The XTBR is an enhanced repeater version of the original XTB X10 Transmit Booster.  While it still performs direct X10 Boost like its simpler cousin, the XTBR will also repeat commands received over the powerline.  This gives more flexibility in its installation.  Direct X10 Boost is still the preferred operating mode, but the XTBR can also be located remotely from the signal source.  That can be especially helpful in installations with multiple transmitters, or when the main controller is a long way from the distribution panel.  The XTBR can be used to directly boost the output of most X10 transmitters, such as the CM11A, CM15A, RR501, TM751, TW523, and Mini or Maxi-Controllers.

               XTBR Assembled PCB                                                            XTBR boosting a TM751

The XTBR has a 6-watt transformer power supply, and will produce a much stronger signal than X10 transmitters with inexpensive transformerless supplies.  By default, its microcontroller blanks the superfluous second and third 3-phase bursts produced by most transmitters, allowing its high-power FET driver to deliver even more output than the simpler XTB.  Dependening on powerline characteristics, the XTBR can deliver more than 25Vpp.  The XTBR also includes a bandpass amplifier to boost low-level incoming X10 signals passed to any controller plugged into its X10 Boost receptacle.  While it will co-exist in a combined X10 / Insteon system, the XTBR will not boost Insteon signals.

A single XTBR located a short run from the main distribution panel can provide strong X10 signals throughout a large home.  A good passive coupler must be installed near the distribution panel to propagate its strong signals to the opposite phase when X10 devices are used on both phases.  If no passive coupler is presently installed, the XTB-IIR may be a better device to choose.

Since the XTBR firmware evolved from the XTB-II and XTB-IIR, it includes many of the capabilities of its bigger brothers.  It can repeat “doublet” extended codes and concatenated bright or dim commands.  It includes many of the mode options available in its bigger brothers, such as AGC to deal with powerline noise, automatic shutdown in event of a command storm, and various error indications.  See the XTBR Mode Options document for a detailed description of the available mode options.

Click here for prices and ordering information for the XTBR and related products.

Please contact me if you have any questions at: jeff@jvde.us
If you don't receive a response within 24 hours, try: xtbjeff@gmail.com