Re: Before I embed a DS10A, any tips...?

[Charles Sullivan <cwsulliv@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yeah, but with his scheme he can have Misterhouse blare
"YOU'VE GOT MAIL" over his PA system.  :-)


On Tue, 13 Sep 2005 15:13:14 +0000, JW wrote:

> WOW, I thought I was a gadget freak.   Sorry if I missed it but, why are you
> doing all this?  If it is to alert you that the door has opened, why not use
> this:  http://www.smarthome.com/7466.html
> My wife bought one for me a couple of years ago and it works great.   Joe
>
>
> "Jack Edin" <nospam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:3J-dnewRppWMn7veRVn-hA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Hello gang!
>>
>> Mister Houston...
>>
>> ;-)
>>
>> Anybody...?
>>
>> I've cut open the door of my new plastic mailbox...
>>
>> http://www.step2.com/images/products/540300_popup.jpg
>>
>> I'm about to mount an X10 Security DS10A Door/Window sensor within.
>>
>> http://www.x10.com/products/x10_ds10a.htm
>>
>> I took the DS10A apart, and promptly discarded the plastic. It'll work
>> without the slider switch, reporting MIN...
>>
>> I also dissected the reed switch...
>>
>> Now I plan to solder the switch to it's old wires...
>>
>> Mount the PCB within the door, and the reed switch near the top center, on
>> the door's inside. The manufacturer thoughtfully provided a magnet on the
>> stationary mailbox part.
>>
>> Then all I'll need is a battery holder for 2 AA cells. Radio Shack's
>> 270-408 has wires, and a cover. And it is black - like the door...
>>
>> http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=270-408
>>
>> I'll likely cut a hole on the door's inside and mount the battery holder
>> within.
>>
>> Now to seal it back up...?
>>
>> Well the handle has 3 screws to keep it together, and there is one at the
>> top for a metal plate - makes 4 screws. So it'll be held together well. I
>> never cut the bottom.
>>
>> The seam I had to cut, all around the edge will need to be resealed. I'm
>> thinking an ultrasonic welder would be nice!
>>
>> Lacking this I expect silicone will be get 'er done.
>>
>> My question...
>>
>> Before I seal this up (forever), is there anything I oughta do?
>>
>> Can I improve it's antenna, Dave? Do tell...
>>
>> ;-)
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> Jack
>> :)