Re: fluorescent bulbs + x10

[pshaw@xxxxxxxxx]

thanks ...that seems to be spot on ... strange that this doesn't
happen with other lamps but it may be because i'm using 50-100-150
bulbs in them and they already have a 'trickle' current absorber ...

i may just use the mechanical switch on the lamp, as it is next to the
bedside :-) ...

do any of the other remote systems - z whatever for example, work
better?

thanks again ... steve

On Thu, 6 Jul 2006 02:51:01 -0400, "Robert Green"
<ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>[re: CFL lamps turning themselves back on after a few seconds]
>
>> i do have an inexpensive switch mechanism in the lamps (i took
>> some vases and made them into lamps) ..could that be the problem?
>
>Nope - it's the newer CFL lightbulbs.  They are able to relight themselves
>via the trickle current used by the module to sense when someone jiggles the
>local on switch (aka local control).
>
>Two ways out:  Put a small nightlight or other load on the module along with
>the CFL to absorb the trickle current or look up:
>
> "X10 appliance mod local control current sense diode snip"
>
>in Google . . .
>
>(oh, heck, here it is:)
>
>http://www.geocities.com/ido_bartana/Modifying_Appliance_module.htm
>
>and follow the instructions.
>
>Downside is that either method makes it impossible to turn on the lamp by
>using the lamp's built-in switch.  May or may not be a problem for you.
>
>I found that using the power supply to my Creative PC speakers worked nicely
>to suppress the lamp's relighting although I'd really like the CHA gurus to
>figure out a way to do it without sacrificing local control.  Certain
>fixtures and bulbs don't suffer from the problem but my experience indicates
>that more and more fluorescents fixtures of both the 48" striplite and the
>spiral CFL kind are likely to relight themselves.  :-(
>
>IIRC, I read where someone had taken a module apart, stuck it in the lamp,
>did the diode snip and then wired a pushbutton style lamp switch on the lamp
>itself so that it triggered the module via the low voltage circuitry.
>
>That way you have local control, but the lamp doesn't come back on by itself
>because the current sensing diode is snipped.  Don't ask we *where* you tie
>the lamp switch in on the module or where I read it.  The last time CFL's
>flashing back on bothered me I did a Google search and vaguely remember
>seeing the details.  I think you tie in where the X-10 three-way traveler
>normally connects but again, you need to search to be sure.