Motion-Sensing Light Problem

[jim921]

Hello everyone,

I have a few questions regarding to X10 products here. What I want is when the motion is detected around the driveway, the front door light will turn on automatically. Do I only need a motion sensor and a SocketRocket LM15A/RLM20 for the light fixture? There are many different sensors (DM10A, MS13A, MS14A, MS16A), which one is the best for this case? 

Thanks,

Jim

[Puck]

There are 3 things you will need to do this:

• 1) A motion sensor (One of the MSxxA types - but NOT MS10A)
• 2) A Transceiver (TM751 or RR501 - These convert the RF from the motion sensor to a PLC signal)
• 3) A light module (Either a SocketRocket, or an indoor switch: WS12A or WS467)

The examples for the switches are if your outdoor lights are incandescent. There are other types available for CFL's.

[jim921]

Thanks for the reply.
Ok, Let's say I choose a MS14A EagleEye Motion Sensor and attach it somewhere around the driveway, and then screw a SocketRocket LM15A/RLM20 to the front door light fixture. Where should I put TM751 Transceiver? Can I put it inside the house while it still can recevice and send signal? Is there any coverage limit for these products?

Thanks,

Jim

[Puck]

The best place to put the TM751, in this set-up, is on a plug that's on the same breaker as your outside lights (if possible)  while trying to stay within reach of the MS14A.

The TM751 is not weatherproof, so it has to be inside. The range will vary depending on how many walls the RF signal has to pass through. This is something you will have to experiment with. 

[KDR]

Just a side note - If you go with a SocketRocket you will need to program it with a House and Unit code. If all you have is a MS14A Motion Sensor and a TM751 and no other X10 software or gear you won't be able to program it. You might be able to use the SL575 screw in, 150 watt max, dimable module. You can set the House/Unit code on this. The drawback is it is larger and you may have a problem fitting it into a light fixture.

If you go with the SocketRocket you would need to get a HR12A palmpad to transmit the code signal to the TM751 to program the SocketRocket.

[jim921]

One more question. I plan to install this on my backyard light as well. Do I  need 2 sets of this or I only need one transceiver to handle the signals? Thanks,

Jim

[Puck]

One TM751 will work... as long as the RF signals from the front & back motion sensors can reach it.

[jim921]

OkOk....Thanks for all the replies. Let me summarize here.
If I want my frontdoor and backyard lights functioned as motion-sensing lights, I need the followings:

2 SocketRocket
2 MS14A Sensor
1 TM751 transceiver
1 HR12A palmpad to setup the codes

Is this right? Anything else I'm missing here? If I buy a HR12A, do I also need to buy a FireCracker? What a FireCracker can do?

Thanks again~~

Jim

[Puck]

2 SocketRocket
2 MS14A Sensor
1 TM751 transceiver
1 HR12A palmpad to setup the codes

That's all you need. If you plan on expanding more, ActiveHomePro would be your next step.

[jim921]

This is really the last question 

Can I add DS10A Powerhouse Door/WindowSensors (more than one, like 4-5) and a PH508 PowerHorn Siren to incorporate with the items above to become a home security system? Am I missing anything here?

Thanks a million 

Jim

[KDR]

jim921 No you can't with what your buying. In order for the Door/Window sensors to work you would need AHP software with the OnAlert plug-in and the CM15A USB controller. The power horn needs multiple input signals which would have to come from a Security Counsel.

Don't worry about asking questions... keep them coming

^{----------------KDR}

[hostilejava]

Just a side note - If you go with a SocketRocket you will need to program it with a House and Unit code. If all you have is a MS14A Motion Sensor and a TM751 and no other X10 software or gear you won't be able to program it.

Actually you can program it using the MS14A and the TM751.  Once the MS14A is programmed you can press the house button on it several times to send the on command to the TM751 which will then pass those commands onto the SocketRocket to program it

jim921 No you can't with what your buying. In order for the Door/Window sensors to work you would need AHP software with the OnAlert plug-in and the CM15A USB controller. The power horn needs multiple input signals which would have to come from a Security Counsel.

Don't worry about asking questions... keep them coming

^{----------------KDR}

You wouldn't actually need the AHP software/CM15A, but you would need a security console to get it all working together.  However having both would be nice, it certainly allows for me flexibility and control.

[Tuicemen]

You wouldn't actually need the AHP software/CM15A, but you would need a security console to get it all working together.  However having both would be nice, it certainly allows for me flexibility and control.

Actually you don't need a security consol to interface the lights with the security devices!
I don't have one, AHP with the On Alert plug-in is the route to go!
If you decide to go with the AHP setup you may not need a TM751 as AHP comes with a transceiver(CM15A) which is better.
Going this route however will require a PC ON 24/7 

jim921:
Which ever way you deside do a bit more reading here in the forums not the "X10 buy me pages"
As KDR stated:

Don't worry about asking questions... keep them coming 

[hostilejava]

Perhaps I worded that wrong, I simply meant to make the point that you could use one or the other to tie the system together, both are not needed, but are certainly preffered.  I like having the security console as a backup incase AHP freezes or the computer shuts down or somthing other unforeseen happens.