Marmitek SWM1P, User Manual

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SWM1P™ 5
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 possible 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
PCs 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 frequency 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 (continuous 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.