RE: X10 Questions

["Mark Hetherington" <mark.egroups@xxxxxxx>]

David Claxton wrote:
> Thanks Mark & Mark for the quick replies. I've a few more
questions that
> 1)Your answers have raised and 2)i've just thought of.
>
> a. Is there any problem using the LW10 with energy saving light bulbs
> (dimming problems?)

Yes there are problems. The LW10 is only designed for incandescent bulbs. I
believe some people have had some success using them with some halogen
lighting, but I had problems using them with halogen lighting.

The rating of the LW10 is 60-500W which is well above the rating of most
low
energy bulbs. However, a correctly automated system using ordinary bulbs
could be comparable both environmentally and economically to an unautomated
system of low energy bulbs.

> b. Can you use an appliance module for dimming a lamp which already
has a
> built in dimmer switch (would you just flick the built in dimmer
> to maximum
> and let the appliance module control the dimming)

An appliance module will not dim. You would have to use the existing dimmer
and then have just on/off control through the AM12. The alternative is to
use an LM12 (Lamp module) which will dim lamps. You should remove the
existing dimmer from the lamp if using an LM12 (this should not be
difficult
if it is a simple inline dimmer control since it is basically replacing the
flex or replacing the inline module with a suitably sealed junction box).
As
long as it is set to maximum it should work but there are possible problems
if the existing dimmer is set to dim while connected to an LM12 and some
dimmer types will not work with an LM12.

> c. For question 4 what I meant was could I use the IR/touch switch
with an
> X10 socket module as in question 3 but you've answered that one. To be
> honest I usually just use my floor standing lamps in every room and
not my
> main lights, so I may just put my lamps under X10 control and use the
> IR/touch switch for use when I am in the room, then later, if I
> want to put
> my main lights under X10 control it looks like the wall switch is the
best
> option.

Out of the simpler devices it is. But you could move onto....

> d. What is the point of din-rail modules?

The DIN module requires no unsightly plug in module or switches, it
controls
a higher rating than the plug in/switch modules. The LD11 (lamp din module)
is great for scene lighting, control of a wider variety of lighting types
(e.g. halogen), memory dim, preset dim, soft start and stop.

They are of course the hardest control module to fit since it requires
specific wiring into the mains ring circuits. How difficult it is depends
on
existing wiring schemes. I would only recommend fitting youself if you are
confortable with rewiring ring circuits otherwise I would recommend an
electrician.

Personally I went for DIN modules within a couple weeks of fitting my first
X10 kit.

HTH

Mark.