Re: Tying in GEM-X10 into Napco Gemini 816 Alarm System Controller

["Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx>]

<yeahprolly@xxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1173199791.480559.94940@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> What I want to do initially is have an event from the Napco Gemini 816
> (e.g. Alarm triggered) to send an X10 command to all dimmer switches
> to turn all of the lights connected through these dimmer switches.

You can also do that with a powerflash module (which I would use with an XTB
for reliability).  I'd be reluctant to directly interface a home automation
system involving X-10 with monitored alarm system even with the XTB just
because it's X-10.

The X10 Powerflash Interface allows almost anything to send X10 signals. All
you need to do is input the siren output through suitable resistance (and
perhaps some other modifications) or get access to the contact closures for
the system and you can do a lot with a little. Here's the blurb from
Smarthome:

<<The plug-in unit sends an X10 signal to receiver devices when a contact
closure is made or low-voltage (6-18V AC, DC or Audio) is applied to its
terminals. In Mode 1 it sends an ALL LIGHTS ON signal to the same House Code
and a regular ON (to operate appliances) signal to the same Unit Code that
the interface is set to. When contacts are opened it sends an OFF to the
same Unit Code but leaves the rest of the lights on. In Mode 2 it sends a
flashing ALL LIGHTS ON/ALL OFF signal and leaves the lights ON after the
contacts are opened. In Mode 3, which is the mode that will be most used for
non-security type applications, the interface sends an ON only to the same
House and Unit Code. When the contacts are opened it sends an OFF to the
same House and Unit Code. Beware of older units and discontinued units
(usually labeled Burglar Alarm Interface) sold by some companies, which do
not have the Mode 3 features listed here and will not be suitable for many
of the projects we describe.>>

That gives you a lot of light flashing options for very little cost
(Price:$26.99 + shipping, probably cheaper on Ebay).  If you want to make
sure every single light flashes, add an XTB.

http://www.smarthome.com/4060.html

--
Bobby G.