How to convert dimmer switch WS12A to non-dimmer SW for CFL use?

[RCaddict]

I have few dimmer SWs (WS12A)  and I am converting to CFLs. Is there a easy way to convert these to non dimmer type to use with CFls. I am good with electronics and soldering. Thanks for your help.

[JeffVolp]

There was such a mod described in detail on Ido Bartana's website.  However, that site is down right now.  I hope it hasn't gone away for good as it was an extensive sourse of data on X10 products.

BTW, it isn't an easy mod.  I started to do one myself, but decided it was not worth the effort when X10 relay switches are available so cheap.

Jeff

[dave w]

You might be able to convert from triac to SSR. Search the forum for "silent appliance module".
There are descriptions of modifying a lamp module to use a solid state relay. . You will have to make your own judgement about modifying the WS12A.

[Brian H]

I had two addresses for idobartana's site; one seems to be gone; below is one I tried a few minutes ago or maybe he was down and I didn't know it.
http://www.idobartana.com/hakb/index.htm

[JeffVolp]

Yes, the address you provided works.  The mods are there.  The one I had is is apparently obsolete.

Jeff

[RCaddict]

I had two addresses for idobartana's site; one seems to be gone; below is one I tried a few minutes ago or maybe he was down and I didn't know it.
http://www.idobartana.com/hakb/index.htm

Thanks a lot. That is a great site that should be preserved.
How about this mod? Isn't that a very simple solution that enable WS467 to work with CFL without dimming?

Adding Neutral Wire to enable work with compact fluorescent
Credit: Steve Bloom

Replace blue wire with a white wire
Lift non-triac end of choke and attach removed piece of blue wire and cover with heatshrink.
Some modules are slightly different in that the manufacturer chosen to take liberties with the circuitry and had moved the 330k zero-crossing detector resistor to the triac side of the choke/coil. In that case, pull and move the 330k resistor, per the original documented schematic.
Reassemble. If you need the powercut switch, read some tips on assembly

That is it. The safety switch is not actually in line with the load (per UL), but it does prevent the WS467/WS477 from turning on when your finger is in the socket.

[RCaddict]

There was such a mod described in detail on Ido Bartana's website.  However, that site is down right now.  I hope it hasn't gone away for good as it was an extensive sourse of data on X10 products.

BTW, it isn't an easy mod.  I started to do one myself, but decided it was not worth the effort when X10 relay switches are available so cheap.

Jeff

Thanks. I found the relay switches. They are PRO switches but cheep at Ebay.

[dave w]

RCaddict

You could also replace the the WS12's  with standard switches and use Socket Rockets in each light socket you are relamping with CFL's. Socket Rockets and most CFL's play nice togeather.

[RCaddict]

RCaddict

You could also replace the the WS12's  with standard switches and use Socket Rockets in each light socket you are relamping with CFL's. Socket Rockets and most CFL's play nice togeather.

Thanks. I have mostly GE CFLs. I need to order one socket Rocket to test.

[Brian H]

I had some CFLs in Socket Rockets and just tried a few [sampler pack] LED bulbs in a Socket Rocket . They seemed to function well.

[dave w]

Thanks. I have mostly GE CFLs. I need to order one socket Rocket to test.

I use GE "100W" and "60W" CFLs from Sams Club, with Socket Rockets, and they play nice.  However they, as about all CFLs, are noisy.

[RCaddict]

I use GE "100W" and "60W" CFLs from Sams Club, with Socket Rockets, and they play nice.  However they, as about all CFLs, are noisy.

That's what I have. They are not noisy, I cant hear any noise from my CFLs. Do you mean they are noisy when used with socketrocket?

[dave w]

I use GE "100W" and "60W" CFLs from Sams Club, with Socket Rockets, and they play nice.  However they, as about all CFLs, are noisy.

That's what I have. They are not noisy, I cant hear any noise from my CFLs. Do you mean they are noisy when used with socketrocket?

Sorry, I tend to assume everyone understands what I mean. A trait I have learned from my wife (sorry, Sue).
Nope I was refering to electrical noise. They put a lot of electrical noise on the line.

[RCaddict]

Oh! that noise. When my wife refer to noise she generally means my loud music setup 

I have converted most of my lamps to CFLs forgeting they generate electrical noise. Still my X10 works without any filters or couplers after I moved my main transceiver next to power distribution box. Lucky me!