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[Mikie]

I recently replaced my old fashioned wall switch with an WS12A Decorator Remote Control Dimmer Switch.  The old switch operated a light on my ceiling fan.  My goal was to use the WS12A to operated the lamps on my nightstands which are connected to an LM465 Lamp Module.  The switch operates the light on the ceiling fan but will not operate the night stand lamps.  I have a slimline remote that operates both the nightstand lamps and now the ceiling fan light.

My question is, what am I doing wrong that the wall switch will not operate the nightstand lamps.

Thanks!!!!   

[KDR]

The wall switch can't send a X10 signal to operate anything. It can turn on and off locally or by a remote or AHP and thats about it. You would need to write a macro to turn on the second unit or a slimline switch. For what your trying to do I think your best bet would be a macro. What other X10 hardware and/or software do you have?

[Mikie]

I have no software.  I do have an HD501 Remote Module and and an HD23A remote control.

I haven't the slightest clue how do write a macro.

[KDR]

I'm at work right now and will have to look up the modules you have since I don't have any of those. As far as a macro goes without software I think your out of luck making one unless one of the modules you listed can be programed.

Maybe someone else is online right now that can answer you, if not I will look  when I  get home and get back to you. Sorry

[Puck]

I do have an HD501 Remote Module and and an HD23A remote control.

I'm not familiar with these, but did a quick google on them... they appear to be part of an  IBM Home Director set up.

Is this X-10 Compatable?
Is it RF based and / or PLC based?

The WS12A is only PLC based so your Slimline Remote requires a Transceiver to control the WS12A. Do you have a Transceiver or is one of those other parts a Transceiver?

And as KDR stated, the WS12A cannot send a signal to another module. So without software, you could only set the WS12A to the same address as the Table Lamp Modules to turn them on simultaneously with the remote. It cannot be done by manually pressing the WS12A switch.

[Mikie]

Yes...the remote and transceiver are the 2 components of the IBM set and are x10 compatible.

So, I guess what I need to do is mount a slimline remote to the wall above the other switch so I am able to activate the lamps when I enter the room.  Any other suggestions??

[KDR]

As Puck suggested... you can set both the wall switch and the lamp module to the same house and unit code. Set the slimline to send that house/unit code. The receiver will get the RF and put it on the power line to activate the wall unit and lamp unit.

This is provided the receiver is within range of the slimline. (HINT - Slimline just sticks to the wall. It sticks very well... so get it straight the first time)   (looks across room at cockeyed switch)

[Mikie]

I do have the switch, the slimline, and the lamp module all set to the same house code.  The slimline does activate all three but I really didn't wanna use the slimline, I just wanted to use the wall switch.

[KDR]

Then doing it via software is the only way I can think of at the moment. I will look around and give it some thought to see if there might be another way but I suspect not.

[Puck]

Just to throw my $0.02 in again:

The WS12A switch definitely won't do what you want.

I don't know if X-10 has any switches that send an ON / OFF PLC signal during manual operation, but the Insteon ICON switches do. I use these for all my CFL lights.

Just note that you MUST have a neutral wire in the light switch box for these. 

[Brian H]

Me too on the Icon/Insteon switch sending an X10 signal when locally togeled.

[captmike]

I have a IBM Home Director remote HD23a.  I no longer have the instruction (code book) to program this remote.  Can someone please provide a link or cut and past for the code section for this remote.

Thanks