X-10 Security System converted to Fire Alarm

[warren thomas]

I love the X-10 security system, but I
wanted to use it in our church to monitor
for fire and smoke.  I used three high-end
smoke detectors and three X-10 door/window
modules.  An NPN Switching transistor and a
9v relay, all of which fit  neatly inside
the detectors, made for a perfect
interface.  Just for safety against false
alarms resulting from the chirp which
accompanies a low smoke alarm battery, I put
10 year lithiums in the smoke alarm and
regular alkalines in the door/window
modules.  This way, the lithium will always
outlast the alkaline, and there will never
be an accidental trigger from a chirping
smoke alarm.  By the time the lithium goes
dead, the x-10 battery will be long dead,
and unable to transmit.  Yearly battery
changes should keep this system well in
check.  WHY DOESN'T X-10 MAKE THEIR OWN
SMOKE ALARM?  It sure would be a smart
addition to an otherwise complete product
line!

[James S.]

Warren T.
I did a similar conversion. I used a
battery powered smoke detector, removed the
chime, used the two (out of three contacts
where chime was removed) contacts that read
highest voltage, connected a diode to one of
these contacts which increased voltage
output when in alarm to 6vdc. I bought a
5vdc relay and wired normally closed
contacts to a door/window sensor. I'm
interested in the procedure you used since
your smoke detector chime remains
operational. Can you list part number of
parts you used and wiring instructions?
Thanks