I am starting a landscape lighting project and an electrician has specified either 6 300 watt transformers (Hadco TSS373-13) or 3 (2x300) watt transformers (Hadco TSS673-13). I want to be able to control the lights connected to each transformer (on/off, dim) and I am trying to determine which X10 module will work to control the LV lights attached to each transformer.

Are there outdoor rated plug-in modules or wire-in modules I can use for this?

Thanks.

--Steve

I only have one transformer and plugged it into an X-10 outlet in the indoor laundry room. I then ran the low voltage wire through the wall to the transformer. My transformer had a timer attached to it so I just have it set to be always on and let the X-10 wall outlet switch it on and off. With this set up you can not dim the low voltage lights though, they are either on or off. You could use the X-10 wall outlet in an outdoor weatherproof electrical box and accomplish the same thing, but again, you will not be able to dim the low volatage lights.

Thanks for the reply. I've been doing more looking online and I thought I saw X-10 inductive dimmer switches (made for magnetic low voltage) that could handle 600 - 1000 watts. These switches are all indoor switches so I would have to have the electrician wire these in front of the lines going to the electrical panel in my basement. Will something like this not work?

My idea is that the transformers sit on the outside of the house and plug into an outside outlet. Between this outlet and my basement electrical panel I will have the electrician install a dimmer switch. Then won't I be able to use an X10 controller to control everything?

--Steve

"you can not dim the low voltage lights though"

Yes you can

here is a possibility. you might want to contact them for advice. the link is at the bottom. perhaps you could use this switch to control a dedicated outlet for your magnetic transformer, if the primary ratings are within the limits of the swith. check with smarthome

Crisp-feeling true rocker action
Adjustable dim level and fade on/off speed
Returns to either previous dim level or preset dim level
Responds to X10 preset dim commands
LED "bar" on side of switch shows dim level and fade on/off speed
3-way and greater lighting circuit capability
Enhanced X10 sensitivity & noise resistance
Easy to program
Outlet box lacking a neutral wire, use the SwitchLinc RX for the same price!

SwitchLinc PLC Dimmer — Great Features at an Affordable Price
If you want true rocker action and all the coolest features on an X10 switch without the heavy price tag, try the SwitchLinc PLC Dimmer! This switch is a simplified version of our SwitchLinc Plus Dimmer, just without scene capability, but at a greatly reduced price. Make your home the envy of your friends and neighbors with the sophistication and elegance of the SwitchLinc PLC Dimmer. You'll always know how much more your lights can be dimmed or brightened thanks to an exclusive 8-level light bar that you can see at a glance — something you won't find on other brands of X10-compatible switches.
Low X10 Signal Absorbtion
If you're planning on installing a large number of X10 compatible products in your home, then we recommend the SwitchLinc PLC Dimmer (or SwitchLinc Plus)! This powerful 600W switch offers nearly all the same benefits as our top-of-the-line SwitchLinc 2-Way Dimmer. The only features left out is two-way transmission and scene capability. By omitting the 2-Way feature, we've drastically reduced signal absorption, allowing your home to support more of these switches. Please note that the exact number of 2-Way, X10 compatible devices which can be installed successfully depends on many factors, including number on each circuit, length and type of wiring between them etc.

Scene Lighting
If you would like the benefits of scene lighting control see our SwitchLinc Plus Dimmer.

True Rocker Action & Beautiful, High Quality Construction
Unlike cheaper X10-compatible switches, the SwitchLinc PLC Dimmer offers the natural feel of standard light switches: tap the top to turn lights on, tap the bottom to turn lights off. Compare that with cheaper X10 switches where only pressing the bottom does anything, and you’ll thank yourself for spending a little more for premium quality. You’ll also love the crisp, tactile response with each touch, instead of the mushy feel of bargain switches. The SwitchLinc is designed and manufactured to high-end specifications usually found only in extremely expensive, proprietary products. You will be proud to own and use SwitchLincs.

Fully X10 Compatible
SwitchLincs can be controlled from any X10 transmitter. For example, add an X10 wireless remote (#4000), and you’ll be able to adjust the light levels from the comfort of your sofa. Expand with an X10 Mini Timer (#1100X) and you can maximize safety by programming lights to turn on before you get home at night. Add an X10 Keychain Remote (#4004) and you’ll be able to turn on indoor lights from the safety of your car! Unlike many "higher-end" powerline switches, SwitchLinc responds to all the standard X10 commands. No need to replace your transmitters to control themAdjustable On Level / Resume Dim
Each SwitchLinc can easily be programmed to come "on" to any brightness level from 3% to 100%. A closet light might be best at 100% brightness while you may choose to have your living room lights come on at 50%. Of course, you can easily brighten either circuit to full on. Another "on level" option is to have the light come on to its last on level, this is known as Resume Dim.

Adjustable Fade Rate
You can also adjust the rate at which the light turns on or off, also known as the "ramp" rate. For example, you may want the light in the stairwell to turn on instantly so you can see where you're walking. Conversely, you may want the light in the master bathroom to ramp up in a soft, gentle fashion so you're not blinded first thing in the morning. The ramp rate is adjustable between 0.1 seconds and 9 seconds directly at the switch.

