Using X10's hardware and SmartHome's hardware requires a basic knowledge of electricity and the user to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installation. You don't just plug it in and it works--unless you're quite fortunate.

Both companies' computer control modules send power line signals over the existing alternating current (AC) wiring. Most buildings have 2 phase AC wiring. Other buildings--mostly commercial buildings--have 3 phase wiring. Usually each phase carries 110V AC power. It's quite possible that your lights are are plugged into more than 1 of these different phases.

However, that poses a problem for X10 and SmartHomes' light control hardware. Because the computer control module (e.g. CM15A, CM11A, #USB 2414U) is only plugged into one of those phases, the lights should be on that same phase. Otherwise, the power line signal generated by the computer module to be sent to the light control module most likely will not reach the light that's plugged into a different phase.

What can I do? The simplest solution is to make sure that all your lights are using the same phase and that your computer control module is also plugged into that same phase. If you don't understand what a phase is, then you should consult with an electrician.

Another problem owners might have is that of electric interference. For example, a jukebox may put out electric interference that aborbs or interferes with the power line signal.

One owner said, "My lights work fine until I turn on the radio; then they quit working." In this situation, you could try plugging the jukebox into a different plug that is on a different phase. Or you may have to purchase a noise filter. Plug the noise filter into the usual plug and then plug the jukebox into the noise filter plug. Please call technical support for advice on which filter to buy: (724) 543-3700 ext. 231.

Another owner said, "My lights worked fine in the summer. But now that Winter has come, they no longer work." The problem. The electric motor that runs the blower fan on the heater produced electrical interference that interfered with the transmission of the power line signal. The solution. Purchase a noise filter for the electric motor or wire the electric motor into a different phase. You may have to do both.

Just recently an owner said that his lights were working fine. But they quit working. "Did you buy any new electrical devices recently and plug them in?"

"No," he said. After a little more prodding, he admitted buying a new computer for his manager and a different powerbar for his older computer. But in the situation where your lights were working fine and then all of a sudden quit working, try to think what you have changed as far as electrical devices. Usually the new device or a different configuration points to the source of the problem.

Again, you may have to buy a noise filter, plug the device into a different plug that is on a different phase, or both.

In the online help file in Billiard Business Solutions (press the F1 function key) you should see a section on light controls. Please be sure to follow the guidelines listed on the wiring diagram.

Henry Garcia
Technical Support
Definitive Synergy
(724) 543-3700 ext. 231
defsyn@gmail.com