Alternate Ninja Switching Configuration

Questions

I keep having problems switching Ninja Bases; what can I do?

How can I figure out why my Ninja Bases won't switch?

Answer

If you have consistent problems switching between certain Ninja Bases, you can try having the Ninja Bases switch using radio frequency (RF) commands only, instead of X10 signals being sent over your house wiring. Follow the steps below to test this.

First, perform the advanced Ninja base switching test. This test is designed to help confirm that your Ninja Bases' addressable power supplies are working properly.

What you need to perform this test:

• A transceiver module (model TM751 or RR501)
• A remote control set to the same house code as your Ninja Bases
• Your Ninja Bases
• A power strip with room to plug in several Ninja Base power supplies at the same time

Performing the Test

Most surge protectors have multiple outlets; however, because of the size of the power supplies of each Ninja Base, they cover adjacent outlets if they are too close together. If your power strip is like this, you may only be able to plug in 2 or 3 power supplies at a time. In order to complete this test, the transceiver needs to be plugged in with all of the Ninja Bases you want to control.

With all Ninja Base power supplies and the transceiver plugged into the same surge protector, test that the Ninja Bases switch correctly using your remote. If they do, then there is an issue with X10 communication over the house wiring.

New Ninja Base Set-up

Since the Ninja Base commands are sent via Radio Frequency first (from a remote, motion sensor, etc.), you can isolate each Ninja Base on its own surge protector. Each one will also need its own transceiver module (TM751 or RR501), because you will need as many transceivers as you have cameras for this application. Plug the Ninja Base's power supply and its transceiver module--configured to the same housecode--into its surge protector. When you install the Ninja Bases this way, you have full control of them. This configuration isolates each Ninja Base from any electrical line noise on your house wiring and still allows it to respond to signals from your remote.

If you are using your Ninja Base with ActiveHome Pro and the iWitness plug-in software, identify each Ninja Base as a Vanguard, or ActiveHome Pro will not be able to control it correctly.