Re: fluorescent bulbs + x10

[pshaw@xxxxxxxxx]

okey dokey i'll order some from then ...

thanks! :-) ...

steve

On Fri, 7 Jul 2006 22:56:10 -0400, jr9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

>I have found 'Globe' (globe-electric.com) brand CFLs work really well with
>X10.
>
>They don't have the problem with the annoying flicker when turned off,
>they don't automatically come back on again, and they even have
>one that is dimmable and it works well with the X10 lamp modules.
>
>
>
>Jeff
>
>> <pshaw@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>> news:cpsra25frcha3am9ealvvh04kkqt7rj0nl@xxxxxxxxxx
>>> 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 ...
>>
>> Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have sophisticated electronics built into
>> their bases that interact (badly) with X-10 control circuitry.  Ironically
>> the brand new GE CFL bulbs I bought last week from Wal-mart exhibit an
>> annoying number of bright flashes after they've been turned off remotely.
>> The batch I bought two months ago behaved just fine.  Obviously, the lamp
>> designs are still evolving.
>>
>>> i may just use the mechanical switch on the lamp, as it is next to the
>>> bedside :-) ...
>>
>> Then go for it.  CFL's and X-10 do not mix well.  X-10'ers should probably
>> be barraging lamp manufacturers to address the problem.  When I return these
>> bulbs, I'll hopefully be casting a vote for X-10 friendliness.
>>
>>> do any of the other remote systems - z whatever for example, work
>>> better?
>>
>> Work differently.  Better is in the eye of the beholder.  If a remote system
>> doesn't interact with the load, the chances are greater that it will
>> tolerate CFL bulbs without incident.  X-10 has so much trouble with
>> fluorescents because it's trying to be "helpful" in sensing whether anyone's
>> jiggled the lamp's built-in switch.  It was a great idea when the world was
>> lit with mostly incandescent lamps.  Still, I'd rather have the option.
>> X-10 modules need a "local sense ON/OFF" slide switch to help cope with the
>> CFL issue.
>>
>>> thanks again ... steve
>>
>> Good luck!
>>
>> --
>> Bobby G.
>>
>>>
>>> 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.
>>>
>>
>>
>>