BoosterLinc X10 Signal Strength Booster

Just what the doctor ordered!!!I've got a pretty extensive (and old) mixture of X10 and Insteon devices (about 22 in total) spanning 3,600 sf, two stories, and a detached garage. I use home automation software, a USB interface, an RF interface, and a phase coupler to control much of my interior and exterior lighting and my HVAC system. I've been using X10 in my current house for 15 years and gradually phasing in Insteon. As I expanded my use of X10/Insteon over the years, I noticed that X10 signals were not making it to all my devices; later learned it was due to signals not traversing both phases of my electrical system, so I installed a SignaLinc Repeater in my 220-volt dryer outlet, which resolved those issues and worked almost flawlessly for years. However, lately my system has been intermittent at best, most of the time devices not responding at all. I verified that my SignaLinc Repeater is still functioning properly (have had to replace it in the past) so I was perplexed as to why the sudden failure of my system. Researching several forums for possible causes to my performance issues, I learned that as we add more and more technology to our homes, we're also creating more interference that could be further degrading my already weak X10 signals. Well, that sounds like me... with a whole-house generator, whole-house surge protector, security cameras, powerline ethernet, WiFi extenders for two WiFi networks, numerous TVs, computers, and UPS devices throughout my house, I thought, yeah, it's quite possible that things could be stepping on each other now!So, I installed a single BoosterLinc X10 Signal Strenth Booster in an outlet in my laundry room (on its own circuit), and wow, ALL of my X10 and Insteon devices are once again working flawlessly!!! Even those devices that under best conditions previously only worked 8 out of 10 times are now working consistently, whether controlled by my Active Home software, wireless remote, or Smartphone app. Everything just works!!!

I had problem sending signals, with my Central Controller 2412N, from one side of the house to the other about 130 feet apart and across two electrical panels. I had a mixture of both Insteon and X10 switches installed through out the house. After reading some helpful information on Smarthome website, I installed a Phase Coupler 2406H. It helped but not always. After installing this Boosterlinc the switches works much more consistantly, but not 100% of the time. Per the instruction came with it. I had tried several locations to find the best spot for the booster to work with all the switches.

It works when it wants to. I have 2 lamps that I couldn't get to respond with socket rockets. This solves the problem for about a week at a time. It will eventually stop working. I can turn the lights on one night at 8, and 2 hours later they can't be turned off. Sometimes unplugging the booster and plugging it back in will get it working again, sometimes not. Disappointing for what it costs.

I tried this signal booster for my X10 system and it had absolutely no effect at all. Admittedly I have a large area to cover, with lots of X10 devices, so that's possibly why it didn't work. The company (SmartHome) suggests that you should get one of these things for every 1000 sq ft. At that rate (over $100 a pop) I'd spend much more on the stupid boosters than all my X10 devices put together cost. I've had X10 devices for many years and have learned just how unreliable they are in general. Having tried and failed to finally 'fix' things with this signal booster, I'm about to give up and look for a different remote control system. I'll still give the Insteon 4827 2-stars since it may indeed work on smaller systems. Just remember to purchase it through Amazon so that in the event it proves itself unworthy, you can return it without a fuss.

I installed this on an existing X10 system that I'm slowly converting to Insteon because X10 is closing its doors.Between this and the 'Insteon line Filters' there was an immediate improvement in stability in the old X10 system.This improvement will probably cause me to hang on to my old system longer.Very happy with this and hope this helps you decide.UPDATE: After a few Months my Insteon network became erratic. I was using two of the BoosterLincs and one was working fine but the LED's on the other were out (no light, nada). Removing from the wall I noticed a brown burnt area on the back that had deformed the plastic. At least it failed safely and didn't catch on fire. I'm going to see how things work without this one as I may not have needed it in the first place. Watch those flashing lights!

I have had the old Radio Shack version in our last home probably 15 years ago. I bought the X10 system for our new home and installed it myself. In this home we are powered from a 100amp electrical service and we had various weird intermittant system triggers. Many times the wall switches would not respond or some would seemingly come on with no controller input. I had contacted the Home Automation support several times and they exchanged several modules that were faulty. By the way, these newer X10 dimmers work differently. The old system came on and off like a switch and the dimmer function was available if needed. The new X10 design has a very stupid function of dimming on to a preset level based on how long you hold the button and then dimming off. To me, this design is a major problem for most people who just want a switch function with a dimmer option. I think if they had made that dim-on / dim-off as an option in the module it would be ok, but the old style off and on is far better in my opinion. After fussing with all the grounds on the many modules I have installed, most of the intermittant issue was resolved; however, some modules would still not turn on remotely or have dimmer control. The Home Automation support people were of no help. I read as much as I could on these PLC systems and decided to try this signal booster. It is not too cheep at around $ 100.00 but so far it has fixed every control issue in my home.