Universal Modules

[nklght]

As long as X-10 has been around, somehow the technology should be advanced to allow users to purchase one unit and program it to work with what ever load or situation is given.  I should be able to have a lamp module dim, or else decide to use CFL's and dim it, or at least turn the state to either on or off.  If a socket rocket can be programmed to an address then why can't a device be programmed to be act in a different manner.

[Charles Sullivan]

You're probably thinking that a general purpose module will cost only a little more than a plain old module.  It ain't gonna happen!

I'd prefer to pay $10 for a plain old module rather than $50 for a general purpose module, then change it out if necessary for another $10.
If I pay $50 for a general purpose module and it burns out, I'm then faced with paying another $50 to replace it.

[steven r]

...I'd prefer to pay $10 for a plain old module rather than $50 for a general purpose module...

My feelings exactly.
Also it's much more likely to see a "buy 1 get 1 free" X10 sale on a $10 module than to ever see one on a $50 module.

[dave w]

nklght

www.smarthome.com has "Smarthome" modules that are far more programmable than X10...and of course at considerably more cost.

I agree with Charles and Steve, 10 bucks a pop specific function, is better than 50 bucks a pop generl/programmable function. IMHO

However, I would like to see X10 take the guts out of a Socket Rocket and make a "light load", "silent" appliance module out of it.

You listening Dave Rye?

[HA Dave]

........... I would like to see X10 take the guts out of a Socket Rocket and make a "light load", "silent" appliance module out of it.

I used a couple adaptors to make my own to control an LED lamp.

P.S. I just bought 3 SocketRocket and 2 stick-on wall switches through an X10 deal.. for $19.99. Even paying for shipping that's just over $5.00 per item.

[Brian H]

I did a mod where you replaced the dimming circuit of a Lamp Module and replaced it with a Sharp SSR that controlled AC. I also removed all the local sensing stuff and it worked fine for CFLs and LED bulbs.

[Charles Sullivan]

I think the the most important new modules X-10 could introduce would be non-dimming triac (silent - no relay) wall switches and appliance modules for fluorescents and CFL applications, with no local control (and no sense current).  And if X-10 management has any sense, they'll assign new part numbers and won't repeat the new/old LM465 and WS467 fiasco.  The only trouble is that these wall switches will require a neutral wire in the switch box.

It looks like Marmitek in Europe may have taken the lead on the local sensing issue based on their product descriptions.

[nklght]

I did a mod where you replaced the dimming circuit of a Lamp Module and replaced it with a Sharp SSR that controlled AC. I also removed all the local sensing stuff and it worked fine for CFLs and LED bulbs.

I would like to see some more info about your mod
ncklght

[Brian H]

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/TParent/HA/LM465SSR.htm
The Author left local control stuff installed. After you look at the mod. I can tell you by silk screened numbers on the PCB what I removed if you are interested.
I did a B&D Freewire Lamp Module [OEM by X10] and a real LM465 old style. I understand the newest LM465s have new surface mounted stuff and maybe soft start. Mods for those I have no data on. The B&D had a slight mod in it. A protective fuse was on the PCB and an original run was cut for the fuse. Still worked fine.
The authors mod was two part. The second change; to a 220 volt module; in this case does not apply.

[nklght]

Thanks for the info