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[raccah]

Hello guys,

I wanted to know if there is a single gang decora look alike that is wireless and will work with the CM15A's RF antenna?  I am using X10 switches everywhere - but in the middle of the hallway (where the kitchen door into the hallway exists) I need a wireless switch.  I do not want one of those 4 button things - they are not wife approved 

Any ideas?  Please I have searched the web - I am sure I missed it - but please help!

Thanks

[HA Dave]

I haven't seen any yet.

Could you have the light re-wired as a three-way?

[steven r]

...I do not want one of those 4 button things - they are not wife approved...

Assuming it would work, their range is horrible, maybe you could meet the WAF if you came up with a use that she liked for the other buttons.

[KDR]

You could take a look at the SS15A slimline stick up switch. It has a gold inlay around the 4 buttons and a bit more attractive. Here is a not so great picture that doesn't do the gold insert justice. Here is a better picture I found on Automated Outlet's website

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

[raccah]

First, neither of us really like the switch with 4 buttons, no matter what color it is.

Second, this is already a 3 way, with switches at the 2 ends of the hall.  We are looking to add something in the middle of the hall where there's no wiring at all.

Any other ideas?

[Dan Lawrence]

What you are trying to do is make a 3-way circuit into a 4-way circuit, which only a trained electrician should do.  What has been suggested is a SS13A "Stick-a-Switch", which is an X10 unit. If you have X10, it's a good way to do it, but if not, call an licensed electrician to do the job. 

[steven r]

What you are trying to do is make a 3-way circuit into a 4-way circuit, which only a trained electrician should do.  What has been suggested is a SS13A "Stick-a-Switch", which is an X10 unit. If you have X10, it's a good way to do it, but if not, call an licensed electrician to do the job. 

Dan pretty much summed things up. If a wireless approach won't, for looks or other reasons, you'll need to wire for the 3rd switch. Mr Sparky rates for something like that would be at least $269 and I wouldn't be surprised if it was more. That's a lot of dinners out with the wife.

[Boiler]

Like Steven and Dan, I don't know of a box mounted X10 RF solution. 

Zwave might be a solution, bit it's expensive and would not be compatible with any other X10 devices you might have.

A possible intermediate solution would be to create a virtual 4 way using an X10 wired in transmitter (X10 2-way device).  For this you would need the following:

• Replace your current 3 way switches with an X10 3 way configuration
• Install a new switch box and wire in an X10 transmitter.  You only need to bring power into this box.  The transmitter will not actually connect to a load or your other switches.  It just transmits X10 on your powerline.

You'll still need to cut holes, drill, and wire the above installation.  It's just a lot easier than a true 4 way install.

X10Pro Transmitter : XPT Transmitter Base

Smarthome Transmitter : ICon Switch

[JeffVolp]

To expand a bit on Boiler's reply, Leviton makes a single address transmitter that looks exactly like a standard Decora switch (HCC10-1TW).  It does not switch the load itself, but just needs access to power.  It transmits a signal to another another X10 compatible switch that actually switches the load.  You can get one for $35 plus shipping on eBay.

Jeff

[steven r]

To expand a bit on Boiler's reply, Leviton makes a single address transmitter that looks exactly like a standard Decora switch (HCC10-1TW)....

Thanks for the clarification for him.

raccah: This arrangement will meet the WAF. Keep in mind you would need to install a single gang box and run power to it. This could be simple job if say you have an outlet nearby or a real pain if you have to crawl around in the attic to drop a power line. Again to pay someone to do it expect a $300+ bill.

[Boiler]

Steven and Jeff,

Thanks for the help explaining the Transmitter install.  My posts always make sense when I write them.  I think gnomes must be inserting incorrect words and incomplete thoughts after I've left.

Jeff,
Thanks for the information on the HCC10-1TW @$35.  I'd looked at these five years ago when they were $70+ (too rich for my blood).  Do you think Leviton is getting out of the X10 line in favor of Zwave?

[steven r]

...Thanks for the help explaining the Transmitter install.  My posts always make sense when I write them.  I think gnomes must be inserting incorrect words and incomplete thoughts after I've left....

Yeah I know about those gnomes. Mine mess with my spelling. 

[JeffVolp]

Thanks for the information on the HCC10-1TW @$35.  I'd looked at these five years ago when they were $70+ (too rich for my blood).  Do you think Leviton is getting out of the X10 line in favor of Zwave?

Actually, they are still $70 at a major automation supplier.  I always search eBay first when I'm looking for something.  You have to watch the shipping charges, but I often find a good deal there.

Leviton doesn't seem to be focusing on their DHC (X10) line like they did several years ago.  I understand some of their products have been discontinued (the 6308 photocell transmitter for example).  I don't know whether that means they are moving away from X10, or just pruning a few low-volume items.

Jeff

[raccah]

Thanks for the mass responses!!  I am quire familiar with 3 way and 4 way switches.  Our house being in the midst of a remodel and all.  To recap we have presently a three way switch, that is not X10 and we have ZERO power in the middle of the hallway other than overhead lights.

We were going to replace the existing "pair" of non-X10 switches with an X10 3 way decora styled pair of switches like the WS12A and WS14A.  Than I wanted a wireless switch for the middle of the hallway to send the ON/OFF command to the WS12A's address.  Total cost - should be 50 or less bucks - in my eyes

Unfortunately there seems to be no such switch in existence that is wireless.  We have that (the XPT) with the two button face in our home, that carry no load but turn on addresses to our inline X10 modules for our cans in the kitchen and dining room.  The issue with those is that we would need to run not only power but neutral as well.  Which would be a major mess for me to pull off, besides the fact that I would need to drill and make a major mess of the place.

X10 Gods and community - there has to be a way to pull this off!  Is there really no way to hack or cobble together a single switch wireless transmitter! 

Thanks again for all the info and help - I hope we can figure this out!

[steven r]

...Is there really no way to hack or cobble together a single switch wireless transmitter!...

While I sympathize with your WAF, unfortunately for you the wireless multiswitch option is just a more profitable option to make and sell. I've never seen a single wireless switch.
If you could find some sort of conventional looking switch that generated momentary contacts when flipped up or down then perhaps you could wire it into a transmitter. However I've never seen a switch like that either.