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[jet-a]

Hello,

I have floodlights currently connected to my house. I would like to use X10 to add motion sensors to them, but also allow them to still be controlled by the switch inside the house.

Would it be best to replace the existing floodlights with X10 floodlights? Or should I just add motion sensors and use LM15A's to control the actual bulbs?

I did try replacing the switch with a WS467, but I was unable to turn the lights on with this switch.

I'm still learning, so if you have any other possible ways of this working i'd appreciate it!

Thanks.

[HA Dave]

I use the X10 floodlights (PR511) with a regular on/off [non-automated switch]. Works well for me. But... I am not sure the X10 floodlights are still currently available.

My lights cause my automation computer (which runs BVC) to announce that the floodlight is on which the computers voice even announces outside. Informing me that there is activity where and when there should not be.... and warning any prowler that security cameras and alarms are in use. Shown here in an old YouTube Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apZF77tsZlI

I think the same could be accomplished with any floodlight, a relay, and a powerflash module (if you have one). Pretty sure Knightrider does that. Might be able to hack any number of X10 devices to replace the floodlight IF it isn't available, like a security module (connected to a relay) or even a relay controlled hacked PalmPad. Thinking out loud [typing out loud?]here.... maybe even an old plugin X10 controller could be hacked and wired with CAT5 to several relays switches and/or sensors.

Maybe someone has a link for floodlights!

[dave w]

I did try replacing the switch with a WS467, but I was unable to turn the lights on with this switch.

You need to find out why. Are the bulbs incandescent? If so the WS467 should, at least, control them AT THE SWITCH. Trying to turn on the switch remotely may indicate a phase coupling or electrical noise problem in your system.
http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm

[Brian H]

If the bulbs where a CFL or LED type. They don't work with a WS467.

[dhouston]

These should work and they have X10 compatibility.

• http://www.smarthome.com/2466SW/ToggleLinc-Relay-INSTEON-Remote-Control-On-Off-Switch-Non-Dimming-White/p.aspx

[Brian H]

The Togglelinc Relay is a nice switch.
It does require a Neutral power connection in the switchbox, to work.

[jet-a]

Thank you all for your replies...

The WS switch did turn on the lights but not all of them. To describe really quickly, there are 2 sets of floodlights (with 2 bulbs each - for a total of 4 bulbs) that are controlled by one switch. When I replaced the old switch with the WS switch, it would only turn on 1 set of the lights at a time - (so only 2 bulbs instead of 4). The bulbs were incandescent bulbs.

So it sounds like I need to find PR511's - if they are still around?

Thanks very much for your help!

[Brian H]

Do the fixtures have any built in sensors?
Like On at dusk and Off at dawn?

Any built in electronics inside the fixtures could react strangely with a WS467 or WS12A two wire style dimmer switch.

[jet-a]

Do the fixtures have any built in sensors?
Like On at dusk and Off at dawn?

Any built in electronics inside the fixtures could react strangely with a WS467 or WS12A two wire style dimmer switch.

No built in electronics at all - really weird.

[Eddie_T]

I have a PR511C motion detecting floodlight on the front of the house. I set its code for 16 and used the +4 start code to turn on a WS467 controlling floods on the rear of the house so they announce visitors when I am in my family room or master BR while placing them at code 4 for convenience with smaller remote controllers.