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[Pikachu]

Would be nice to have low cost set of
modules that are compatible with Compact
Flourescent bulbs.  I bought x10 to better
manage my energy use and only the expensive
WS13 switch works with the energy saver
bulbs.

[anonymous]

heh i have thought the same thing... this
is probably an issue with bulb design which
will not be solved by x10.

As an alternative i have purchased an even
more efficient (although less bright so
maybe not?) led light bulb which uses only
3 watts i think.  Using that bulb raises an
entirely different issue of leakage!  Those
appliance modules leak voltage which is
undetectable with incandesents but the
efficient led actually generates a visible
light (although less bright than when on).

[Brian H]

You looking for wall switches or plug in
modules?

[Dan Lawrence]

Compact Flourescent bulbs do not work
properly with X10 modules due to the the
trickle current present in the module. When
the bulb is turned off by an X10 module,
there is a dim flicker in the Compact
Flourescent bulb.

I tried one in my lamp post, which is
controlled by an X10 wall switch. There was a
noticeable flicker in the bulb when off.

[Brian H]

The two wire wall switches steal power
through the lamps and yes will flicker
greatly. The three wire ones with a Neutral
Hot and Load and using a relay and not a
triac will work.

[rich]

Just a thought
I have not tried this
but a socket rocket makes a connection to
both sides of power before the "bulb"
that would give you control

[Brian H]

Other; Yes I have a CFL in a Socket Rocket
for maybe 3 months now. No problems.

[nklght]

I currently use CFL with my setup and have not had a problem.  You just need to determine where you want to use the CFL's before you buy the modules.  I have 2 CFL's controled by one switch so I used an appliance switch, then I have two other CFL's controlled by socket rocket's (never had a problem).  I also have an aquarium which uses flourescent tubes, and used plug in appliance modules and have not had a problem.  The key is to use modules which do not dim or appliance modules.  Since, these modules have the extra wiring needed to bypass CFL's interference. 

[roger1818]

Both lamp and appliance modules leak a small current for the local control feature.  This is fine for incandescent lamps and most appliances which have a relatively small resistance, but since CFLs have a large resistance (especially when off) and some brands will flicker even when the module is off.  Some 3^rd party modules allow you to turn off this small current (and thus local control) for these types of situations.  Alternately you can easily modify your appliance module to do this (all you need is a screw driver and some wire nippers).  You can find more information about this at http://www.idobartana.com/hakb/Modifying_Appliance_module.htm#Defeating local current sensing.

[craig_buchanan]

As others, I have used CF's with the socket rocket and have no problems with the setup save lack of control at the switch.  They should have some way to turn on the socket rocket from a standard switch, then the setup would be perfect.

[Dan Lawrence]

All a standard switch would do is turn the power on or off to the Socket Rocket. The beauty of the  Socket Rocket is that it has no code wheels or local control. You set the code by sending the same address 3 times, the Socket Rocket remembers the code and turns the light on. From then on the  Socket Rocket remembers the code, even if the power fails. The fact that it's non-dimming makes it perfect for CFL's.

[Brian H]

I too have found Socket Rockets work fine with most CFLs. I have seen the triac in the Socket Rocket on one brand CFL cause enormous X10 Powerline noise and kill my system.

[roger1818]

They should have some way to turn on the socket rocket from a standard switch, then the setup would be perfect.

I know this is off thread, but I have often thought it would be great if they made a wired-in version of the socket rocket which replaces your existing light socket.  It could have a push button on it for local control.  Even better would be to have a tri-light version.  I did see a  project for modifying a wall-switch module to make a lamp truly locally controlable (both on and off), but I don't have a lamp in which I could easily install a push button.

[Oldtimer]

Here's a link to another possible solution to the CFL problems discussed here:

Re: Who Manufactures (and Who SELLS?) *DIMMABLE* CFL?  (Read 2822 times)

[TTA Edit: Added description to LINK.]

[Charles Sullivan]

As others, I have used CF's with the socket rocket and have no problems with the setup save lack of control at the switch.  They should have some way to turn on the socket rocket from a standard switch, then the setup would be perfect.

Even better would be a combination dimmable SocketRocket and touch-switch.  Touch-switches sure beat groping around under a lamp shade for the usual socket switch.