Re: What can I replace this latching relay system with?

[Marc_F_Hult <MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sun, 30 Jul 2006 00:00:35 -0400, Marc_F_Hult
<MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
<u49oc25cfqaq4vfq4n4k6etfpbbes7nib0@xxxxxxx>:


>OK. Then here's a $60 solution that allows for conventional home
>automation.
>
>It is, as best I know, a novel approach  -- leastwise I've never seen it
>described before -- that would also satisfy many/most Authorities Having
>Jurisdiction (AHJ; aka inspectors) of the US National Electrical Cod
>(NEC) Jist this geologist's opinion to be shure ... ;-)
>
>1) Install an INSTEON ICON dimmer ($19.99) at the wall switch location.
>Connect the black and white (hot and neutral) of the dimmer to the
>primary of a UL listed, low-voltage transformer such as those used for
>doorbell installation. They are available for ~$10 at your local Big Box.
>The red wire on the dimmer is unused (put a wire nut on it). Connect the
>secondary connections of the transformer to two of the low-voltage wires
>that go to the ceiling box. Bypass (interconnect ) both primaries to both
>secondaries using 0.1 or 0.2ufd  300VAC mylar or other high-frequency,
>non-polar capacitor (more on this later). This provides for the INSTEON
>signal to get across the transformer which attenuates high frequency.
>
>2) At the ceiling,conventionally connect the ceiling lamp (i.e., the
>load) to the AC line using an INSTEON inline dimmer or (essentially the
>same thing, except 1/2 the price) an INSTEON ICON dimmer (with the switch
>plate removed if you prefer). Also connect a transformer *identical* to
>the one at the wall switch to the neutral and hot (Black and white wire)
>and also bypass the transformer with two capacitors as with the one at
>the wall switch.
>
>3) Set this up using the tap-to-program manner of having one INSTEON
>dimmer (the one at the wall switch location) serve as the controller for
>a dimmer that controls the load (in the ceiling.
>
>If:
>
>1) your low voltage wire conforms to code to begin with,
>2) the transformer produces 50 volts peak or less,
>3) your local inspector doesn't balk at the bypass capacitors (these are,
> 	after all, used the various UL-listed X-10 filters and couplers
>	including X-10 Pro's) and
>4) you conventionally mount the transformer (line voltage inside the
>j-box; low voltage outside)
>
>you may be OK NEC-wise. (You would need to determine this with your
>inspector. My opinion is irrelevant.)
>
>I'll test out this tomorrow. I have all the components in hand.
>

I set up a test jig with two INSTEON light switches (didn't have dimmers
available handily available but this is a test of INSTEON communication,
not output mode) interconnected using ) two UL-listed Class 2, 24volt,
20VA "doorbell"
transformers  and four 0.22 ufd 250VAC capacitors removed as part of the
modification of 15amp, X10 PRO filters.

The connection worked without error using both ~200 feet CAT5 and ~200feet
22 awg round (untwisted) telephone wire.

I'll post some pictures and a schematic later to
www.ECOntrol.org/INSTEON0verCAT5.htm )

HTH ... Marc
Marc_F_Hult
www.ECOntrol.org