Overhead Light w/ Built in Transformer

[io_guy]

So my Insteon network just grew to 20 devices today.

Everything is working well with the exception of one light that's giving trouble.

 

I have a hanging overhead light (halogen) that has a 120VAC to 12VAC transformer built into it. The Switchlinc Relay controlling it can turn it on easy enough, but once it's on it creates enough noise that both switchlincs on its circuit no longer communicate.

If I turn the light off then communication immediately resumes.

 

I'm thinking of picking up a Leviton 6287 and mounting it right inside the light fixture.

[Brian H]

I have seen the 6287 used in many X10 problem areas and well liked.

Insteons signal is not that far from the X10s. I would think it would work for your needs also.

[IndyMike]

Hello io_guy,

 

Chances are your halogen lamps are using a 120 Vac to 12 Vdc switching power converter. It's the switching frequency of the converter that is interfering with your SWL's.

 

The Leviton 6287 is a "band stop" filter. It will block frequencies in a narrow range around 120 kHz and allow higher/lower frequencies to pass. If the power converter is generating noise around 120 kHz, the filter should certainly help.

 

Note that these filters are rated at 5A/120V. Check the input requirements on your power converter.

 

One additional note - I recently encountered CFL noise in the 67 kHz range that was affecting my PLM. This is "out of band" noise (Insteon communicates at 130 kHz) that should not have directly interfered with the Insteon communication. The PLM was "seeing" this noise and adjusting its AGC circuit to desensitize itself. The result was the PLM became deaf to lower level Insteon communication as well.

 

What I'm trying to say in the above is if the power converter noise is near 120 kHz, the 6287 should work well. If the noise is lower, you'll need a low pass filter. These are typically much larger than the band stop filters. I don't know of a wire-in low pass that you can put in your fixture.

 

If you try the 6287, please post back with your results.

 

IM

[io_guy]

Its a step-down transformer (120VAC to 12VAC), not a converter.

 

Leviton 6287 installed within the light fixture and communication issues are gone. Worked like a charm.

[Brian H]

Glad it worked for you.

Thanks for the update.

[IndyMike]

Its a step-down transformer (120VAC to 12VAC), not a converter.

 

Leviton 6287 installed within the light fixture and communication issues are gone. Worked like a charm.

 

I stand corrected.

 

I'm glad that the 6287 worked, but I don't understand why (I hate that). A step down transformer shouldn't cause a problem for a relay unit.

 

Is it possible that you have weak communications on this branch (signal absorber) and the additional load from the transformer is enough to drag the signal below the noise level?

[io_guy]

Is it possible that you have weak communications on this branch (signal absorber) and the additional load from the transformer is enough to drag the signal below the noise level?

 

I highly doubt it. That branch only has the light mentioned above, an incandescent light, and some empty wall outlets on it.

 

It was pretty clear that the light was causing the issue. It's the last connection in the elctrical chain. With it on, communication was dead on its SL and the SL controlling the other light. When turned off everything instantly worked perfect.

[IndyMike]

IO_guy,

 

Thanks for posting back with the results. Based on your description, I'd have to agree that the lamps were generating noise (still don't understand why).

 

Could I trouble you to also post the brand and model of halogen lamps you are using? It could help others down the line.

 

Thanks,

IM

[io_guy]

Could I trouble you to also post the brand and model of halogen lamps you are using? It could help others down the line.

 

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of info. The lamp is fairly old and I have no idea where I bought it.

All I can tell you is that it steps down to 12VAC and has 4 bulbs.

The bulbs I currently use in it are the G4-20W from IKEA.