Leviton DCH Problems

[speedypetey]

I know this is not an NEC issue but I didn't know where else to put this.

I'm having a problem with the remote control from Leviton Home Controls. I used the HCCKR keychain remote with the appropriate HCPRF receiver. The receiver is plugged in in the garage. This is controlling a switch module in the basement.
The problem is the remote will not work consistantly, and when it does work you have to be less than 40' away.

I did call their tech dept. They said the range is only 75' which is borderline acceptable to my customer, 40' is unacceptable.

Here is the kicker. The house is metal lath under stucco. Could this be creating a sheild around the receiver, even though it is pretty much straight behind a wood garage door?

The other kicker is the house has a 400 amp service, actually dual 200's parallel all the way back to the underground xfmr.
Leviton does not recommend a signal bridge anymore, they recommend the HCA02 Amplifier/Repeater Module, which I do have installed.

Bottom line is their tech said the house could be an issue and the range is marginal. I even tried to put the receiver outside on a short extension cord to get it out of the envelope of the stucco. I figured I could install a discrete wp receptacle with an in-use cover to house the little receiver. No dice.

Leviton "off the record" recommended looking into X-10 as they are compatable. He seemed to think they had a distance booster. Anyone know off hand something that will work, or even help???

Thanks all.

 

[aelectricalman]

Re: Leviton DCH Problems

Speedy petey,

Do not use the x-10 for this application. I use the x 10 timer (Alarm Clock style box) when I set up my landscape lighting. If a customer has a 400 amp panel where the 200 Amp legs divide at the transformer, FORGETABOUTIT. The timer only works on some plugs. They operate fun and only work on some plug ins. I've rarely had one work successfully on a 400 amp service. The only time I can remember is when the service feeder was divided at the meter. Even then, it only worked on about half the plugs. Not sure the exact reason, but I know that the x-10 has to be on the same leg as the leg the transformer is located for there to be snowballs chance in hell.