I realize that similar type questions have been asked previously, but I have not found what I am looking for. I have a Pronto TSU2000 remote and a X-10 IR543 to control a lamp in the family room (on a lamp module). I also have a Lutron dimmer switch on the wall which handles the ceiling pot lights. Unfortunately, the Lutron, as good as it is, cannot be programmed for scenes. I want to replace the Lutron with an X-10 based switch which will allow me to choose scenes on my Pronto via the IR543. The question is, does Leviton or some other manufacturer sell what I am looking for? I'd rather not purchase the X-10 brand of switches as their standard dimmer-types look flimsy, and I am sure that if they make any for scenes, they too would be the same. I don't want to spend a fortune, but I would like something with decent build quality. The total of all the pots is less than 600W. Any suggestions? How do the scenes get programmed into the switch? Where can this be purchased from?

Thanks for your help.
Gerard

I'd strongly recommend the PCS SS1L/S Smart Switch. You can read all about it on the manufacturer's web site at http://www.pcslighting.com/

The scene is prgrammed with your IR543 by putting the switch into a programming mode and then sending various X10 commands to set various switch settings. It's pretty easy once you've done it the first time.

You can buy the switch at this link: [Link: homeautomationnet.com]

Larry in TN,

I checked it out, and it looks good. But how do you get the Pronto to learn the code for each scene so that you can select it on the Pronto? If there are 16 scenes set on the switch can the Pronto choose them?

Thanks,
Gerard

Gerald,

The scenes are activeted by standard X10 commands so you turn on a scene the same way you'd turn on a lamp module. How you program that in the Pronto will depend on which IR transceiver you choose.

Thank you Larry in TN.

So, if I understand what you have written and what I found on the PCS site, I can use one switch on the wall to make a number of different scenes for the ceiling pot lights? By that I mean that I can set the light at 10% and that can be address C2, and 25% would be C3 etc., etc., and then I could just select on my pronto (with a proper CCF) say C3, and I would get 25% out of my pot lights. Am I understanding this correctly? By interfacing with the IR543 I would be just limited to a total of 10 addresses? The programming seems a little complicated, but then again so did the Pronto's - at first.

Also, your webpage was well worth the time to understand a little bit better what is out there, and what each piece of equipoment can do.

Thanks,
Gerard

Gerald,

Your understand of PCS scenes is correct. Additionally, C2 could have a very fast ramp rate while C3 has a very slow one, etc.

With the Pronto and IR543 you can do all 16 unit codes on a single house code. If you had a non-touchscreen universal remote you'd be limited to unit codes 1-10 as that's all the remote manufacturers have programmed into the remotes. You could learn units 11-16 into a learning remote but you'd have to have access to one of the touchscreen remotes (Pronto, RTI T2, etc.) with which to teach it.

I'm glad you like the site, I worked a bit on it last night and hope to get more done today. As always, I need as many proof readers as I can get as well as comments on what is explained well and what might still be a bit confusing.

[Link: members.home.net]

Larry,

Most, if not all of the One 4 All brand remotes, include 11-16 unit code support. No need to go all the way up to a touch screen learning remote like the Pronto, just to get 11-16 unit codes. The X-10 brand remotes do only support unit codes 1-10 though.

John Galvin

I tested the Universal Remote Control Brands and could only get 1-10 out of them. John, how do you access the one 4 all 11 to 16 unit codes?

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Larry in TN,

I forgot to ask in my previous post, about the HAN-01 on your webpage. Who makes it and who sells it?

Thanks again,
Gerard

Thanks, John.

Which keys operate unit's 11-16?

Gerald,

Bill E. sells the HAN-01 on his site, http://www.homeautomationnet.com Bill should be able to tell you who makes it.

BTW, I'll have the HAN-01 user's manual posted on my IR site shortly. [Link: members.home.net]

It's made by the folks at Montery Instrumants, use is limited by the 27 codes. It has it's place but it's not for everybody.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Gerald,

The HAN-01 manual is now posted on my IR site. Use the link above then click on the HAN-01 page.

Bill E, Larry,

The unit codes 11-16 are accessed on REW, PLAY, FF, REC, STOP and PAUSE, in that order for 11-16. Unit code 14 isn't much fun, since it uses the REC key and the folks at One 4 All decided that the REC key should require 2 keypresses to activate. That's supposed to be a safety feature to prevent you from accidentally activating the record function on your VCR, but it's still in force for X-10 unit code usage.

John Galvin

Thanks, John. I'll get that info added to my IR page.