Dimmable
You can adjust the brightness level locally by pressing and holding the top or bottom of SwitchLinc. You can also adjust the brightness remotely by sending it standard, X-10 dims and brights or by sending it a Preset Dim command. If you need to control a fluorescent light fixture, consider the SwitchLinc Relay 2-Way or a SwitchLinc Relay PLC.

Brightness Indicator Bar
An elegant "brightness bar" of 8 LEDs indicates the current brightness of the lights being controlled. This can be exceptionally helpful when it is difficult to see the light being controlled (e.g. outside, pool or behind closed doors).

NightLight Locator
A small, subtle LED at the top of SwitchLinc makes it easy to find in a dark room.

Status Light
The nightlight LED doubles as a status light by blinking when there is X10 traffic in the home. This feature makes installation and troubleshooting much easier.

Easy to Install and Setup
Wires in like a standard wall switch – the only exception being that a neutral wire is required. Setup is a snap. To set its base X10 address, simply press and hold the set-button/nightlight for 5 seconds then send it the X10 address. To set its on level simply adjust it to the brightness level desired and single tap the set button. To set its ramp rate fast, simply brighten to full on and double tap the set button. To set its ramp rate slow, simply dim to a low level and double tap.

Wall Outlet Box Lacking a Neutral Wire?
If your wall outlet box doesn't have a neutral wire, then click here to check out our new SwitchLinc RX series for the same price!

X10 Preset Dim Compatible
When desired, you can send a single X10 "preset-dim” command (used by many intelligent controllers) to SwitchLinc and it will adjust itself directly and smoothly to your desired level.

600 Watt Capacity
& 4 Way Ready
Simply add a SwitchLinc Multi-way Companion to build a 3 way circuit, add two of them to build a 4 way circuit, add three for 5 way, etc. The multi-way companions simply connect to the yellow wire on SwitchLinc Plus.

Controls Low Voltage Lights
Need control of low voltage halogen (e.g. track) or other low voltage lights? SwitchLinc is your answer.

Controls Ceiling Fans
Remote control of your ceiling fan from any X10 controller. Note that some motors may produce a subtle humming sound.

2-Year Warranty
Smarthome stands behind the entire SwitchLinc line of products with a full 2 year warranty.

Safety Tested and Factory Certification
All SwitchLinc products are safety approved. The assembly line for Smarthome Design Products is ISO9002 certified. In order to meet the ISO 9002 standards, the entire factory underwent rigorous inspections of procedures and policies before being thoroughly audited. The certification received was based on its dedication to high quality management systems and strict adherence of quality systems and guidelines.

Need a switch for Fluorescent lights?
For non-dimmable loads like fluorescent lights and ceiling fans, check out the 2385 SwitchLinc PLC Switch. You'll still the best value in a SwitchLinc only it won't have any dimming abilities.

If you have an incandescent bulb 40W or more, and don't need a neutral wire, save money and use the RX version of this switch.

link [Link: smarthome.com]

Wow, do you sometimes wonder who it is that replies to our messages. Anyway, I just did this. I used a series of XPDI3 from home automation on the net.

http://www.homeautomationnet.com/

The series is, sets of double gang boxes one side is the rocker switch the other an outlet to plug in the low-voltage transformer 300w is what I used because I wanted to create outdoor themes.

Utilizing the powerhouse stick on wall switch RSS18 I can control my rocker switches with dimming of my transformers.

I used mostly 50w bulbs, but one strand has 20w bulbs

The lights are FANTASTIC. I have garden scenes, and with the trigger of motion detectors, I create events.

And of course, the switches are controlled by anything x10 including my pronto tsu6000.

I was just saying that with the type of wall outlet I use, you can not dim the low voltage lights. The X-10 wall outlet I use acts like an appliance module, it will take "on", "off", and "all lights off", but not dim commands or "all lights on".

My wow re: was to jrx10, a simple link to the website would be enough, not a cut and paste job.

I have noticed in these forums that suppliers/outfitters are trying to get us to buy from them and sometimes lead us astray from the best possible / most economical solutions. I think they must be paid to steer us to their websites. Although others have the xpdi3, I personally buy this product from home automation on the net.

So no offence their "F16"

I'm certainly not a supplier, but I've been using x10 for well over 20 years since the first bsr and radio shack days. the cut and paste was to provide the poster with the information on the switch and highlight the part about the switch being able to control low-voltage lights. I really don't give a rat's a&& who anyone buys their x10 stuff from, and I stronly suggest that everyone checks with several x10 mail order companies as well as ebay before buying any x10 items. the only reason I sometimes copy and paste the smarthome stuff is (imo) their website explains the products (as good) or better than anyone else.

I don't mean to ruffle any feathers, but you know the saying "buyer beware" and after all, I do enjoy reading the comments by our supplier/outfitters. You are sure to get some good information when you see the names "Dave Houston" and "Don Stratton" in the Last space of the comment section.

The best option for outdoor lights is flash mount outdoor lights. Do not ever neglect the outdoors of your house. It is useful for safety as well as security of house. Mostly the outdoor places of the house, which are not utilized regularly, are ignored.

DIY:
[Link: cqout.com]

Insteon makes an outlet that you can automate and control via any remote or insteon controler