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[LW]

Hi, it seems to me that if I want to have a window monitored by a DS10 (X10 door/window sensor), but sometimes I want to have it open a little and still monitored, I just need two magnets for it: one in the closed position, and one in the open-a-little position. Thus to open the protected window, I would use a remote to disarm the system, then open the window until the other magnet lined up, then re-arm. But the sensor only comes with one movable magnet. So my question is, can I use the window sensor magnets from another company's device, such as this one: http://www.shopxscargo.com/product_catalogue/cat_product_details.asp?category_id=11&product_code=65804&sub_category_1_id=62&category=Safety%20&%20Security ? Will they likely work with the DS10 from X10? Thanks in advance for any help on this.

Best wishes,
LW

[Charles Sullivan]

Hi, it seems to me that if I want to have a window monitored by a DS10 (X10 door/window sensor), but sometimes I want to have it open a little and still monitored, I just need two magnets for it: one in the closed position, and one in the open-a-little position. Thus to open the protected window, I would use a remote to disarm the system, then open the window until the other magnet lined up, then re-arm. But the sensor only comes with one movable magnet. So my question is, can I use the window sensor magnets from another company's device, such as this one: http://www.shopxscargo.com/product_catalogue/cat_product_details.asp?category_id=11&product_code=65804&sub_category_1_id=62&category=Safety%20&%20Security ? Will they likely work with the DS10 from X10? Thanks in advance for any help on this.

You'd just be using the magnet, so it ought to work.  But we won't know for sure until someone actually tries it.  Your application is unusual enough and the kit you reference is inexpensive enough, so that someone will probably have to be you.

[dbell]

I'm surprised you find the application unusual. It came up quickly, when I started planning to use DS10A's on my windows!

I found this source:
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/SHUSA/Item/SHSA1000/

5-packs of magnets for $6.95, but will they work with a DS10A?

Dave

[Charles Sullivan]

I'm surprised you find the application unusual. It came up quickly, when I started planning to use DS10A's on my windows!

I found this source:
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/SHUSA/Item/SHSA1000/

5-packs of magnets for $6.95, but will they work with a DS10A?

Dave

The fact that nobody has responded to the OP with anything concrete (like "I'm using magnets from XXXX and they work") since last February is probably an indication that the application is not all that common.   There are people fiddling with using one DS-10A sensor for multiple garage doors or multiple windows, but they're usually looking for complete magnet/switch pairs.

I can only reiterate my response to the OP.

[dbell]

I'm surprised you find the application unusual. It came up quickly, when I started planning to use DS10A's on my windows!

I found this source:
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/SHUSA/Item/SHSA1000/

5-packs of magnets for $6.95, but will they work with a DS10A?

Dave

The fact that nobody has responded to the OP with anything concrete (like "I'm using magnets from XXXX and they work") since last February is probably an indication that the application is not all that common.   There are people fiddling with using one DS-10A sensor for multiple garage doors or multiple windows, but they're usually looking for complete magnet/switch pairs.

I can only reiterate my response to the OP.

I guess what I'm looking for is some idea of what the reed switch supplied with a DS-10A needs for a magnet.
Is polarity important? How critical is (linear) position/alignment?

Dave

[Oldtimer]

I'm surprised you find the application unusual. It came up quickly, when I started planning to use DS10A's on my windows!

I found this source:
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/SHUSA/Item/SHSA1000/

5-packs of magnets for $6.95, but will they work with a DS10A?

Dave

I don't know for sure but I'd be very surprised if they didn't work.  Reed relays are very sensitive and I would think that as long as you can mount this extra magnet fairly close to your sensor it should work.

Why not give SmartHome a call on the phone and ask them? They're a reputable company.

By the way I think what you're trying to do is quite reasonable.  I did the same thing with the alarm contact on my garage door.  I have one magnet in the fully closed position and another in the manufacturer provided, slightly open, ventilation, position.

[dbell]

By the way I think what you're trying to do is quite reasonable.  I did the same thing with the alarm contact on my garage door.  I have one magnet in the fully closed position and another in the manufacturer provided, slightly open, ventilation, position.

I wish I had that feature! At our house, it's the "lets the cat get in out of the cold" position...

Dave

[dbell]

I'm surprised you find the application unusual. It came up quickly, when I started planning to use DS10A's on my windows!

I found this source:
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/SHUSA/Item/SHSA1000/

5-packs of magnets for $6.95, but will they work with a DS10A?

Dave

To answer my own question, now that I have received all the parts I had on order, Yes, the extra magnets work fine with the DS-10A.
The only "problem" is that the extras from SmartHome are ivory, instead of pure white, like the X10 parts.

Dave

[Charles Sullivan]

I'm surprised you find the application unusual. It came up quickly, when I started planning to use DS10A's on my windows!

I found this source:
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/SHUSA/Item/SHSA1000/

5-packs of magnets for $6.95, but will they work with a DS10A?

Dave

To answer my own question, now that I have received all the parts I had on order, Yes, the extra magnets work fine with the DS-10A.
The only "problem" is that the extras from SmartHome are ivory, instead of pure white, like the X10 parts.

Dave

Spray paint?