had the filterlics just go completely out and/or quit working effectively?
I was thinking of ordering a few more, just for good measure, but my home was working flawlessly for a long time and if these filters are not effective against this type of noise getting through, then I need to look for another solution to getting these tv's noise off the line.
Any experience? I know it's sad I'm still on our old friend x-10...
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Originally posted by ross_ditlove View PostThanks everyone!
Ordered some filters and we shall see what happens.
Regards
R
Thanks for the help!
Ross
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Originally posted by Uncle Michael View Post...If you put the filter between the TV and your appliance module you should still be able to use X10.
Originally posted by jackpod View PostMake sure you look at the power consumption of the TV when choosing a filter. Too small a filter will a)burn out and b) won't be effective if the rating is borderline of its max current draw.
Use of filters is one of those make or break decisions for those of us too poor to upgrade to the newer technologies.
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Thanks everyone!
Ordered some filters and we shall see what happens.
Regards
R
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Make sure you look at the power consumption of the TV when choosing a filter. Too small a filter will a)burn out and b) won't be effective if the rating is borderline of its max current draw.
quickie ohm's law calculation (figures watts into amps)
watts divided by volts equals amps
so if it draws 650 watts, it is using (provided you are on 120 volt (USA)) 5.41 amps, so in this case use a 10 amp plugin filter
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The first step should be to plug the TV into a filter to see if that cures the problem. There are several to choose from http://www.automatedoutlet.com/_sear...age=1&q=filter
If you put the filter between the TV and your appliance module you should still be able to use X10. It will look even dorkier then the appliance module alone, though, so hide it well.
A short 'extension' cord between the two may help. Appliance module in the wall with short cord plugged into it. Filter at end of short cord, TV plugged into the filter.
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if they are X10 appliance modules a fairly inexpensive filter plug in between the module and the TV should fix you up.
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