3-way switch (again) .....

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HGB - 29 Dec 2003 22:39 GMT

I know you guys are tired of hearing about 3-way x-10 switch problems, but
here we go again. I have 3-ways that work perfectly with the push buttons.
The problem is controlling them from a transmitter. I can turn them on, but
not off. This is with a wired and remote transmitter.. same problem. I
just purchased an inline coupler -- plug in type, but this did not help.
Cant really tell if the coupler is working as things work exactly as before.
Suggestions welcome.

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Greg Bell

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Duane - 20 Jan 2004 03:32 GMT

Your problem may be noise generated by something on your power line; like a
computer, laser printer or some other device. I've had the same problem,
and mine was intermittent. I could turn a module on, but sometimes it
wouldn't turn off. I discovered that whenever a certain computer was on,
the "off" signal was not heard. Putting an Isobar Surge Suppressor on that
computer solved my problem.

Your biggest challenge will be to isolate the source of the noise. Try
plugging in a mini controller near your wall switch and see if it works both
on and off. If it does, then try shutting off possible noise sources until
the mini controller works farther away.

Good Luck,
Duane

> I know you guys are tired of hearing about 3-way x-10 switch problems, but
> here we go again. I have 3-ways that work perfectly with the push buttons.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Cant really tell if the coupler is working as things work exactly as before.
> Suggestions welcome.

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David White - 16 Feb 2004 02:06 GMT

I have exactly the same problem as the original poster. Did not know until this
posting that this was "common" for 3-ways. Was going to try a plug-in coupler
or perhaps a plug-in coupler/booster. Sounds like I shouldn't bother based upon
your experience.

Funny thing though. I heard that to simulate the presence of a bridge/coupler
you simply needed to get the device where it is not responding (easy for me to
do), then turn on a 220 volt appliance (clothes drier, range), and try again.
If it now works, you need the bridge.

Before turning on my drier, I could not get my 3-way to turn off despite three
attempts. I turned on the drier and off it went on the first attempt. I tried
off and on three times with complete success. I though Hurrah, at last! Then,
even though the drier was still going, the device stopped turning off again on
the fourth attempt.

Is there any hope with these (http://www.smarthome.com/1626.html)?

> Your problem may be noise generated by something on your power line; like a
> computer, laser printer or some other device. I've had the same problem,
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Good Luck,
> Duane

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Duane - 06 Mar 2004 13:07 GMT

From what you said I'd focus on the coupler/booster. If everything began to
work when you first turned the drier on, you probably need a coupler.

One explanation for it not working later while the drier was still running
is that the heater element may have been turned off at that part of the
cycle.

Have fun,
- Duane

> I have exactly the same problem as the original poster. Did not know until this
> posting that this was "common" for 3-ways. Was going to try a plug-in coupler
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> > Good Luck,
> > Duane

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Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / March 2004

3-way switch (again) .....