I have rope lights on the riser for my second row of seats. I was controling
it via RF commands thru an X-10 IR543 controller. Lately this IR543 has become problematic. I have tried everything including replacing it with a new one but no luck. It seems to work fine then something triggers it to continuosly transmit and the red LED stays on, this renders the unit inoperative. If I transmit my RF remote at point blank of this controller it does reset the unit until something triggers it back to red LED light on and unit becomes inoperative again. Not sure if it's something in my power line or maybe it's my room lighting itself, but I just can't figure it out.

So I am looking to find another way of controlling this rope light via my RF remote beside the X-10.

Thanks

I've had the same exact problem with the IR543. I moved it away from all other electronics, and haven't had a stuck LED since. I guess it's really sensitive to the EMF from other components. Hope that helps.

Hey thanks for your input on the IR543, but this device is no where near any other equipment. The nearest item is the Center channel speaker where it has been for the last 2 years working without a hitch. Nothing else in the room has changed.

In the mean time I am looking for another device to replace the IR543 that hopefully
works better in my room. That is the main reason for my post, need a replacement since I can't pin point the solution to the problem here.

I had the same problem with an IR-543, and in my case the problem seemed to be caused by mal-formed X10 ir codes ( noisy / intermittent RF base station for my remote ). The LED seemed to go solid on when only part of the X10 IR packet was received, or if the packet was bad.

You mention RF remote in your post, is the IR543 getting IR commands from the remote or the RF base?

Jonathan

I had the same problem with an IR-543, and in my case the problem seemed to be caused by mal-formed X10 ir codes ( noisy / intermittent RF base station for my remote ). The LED seemed to go solid on when only part of the X10 IR packet was received, or if the packet was bad.

You mention RF remote in your post, is the IR543 getting IR commands from the remote or the RF base?

Jonathan

My mistake the IR543 is getting IR commands not RF, so since I can't get it to work right I am trying to find something to replace it. What did you do?

Hi Ozzie,

I was using a URC MRF260 that was in the same cabinet as a satellite receiver. The MRF260 was sending out spurious IR due to proximity to my satellite receiver. My first move was to move the MRF260 outside the cabinet. This cured the problem with the IR-543 ( even though the IR-543 is still in the cabinet close to the satellite receiver ). After that, I designed my own RF receiver that is better at rejecting spurious RF.

Is there any chance that something else is sending out IR that could be colliding with the IR signals to your IR-543?

Since you mention a riser and 2nd row of seats, I assume you're using a projector. Is it possible the IR543 is catching the beam? Have you tried re-locating the IR-543 to another spot as a test?

Jonathan

It is possible that the IR543 is getting other stray signals, but the IR543 goes red even when the projector is off. Is there any other unit that does the same function of allowing me to remotely control the dimming or turning the rope lights on/off?

You might try this as a replacement. I've never tried one, so can't vouch for it. The on-site reviews seem to be good, and it's apparently both X10 and Insteon compatible.

http://www.smarthome.com/2411R/IRLinc-Receiver-IR-to-INSTEON-Converter/p.aspx

Jonathan