[atdauph]

I was wanting to add the ability to turn lights off and on in my main living area using my Harmony 880 remote (IR). All these lights are either a lamp or controlled from a standard light switch currently. I'm under the impression that X10 makes an IR device that would allow me to do this.


Also, all the light fixtures contain CFBs (compact fluorescent bulbs), and I don't know if this is a problem or not.


The ability to dim would be nice, but I don't know if that would be a possibility in my situation.


I would probably start here and try to expand from here.


Any suggestions?


Thanks and Regards,

 

[smoothtlk]

yes, there is an X10 IR to X10 receiver. You could put your compact flourescent lights on an X10 appliance switch which should work fine. You won't be able to dim, but you would be able to automate turning the light on / off from IR. You can also extend the system to include full automation via PC software as your system grows.


There are more complicated ways to accomplish the same that are based on more reliable technology than X10. The PC software would be the broker between an IR receiver and the lighting control software. If you think your system will grow beyond your current basic need, then you might want to consider this up front so you don't invest in an X10 somewhat unreliable system to find out that you want more reliability and will make that investment.

 

[maddogmc]



Quote:
Originally Posted by atdauph /forum/post/0


I was wanting to add the ability to turn lights off and on in my main living area using my Harmony 880 remote (IR). All these lights are either a lamp or controlled from a standard light switch currently. I'm under the impression that X10 makes an IR device that would allow me to do this.

Yes, IR543 is the model number.

Quote:
Also, all the light fixtures contain CFBs (compact fluorescent bulbs), and I don't know if this is a problem or not.

The ability to dim would be nice, but I don't know if that would be a possibility in my situation.

This is a problem. There are no dimmable CFB's that I know of and most florescent fixtures (I haven't specifically tried CFB's) don't play well with the low cost X-10 wall switches. You should buy switches or plug-in units that are designed for "appliances". They have a physical relay in them, not a solid state switch.

Quote:
I would probably start here and try to expand from here.


Any suggestions?


Thanks and Regards,

As a general rule, be VERY careful with lamps other than standard incandescent bulbs when using a dimmer. You can very easily create a major fire hazard.

 

[IVB]

The one bit of data I have is that with the current Intermatic zWave switches, there's a minimum 40W load for dimmers. I know that dimmable CFB's exist, but they're typically 15W-23W, so unless you have several of those, zWave is a no-go. Non-minimum load zwave switches will be available in the Q3 timeframe.


Absolutely zero idea if there's a minimum wattage issue with other lighting protocols.

 

[atdauph]



Quote:
Originally Posted by smoothtlk /forum/post/0


yes, there is an X10 IR to X10 receiver. You could put your compact flourescent lights on an X10 appliance switch which should work fine. You won't be able to dim, but you would be able to automate turning the light on / off from IR. You can also extend the system to include full automation via PC software as your system grows.


There are more complicated ways to accomplish the same that are based on more reliable technology than X10. The PC software would be the broker between an IR receiver and the lighting control software. If you think your system will grow beyond your current basic need, then you might want to consider this up front so you don't invest in an X10 somewhat unreliable system to find out that you want more reliability and will make that investment.

WOW! Thanks for the replies.


I would definitely like to have something more reliable if possible. I will take all this stuff to my new home in the future, and really expand it.


Unfortunately, the PC software may be a problem as I'm strictly laptop enabled at the moment. Come to think of it, my last PC was a PII 450Mhz

Would these appliance relays be able to be controlled via a standard light switch? I would still need that capability.


I don't know if it matters, but they do make continuously dimmable compact fluorescents that are "supposedly" designed to work with dimmers designed for conventional incandescents, but of course, I've got no experience with this.


Also, just for clarification, If I get the IR543, will I require any other module? It sounds like (from the X10 website) this unit alone will convert the commands directly to the "house wiring" controlling the modules.

 

[atdauph]



Quote:
Originally Posted by IVB /forum/post/0


The one bit of data I have is that with the current Intermatic zWave switches, there's a minimum 40W load for dimmers. I know that dimmable CFB's exist, but they're typically 15W-23W, so unless you have several of those, zWave is a no-go. Non-minimum load zwave switches will be available in the Q3 timeframe.


Absolutely zero idea if there's a minimum wattage issue with other lighting protocols.

Actually, the main light I want to dim, has 3 CFB's on it. Is this zWave compatible with X10? What about IR capability?


Do you know where I can do some research on the zWave system?