Is there any type of option for using a remote with an access code for the X10 home security system. I would rather mount a remote near the door that requires an access code (similar to most alarm systems) than just carry around a remote on my keychain with an arm/disarm button. Does anyone know if this type of option is available from X10?
Thanks in Advance,
David
I wish I had pictures and full instructions but I made this so long ago I don't have either, but the approach is pretty simple. It takes roughly 3 key parts, 1 - 10-key garage-door type keypad made for outside mounting, 1 - x-10 Chain Secuity Remote, anda box tp out it in, often the keypads come with this.
So here are a few key things you need in the type of keypad you buy, when the code is activated it needs to just close the contactact momentarily, most garage door types are this style. Second, a little harder to find is that it closes a second set of contact on the second entry, again not that un-common for Garage Door types.
What you do is wire the contacts for Door Close to the "Arm Button" inside the Keychain remote, and the contacts for Open to the DisArm button in the key chain security remote. actually one side can be "common" as long as there is a unique contact for Open and close.
If you are a tad electronically inclined this is like a 1/2 day job tops, I made mine a little more comples, the Garage Door Keypad ran off of 9VDC to I dropped in a DVC regulator chip to power the keyhains remore, you could always opt for batteries if this is more complex then you want to take on, but it is pretty simple, the regulator, a resistor, and small cap, and you have 3V from 9 V. Mine is powered from a wall wart in the garage.
No matter how you decide to power it, you take apart the key chain remote and solder on a couple of wires to the Arm button contacts on the PCB and a couple to the DisArm button, then run them to the keypad contacts. When you put in the code to close the door, it will Arm your DS7000, when you put the code in again to Open, it will disarm your system.
If I was not knee deep in a current project I would draw you up the plans, if you need help, try the news group (nntp) alt.electronics and someone there will almost for sure draw you a picture with detailed instructions, otherwise wait a month or so and I might be able to get to it.