Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does X-10 work?
2. How does Matrix differ from other X-10 systems?
3. What do I do if I have a problem?
• Software Problems
• Hardware Problems
• Common System Problems
1. When setting up timed events with a date range, the Matrix software displays an error message
2. When creating a new group or location Matrix displays an error message
3. When dimming certain lamps, the lamp appears to flicker or respond erratically
4. The system either does not work in some parts of the building or sporadically
5. Timed events fail to occur
6. Timed events occur at the wrong time
7. The Matrix software fails to detect the MX10 when started

How does X-10 work?

X-10® is a patented technology that allows command signals to be broadcast over electrical wiring. It was developed over 23 years ago by X-10 Inc. who manufactures all hardware components at their factories in China. The key to X-10 is that it signals only at the zero crossing point of the AC cycle thereby giving maximum resistance to interference. Signals are broadcast by the MX10 in response to real time requests by the user or at pre-programmed times. The receiver modules are available in a wide range of formats and can be given up to 256 individual addresses. Because X-10 is a broadcast system multiple devices with the same address will respond as one.

How does Matrix differ from other X-10 systems?

The Matrix range of advanced products are being continually developed and enhanced by FutureTech UK Limited for use in the UK and uses standard, CE approved X-10 hardware manufactured by X-10 Inc. The Matrix software has been specifically developed to provide a simple to use, intuitive interface. More advanced software are available on request. Matrix is designed to be installed by a qualified electrician and used in homes and businesses by even inexperienced PC users.

What do I do if I have a problem?

In the unlikely event of a problem whilst installing or using Matrix, depending on the nature of the problem there are several courses of action. Some common problems have been detailed below with suggested remedies. If these do not remedy the problem, please contact FutureTech UK Limited for further advice.

Software Problems

If you experience a problem installing or using the Matrix software please follow this process.

1. Check that your PC meets the hardware and operating software requirements. In particular Matrix does not currently support Windows NT or Mac systems.
2. Check that you have enough free hard disk space for Matrix to store the required information.
3. Software updates are available to patch faults known to FutureTech UK Limited and are available for download from this website.
4. A number of common problems are detailed below with suggested solutions.

If after the above you are still experiencing problems please contact FutureTech UK Limited directly. Please have available details of your PC hardware and software configurations.

Hardware Problems

All Matrix hardware carries a 12-month warranty and in the event of a fault during that time can be exchanged at your local stockist.

Common System Problems

1. When setting up timed events with a date range, the Matrix software displays an error message.
• Check that your PC regional settings are for the UK - if not the USA date format (MM/DD/YY) can cause problems when setting date ranges for timed events.
• With some versions of Windows it is necessary to apply the latest patch to eliminate this problem.
  
2. When creating a new group or location Matrix displays an error message.
• Matrix V1.1 will not accept non-letter symbols (ie. @ ' , - + _) as group or location names (eg. John's Room). The latest patch available from this website will fix this fault
  
3. When dimming certain lamps, the lamp appears to flicker or respond erratically.
• Matrix PD300 and HD300 do not dim lamps below 40W.
• If the lamp is of the low voltage type, it is necessary to use the DD700 for dimming control. If no dimming is required, DS16, PS13 or HS13 may be used instead.
• Matrix cannot dim fluorescent lamps, use DS16 or PS13 or HS13 instead.
• When mounting multiple DD700, they should not be located adjacent to each other because of the possibility of cross interference. Either separate them with other DIN rail modules or leave a minimum 2 cm gap between them.
  
4. The system either does not work in some parts of the building or sporadically.
• The most likely cause is interference from another electrical or electronic device. Matrix stockists have X-10 MTK Test Kit available to them for identifying the source of interference. If caused by a specific device - this can be isolated using a plug in filter. If emanating from out side of the building a DFC3 can be used to filter external signals.
  
5. Timed events fail to occur.
• After creating or modifying timed events (including for example changing the address of a device that has a previously saved timed event) it is essential to download them to the MX10 by clicking the download icon.
• The capacity of the MX10 is 50 timed events. If you have dimming profiles set up, each step in the profile counts as 1 timed event. Likewise if you have group timed events set up each device in the group counts as 1 timed event. If more than 50 events are downloaded to the MX10 it will disregard the excess automatically. If in doubt, try reducing the number of timed events set up gradually and see if this resolves the problem.
• The 3 pin socket into which the MX10 is plugged must remain live otherwise the MX10 resorts to it's internal (2 x AAA) batteries. If the batteries run out or are removed from it, the MX10 will not be able to maintain it's memory.
• To ensure reliability the MX10 transmits each command twice. In order to avoid overlapping commands, avoid setting multiple timed events or dimming profiles too close together. To be absolutely certain an interval of 2 minutes minimum is a good rule to follow.
  
6. Timed events occur at the wrong time.
• Each time you connect to the MX10 (by opening the Matrix application), it synchronises it's internal clock with the PC to which it is connected. If the PC clock and calendar are incorrect - the MX10 will also be.
  
7. The Matrix software fails to detect the MX10 when started.
• When the Matrix software is launched, it automatically searches the PC Com ports for the MX10. If it is unable to detect the presence of a MX10 it will notify the user accordingly. Check the connecting cables to ensure they are properly attached and that there are no other Windows program using or taking control of the serial port. Restart the Matrix software. If the MX10 is still not detected, it can be "rebooted" by unplugging it and removing the batteries if installed. Wait a few seconds and then reinsert the batteries and plug the MX10 back into the mains socket. Restart the Matrix software remembering to download any timed events you have as these will have been deleted by the above process. If you are still experiencing problems, it may be a problem with the PC serial port. Try restarting the PC with the MX10 attached. Also, check that the serial port is not disabled in the BIOS.