© MARMITEK
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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 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.
