Re: LED Xmas lights and X10.. the final solution...

[AZ Woody <reply@here>]

The relay is a solution that is easier to hide were needed however!

D&SW wrote:
> Alternatives: An X10 Socket Rocket, or add a "ballest bulb" (7W night light
> woorks good) in parallel with the LED strings. Either way, the LEDs will
> extinguish. Your relay method works just as well, but a little harder to
> make.
>
> "AZ Woody" <reply@here> wrote in message
> news:47425b92$0$506$815e3792@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> OK..  After doing testing with 1-4 strings of LEDs and the X10 mods I had
>> on hand (modified and unmodifed) here's what I did... (none of the modules
>> would turn off the Leds all the way
>>
>> - Home Depot - gray plastic box, outlet cover, and outlet - ~$2
>> - 2' power cord (salvaged from junk box)
>> - 110v AC relay (ratshack - $8, but I'm sure they can be found cheaper -
>> 10amp contactsis what I got)  Just make sure it will fit in the outlet
>> box, with the outlet
>>
>> Basically, wired so that when power is a applied, relay closes and power
>> is applied to the outlet..  Using a std X10 appliance module all works! I
>> plug the relay into the module, the LED lights into the relay.  It's less
>> visible than adding a incandescent light to the mix..  2' cord is enough
>> to set the outlet box on the floor (containing the relay).
>>
>> The relay is DPDT, but only switching hot, so I can easily use the other
>> side for dry contact at a later time. (3 screw terminals on the outside of
>> the box and wire to the relay is all it takes...)
>
>