I am just getting started down the X10 path and my first task was to make a florescent light remote controllable. After trying a standard lamp module, I moved to Radio Shack appliance module. I can now control the light but have a very noticeable thunk when the module is switch on. Would a PAM02 that www.homeautomationnet.com sells do me any better, or is the RS version the same thing with Radio Shacks name stamped on it? For this one task, I need to module, not a wall socket unless the wall socket is the only way to quite it down...

Thanks
JO

The thunk is the relay that appliance modules use to control their loads. All of the lower priced appliance modules and non-dimming switches will thunk.

To avoid the thunk you have to step up a level. PCS makes the only plug-in "thunk-less" modules that I know of. It's the MM2F/S-15 which has two channels so it's like two appliance modules in one unit. It also gives you scene capabilities and all the other features of the PCS SmartSwitches. The PCS SSF/S is their wall switch for non-dimming loads, such as flourescent, ceiling fans, etc. and it's "thunk-less".

You can read more about the PCS SmartSwitch line at www.pcslighting.com You can buy the products from www.homeautomationnet.com I see that they don't have the MM2F/S listed but they can get it.

Thanks for the reply Larry. Looking at the MM2F/S-15 it seems to be over kill for what I am trying to accomplish. At the location in question, I only have the one florescent light I need to control. The MM2F seems to come only in the two outlet configuration, with scene support thrown in. Since this location is also switch less, the switch will not work for me either.

If none of the appliance modules are quite, my next best solution would be a wall socket with just two receptacles on controlled and one open. It just needs to be quiter than a large book being droped on a bare floor....

Any other suggestions?

Thanks
JO

Jo,

I don't think there are any other options. All of the other appliance modules and outlets will make the same clunk.

If its plug in could you replace it with an incandescent bulb and use a lamp module?

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Bill, the newly installed florescent light was done to provide bias lighting specifically for TV viewing. The originally bulb was replaced with a Philips daylight to insure 6500k color temperature. If someone knows of a incandescent bulb solution to bias lighting, then yes this would be a possibility. Otherwise, I would want to stick with the florescent light..

Thanks for the replies....
JO

I was reading about the Ideal-Lume Bias Lighting
product put out www.cinemaquestinc.com. Under the product description it talks about a electronic ballast that is used on the light. Would this type of ballast, remove the requirement of using an appliance modules type lamp module, or because it is still florescent would the appliance still be required?

Thanks
JO

Just as an update, the appliance module has gotten noticeably quieter over time. Either I have gotten use to it (doubtful) or it is wearing out already (hope not) or I am losing my hearing in my advancing age(couldn't be, say what??)

-JO