I also am working on the CM15A. So far any issues I thought might have contributed to the problem have been resolved and the device is still giving me fits. Here are my symptoms and a quick rundown of some other users complaints:
ArmorGnome notes:
Per the wiki I made sure that pluto-cm15a was the name of the detected device.
When connected the detection starts automatically and has no errors downloading software
Orbiters prompt that software installation is complete and the router needs a reload
During orbiter regeneration I do not see the failed to start some devices message
Under web-admin I see the log error that the device failed to start...
When I send a command to device (report status, list child devices) I do not get any log entry
I do not know if the device is working prior to needing a restart, as I haven't added children yet
The device gave me problems with my on-board USB ports, I added a 5 port USB 2.0 PCI card (unfortunately I can not see the settings for this PCI card so if I must will do all future testing on the MB USB ports
This is a brand new unit and has never been connected to ActiveHome software or Windows
I have not used batteries in the device as I want to keep possible causes to a minimum
My cm15a is connected to a power strip, I know this can cause issues with powerline detection but I only intend to use this device to pick up RF signals
My cm15a does not seem to fit snug into any outlet, it does not use a ground prong and the terminals are not polarized, unless laying on its back connected to a power strip it likes to 'sag' in the outlet, possibly disconnecting itself?
Common theme from other non-working units:
I see several users reporting failing USB interfaces, and due to their number I have to be skeptical. While hardware does fail occasionally it seems unlikely to me that so many and with such an age variety are actually bad.
-A bit of a stretch-
The users I see reporting no issues with the cm15a are pretty regular posters and have been for a while. I am going to assume then that over time you have acquired a multitude of devices and have them connected or have had them connected at some point. Is it possible that the CM15A would only function properly if packages downloaded for another interface are already present? Narrowing the possible culprits blindly, are the users not having issues also connecting other X10 interfaces? cm11, or the transceiver thingy (575?)
Post Age - The connection to Windows/ActiveHomePro software has not been mentioned much or at all in recent cm15a threads but appeared a lot during this device template creation. Are users not having problems using "windows reset" cm15a's and those users who are having issues using out-of-the-box units?
USB version: I do not have enough data from users on this one but believe there could be a link between 1.1, 2.0, 3.0 or possibly having multiple USB version devices connected at the same time?
Model number: Again not enough data but is it possible that the users having issues are using slightly different hardware? It would not be unheard of for a company to change something small and not announce or label the change. "New look, same great taste" etc.
ArmorGnome's upcoming tests:
1
Take note of my system BIOS settings for that USB port, look up the settings for my PCI 2.0 add on card.
Remove the device from my core and reboot
Connect the device to a Media Director I leave on at all times (after noting USB settings in BIOS)
Check for problems
Repeat the above on 2 other machines I can load LinuxMCE onto. I want to keep LMCE testing isolated to LMCE installs and will avoid testing under other OSs where dependancies may or may not be there already.
2
Install windows/manufacturer software on an old PC. Clear settings as per 2009-2010 forum posts and build instructions. Attempt reinstall first with batteries to keep the "AHP" settings and then again without batteries as it moves from Windows/AHP to LMCE.
I am squeezing these tests in and will not be able to hand off much to tehbard over the weekend so, if you are able to perform any of the above tests before I can get to them please post your results. I would like to know if I am sniffing in the right direction.