Wall Switch with preset dim (?)

[Tigger]

 
Not sure if X-10 produces one or not.

Would be nice to have a wall switch that
ramps UP when turned on, to a specific dim
level, rather than turning on full-bright
before dimming.  (Have seen models by other
manufacturers, but just can't justify the
extra $40 for the feature.)

[roger1818]

I agree this would be nice.

With regards to other manufacturer's
switches, be careful.  AH Pro doesn't
support the preset dim on some of those
switches.  AH Pro only supports the
newer "Extended Dim" command.  Since X10
never made any modules that use the
original "Preset Dim" command, they don't
support it.

[joe s.]

Tigger,

I've started to use the Leviton 6343 dimmer
switch.  It dims-up, presets and does
memorized brightness (but I use Smarthome
1132CUP - so can't say whether AHP will
work exactly the same).  Bought them at a
very good 5-pack price:
http://www.homeautomationnet.com/shopping/sh
opexd.asp?id=976

[roger1818]

It is too bad the Leviton only makes Decora
style switches.  I gather they are really
good, but don't like the look of them.
They are so big and don't leave much room
for a decorative plate.

[joe s.]

Roger...I actually don't mind decora (call
me old fashioned/modern which ever came
first).  The mfr/quality difference between
these Levitons and my other two WS12A's
is...uhmm,...well....DRAMATIC.

[roger1818]

Joe:  LOL.  The toggle style came first,
but I know what you mean.  I guess you
could consider their look to be "timeless".
To me the Decora switches have an 80's look
to them.  Even still most builders use
them by default.

How do the Levitons compare in quality to
the SmartHome brand?  They at least make a
toggle style switch that looks much better
than the WS467.  Unfortunately they only
support the old "Preset Dim".

[roger1818]

Joe: One other thing.  I gather X10
designed most if not all of Leviton's X10
compatible products .

[joe s.]

The paddle on the Levitons doesn't rattle
when you shake it, and it's rated at 1000w
for the dimmer...so I doubt X-10 was behind
it.  Unlike the loose/bouncy/momentary X-10
feel - there is a firm momentary feel (like
an IBM laptop keyboard)....but no satisfying
on/off click like a manual switch, which
Smarthome is said to have (can't say...I
don't have any Smarthome swithches).  The
default dim rate is about 1 second - almost
twice as slow as X-10...fairly pleasing.

[joe s.]

Oh..I forgot...and a status LED so you can
see it in the dark (saaayyy....isn't that
what X-10 is suypposed to prevent???).

[roger1818]

Joe:  With regards to X10 being supposed to
prevent you from needing to see the switch
in the dark, that all depends which room it
is in.  I don’t think I would want to put a
motion sensor in my bedroom to turn on the
lights.  The last thing I want when rolling
over in bed is to have the lights turn on.
If the on/off delay was short enough, it
could be fun when doing other things in bed
though.

[joe s.]

A strobe effect..at my age..yikes!