Does a compatible phase coupler still exist?

[paulbates]

I had a Signallinc / Insteon phase coupler at my last house, made a big difference. I know they don't sell them anymore. My recollection is that there were Insteon compatible phase bridges from other companies.

I brought some original lamplincs from my last house and ordering some single band devices and would like a physical phase bridge.
Does anyone know if another brand phase bridge is still available?

[BLH]

I have not seen any wired in ones for the breaker box. For Insteon and X10.
Simply Automated ZPCI modules. Claim to couple the signals between phases I have no date on them working with Insteon but they do say X10. They are also available with plug in cables and one is for inside the breaker box. ZPCI-W
All the Dual Band modules also couple the signal to others.
If on both phases of the home. Will also bridge the two power lines.
They should have a communications test built into them and you can start it and then look at other modules. Set LED to see if on the same phase or opposite. Along with indications the signals are taking to each other.
The Range Extender also does it but most just use a Dual Band module to do it and you get an output in the mix. The Range Extender that I looked at is a 2457D2 Lamplinc with the dimmer parts not installed.

[paulbates]

Thanks BLH. The issue I found is that even with some dual band, the phase coupler was direct and cut the number of hops down.

I forgot that I ran a test in homeseer in the attached images, first is without signalinc and second with signalinc, Granted it was over 10 years ago and I didn't have a ton of dual band at the time, but some, but the results convinced me the signalinc was worth it. Putting it on the panel puts it at the center of the powerline.

There's no signal Inc's availablet on amazon, so I'll look at ZPCI try eBay for the signalinc too.


Signal Bridge Breakers turned off
Screenshot 2023-11-28 at 7.50.03 AM.jpeg.png


Signalinc breakers turned on: Note the drop in 2 and 3 hop messages

Screenshot 2023-11-28 at 7.50.55 AM.jpeg.png

[INSTEON John]

Paul, what's left of the old X10 company sells a powerline phase coupler here:
https://www.x10.com/products/pzz01?_...80f34eb7&_ss=r

and, an amplified repeater:
https://www.x10.com/products/xpcr?_p...80f34eb7&_ss=r
Cheers, John

[INSTEON John]

For those brave enough to 'roll-their-own' AC phase coupler, I have attached the schematic from the 2006 hardwired version.

John

[paulbates]

Thank you, INSTEON John!
I'm actually considering rolling my own. Its a newer to me house, I hadn't actually gone down to the panel.... Every breaker is full!. I'm thinking I can find a place to wire the above in.

Does that go hot to hot across two breakers on opposite phases?

[BLH]

Yes it goes from L1 and L2. Hot to Hot. Opposite phase lines.
Use a capacitor rated to be across the power lines as some have had them blow open if not rated to be across the power lines.
The amplifier mentioned is strictly X10.

[paulbates]

Thank you INSTEON John and BLH. I used chat on mouser.com to make sure I got the properly rated parts.

[BLH]

Hope it works out for you.

[paulbates]

To complete this thread, here are the parts I bought from mouser.com to "roll-my-own" signallinc

Line Number	Mouser Part Number Customer Part Number Manufacturer Part Number Description	Requested Delivery Date(s)	Estimated Shipment Date(s)	Quantity	Unit Price (USD)	Extended Price (USD)
1	1 594-2222-468-28105 BFC246828105 1uF 10% 400volts	DEC 03, 2023	DEC 03, 2023	1	2.590	2.59
2	1 71-IHD1EB1R5L IHD1EB1R5L 1.5uH 15%	DEC 03, 2023	DEC 03, 2023	1	6.230	6.23
	1RoHS: Compliant

[GimmickTadpade]

This dual-band device acts as a phase bridge and range extender. It's readily available and works well for most setups. Some tech-savvy users have built their own phase bridges using readily available components and soldering skills. However, this requires technical expertise and isn't for everyone.
Remember, phase bridging is most crucial for older powerline-only Insteon devices or homes with unusual electrical configurations. Newer Insteon devices often handle phases automatically.