What do you use your X10 for?

[dougc3]

I know some of us are using X10 modules for task automation. In preparation for an X10 presentation to our fledgling reef club, I wanted to ask others what they use their modules for.

In our system, we use X10 to control two IceCap ballasts, hood fans, and I wrote a macro series for a dimmer module to simulate a moon cycle.

If you use X10, what do you use yours for?

Thanks,

Doug

 

[King Jason]

I know some of us are using X10 modules for task automation. In preparation for an X10 presentation to our fledgling reef club, I wanted to ask others what they use their modules for.

In our system, we use X10 to control two IceCap ballasts, hood fans, and I wrote a macro series for a dimmer module to simulate a moon cycle.

If you use X10, what do you use yours for?

Thanks,

Doug

What type of X10 package do you have? Where did you get it?

 

[dougc3]

Jason,

That's quite the plumbing system you have going!

I started with the basic "ActiveHome" package from X10. It has everything to get started including the controller, software, remotes, and one light module. If you are going to run anything like ballasts or pumps, you will need the appliance 3-prong modules. Our system has been working great! I particularly like the fact that I can transfer the programs to the individual modules and then shut down the communications bridge from the computer. That way the programs are resident and don't need to talk to the computer unless you want to upload a change or new program.

Here are a couple of links;

http://www.x10.com/products/x10_ck11a.htm
http://www.x10.com/products/x10_am466.htm

Insert standard disclaimer here... I'm not affiliated with X10 or Home Solutions. I'm just using some of their products.

Doug

 

[King Jason]

That's quite the plumbing system you have going!

It's pretty simple...just looks exiting :wink:

I've always been interested in X10. I have heard many people complaining about "noise." What does this mean? Noise as in radio waves? or Noise as in my stereo, or dog barking? Is X10 wireless, or does it go over the phone lines?

 

[King Jason]

I guess it uses the electical lines throughout my house...pretty slick. For only 50$ I think I will try it out.

 

[SPC]

I use 3 of them to time my 3 ballasts. Use a Powerhouse Mini Timer to control them.
Steve

 

[Anonymous]

I use mine to controll my lights via eLightMaster program. I used to use them to control the powerheads, but the constant clicking noise of the X-10's when using the random tide feature was annoying. You get the same noise when the lights turn on and off, but I can deal with that since they only come on and of twice a day.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

If you go to bills site he's got a link that'll save 10 $ off the x10 order

I just ordered a firecracker kit myself, I have the cm11a right now, but I want wirless for the handheld pc. L8r mega

 

[dougc3]

FWIW - I tried using the $10 coupon link from Bill's site a few months ago and I never got the reply from X10. I tried emailing them multiple times, but never got a response...

Doug

 

[SPC]

I tried emailing them multiple times, but never got a response...

-Well I'll tell you one thing Doug, if you do order from them you can count on getting an E mail from them everyday, and I mean every day!
Steve

 

[Anonymous]

I've not had that problem, probably 10 orders from them over the past few years, I think the first one they put me on a list, and I asked to be removed, havent had a problem sense

 

[dougc3]

SPC,

You can manage your email frequency from X10 on their website. I changed mine to only get a notice every few weeks.

Doug

 

[SPC]

Awww, thanks guys I didn't know that.
Steve

 

[Garry thomas]

Hello all i use mine as part of my aquadyne octopuss 3000 which controlls everything in my tank
lighting...16 progammable timers
Wave machine / surgecontrl
redox ozone
and a whole lot more i did have problems originally after a power cut but i think thats sorted now

 

[Anonymous]

For some reason my 3prong appliance modules make noise when they turn on or off but my 2 prong lamp modules make no noise whatsoever. I found on some site that there is a way to take the units apart, replace a cheap radio shack part, and then the 3 prong units are quiet too.

Mine control my MH's and my VHO's on a timer.

 

[Anonymous]

3 prong units use a ratchet relay, the relay's fail often too, and make loud clicks

What site with radio shack part are you referring to?

I'm not aware of any modification plans for the appliance modules, only the lamp modules. I've got about 8 appliance modules I wouldnt mind fixing, they all have failed relays

 

[dougc3]

MegaDeTH,

I posted this same question on ReefCentral also. There were a few people over there that mentioned they changed the standard relays with SSRs (Solid State Relays). You might want to contact one of them for the SSR part numbers.

Let me know if it works...

Doug

 

[Anonymous]

Do you have a link to the thread? I looked but couldnt find it.

 

[dougc3]

Here you go...

http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/sh ... post947430

 

[Anonymous]

They (we) are doing the lamp module mod, not an appliance module mod, I have not found anything on modifing/repairing appliance modules yet. L8r mega