With special thanks to Chris for his suggestions, I've been able to convert an AllforONE Cinema 6 into a device that will emit an IR macro to control anything it normally can when triggered by an X-10 contact closure relay. I'm using it with an X-10 Hawkeye on the front porch. When anyone enters it's motion detection field, (mail or delivery person, girl scout with cookies, etc.)it activates an X10 PUM01 which "presses" the macro button on the Cinema 6. I've got a camera on the porch, so I currently have is set to switch my TV's video source to AUX 2, where the camera is hooked in. The remote has not been compromised. I can unplug the PUM01 leads from it (a sub-mini mono jack), but it works fine with all my components either way. The macro can be easily changed to do different things depending on the situation. When I'm not at home, I have it start RECORDing on my VCR the camera's video. I actually caught someone trying to break in (he was testing the door). Unfortunately it was late at nite, and I couldn't identify him on the tape. The Hawkeye emits a second X-10 command when motion stops, so I use this one to stop recording.

Anyone interested, see "Who's on the Porch" or email me.

Dave

Dave,
I am glad to see it works for you. It amazes me that the day you hooked it up, someone tried to break in. Makes you wonder how many other times they have tried! Maybe you could have the Hawkeye trigger a light on the porch so you can identify the burglar. Also, hook a cheap timer, you know, the Wal-mart 2 for 7.99 specials, to a X-10 remote chime so it notifies you at night someone has approached the front door. If you didn’t have a expensive timing controller, you could plug the RF receiver that receives the sensors trigger into a cheap timer to control when your motion sensor that triggered the whole “Who’s on the Porch” macro. This would render the RF interface useless when off but they are not as expensive as an automation controller that it would take to do the same.

Chris

A light on the porch would have let the camera see (at least for a moment) who activated the Hawkeye, but it also would have scared him away before the tape caught him trying the door. There have been a rash of nighttime burglaries in the neighborhood, which is why I wanted a camera on the porch anyway. Seems he looks for unlocked doors, and enters if he finds one. He Hasn't "broken" in yet but has sure gotten the neighborhood alert and checking their locks. I'm now looking for an infra red light I can use on the porch. My camera can see IR and will see him that way, but if I get the right light, he won't know it. Your chime idea I'm already using. The Hawkeye came with one, and both were a "free" bonus with my Xcam anywhere.

Dave

Hmm, if he's only checking for unlocked doors, applying high voltage to your doorknob at night could be fun. His scream could be your "remote chime". He he he!

Roland