Blown X10 modules

C

Cathy8424

New member
Curt,

What would cause my AquaController to blow all the X10 modules (14) that it was running? The alarm still functunions and codes can be put into the controller, but none of the X10 modules will work. I also tested the modules on my other AQ and they wouldnââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t work with it either.

Every thing had been running fine for a month or two after adding a DCHD4 to the other controller. That is the only change that had been made. I assume that the Controller still works, because the alarm module still sounds. I have no other new X10 modules to test it with, and I am a little nervous about ruining another X10 module.

No other equipment in the house has shown any signs of a power surge. The controller was running 11 maxi-jet power heads, 1 mag 2 pump, 1 CO2 solenoid, 1 moon light.

Also, I would like to get the firm ware updates. How do I do that?

Thanks, Cathy
 
I don't think that all 14 modules are blown unless you had an electrical storm and took a major power spike. More likely the control interface is not working. Make sure that the light on the control interface blinks off when X10 commands are sent.
I think that you have an Aqua2; there are not any firmware updates available for it (the latest is version 1.60).

Curt
 
Curt,

Yes, I am running two AquaController IIââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s. I did more checking last night. Nothing works on the Softie Controller. On the Reef Controller, only one X10 module, the alarm and the DC4HD are working.

The read light on both control interfaces do blink on/off when commands are sent. I changed the address of the Softie Controllers alarm to the address of the Reef Controllers alarm, and removed the original Reef alarm module. The alarm would not respond. If I push the button on the alarm module, it will sound. I removed the one working X10 module, assigned that address to one that was not working, installed it and it still did not work. I reinstalled the working module and so far it is still working.



I have 23 assumed to be dead X10 modules. We have not had any electrical storms. My computers, TV, and all other electronic equipment in the house have no problems. I have ordered another DC4HD. When it gets here, I will try it with the Softie Controller.
 
Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢d say it is nearly impossible that all 23 control modules would just die; it is much more likely that there is some kind of X10 interference going on. Here is a list things to check/try:

- Make sure that the control interface is plugged into the AquaController with a 4 conductor telephone cord. The light should blink off when commands are sent out, but otherwise will be on.
- Make sure that the control modules x10 addresses match the configuration of the AquaController. The default AquaController program is listed in the back of the manual.
- The control interface and control modules should plug into the same circuit. If not, you may need to install a signal bridge.
- Do no use power strips with active surge suppression as they can attenuate the x10 signal. Use inexpensive powerstrips.
- With the AquaController try to turn on and off the control modules. Go to Control & Status -> Manual Control. Select the device you are having trouble with and repeatedly turn it on and off. Note that commands are only sent out when you press the select button.
- If you have added any new equipment to your tank, turn it off, and then repeat the Manual control test.
- Try switching to an unused X10 address on the control module and in the AquaControllerââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s configuration.
- Try swapping the control module with a known good one and see if the problem persists.
- Try power cycling the AquaController. Remove the 9V battery and unplug the AC adapter at the same time.
- If nothing is working try shutting off all appliances around your tank, and then try the manual on/off test. If something is causing X10 interference around your tank, it is likely an electronic ballast.


Curt
 
I have tried most of the things on the list. I will try turning off other items like the TV. I have not tried that.

I am not sure what you mean by; Try power cycling the AquaController. Remove the 9V battery and unplug the AC adapter at the same time. I have removed all power to the controller as well as using the buttons to reset it to its original configuration. I will be anxious to see if the controller will work with the DC4 when it comes.

There has been nothing new added except the DC4HD a month or two ago. Every thing was working fine until Friday the 19th. It has only been down hill since then. At least I was able to get the pH control and Chiller to run with the DC4; so two of the major things are working now.

The controllers are powered by a UPS that is surge protected. All other modules are plugged into 20amp wall receptacles that are GFI protected. All aquariums circuits are on the same leg (or phase) of the panel.

I am running the same 250 watt IceCap Ballast that I have always ran with out problems for 2 yrs? Three of them were plugged into the DC4HD before the problems started; since I have had to unplug them to run the pH and Chiller.

I did have problems with a compact fluorescent I had before. But even if it is the IceCaps, I read that they are supposed to run with the DCs, is that so? Also, if they are the problem, would they kill all the modules? And the controller with the greatest number of casualties was running no lighting.
 
