X10 Community Forum

🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Troubleshooting Automation Problems => Topic started by: jrx19 on July 06, 2006, 11:19:35 PM

Title: ? about x-10 dimming modules and lamp wattage
Post by: jrx19 on July 06, 2006, 11:19:35 PM

seems like I read somewhere that you couldn't use below 40w bulbs with x10 dimming plug-in lamp modules and wall switches. just wanted to be sure this was correct and not just for the dimming wall-switches (without a neutral--thought it might be a resistance problem since the "no-neutral" switches have to bleed energy to listen for the x-10 signal). the exact question is -- will the plug-in lamp modules (which have a neutral connection and don't have to listen for transmissions thru the bulb)  handle and dim a 25 watt spot uplight? thx

Title: Re: ? about x-10 dimming modules and lamp wattage
Post by: Brian H on July 07, 2006, 06:55:37 AM

On the two wire [no neutral] as you thought. Steal power through the load. The 40 Watts could be for local control sensing or so it didn't glow when off from the small current used to power it.
OK short test just now. LM465 Dimmed a 4 watt Night Light Bulb just fine. Didn't try local sensing which may not have worked reliably.

Title: Re: ? about x-10 dimming modules and lamp wattage
Post by: jrx19 on July 08, 2006, 11:28:48 AM

Quote

LM465 Dimmed a 4 watt Night Light Bulb just fine. Didn't try local sensing which may not have worked reliably.

that's good these are for uplights and 1 accent light that I don't need local control for anyway. just wanted to make the lamp modules wouldn't burn out with a 25 watt bulb. actually if the dimming plug-in switches will run 4 to 7 watt night lights (with a reducing bulb adapter for a regular socket for the accent lights)  ok without any problems, I wouldn't dim the bulb, just set them to on/off to eliminate that annoying (!@#$%^&*&^%$) click from the appliance mods, that wakes everyone up and starts the dogs barking.

Title: Re: ? about x-10 dimming modules and lamp wattage
Post by: Brian H on July 08, 2006, 04:04:00 PM

I actually did a hack on the LM465 Lamp Module. Removed the Triac [electronic dimming part] and the Local sensing Circuit stuff. Replaced them with a Sharp SSR [Solid State Relay] now the lamp module can control things that are only for Appliance Modules like Fans or small motors. And no Clunks!
Some other brand Appliance Modules also are much quieter than the X10 ones.

Title: Re: ? about x-10 dimming modules and lamp wattage
Post by: jrx19 on July 08, 2006, 11:08:47 PM

Quote

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/TParent/HA/LM465SSR.htm

is this the procedure? has it been stable? http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/TParent/HA/LM465SSR.htm