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[birdzeye]

Any deal news or alerts lately? I noticed they changed the format of the newsletter/email. It all looks regular if not overpriced. What happened to the deals? The old format seemed to have more stuff on it.

[HA Dave]

Any deal news or alerts lately? What happened to the deals?

I jumped on the 8 appliance modules for $49.99... and now they're including the TM751 and a PalmPad. Thats a deal!!

[birdzeye]

What do you use your appliance modules for, or are you just stocking up?

[HA Dave]

What do you use your appliance modules for, or are you just stocking up?

I use the appliance modules for CFL's, as well as electronics. Be aware when doing this.. as the modules will leak small amounts of current. I have found the appliance modules as less than suitable for many of my LED projects. I would like to try some green switching (cutting power to electronics that use small amounts of power when not in use) and will use appliance modules for this. I do have several [X10] light switches and even a few lamp modules [and SocketRockets] in service. But mostly I use appliance modules (I have 16 in service now I think). The only place I ever use dimming is in the Home Theater.

I keep a large plastic bin packed full of X10 supplies. Not all my trials end in errors... but many do. So I do like to have my own supply of X10 stuff on hand. I like to buy "deals" based on cost-per-item (I read about doing that here at the forum). That's really the way to go!! The deal I mentioned earlier is 10 items at $49.99 [with free shipping]... or 5 bucks per item. Try to beat that on eBay.

 

[birdzeye]

[/b] Be aware when doing this.. as the modules will leak small amounts of current.

Uh, could you explain this in a little more detail? I've got several appliance modules with non-x10 cameras plugged into them, and an old coffee maker, an old ghetto blaster, and my stereo too. Is there any danger in doing this?

[Brian H]

Both the Appliance and Lamp Modules have a Local Control Sensing Circuit. The Appliance Module also uses this sensing circuit to detect if the mechanical relay is on or off.

Most devices connected to them will not react to this very low current. Some devices like LED bulbs use so little current, even the small sensing current keep them partially glowing. This current is also what caused some CFL bulbs to pulse when off and some to even turn back on by triggering the local control sensing.

The devices you mentioned should be fine. The small current should not be enough to have them try and turn on or run at a very reduced voltage. On the coffee maker. If it has a Neon Bulb 'On Indicator' there is a small chance it may glow dimly but no harm there either.

Rough measurements I made. Old LM465 1.56 ma AC and 0.16 ma DC; soft start LM465 0.36 ma AC no DC current.
AM486 Old style 2.37 ma AC and 1.69 ma DC. New version AM486 X10 calls CFL friendly .33 ma AC.

[birdzeye]

Both the Appliance and Lamp Modules have a Local Control Sensing Circuit. The Appliance Module also uses this sensing circuit to detect if the mechanical relay is on or off.

Most devices connected to them will not react to this very low current. Some devices like LED bulbs use so little current, even the small sensing current keep them partially glowing. This current is also what caused some CFL bulbs to pulse when off and some to even turn back on by triggering the local control sensing.

The devices you mentioned should be fine. The small current should not be enough to have them try and turn on or run at a very reduced voltage. On the coffee maker. If it has a Neon Bulb 'On Indicator' there is a small chance it may glow dimly but no harm there either.

Rough measurements I made. Old LM465 1.56 ma AC and 0.16 ma DC; soft start LM465 0.36 ma AC no DC current.
AM486 Old style 2.37 ma AC and 1.69 ma DC. New version AM486 X10 calls CFL friendly .33 ma AC.

Thanks!

Actually I think you answered this question for me on another post quite awhile ago, but I had forgotten all about it. It was when I had a device that converted any computer monitor into a TV, and that was plugged into a power bar which was plugged into an appliance module,  and it kept turning back on after I turned it off. That TV device got fried! I'm guessing now it may have had to do with the appliance module.

I've also been having a problem with swann security cameras that are plugged into appliance modules. Every so often they just fail to show any picture at all and I have to unplug the appliance module from the power and plug it back in and then the picture comes back.

