2 © MARMITEK
SIGNAL RANGE
Range of Marmitek X-10 signals over the Power Line and how to increase the range.
The Marmitek X-10 System is based on power line communication. The range of the Marmitek X-10 signals very much
depends on the local circumstances. On average the range is a cable length of 80 meters.
If you have difficulties with the range of your Marmitek X-10 signals, please pay attention to the following facts:
1. When more than one phase is used for your electrical system, it is necessary to couple these phases for the Marmitek
X-10 signals. For coupling you can use FD10 Phase Couplers/Filters. You only need to install a Phase Coupler/Filter when
your wall outlets and light switches are divided over more than one phase (more than one group is no problem). For bigger
buildings or longer distances we advice you to use an active repeater instead of passive FD10’s.
2. It is possible that Marmitek X-10 signals are attenuated by devices and lights which are connected to the power line.
In a normal home situation this effect is negligible (the Marmitek X-10 system is using active gain control to eliminate the
effects). However, it is possible that a particular device in your house is attenuating the signals so much that the range of
Marmitek X-10 signals is decreased significantly. When you have range problems, it is wise to try to locate the device which
is attenuating the signals simply by unplugging devices from the power line, and testing the differences in range for your
Marmitek system. When e.g. your conclusion is that e.g. your computer monitor is attenuating the signal, you can use a
FM10 Plug-in Filter between the power line and the monitor to eliminate the effects.
Known devices which can cause attenuation are:
PC Monitors
PCs with heavy internal power supplies
Old Televisions
Copiers
Fluorescent Lights
Gas Discharge Lamps (Energy Saving Lamps)
3. Some (old) devices are able to disturb the signal by transmitting noise on the power line. Because the Marmitek X-10
signals are transmitted on 120 kHz, only noise on or near this frequency will have influence on the range. When you use a
FM10 Filter to connect this device to the power line, the noise will be filtered.
4. The Marmitek X-10 protocol has several mechanism to avoid modules to be switched on or off by other sources than
your Marmitek X-10 Controllers. However, it is possible that the Marmitek X-10 signals are disturbed by e.g. baby phones
which are in TALK mode (continuous transmission). When these kind of signals are present on the power line it is possible
that the Marmitek X-10 signals will not come through.
5. The mains do not stop at the front door of your home. Everything that is attached to mains nearby your home can have
influence on Marmitek X-10 signals (e.g. heavy machinery). If you think that your system is influenced by devices out of
your house, it is advisable to install FD10 Phase Coupler/Filter on each phase entering the house. These filters will block
signals coming into or going out of your house, but will also match the impedance for the mains. Hereby make your house
Marmitek X-10 compatible for these units. The FD10’s will not only filter but will also couple the phases (please see 1).
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of the Marmitek EasyTouch Panel 10! You can use this touch-screen control panel to easily
operate all your Marmitek X-10 modules. You can use the background supplied to immediately try out the EasyTouch Panel
10’s standard functions. If preferred, this background can be replaced by a photograph or image of your choice. You can
then install the panel in or on the wall. In this way, the control panel becomes personalised and the Marmitek EasyTouch
Panel 10 is suitable for every interior! You do not need a computer to programme the EasyTouch Panel 10.
