Neptune Aqua Controller 3 question (1 Viewer)

[SnMan]

Santa brought me an AquaContoller 3, a PowerHouse power line interface (PL513) and 10 X10 AM466 controller modules. Yup, I can't get the controller to switch anything on or off. I added a new timer named "BAD$-A10" and added an "If Time > 00:59 Then BAD ON" to the default program using the web interface (I did the update also). I have the AC3, line interface controller, and the appliance module (with a night light plugged into it) all on a short power strip. I have also tried this combination in two nearby wall outlets. When I use the AC3 to manually turn off the "BAD" light nothing happens. I do notice that when the 4 wire RJ11 cord which came with the AC3 is unplugged from the line interface module the little LED on the module is lit. When I plug the 4 wire cord in the LED goes out. Oh yes, I have set all X10 AM466's to A1-A10. I ran the AC3 self test and it passed. Is there a way that I can tell if the AC3 is transmitting to the line interface module? Is there a way to see if the line interface module is working properly?

 

[crvz]

I had a little trouble with that, too. Ultimately, it was my phone line. After that, it all worked... for about a week. Then the powerhouse interface went out. I had to get that replaced. Now everything works well enough, but I'm much more satisfied with the DC-8. It's neat to use the X-10 stuff on things around the house, so I keep it around and run non critical things with it.

 

[SnMan]

I took an ohm meter to the phone line that came with it and the continuity is ok. Both RJ11 jack ends are put on with the following color scheme (looking at it from the side without the clip) yellow, green, red, and black. I tried another 4 wire phone line and that didn't change anything so I am assuming that the phone line is okay. Can you tell me if the LED on the powerhouse interface is supposed to remain lit all the time?

 

[crvz]

Mine does, and then it flashes when it receives input (so when a signal is sent, it would flash off and then back on and stay on).

 

[aggie4231]

Should of gone the DC-8 route. X-10 is susceptible to interference from alot tof things.

 

[SnMan]

Thanks. Mine is only on when the phone line is unplugged. When I plug in the phone line it turns off the LED. The question I now have is which one is bad, the AC3 or the powerhouse. My bet is the powerhouse since the AC3 passes the self test. How does your DC8 get commands from the AC3? Is there a cable and if so where does it plug into the AC3?

 

[crvz]

The DC8 is a Neptune product, designed for use with the AC3. It plugs in with the same phone line as the X10 stuff, and you can daisy chain a number of them together (it has an input and output phone jack, so the X10 just plugs into the last DC-8 you have in the chain... which in my case is just the one).

 

[SnMan]

I downloaded the owner's manual from Neptune and I read about how it connects and how to set the switches. I have one on order now. I plan to order a controller from WWW.X10.COM to put my appliance modules to good use. Thanks for all the help. Another expensive lesson learned but at least my powerhouse didn't fail later with the heater in the ON position. That would have irked me to no end.

 

[GotFrogs]

SnMan, if you order more X10 stuff, make sure you check eBay before ordering, you can save a little =)

 

[crvz]

SnMan, if you order more X10 stuff, make sure you check eBay before ordering, you can save a little =)

No doubt, that's where I've gotten all mine. It's about half the cost as at a retail store.

 

[SnMan]

Thanks, will do. I am in no hurry to order any more X10 stuff since I ordered a DC8 for my AC3. I will check eBay for a controller for my house though (lower priority).