The XTB-523 is a high-power X10 powerline control interface. Many
third-party controllers use the X10 TW523 / PSC05 as their powerline
interface. That product is no longer available, and the XTB-523 was
developed to fill the gap.
The XTB-523 goes way beyond the basic functionally of
the simple TW523. Its transmitter produces a much stronger signal than
other X10 transmitters. Depending on line characteristics, the XTB-523
can output 20Vpp at 120KHz onto the AC line. While the TW523 could
transmit extended codes, the XTB-523 can also receive them. The XTB-523
will also receive every dim command in a sequence. The XTB-523 error
checks all incoming data, and can cancel its transmission when a
collision is detected. And the XTB-523 also includes an optional
repeater capability to boost X10 commands sent by other transmitters
throughout the system. That includes the ability to repeat a series of
sequential dims to avoid their being recognized by some dimmers as
micro-dim commands.
The XTB-523 can be plugged into any standard 120V
60Hz AC receptacle. The closer that receptacle is to the distribution
panel, the stronger signals will be throughout the home. That may be a
factor when the repeater capability is enabled. Since the XTB-523 only
drives the phase it is plugged into, a good tuned-circuit passive
coupler like the XPCP should be installed near the electrical panel when
X10 devices are on both phases. An active coupler/repeater like the
XPCR will not do that.
The XTB-523 emulates the X10 TW523 / PSC05 in the
default configuration. Optional capabilities, such as the repeater
function, are selected through a sequence of X10 commands. More
information is available here: https://jvde.us/xtb/xtb-523.pdf
NOTE: The current version no longer includes the mounting tab for duplex receptacles.