Re: is x10.com dead?

["Jeff Volp" <JeffVolp@xxxxxxx>]

The LOA bulb that caused a problem was one of the early CF bulbs where the
bulb itself was replaceable.  As I recall, I had to also defeat the local
current sense in that module due to the problem you describe.

We use perhaps half a dozen brands now, and everything works fine.  Of
course, we do have the filters for the ceiling cans.  Those tiny filters are
about $25 each new.  We had specified deep metal boxes would be used
wherever X10 switches could be later installed to give plenty of room.  That
also addressed the thermal issue for the dimmers.

Jeff

"Dennis" <djr-google.djrlar@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1140189850.513423.136440@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Hi Jeff,
>
> Interesting, I am currently using several of the 'Lights of America CF'
> units.  The biggest problem I have is caused by the X10 feature that
> allows you to turn the light on by turning it off and then back on at
> the light itself.  The CF bulbs seem to trigger this function when you
> turn them off via X10. I have to include a small 4 watt incondescent in
> each circuit to prevent them from turning right back on.
>
> It sounds like those filters wire in directly behind the wall switch in
> the same box.  I agree with your approach of taking steps to avoid
> problems at the geginning.  Cost is usually the limiting factor in
> fully implementing this fully.  These RF noise filters shouldn't be
> very expensive though.
>
> Thanks
> Dennis
>
> Jeff Volp wrote:
> > "Dennis" <djr-google.djrlar@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> > news:1140110722.451121.266950@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > > Jeff,
> > >
> > > Your comments regarding the use of the compact florescent lights and
> > > the inline filters got my attention. I am building a new house, and
> > > will be using these lights extensively and want them to be
controllable
> > > through an HA system. Could you expand on your explination of how to
> > > make this setup more reliable.
> >
> > Hi Dennis,
> >
> > Some people have reported trouble using Compact Fluorescent bulbs.  We
had a
> > problem ourselves with a Lights of America CF bulb perhaps 10 years ago.
A
> > Google search may turn up that report.  As I recall, that bulb had a
> > capacitor directly from the center contact to the screw base, and it
placed
> > a heavy load on X10 signals in that circuit.  The fix was to add a RF
choke
> > in series with the center conductor inside the bulb.  None of the other
CF
> > bulbs we use have presented any significant problem.
> >
> > Here I installed the small 5 amp Leviton 6287 "Noise Block" behind the
> > Leviton X10 switches in the circuits that feed our kitchen ceiling cans.
> > This 3 wire filter connects in series between the switch and the first
light
> > socket.  The third wire is connected to the white common.  This filter
is
> > designed to isolate those light sockets from the X10 network.  I don't
know
> > if they were necessary, but I would rather design a reliable system than
> > fight possible reliability problems later.
> >
> > Jeff
>