Re: CFL's and X-10

[jawladar@xxxxxxxx]

Robert, I am using CFLs that I purchased at Costco that were listed as
dimmable. They came in a bulk packaging of about 10 or 12 bulbs and
they work flawlessly with my x10 system (Computer controlled, wireless
controlled and wired controlled) as long as I do not try to dim them.
Costco sells two different CFL wattages and it is the lower wattage
bulbs that work. Also I  installed the higher wattage bulbs where I
have multiple lamps an a circuit (kitchen ceiling). with that I left
one lamp with an incandescent bulb and the rest CFLS. Again do not dim
them. Sorry I discarded thee packaging so I can't give you the brand
name. Nooldes

Robert Green wrote:
> The X-10/CFL problem has a lot of dimensions, and as far as I can tell, no
> neat solutions.  In examing the schematic for the LM465, it became clear in
> a way that I hadn't realized before that whatever plugs into that outlet
> becomes an intimate part of the module's circuitry.  Instead of a resistive
> load of fairly fixed properties like a tungsten bulb, we are now plugging in
> items that interact with the modules in ways their designers probably could
> never anticipate.
>
> I'd like to see someone invent a quarter-sized insert (like those old bulb
> life extenders that look like little casino-style poker chips) that would
> limit CFL-induced noise and signal attenuation AND provide a path for
> current to leak back to the module to power it and keep the local sense
> circuit active.  Drop it in the socket, screw a CFL bulb in, and no more
> X-10 noise, no more CFL flashing or relighting, no more X-10 signal
> attenuation.
>
> Even if it did just two of those things, it would be a boon to the greening
> the households of X-10 users.  It seems to me that the connection between
> the module and the bulb is the right place to fix the problems because a lot
> of the CFL/X-10 issues come from the "bad fit" of CFL's into the circuit
> designed orginally to accommodate tungsten bulbs.
>
> --
> Bobby G.