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[gg4000]

Do you think it's possible to turn an appliance module into a universal module?
Would be nice to plug in a 24V sprinkler to some dry contact.

[Dan Lawrence]

Do you think it's possible to turn an appliance module into a universal module?
Would be nice to plug in a 24V sprinkler to some dry contact.

As to turn an appliance module into a universal module,  I don't think it's possible.  However X10 still sells the Features:

    Works with sprinkler systems, drapery controls, garage door openers, yard lighting and other low voltage devices
    Rated a 5 amps at 24v DC
    Weight: 0.35 lbs.
    Power supply: 120VAC @ 60Hz
    Power: 1W
    Intermittent Mode Duration: approx 1 second

 What's included:
List Price
1 Universal Module (UM506)    $29.99

You can get one at X10.com

[gg4000]

I was looking to replace two UMs that blew out @ $24. It looks like the AM goes for $17.99 on E-bay.
I thought if I could disconnect the 120 from the relay, I could just plug in my two leads from the sprinkler system.
It would make my set up neater and cheaper.

[Brian H]

No you can't convert a appliance module to a universal module.
The appliance module does not have a relay in it that is turned On and Off.
It has a ratchet style switch in it with a coil that is momentarily pulsed with a 120 volt half wave DC pulse. That ratchets the cam of the switch to go On and Off.

A 120 Volt AC relay driven by an appliance module may work.

Since X10 closed their factory in China and where having some base modules made by other factories. The UM506 was out of stock for a long time and some where listing them as discontinued.
I did see an EBay dealer having them again so maybe they are starting to be available.

[dave w]

I was looking to replace two UMs that blew out @ $24. It looks like the AM goes for $17.99 on E-bay.
I thought if I could disconnect the 120 from the relay, I could just plug in my two leads from the sprinkler system.
It would make my set up neater and cheaper.

Like Brian said, no can do.

One of the problems is the controller chip in the Appliance Module wants to see the relay change positions when the chip pulses it. The chip looks for the 120V on the output side of the relay. If it does not see 120V after an "ON" command, the chip "fires" the relay multiple times in a attempt to get the contacts to move (the latching "relay" is actually a solenoid actuating a rotating cam which opens and closes the contacts). So it is impossible to decouple the 120V from the contacts and still get the Appliance Module to work.

If you are NOT using the Universal Module in the "momentary" mode, Brians suggestion of a 120V coil relay would  give you the contact closure you need.

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/RLY-453/120-VAC-RELAY-DPDT-12-AMPS/1.html
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/LCAC-412/2-CONDUCTOR-BLACK-POWER-CORD/1.html

[gg4000]

Thank you for the links. My next option was to get a few relays.
Was going to go to Radio Shack, but at All Electronics $1.75 vs Radio Shack $9.99, I think I'll order from the link allelectronics.com

[dave w]

I think I'll order from the link allelectronics.com

They get you on the postage, but if you can order multiple items, it pays off compared to Radio Shark. Besides Radio Shark has different classes of stores. The Radio Shark in our local mall only carries a few component parts at ridiculous prices.

FYI here is a few more parts stores with good prices:
http://www.alltronics.com/
http://www.goldmine-elec.com/
http://www.meci.com/electronics.html
http://www.bgmicro.com/
http://www.electronicsurplus.com/default.aspx

[gg4000]

Thanks for the list!