I (obviously)have a computer, and could certainly use it to program an X-10 controller. What I'd like to know, though, is if one is required. Can I use my Pronto with an IR transceiver and lamp modules, and not need anything else? I'm talking about dimming or on/offing at most 3 lights in one room. I can create macros in the Pronto, so I see no real need to create them in an x10 computer interface.

You're right. If all you want to do is to control your lights (on, off, dim, bright) using your pronto, all you need is prontoedit (to learn the IR X10 commands), the IR transceiver and the lamp/wall X10 modules.

The computer interface would be used to remotely control your lights (e.g., from your office using a modem)

David:

Some switches and lamp modules have quite a bit of built in intelligence. These are the type you should use if you are not going to use a home automation controller. The PCS lighting products are great because they have many programmable features. See my post to this forum titles "Lighting Scenes for your Home Theater", dated 7/31/99. In that post I expained some of the more sophisticated things you can do without a home automation controller.

We are an authorized dealer for PCS switches. We can help you select the right type for your application, and assist you in programming the switches.

Robert
RCI Automation
rciautomation@compuserve.com
[Link: ourworld.compuserve.com]

OK, Robert...

In my Theater room there is no overhead light. There is one wall switch that switches the top of all the outlets in the room. I currently have different lights using these outlets (2 incandescents and one 300w halogen). I'd like to have these 3 lights independantly switch/dimmable via X-10 from my Pronto to an IR transceiver somewhere in the room. Remember that only half of the sockets these lights are plugged into is for lighting. The bottom half of these outlets are used for other things such as computer, Piano keyboard, and Home theater components. I suspect I can use bulb socket adapters in the incandescent fixtures, but controlling the halogen puzzles me. What would you recommend to satisfy my needs here?

David:

The products with the most built-in intelligence are made by PCS. Each switch can be part of 16 separate lighting scenes in your home where the dim level, and ramp rate can be indpendently programmed into the switch.

If you want to independently control 3 switched outlets, but you only have one wall switch, you might do this. Replace the one wall switch with a PCS wall switch. Then decide which of the 3 outlets you want the switch to control. Then remove the other 2 outlets and wire them so both receptacles are not switched. Now the other 2 outlets will be hot all the time and will not function with the wall switch.

Then use either one or two PCS multi-modules. These modules have 4 receptacles, 2 hot all the time and 2 X-10 controlled with independent primary addresess. The two X-10 controlled receptacles can be part of different lighting scenes with different dim levels and ramp rates. Basically, these modules are like two lamp modules in one with all the programmable features of the PCS switches. Now plug the lamps into the X-10 controlled outlets, and your other electrical devices into the 2 non-controlled outlets.

Your Pronto will control all 3 lights independently via an IR543, and you can set up some cool lighting scenes. Your halogen light will work fine with this setup if it doesn't have a built-in dimmer. If it does, you might bypass the dimmer switch by rewiring it, or use a PCS non-dimming multi-module.

We have experience in working with custom home automation installations and can help you choose the right type of products to meet your requirements. We also provide our customers with continuing technical support for all the products we sell.

Robert
RCI Automation
rciautomation@compuserve.com
[Link: ourworld.compuserve.com]

Thank you, Robert.

We'll be moving out of this house in less than a year. and I don't want to replace any outlets or switches. Your recommendations are very usefull though, and I've already been in touch with the builder of my next house in regards to the theater room. Thanks again

David

Robert,

Why do you say the halogen will not work with a dimmer module if it already has it's own dimmer switch?

I have 2 300W halogen dimmable lights each hooked up to IBM X10 lamp modules. I leave the light's dimmer at full and use the dimming capabilities of the lamp modules to control the lights.

David you might look at either leaving the switch on indefinately or wiring it that way and then using individual plug in lamp modules to control the lights. Not pretty but if you don't want to rewire, it's the easiest and cheapest way to go.

Brian:

A lamp with a built in dimmer should not be dimmed by a dimming X-10 module. IF the dimmer on the lamp is turned up all the way, there might not be a problem except some "buzzing". However, if you have the lamp dimmed to 50% (for example) with the X-10 module, and someone walks up to the lamp and uses the dimmer on the lamp to dim the lamp more, the lamp could be damaged.

Robert
RCI Automation
rciautomation@compuserve.com
[Link: ourworld.compuserve.com]