X10 KNOWLEDGEBASE

Since there are 256 possible addresses, am I limited to 256 controlled devices?

No. There are 256 addresses to allow you to control a large number of devices individually. In most homes, there are a number of lights that are always turned on around the same time of day. With X10 modules, each light could be assigned an individual address, but turning on a number of lights individually would take some time. Instead, all of the lights could be set to the same address. Now only a single command is sent to turn on the group of lights.

Do modules of the same House code have to be located in the same area of my home?

No. You can have modules set to different house codes located anywhere you choose.

Do you sell video senders and cameras that can transmit more than 100 feet?

No, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets the 100-foot limitation.

Is an addressable power supply available for the Video Receiver?

At this time, no.

Can more than one receiver be used to receive the same signal for output to additional TVs or VCRs?

Yes. An unlimited number of receivers may be used.

Can more than one video transmitter be used?

There are four transmission channels available; therefore, up to four transmitters can be operating at the same time, as long as they are not located too close to each other.

I own other 2.4GHz equipment (i.e. cordless phone, wireless LAN) and it interferes with the video signal. What can I do to fix this?

You might want to check the other device's manual for the frequencies of each channel that it uses.

Our video equipment uses the following frequencies:

Channel A: 2.411 GHz
Channel B: 2.434 GHz
Channel C: 2.453 GHz
Channel D: 2.473 GHz

We recommend using the frequency on the other device that is farthest from channel A or D, depending on which side of the band the other device is transmitting. Other than that, your remaining option is to discontinue use of the device while using our video equipment.

When using your Video Sender, I receive an unacceptable picture on my TV. The picture dims/brightens, tears (part of the picture moves to the left while another part goes to the right), displays noise, etc. Why is this happening?

The problem may be due to Macrovision (AKA copy protection). Try playing a recording of a show taped from your TV. If the playback is fine, chances are you were watching a purchased movie (either VHS or DVD) that uses copy protection. The Macrovision web site states that some or all of the following characteristics will appear: dim and/or noisy pictures, loss of color, intermittent or permanent loss of video, and picture tearing. If you would like more information about Macrovision, the address is www.macrovision.com.

I thought the cameras were supposed to be wireless. My XCam2 has a power cord coming out of it. Why?

Please see the Confusing Terminology section for "Wireless."

What picture format do the cameras output (JPEG, bitmap, etc.)?

Our cameras are CMOS, not digital. They output an NTSC composite video signal (310 TV lines, 30 frames per second).

Are your cameras waterproof?

They are weather resistant if the clear plastic lens cap is fitted. Rain is acceptable, but submersion in water is not.

My camera's image is blurry. How do I adjust the focus?

XCams are shipped preset to be in focus for normal use, but if you want to change the focus you can remove the clear plastic cover and rotate the inner portion of the lens. It might be a bit tight. Try turning it counterclockwise first. If you turn it clockwise do not force or over tighten it. Replace the clear plastic cover if you are using the camera outdoors.

FAQ, CONFUSING TERMINOLOGY, & CAVEATS

CONTENTS

Frequently Asked Questions Since there are 256 possible addresses, am I limited to 256 controlled devices? Do modules of the same House code have to be located in the same area of my home? Do you sell video senders and cameras that can transmit more than 100 feet? Is an addressable power supply available for the Video Receiver? Can more than one receiver be used to receive the same signal for output to additional TVs or VCRs? Can more than one video transmitter be used? I own other 2.4GHz equipment (i.e. cordless phone, wireless LAN) and it interferes with the video signal. What can I do to fix this? When using your Video Sender, I receive an unacceptable picture on my TV. The picture dims/brightens, tears (part of the picture moves to the left while another part goes to the right), displays noise, etc. Why is this happening? I thought the cameras were supposed to be wireless. My XCam2 has a power cord coming out of it. Why? What picture format do the cameras output? Are your cameras waterproof? My camera's image is blurry. How do I adjust the focus? Confusing Terminology Receiver Transmitter and Transceiver Wireless Caveats

