4 © MARMITEK
The Marmitek X-10 System uses standard commands, which control all units with the same
HouseCode at the same time (e.g. all lights on, all off, etc.).
SIGNAL RANGE
Range of Marmitek X-10 signals over the Power Line and how to increase the range.
The Marmitek X-10 System is based on power line communication. The range of the 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
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
