..... you would probably need to make an interface to reverse the switch from the thermostat, so that it actives on heat rather than cold.
You could use a PowerFlash (http://www.x10.com/security/x10_pf284.htm) module with a standard 2-wire thermostat....
...The x10 appliance module used to control the drapery motor needs to have a 3 second off command sent before the ON command is sent and the ON command must remain on for at least 20 seconds....
Check out this (*EXCELLENT* Members Sharing Their Original X10 Home Automation Ideas [Updated: 2006/10/21] (Read 1394 times) (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=10565.0)) X10 application post: HOW SOLAR HEAT IS CAPTURED AND WHY (Read 1026 times) (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=10658.msg60581#msg60581)
It uses a thermostat with swtchable heat/cool options to control a heat circulation fan but instead of the fan it could control the drapes. The final control is via two macros, one ON and one OFF. I'd be happy to post details so you could modify them for the special signals needed to operate the draperies.
[TTA Edit: Added description to LINK, 2nd LINK, well-deserved accolade and a new Helpful! (http://www.x10community.com/forums/Themes/x10theme1/images/post/thumbup.gif) ]
...how does any programmer know the status of the drapes? There is no feedback from the drapery motor to indicate whether its open or closed?...Short of sewing a magnet in the drapes or figuring out some other way of detecting their position, there's really not a lot you can do. Do the drapes have any "end of line" switch built in? i.e. Do they automatically shut off when closed or opened all the way? If so, there's a chance you might be able to use that. Otherwise, I'd look at toggling a flag in your macros to indicate position.
...how does any programmer know the status of the drapes? There is no feedback from the drapery motor to indicate whether its open or closed?...Short of sewing a magnet in the drapes or figuring out some other way of detecting their position, there's really not a lot you can do. Do the drapes have any "end of line" switch built in? i.e. Do they automatically shut off when closed or opened all the way? If so, there's a chance you might be able to use that. Otherwise, I'd look at toggling a flag in your macros to indicate position.
e.g. I use one low voltage push button switch to trigger both my welcome and exit macros. By checking the status of my home flag, lights either turn off or on. The garage closes in both cases but closes sooner when leaving.
I like the thermostat and powerflash idea....
...Suggestions welcome...
...So, put down your "Old Geezer " cane and start typing up your "Cheers Gang " Intro (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=10503.msg60593#msg60593)! :D
...If the flag is wrong the draps do nothing since the drape motor internal limit switches prevent it from activating in the wrong direction.It appears from his original post that it is just one button that closes if the drapes are open and vice-versa. Some some sort of position indicator could play an important function even with macro flags.
...BTW is anyone interested in the schematic drawing?...I for one would be interested and I expect at least one other person here that has been commenting is also interested. ;)
I give up. It looks like I'm going to have to do this with (ugh) computer control. Would this setup be enough for me? The one for $49.00? http://www.x10.com/activehomepro/activehome-pro.html#
The AHP is what you need.... but if you go to the X10.com Site and click on "hot deals" or "newsletter" or whatever... you can find deal with more "freebies" like at this Site http://www.x10.com/products/0319sale.html (http://www.x10.com/products/0319sale.html)
Not are the freebies nice to have.... some (like the Smart Macros Software) are needed.
P.S. I also resisted the AHP.... but wouldn't want to live without it now.
Now, the powerflash..... I have an appliance module that I modified so it has a dry set of contacts. I did that with the mod located here:
http://www.geocities.com/ido_bartana/Modifying_Appliance_module.htm
Now, the powerflash..... I have an appliance module that I modified so it has a dry set of contacts. I did that with the mod located here:
http://www.geocities.com/ido_bartana/Modifying_Appliance_module.htm
Dick: The reference to a Power Flash in your citation is an error on the authors part. This is what a Power Flash is and does.
http://www.x10.com/pro/automation/psc01.htm
The reference should have been to a Universal Module. This is what it is and does:
http://www.x10.com/products/x10_um506.htm
The Power Flash senses a relay contact and puts an X10 signal on the powerline. The Universal Module receives and X10 signal from the power line and closes a relay contact.
You'll have to buy a Power Flash. Although it's theoretically possible I'm not aware of any module hacks that provide its functionality. It's actually a pretty sophisticated device.
Thanks, I'll buy it. But just one question before I do. Since I want to send signals to control the drape motor, why wouldn't I want to buy a universal module instead of a powerflash.
Thanks again....
Dick
Thanks, I'll buy it. But just one question before I do. Since I want to send signals to control the drape motor, why wouldn't I want to buy a universal module instead of a powerflash.
Thanks again....
Dick
Unless I misunderstood your earlier post the drapery controller works from a wall wart. You're going to plug the wall wart into an appliance module. You're going to attach the thermostat, set to cool, to the Powerflash. The Powerflash will activate either of two macros using X10 as I mentioned in my first post in this thread. Those macros will be modified to keep track of the status of the drapes using flags as was mentioned in another post in this thread. The macros will then send an X10 signal to the appliance module as required.
Let us know when the stuff arrives.
[TTA Edit: Repaired quotes.]
Attached is a schematic drawing I made of the inexpensive drape motor that some have requested. I will write up the sequence of operation when I have more time....
Attached is a schematic drawing I made of the inexpensive drape motor that some have requested. I will write up the sequence of operation when I have more time....
Very neat drawing. What software did you use to make it?
The drawing is made with "Edge Diagrammer" . I think I paid $50 for it but you can try it free for 30 days. Pretty neat program.
What I need is a standard appliance mod that has a dry set of contacts and will look for a mod today...
What I need is a standard appliance mod that has a dry set of contacts and will look for a mod today...
Try this site:
http://www.idobartana.com/hakb/Modifying_Appliance_module.htm
I gave up and simply added a small relay inside the module that the x10 turns on and off. It works.
...It works on paper and I see no reason it won't work when I complete modifying the circuit. I'll have photos and instructions for those interested when I finish in a few days time...If it works on paper, it has to work with X10. ;)
The drawing is made with "Edge Diagrammer" . I think I paid $50 for it but you can try it free for 30 days. Pretty neat program.
The drawing is made with "Edge Diagrammer" . I think I paid $50 for it but you can try it free for 30 days. Pretty neat program.
Dick: I downloaded the trial copy of Edge Diagrammer last Friday evening and bought it Saturday evening! Great program - very deep in features. After seeing your circuit diagram I was surprised that there wasn't an electrical symbol set add on for it. You really worked hard to produce that diagram!
After generating Telephone, Video and Computer network diagrams for our house in record short time, I tackled the electrical symbol problem by searching on Google. Amazingly I found what I (we?) needed in about 10 minutes. It's a free WMF electrical symbol library. The only problem is that all the symbols are horizontal when actually some of them also really need to be vertical and Edge doesn't provide a rotate function. So I rotated the ones I thought were necessary and added them to the library. You can download my version of the library from here.
http://www.sfpasc.com/x10/SymbolsPlus.ZIP
Add a folder named "Symbols" in the EDGE 32 Clipart folder in your Program Files and unzip this file inside it. The symbols will need to be reduced about 50% after you insert them into a diagram. You'll also want to turn off the "snap to" function for connector ends. I defined a new Template called Wiring Diagram to hold this and other set up info.
To reasure yourself that these symbols are available for our use go to:
http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/symbol.htm
Send me an email if you need more info.
Just an update..... It works perfectly. ;D