Is connecting a power strip into a noise filter the same as a DC4?

[HippieSmell]

If I plug a powerstrip into a noise filter, and have all my x10 stuff plugged into the powerstrip, is that the same as a DC4?

 

[Member No. 1]

No.
A DC4 has a direct connection to the AquaController via a RJ 45 cord, the same as used in phone cords and uses relays inside that switch the outlets. The X10 has a controller that is hard wired to the AQ unit same as the DC4, but the outlets are remote, and are controlled by signals sent over your electrical lines either in your house or thru a plug/surge strip. The DC 4 doesn't get interference like the X-10 stuff.

 

[HippieSmell]

Aren't all the plugs in a powerstrip connected to each other? So wouldn't the x10 signals only have to go a couple of inches from the x10 controller to an x10 module? And if the powerstrip was isolated from the rest of the house wiring with a noise filter, isn't that just like a DC4? Am I wrong about something?

 

[Member No. 1]

No you are right, but some people have had problems with the X-10 even with a filter and in a power strip next to each other, with electronic ballast. The DC 4 is more direct in there is no signal that has to travel. Hope that makes sense.

 

[Member No. 1]

Another way to look at it, the X-10 is in a way directly connected, but the signal from the X-10 controller has to travel on the same lines/wires as what's plugged into the X-10 devices. So you could get interference. With the DC4 the signal is on it's own dedicated line, so no feed back from the things that are plugged into it.

 

[HippieSmell]

Thanks No.1. But what I was talking about would help, right?

 

[HippieSmell]

Another way to look at it, the X-10 is in a way directly connected, but the signal from the X-10 controller has to travel on the same lines/wires as what's plugged into the X-10 devices. So you could get interference. With the DC4 the signal is on it's own dedicated line, so no feed back from the things that are plugged into it.

Ok, I get it. From what I was describing above, you could still get interference from something plugged into the powerstrip, but anything not on the powerstrip won't interfere. Correct?

 

[Member No. 1]

Yup, that's how mine are hooked up. I run everthing, lights, return pump, moonlights, CO2 on my CA reactor, heater, fans, even got one plugged in the kitchen to turn on the coffee!
Never had a problem. Coffee is always hot!

 

[Member No. 1]

Ok, I get it. From what I was describing above, you could still get interference from something plugged into the powerstrip, but anything not on the powerstrip won't interfere. Correct?

Not really, some people have had problems with the Enze ( sp) Ozone Generator screwing up the X-10. And those were on a seperate power strip, with a filter,away from everything else.

 

[HippieSmell]

Cool, thanks for the quick responses No.1

 

[kattner]

I have used X10 hooked up the way you suggest. On a dedicated powerstrip with a line filter. I also used the x10 controllers from smarthome (which switch more quietly). This set up has worked perfectly for me with no problems.