Meters for troubleshooting noise/signal problems?

[TJF1960]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone make an inexpensive meter, much like the Elk bar graph meter SH used to sell, for determining noise on the ac line, tuned to the 131 kHz frequency? If so, are they/have they been beneficial? If not, how may I ask are some of you determining what devices are noisy and require filterlincs? I understand about using a scope with a tuned filter circuit, but mine isn’t portable and having a portable meter would be much more convenient.

 

In the past I have used the x10 pro xptr which worked well, but the trouble with it is you don’t know if the low signal reading is due to noise on the line, or if the signal is just really weak due to absorption.

 

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Tim

[Brian H]

I have not seen one for the Insteon 131 KHz signals.

I know my ESM1 and TesterLinc both have given me rough ideas on levels.

Both are discontinued. I know over in the X10 forums. Jeff Volp is making a new X10 tester and I believe it may read some Insteon signals; but it is just going into prototyping now.

 

The ESM1 isn't that fussy on the frequency. Bargraph still works you just don't get a Good X10 Signal LED.

[TJF1960]

Thanks for the reply Brian. Hopefully someone will come out with a device to measure noise and signal strength that is both economical and effective. As it stands now it is almost like troubleshooting while blindfolded, or at the very best it is all hit and miss.

[Brian H]

I know Jeff's device is for X10 but he has made boosters for X10 that are 100% nice with Insteon. I have one of his XTB-IIR units almost built and ready to go in. Yes I still have a mixed system as there is no such thing as a Insteon Chime Module.

 

The prototype has a frequency read out and one of his off tune controllers registered 130 KHz just below the Insteon.

 

http://forums.x10.com/index.php?PHPSESS ... ic=18408.0

[TJF1960]

Good to know. I will keep my eye on that tester. Thanks for the link.

 

I use the x10 chime module as well, it and 2 flood lights are the last of the x10 devices in my house.....

[MikeB]

Has anyone suggested adding Insteon support to Jeff?

[Brian H]

MikeB; I don't think anyone has.

[MikeB]

I'm not involved in the X10 community, but I would imagine Insteon signal support would be a good feature to have assuming it is fairly easy to implement. Would open his product up to a whole new market.

[IndyMike]

I have talked with Jeff some time back regarding Insteon capabilities in his new tester.

 

As I understand things, the devices will be able to detect the 130Khz carrier and eliminate this from the noise measurement. He will not be attempting to decode the BPSK signal and will therefor not be able to verify valid transmissions.

 

Jeff if working with a 2K limit in his PIC. It's a challenge fitting in the X10 capabilities let alone including Insteon.

 

Jeff has a thread on the subject over here http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=18408.msg102875#msg102875