The problem is actually a firware issue and not a hardware issue. I have often wished X10 would upgrade the firmware in these modules, but I guess they would rather sell you the much more expensive 2-way module.
Not only upgrade but include the new firmware in modules OTHER than a plug in wall module. I eventually want to go to all 2-way modules for everything but I use socket-rockets to control the 4-light fixtures in my ceiling fans in pairs rather than all 4 bulbs on a single switch.
I think you might have misunderstood me. Hardware upgrades are necessary to make a module 2-way, but it only needs a firmware upgrade to make it so that it won't always go from off to 100%.
Ahhh. I understand now. Adding a "presetdim" setting. I was thinking along the lines of firmware making it 2-way so so a status request could note the dim level.
Since the socketrocket doesn't dim, a firmware upgrade wouldn't be of much benefit. Even a 2-way socket rocket wouldn't be of much benefit since it doesn't have a local control feature.
Oh CRUD!!! I never even noticed that they removed dimming with the socket rocket and I'm about to place a big order to do all the fan lights in the house. I have a few SL575 modules that I'm using now. I'll have to see if I can find those instead of the LM15A modules. I guess I'll drop the LM15As from my order and live with what I have for now.
Looks like when I get done rebuilding the garage I'll be rewiring all of my ceiling fan runs and custom wiring the light fixtures (splitting into two pairs of lights internally) so I can run them to wall switches. Yuck, 3 hots to every fixture.
And for non-fan mounted ceiling fixtures I use WS-467 modules currently. To go 2-way on those I'll have to buy the plug-in modules, hack them apart, and mount them in an oversized wall box -- IF I can hack local control onto one (on-off-dim-bright). I haven't bought one yet to play with as I'm sorta waiting for X-10 to release a wall-switch model.
You have another option. ACT, Leviton and SmartHome all make 2-way wall switches. The ACT and Leviton switches are the closest to the X10 2-way module as they support extended commands (including extended dim). SmartHome, however, makes a toggle style wall switch, which is nice for those of us who don't like the look of Decora switches.
I'll have to look at those. I need to do some rewiring in the house anyway (see above
) and MOST of the lights are hanging from fans. I may end up going with all "hidden" modules and stick-on slimline switches + a few scattered mini/maxi controller boxes.
Gerald
