X10 Community Forum

🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Topic started by: gg4000 on April 24, 2012, 06:47:35 AM

Title: Wireless module
Post by: gg4000 on April 24, 2012, 06:47:35 AM

Are there any modules I can control that does not have to be plugged into an outlet?
I would like to be able to close a set of dry contacts to turn on my Roomba vacuum.
I would just solder the contacts to the start button.

Title: Re: Wireless module
Post by: dave w on April 24, 2012, 06:57:36 AM

Quote from: gg4000 on April 24, 2012, 06:47:35 AM

Are there any modules I can control that does not have to be plugged into an outlet?

No. All X10 controlling modules require line voltage. You can use a X10 Universal Module (or the Smarthome equivalent) to close the contacts on a Roomba remote control which are available for 400 and 500 series. Not sure if iRobot has a remote for the new 700 series.

There are 12V RF relays operated by a key fob, for custom use in automobiles. Ebay is a source, but since the Roomba's battery is 15 or 16 volts, you would need to make a 12V power supply to power  the radio controlled relay on the Roomba. A 12V regulator like a 7812 would do it, but there will be a lot of hacking to be done on the Roomba.

Title: Re: Wireless module
Post by: gg4000 on April 26, 2012, 06:30:58 AM

Thanks for the reply, Dave.
I will look at the remote this weekend, if I can find it.  ;D
I did not even think about the remote.