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[Wisner955]

I have an MT12 timer controlling 2 LM-465 lamp modules.  I can get these to control lights and understand the problems of weak signal and phase.

I cannot get them to turn on chargers for small battery powered items (wall warts).  This would include chargers for handheld lights and charger for cordless drill.  Is there a fundamental reason for this?  One charger will come on for a second then fade out when given an ON signal and then do the same flash with fade when given an OFF signal.

The drill battery charger won't even light up when given an ON signal.

Would an Appliance Module be better to control these devices?

Paul

[hawk1]

normally you would want to put these items on a appliance module.  lamp modules are not rated for that kind of item. hope this helps

[Wisner955]

hawk1,

When you say "not rated for..." what does that mean?  The LM-465 is good for 300 Watts, 120VAC.  The chargers are way less than that.  The Appliance Module is rated 500W, 120V.

Please explain.  I don't want to spend more money without some reason for the incompatibility.

Paul

[hawk1]

here is a link to something that will shine some light on the subject. http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=14532.msg80917#msg80917 if you need more, just do a search on wal wart, you'll find plenty. the lamp modules have a sticker on them i believe that says " for incandecent lamps only" " do not hook appliances to this module"  hope this shines some light. i'm not the expert around here, so if anybody wants to chime in.......

[Wisner955]

Thanks for the link, I saw that before I posted, unfortunately it doesn't address my problem.  I am not using CFL lamps of any type.

I have searched for "chargers" and many other terms to learn what might be the problem.  All I can get from this is that chargers plugged into the system will cause comm problems but nowhere can I find posts saying Lamp Modules (or Appliance Modules) will NOT power a wall wart charger.

If you can find such a link please clue me in 'cause I'm lost.

Can someone plug a wall wart charger into an Appliance Module and tell me if it powers up?

Paul

[HA Dave]

Thanks for the link, I saw that before I posted, unfortunately it doesn't address my problem.  I am not using CFL lamps of any type. I have searched for "chargers" and many other terms to learn what might be the problem.  All I can get from this is that chargers plugged into the system will cause comm problems but nowhere can I find posts saying Lamp Modules (or Appliance Modules) will NOT power a wall wart charger.
If you can find such a link please clue me in 'cause I'm lost.

Can someone plug a wall wart charger into an Appliance Module and tell me if it powers up?

I use Appliance Module's to power the low wattage wall-warts!

But it would NOT be safe (IMHO) to use a lamp module to power a wall-wart.

THANKS hawk1 for the link.... it is important users understand the [wattage] ratings are for incandescent lamps only. I should add: I also believe... anything that could have serious negative effects if the item failed to ether turn ON or OFF.... should NOT be dependent on X10 control.

[hawk1]

have you read this link:   http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=8604.msg52050#msg52050  i have a cordless drill charger i can put on an appliance module and let you know.  wait one

[hawk1]

i just plugged my ryobi 18v drill charger into a appliance module, it worked  hope i helped you out. and your welcome Dave X10 L, happy to be of service!

[HA Dave]

i just plugged my ryobi 18v drill charger into a appliance module, it worked  hope i helped you out. and your welcome Dave X10 L, happy to be of service!

I have used NON-X10 cameras in my camera setup... I used the appliance modules to turn the NON-X10 camera on and off. I also use the appliance modules with my BVC [baby monitor] microphone setup.

[Brian H]

Wall warts should be controlled by an appliance module. The dimming element in an LM465 can damage the wall wart and may give inconsistent control of the warts.Even if you are not dimming them and just going on and off.

Also if the LM465s are the new soft start type. The power applied to the wall warts; will slowly ramp up and down as the thing is turned on and off. This can also damage the wart or cause some of the problems you are seeing. Does a standard light bulb on the LM465 turn on and off slowly and maybe take two seconds to go full on or off?

[rthrash]

Thanks for the link, I saw that before I posted, unfortunately it doesn't address my problem.  I am not using CFL lamps of any type.

I have searched for "chargers" and many other terms to learn what might be the problem.  All I can get from this is that chargers plugged into the system will cause comm problems but nowhere can I find posts saying Lamp Modules (or Appliance Modules) will NOT power a wall wart charger.
If you can find such a link please clue me in 'cause I'm lost.

Can someone plug a wall wart charger into an Appliance Module and tell me if it powers up?

Paul

I believe chargers (since they are step-down transformers) are inductive loads and belong on an Appliance Module

[Brian H]

Yes many are power transformer types. Even better is many of the newer ones have small switching power suppies in them and they don't like lamp modules either.