What do you use for controlling your Lights??

[DontYouJustWish]

Topic says it all. I have been using x10's but lately they have been getting flakey.

So what does everone else use? :lol:

 

[LFS42]

I use a standard timer.
It turns on and off.
And I switch it manualy too.


much like a christmas tree

 

[hfmann]

X10's

Have been for years. Also use X10's for other home lighting applications. I've got them controlled from a program on my computer which downloads and stores the "schedules" in a black box. I've also got a couple of wireless remote controllers which makes it very convenient for me to turn the lights on and off on demand by merely pushing the button on the remote.

I also use X10 to feed the signal to my topoff pump.

Last year I installed a bridging amplifier on my circuit breaker panel which greatly improved the reliability of the whole system.

HTH

Hal
_________________
reccession

 

[Anonymous]

I just use my right forefinger to turn off the switch..however I do need to invest in a timer. I want to thank you for reminding me to get a timer.

 

[shalegac]

Wireless remote and I have a timmer I use when I'm not around. What is a X10? How much?

 

[fishfarmer]

I use the heavy duty appliance timers.

 

[ChrisIsBored]

Just curious, do the X10's have to be plugged into the wall or can you place them on a power strip without any adverse side effects?

If that will work, is there any problem placing 2 or more on a powerstrip?

 

[hfmann]

Hey Chris,

The X10's work fine in a power strip AS LONG AS the power strip doesn't have any surge protection built into it. A lot of the power strips are built for computer equipment and I believe it's the surge protector that keeps the x10 signal from getting through. Drove me crazy before I figured that out.

No problem placing more than one on a power strip. However, they are wider than a normal plug and might cover up more than one outlet. Also if the outlets on the strip are oriented so that the 3rd prong is facing either left or right (ie. towards another plug), then that'll force you to plug the X10 unit in so that it might even take up 3 or more spaces once you plug your cord into the X10 module.

HTH

Take care,
Hal
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[ChrisIsBored]

Thanks Hal! That would have been a bit frustrating without knowing that info.

I've already got everything needed.. just haven't tested the X10's yet.

 

[DontYouJustWish]

Hey HF

what is the deal with the bridging amplifier???? where did you buy this at??

 

[Anonymous]

if you search for x10 bridge you should find quite a few places selling them.

They are only needed if your controlling things on both sides of your circuit breaker, if all the equipment is ran off breakers that are on the same side, the bridge wont help.

In my case, whole house is on the same phase, so no bridge is needed

I too use x10 for all reeftank operations, I found them to be extreemly reliable compaired to regular timers

 

[Freedom75@work]

for anyone who does not know and I am sure most of you do. you can find all your X10 stuff at x10.com. they also sell stuff that will work on an x10 system by other manufactures at some home improvement stores like Lowes. I have an x10 system and love it.

John Wray

 

[Casey1]

they just don't seem to work with E-Ballasts... at least I couldn't get mine to.. 8)

 

[hfmann]

FWIW - I've been buying all my x10 products at http://www.smarthome.com. Bought a few things from x10.com but got more tech support from smarthome.

here's the bridge / amplified I bought. http://www.smarthome.com/4823.html

HTH

Hal
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[LA-Lawman]

I use the intermatic digital timers. they are all independant and have a battery backup. they will remember thier programming for up to a week. And when the power comes back on. it knows what part of the cycle it should be on and turns the lights on or off.

there are two types. 1 timer has one on/off setting per day. and there is the next model with 14 on/off settings per day. both have the same operation function. just more programming capability....

Home depot carries them. you can also go to www.intermatic.com


hth