Icecap metal halide ballasts + X10 devices (interference?)

[Len]

Man, I've got a plague-load of questions lately Anyhow, anyone own Icecap metal halide ballasts (especially 250w) and use it with X10 controlled devices (e.g. Neptune)? I'm curious if you guys experience interference issues. The only thing I have that will not be controlled by the Direct Connect 8 (sold by Neptune) is a chiller controlled by a stndard X10. It's outdoors so I don't really have a choice. I'm worried the Icecap may tell the chiller to come on or off at wrong times

 

[drbdc]

It may. There is a known issue with the icecap ballasts causing interference with X10 devices. I would run the icecap with a direct connect or get one of those add on's that decrease the interference. I think they have them on the neptune site.

 

[Anonymous]

For the record, in my limited experience with X-10, I hate them. They suck and they do turn on or off from time to time for no reason. Mostly they fail to turn on on occasion.

I have a box full of them in my closet. Some have been mod'd as per some instructions I found on the internet to reduce failures. The mod fail to prevent the failures.

They are junk I tell you.

Louey

 

[DapperDan]

Its not an issue because of Icecap, X10's are flakey and unreliable without throwing other appliances into the mix. Do yourself a favor and use a more reliable means of turning important items on and off.

Google "X10 problems" to see what you would get yourself into.

DD

 

[drbdc]

Correct, it is the x10 device with the problem, they have problems with electronic devices that make more noise. But even with it being the X10 device problem, other ballasts do not seem to make the same "noise" and do not experience the same problem.

 

[smit1260]

I have used a neptune controller with x-10 modules for 6 years without any problems. It has been in various apartments with various ballasts. I did use it with a ice-cap vho ballast without any problems. I have never had anything come on or go off at odd times. The neptune controllerswith x-10s are an amazing system espically if you have multiple tanks.

I have heard though that they don't work well with ice-cap metal halide ballasts.

I do like the direct connect idea mostly because they don't make the clicking noise when switch on or off. However I haven't been able to afford one to see how it works.

 

[Len]

I'll hope my single X10 for the chiller works okay :? I don't really have a choice since it's in a remote location.

 

[DapperDan]

So you're saying that it is only Icecap ballasts that cause X10 problems? Where have you obtained this infomation?

DD

 

[Anonymous]

I LOVE x10's

you have to run noise filters if you have problems with them turning on/off when they are not supposed to

best mod I've done, is changed the lamp lights to solid state relays for silent wavemakers

 

[smit1260]

From Neptune System Website

X10 interference problems caused by noisey electronic ballasts (i.e. Blueline)

NOTE: Due to the high inrush current (greater than 40 Amps) on ICECAP ballasts, we do not recommend that you use this module to control these ballasts. Use the DC4HD instead

Doesn't state that icecaps are noisey specificly and won't work, just that they can cause some problems to be aware off.

 

[DapperDan]

OH!

So you meant to say Blueline?

DD

 

[smit1260]

Not really,
electronic ballasts have the potential to interfere with the x-10 operation. The basis for this is the numerous threads on reefs forums of people having problems with both blueline and ice cap electronic ballasts. Including not starting and flickering. The direct 4HD is supposed to fix this problem by way of the noise filter.
Once again this shows my confidence in x-10 controlled systems. Not only from my experience but also from the ability to fix problems. If you are spending $500 + on a controller another $150 for peace off mind for a direct connect should be worth it. Plus the silence of not having the listen to the modules switching. I really pain when you have 6 pumps on an x-10 controlled wavemaker.