Chris Couture,

I am a newbie at X-10, in fact I don't own any yet. I have a universal remote that controls x-10 and therefore thought I would start taking advantage of some of the technology.

All I really want to do is control a few lights in my home theater room (at least to start with). What do I need? I have been to Smarthome.com and x-10.com but am still confused.

I have one light plugged into a socket that I want to be able to turn on/off and dim. I also have a ceiling fan light that I want to be able to do the same - it is run by two separate switches (one on each side of the den) one is a dimmer and the other is just on/off. What do I need to control both of these? A lamp module and a 3 wya switch module? Then do you just point the remote at the outlet / switch???

Sorry if the questions are stupid but I am totally new to this x-10 technology.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I have read your reviews previously and don't think you did anything wrong by posting the link. People just need to relax and not be so quick to judge. But unfortunately that is the world we live in. Please don't let is discourage your helping others who are listening.

First you will need an IR543 or 4040 IR receiver. This will receive the IR signal that your remote sends. You may need to make sure your remote can send out the IR codes for X-10. You would need a plug in lamp module for the lamp. For the fan lights, you will want to get a wall switch and a slave to control it from the other location. There are many brands and models to choose from so part numbers are hard to give. I would suggest you get the most expensive switch you can afford. This way you wont kick yourself for going cheap and end up replacing all with better ones. (Like I did) One feature I would look for is AGC (automatic gain control) or Intellisense. This feature will provide better operation. Let me know if I can help anymore.

Chris Couture

I started a webpage that will have several of the tips I have posted here on Remote Central. I will try to get it up and running by the end of the year. It is one of those FREE web pages so I don't know how good it will work. I figure I can atleast link to some drawings from here. Here is the address www.x10ideas.homepage.com. (It doesn't work yet) I only have "The Basics of X-10" posted there now but will update when I have time. ([Link: x10ideas.homepage.com]) I will still visit here as often as I do now, I just figure it would be nice to have some standard issues posted there.

Roland and Scott and anyone else your help would be wonderful! We can post some answers to common questions and save the typing. Also a picture is worth a thousand words! E-mail me.

Chris Couture

Great Chris, I think it's a great idea to have common issues listed in one place. I mentioned that in a recent post. Not to take away from this forum, just somtimes the same info is scattered. I also hope this forum stays alive because you get all different input and ideas which is great. With your own site you can advertise all you want which is great for you, and you deserve it. I certianly apprciate all your knowlage. I feel bad agreeing with not you not advertising here it's just where would it stop that is the problem. It's not you it's just I feel you open the door. I already bookmarked your site and very much look forward to visiting it and you can advertise all you want it won't bother me!!
Thanks again for all your input,
Ralph-

Nope! Try this The Basics of X-10
[Link: x10ideas.homepage.com]

and

Why do I need a special switch for florescent lights

That's what I thought. No links are allow so do you all think people will do it the old way? Swipe, copy and paste in the address part or just type it in? Would this be a waste of time? Let me know before I spend hours on something that people wouldn't use. Also, Daniel, is this O.K. by you? I don't think it will take any visitors away from your site. It would make it easier for us to help people though. It would also free up some space on your HD. Kinda like a arcive of X-10 using someone elses memory! There would be a link to Remote Central all over the site! Nothing would be sold here either. (Like I said eairlier, this is a free web page. They have their own ads that flash on it!)

Chris Couture

Chris,

I also have a section on my personal web site about x10. The stuff on my web isn't any professional advice or anything like that, but it has my x10 story - how I got into it, and how I live through it :) If you need extra space, let me know and we can do some linking between sites. I think I still have around 2MB left on my web space.

Simon

Chris,

I think you have a wonderful idea!

If you need hosting space, consider it available! I have as much as you need!

Just send me an e-mail (scoobydiver99@yahoo.com) and i'll set you up!

You'll have full access. Upload, download, password protection, CGI scripting & chat if you want.

Let me know,

Scott

Thanks guys but I am mainly going to put text into it. Not many images. See it this will get you there www.x10ideas.homepage.com

Chris,

Feel free to use my post about removing the dimmer circuit in torchiere lamps on your page if you want. It's at...

[Link: remotecentral.com]

Mr. Wizard