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Since there are 256 possible addresses, am I limited to 256 controlled devices? No. There are 256 addresses to allow you to control a large number of devices individually. In most homes, there are a number of lights that are always turned on around the same time of day. With X10 modules, each light could be assigned an individual address, but turning on a number of lights individually would take some time. Instead, all of the lights could be set to the same address. Now only a single command is sent to turn on the group of lights. Do modules of the same House code have to be located in the same area of my home? No. You can have modules set to different house codes located anywhere you choose. Do you sell video senders and cameras that can transmit more than 100 feet? No, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets the 100-foot limitation. Is an addressable power supply available for the Video Receiver? At this time, no. Can more than one receiver be used to receive the same signal for output to additional TVs or VCRs? Yes. An unlimited number of receivers may be used. Can more than one video transmitter be used? There are four transmission channels available; therefore, up to four transmitters can be operating at the same time, as long as they are not located too close to each other. I own other 2.4GHz equipment (i.e. cordless phone, wireless LAN) and it interferes with the video signal. What can I do to fix this? You might want to check the other device's manual for the frequencies of each channel that it uses. Our video equipment uses the following frequencies: Channel A: 2.411 GHz Channel B: 2.434 GHz Channel C: 2.453 GHz Channel D: 2.473 GHz We recommend using the frequency on the other device that is farthest from channel A or D, depending on which side of the band the other device is transmitting. Other than that, your remaining option is to discontinue use of the device while using our video equipment. When using your Video Sender, I receive an unacceptable picture on my TV. The picture dims/brightens, tears (part of the picture moves to the left while another part goes to the right), displays noise, etc. Why is this happening? The problem may be due to Macrovision (AKA copy protection). Try playing a recording of a show taped from your TV. If the playback is fine, chances are you were watching a purchased movie (either VHS or DVD) that uses copy protection. The Macrovision web site states that some or all of the following characteristics will appear: dim and/or noisy pictures, loss of color, intermittent or permanent loss of video, and picture tearing. If you would like more information about Macrovision, the address is www.macrovision.com. I thought the cameras were supposed to be wireless. My XCam2 has a power cord coming out of it. Why? Please see the Confusing Terminology section for "Wireless." What picture format do the cameras output (JPEG, bitmap, etc.)? Our cameras are CMOS, not digital. They output an NTSC composite video signal (310 TV lines, 30 frames per second). Are your cameras waterproof? They are weather resistant if the clear plastic lens cap is fitted. Rain is acceptable, but submersion in water is not. My camera's image is blurry. How do I adjust the focus? XCams are shipped preset to be in focus for normal use, but if you want to change the focus you can remove the clear plastic cover and rotate the inner portion of the lens. It might be a bit tight. Try turning it counterclockwise first. If you turn it clockwise do not force or over tighten it. Replace the clear plastic cover if you are using the camera outdoors.

CONFUSING TERMINOLOGY

Care should be taken to distinguish between the following terms. Receiver A Receiver only receives. Some receive commands, like the Lamp Modules does. Some receive audio and video, like the Video Receiver does. In the case of the Lamp Module, it is standard to refer to it by that name rather than "receiver". Transmitter and Transceiver A Transmitter only transmits. Some transmit commands, like the PalmPad remote control does; some transmit audio and video, like the Video Sender and XCam camera does. Transceiver is an amalgamation of the words transmitter and receiver. A Transceiver, such as the TM751, transmits AND receives commands only. It does not have anything to do with audio or video transmission or reception. Wireless Some people might misconstrue this term to mean the wireless device doesn't have any wires connected to it. "Wireless" is an electronics term referring to the method of information transfer. It has nothing to do with how the device receives power (electrical outlet, solar cells, batteries, etc.). The infrared signals sent from your remote to change the channel or increase the volume on your TV is a form of wireless communication. It simply means the information (voice conversation, computer data, video, telemetry, etc.) is not sent through a hardwired media, such as copper conductors.

CAVEATS

For general use, you should not plug any X10 modules (Lamp Modules, Appliance Modules, ActiveHome Interfaces, Addressable Power Supplies, etc.) into surge protectors, power strips, plug splitters, or extension cords because these devices can filter or significantly attenuate (reduce) X10 powerline commands. This could result in intermittent communication.
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