Re: is x10.com dead?

["Dennis" <djr-google.djrlar@xxxxxxxx>]

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