Icecap ballasts do work with our direct connect boxes. Please call 408-578-3022 when you are in front of your controller, and I'll try to help you figure out what is going on with your system.

Curt
 
i had the same problem ..with the x_10 controller....and i replace all and haven't had a problem for bout 6 months now..
 
I have no clue what went wacky! Fortunatly only 7 of the X10 modules are dead. I replaced all that I could with DC8s. The X10s are just not very reliable. I still have to use some X10s, because you can only go 10 ft from the controller with the DCs. So if you have equipment in the basement or another room, you still have to rely on the X10s.

So far, things have been running pretty smooth again. The expense on top of the expense gets to be a real pain, not to mention the headachs when the stuff goes on the wacky!
 
Re: Blown X10 modules

Cathy8424 said:
The controller was running 11 maxi-jet power heads, .....Cathy
Click to expand...

Cathy, for what is worth, I do not think all the modules could have failed at the same time but in my case all the modules I have burned were the ones driving Maxi-jet powerheads.
Seems to me that because the PHeads start at full capacity and load (no soft start) it creates a big spike on the module's contactors that get worn (or flashed off) very fast. If you are using them as a wave function, that means switch on are off every 5 to 10 minutes thus the issue.
I used to change the modules running the maxis every three to four weeks (some even sooner). The way I solved the issue was to have the module activate a heavy duty high amp realy contactor which in turn activates the powerheads.
 
jdieck,

Thanks for the reply. That's something to think about.

But something was causing everything to be messed up for a while. I had one heck of a huge mess!

I have ordered DC8s and will be able to put most of the power heads on those. Do you think the DC8s will have the same problem that way as the X10s?
 
Cathy8424 said:
jdieck,

Thanks for the reply. That's something to think about.

But something was causing everything to be messed up for a while. I had one heck of a huge mess!

I have ordered DC8s and will be able to put most of the power heads on those. Do you think the DC8s will have the same problem that way as the X10s?
Click to expand...

Curt might be better able to respond that as it depends on the rating of the contacts but IMO so frequent switching with the kind of transient current / voltage a powerhead represents at start up will shorten the life of any contactor as it creates too much of a spark when connecting and disconnecting.
 
Jdieck,

Where do you get your heavy duty high amp realy contactors and what price range are they? Could I run 3 MJs from one contactor? I do use the X10 for wave making and switch them every 10 min.

Cathy
 
I got them from www.mcmaster.com You need to create a circuit for them with the advantage that if you get a double throw (SPDT or an DPDT) the common can be connected to the hot line and the each one of the poles (the NO and the NC) to two diferent sets of powerheads so when the relay is activated one set runs and when deactivated the other set runs thus using a single module and channel to alternate two sets of powerheads.
I will draw a little diagram for you.
 
Try the Miniature Enclosed Power Relay Cat No. 7664K17 contacts rated for 25 Amps (1 Hp) and input coil voltage of 120 Volts
7664kc1s.gif


Here is a diagram for the circuit. You will need the relay an X-10 Appliance module (You can plug the coil into the Direct Connect instead), Two three prung plugs, 12 gauge stranded wire (green white and black), a dual three prung socket 120V outlet and box (You can use surface mounted box) and either clip on flat terminals to connect the wire to the relay or a soldering iron to solder the wires to the relay terminals.
wave_circuit.gif
 
Last edited:
Jdieck,

Thank you so much! I will order one today! And the price, what a break from the high price of every thing else reef related! Several X10 modules can be eliminated, and just two will pay for the entire setup; plus you get more reliability.

I have ordered from www.mcmaster.com they were great to work with.

Your drawing is GREAT, very easy to follow.

Thanks again for your great input!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

H
Apex Classic - Aquabus Module Assignment
Replies
0
Views
440
hilde123
H
newsalt
Aqua Illumination SOL Blue problem
Replies
2
Views
72
oreo57
oreo57
R
Confusion About Raspberry Pi Camera Pinout – Need Clarification
Replies
1
Views
1K
oreo57
oreo57
Brian60077
Today is the 1 year anniversary of my journey back into saltwater
Replies
3
Views
264
Brian60077
Brian60077
G
New here! Here’s my 150G tall glass cages mixed reef aquarium
Replies
10
Views
304
Uncle99
Uncle99
Back
Top