Need Help

[Fergie]

I would like to put a remote control on my out door lights on my unattached garage if possible.

One has two 150 w halogen floodlight, although I would be willing to change this if necessary.

The other is a single switch to 4 - 150 w incandescent light fixtures on the front of the garage.

The switches are located about 65' from the house.

Can you tell me if this is possible with X-10?

Thanks

[Dan Lawrence]

It certainly is. Check out http://www.x10.com/activehomepro/activehome-pro.html , http://www.x10.com/homepage2.htm?|x10welcomeab2 and http://www.automatedoutlet.com/  to get a good idea of what's available for X10.

Good Luck!!!!!

[HA Dave]

..... One has two 150 w halogen floodlight, The other is a single switch to 4 - 150 w incandescent light fixtures.

Wow! (I am a big fan of outside light as part of security)... I am impressed. But unless my math fails me.. that's 900 watts of electric being consumed. If your running those lights dusk to dawn.. that should be over $700 a year (much more on the left coast). I am not into saving the planet... but money... that's a nearly nonrenewable resource.

This could be a great time to look at the X10 Floodlights (PR511) or even the FloodCam (VR38A). You can reduce the wattage of the bulbs greatly (even use some CFL and/or LED lights) as well as have lights (and a chime) come on it the home when motion around the garage is detected. This project could increase security AND save money. But... be warned: X10 and Home Automation in general is addictive. Any saving could be reduced or exhausted with other projects.

I use a complete [X10] perimeter detection setup (as well as driveway alert). I use lights, chimes, and Voice Announcements to alert myself... and warn away potential intruders. This can be seen near the end of my X10 - BVC YouTube Video.  (YouTube Videos is gooder than readin.)

[Fergie]

Thanks, I will check all this info out.

I am not planning on running any of it all night. Just want to be able to turn them on and off from the house. I will check out the LED lights.

I live in a rural area and have a large dog so not to concerned about security. Just need to flip them on if the dog hears something going on.

Thanks
Again

[HA Dave]

Just want to be able to turn them on and off from the house. ... Just need to flip them on if the dog hears something going on.

I am pretty sure X10 can do that too... it just doesn't sound like much fun. I bet you could attach a camera to the dog.... then when the dog hears a noise.... you could release

[Kramer Chins]

I bet you could attach a camera to the dog.... then when the dog heard a noise.... you could release

Hmmmm.... New product idea..... X10 K-9 Cam

[HA Dave]

... New product idea..... X10 K-9 Cam

But I did mention that this stuff can be addictive. Whereas... I am sure Home Automation can be used to save extra steps and effort and/or reduce energy use... I've spent countless hours and considerable efforts fishing wires and configuring the setup. I get great pleasure from my X10... and I am always looking for ways to grow my setup.

[Fergie]

Hey, I like the idea of a doggie cam. That way if I see a large black and white skunk tail on the monitor I would know to stay away from the dog. 

Maybe I should just hardwire the garage lights to a switch in the house. Thought about the X-10 because it would be a lot easier.

[HA Dave]

...Maybe I should just hardwire the garage lights to a switch in the house. Thought about the X-10 because it would be a lot easier.

I fish, pull, and bury a lot of wire myself. Although your correct... X10 would make it much easier to have a switch in the house. Actually you could have a stick-on switch near the door to the garage. 

I believe most X10 installations are a solution to a conflicting wiring configuration and a contemporary lifestyle.. or because of security concerns.

But many of us here at the forum are regulars that really enjoy the automation (like myself). The idea of motion sensors that would detect outside activity... (or even you returning home after dark in a car) is a natural thought for me. As would be getting extra remotes so you could have a remote near the bedroom window.. or a little remote in your pocket.

[hpservertech]

Are you thinking (or asking) if you can put a switch in your house that will turn on/off the shed lights?  I understand what your trying to do, but it's going to require a different way of thinking about how to do it.

Does the shed feed off of your main panel to a sub panel or have it's own feed?

your best method would be to wire the shed lights to an X10 switch, something like the XPS3.  Depending on the above question you would then need a transceiver (RF to Power - TM751) in the shed.  Then in the house you can use something like the stick on wall swtiches (SS15A), palm pad (HR12A) or even your computer (with a CM15A) if you wanted.

Correct me if I'm wrong guys.

[dave w]

The other is a single switch to 4 - 150 w incandescent light fixtures on the front of the garage.

Can you tell me if this is possible with X-10?

Thanks

All X10 dimmable switches (aka WS467, WS12) are limited to 500W. Smarthome.com sells 1000W X10 protocol dimming switches.

The XPS3 (clone of WS13A) that HPservertech suggested would work since it is a relay style switch (not dimmable) and handles 2400W, but it needs a neutral line.

Power line commands will probably be fine for the 65 feet run. If you want to go RF as HPserver sugested , the Palm Pad and a TM751 would probably work well, but the Slim Line SS15A tends to have poorer range and may not make the garage shot unless you hang out the back door and wave the SS15A real hard. 

[Fergie]

It's a detached garage with its own panel and power.

I sure would prefer not to run wires from the garage to a switch in the house.

[dave w]

It's a detached garage with its own panel and power.

I sure would prefer not to run wires from the garage to a switch in the house.

That may not be a problem unless the garage is fed from a seperate electric meter. However you may need a X10 signal repeater because of the second panel and long run. Does the garage have 220V or only 120V?