And one of these swann cameras I had to return to the manufacturer because the picture went out of focus, but I think that may have more to do with the cable, at least that's what I'm hoping it is.

[HA Dave]

Uh, could you explain this in a little more detail? I've got several appliance modules with non-x10 cameras plugged into them......

I am glad Brian H replied to this as I think he did a better job of explaining this than I could have (see below). I also use the appliance modules for cameras and haven't had any problems. I also use appliance modules for my BVC - babymonitor setup. The baby monitors draw 10 watts when in use.

Both the Appliance and Lamp Modules have a Local Control Sensing Circuit. The Appliance Module also uses this sensing circuit to detect if the mechanical relay is on or off.

Most devices connected to them will not react to this very low current. Some devices like LED bulbs use so little current, even the small sensing current keep them partially glowing. This current is also what caused some CFL bulbs to pulse when off and some to even turn back on by triggering the local control sensing.

Of course the old trick to getting past the "current sensing" of these modules is to use an adapter and a 7 watt (C7) nightlight in conjunction with your low current device. However... with something like a low wattage CFL or LED light... that would be silly. But might be a good idea for some very low wattage devices.

[birdzeye]

What's the all time best deal anyone has ever purchased?

[HA Dave]

What's the all time best deal anyone has ever purchased?

I don't think the best deals are purchased.... they are won.

X10 regularly has contests. The one going on now is the twitter contest. I joined twitter... and have tweeted 28 times (not bragging.. it's just a fact) . I won an AHP [with a full suite of software] that I received just the other day.

Before that (if you don't count the free Icon from the beta test) I won a Sentinel Camera in a past contest. But what really got me hooked on the contests [and YouTube] was the long past X10 YouTube Contest. The prize was $500 of regularly priced merchandise. My video was the first YouTube video I ever made... and it still posted with over 5000 views so far.

[birdzeye]

x10 regularly has contests. The one going on now is the twitter contest. I joined twitter... and have tweeted 28 times (not bragging.. it's just a fact) . I won an AHP [with a full suite of software] that I received just the other day.

Yes I noticed that twitter contest but to tell you the truth I'm not even sure what in the heck twitter really is or how it works --I think I'm getting old 


You sure do have a lucky streak though! I can't believe they actually gave you a Sentinel camera--- unbelievably lucky!
So what did you get with the $500 free merchandise?

[HA Dave]

Yes I noticed that twitter contest but to tell you the truth I'm not even sure what in the heck twitter really is or how it works --I think I'm getting old 

Best way to learn.... is get over to twitter... and tweet.

You sure do have a lucky streak though! So what did you get with the $500 free merchandise?

I'd rather be lucky than smart.... and thank God... that's how it worked out. With my 1st prize (the $500 of regular priced merchandise) I got a little of this and that. Including a security system.

I have a LOT of X10 stuff. But I still like the deals. I don't always need the extra parts... but sooner or later they have a use.

[birdzeye]

Whatever happened to the "midnight bandit"?

[HA Dave]

Whatever happened to the "midnight bandit"?

I don't know..... I think maybe X10 abandoned him when they used the soft-porn ads for a while. I made my 1st eBay purchase today... I am short of powrflash units here. Those suckers are NEVER on sale.

[glb7272]

Dave_x10_L

I jumped on the 8 appliance modules for $49.99... and now they're including the TM751 and a PalmPad. Thats a deal!!

I could not pass on that one either.
BTW Dave_x10_L If i was in charge of x10 marketing I would donate product after watching the vids you posted. Its a really cheap way for them to promote products.



Can you post links here for affiliates? There is a person who sells on ebay who also has a e store that is separate. The prices are better than ebay and his store looks like a store with good info (Ie the products listed tell you if they have local control as well as a link to each manual with the product and most importantly no flash ads). I have never purchased from the estore but their ebay rating is good.