Re: X10 device to detect open circuit or voltage drop

["Bob F" <bobnospam@xxxxxxxxx>]

codepug@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
> On Nov 9, 6:17 pm, "Bob F" <bobnos...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> code...@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
>>> On Nov 1, 1:11 pm, nob...@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston) wrote:
>>>> "Greg (code...@xxxxxxxxx)" <code...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>>> Which X10 device would be used to detect a low voltage drop, or
>>>>> open circuit ? It seems that the powerflash does the reverse.
>>
>>>> It might help if you tell us the specifics of what you want to do.
>>>> No X10 module is designed to do exactly what you want but we may be
>>>> able to come up with suggestions on how to use them or other
>>>> devices to accomplish your goals.
>>
>>>> For example, many of the Smarthome modules will send an x10 code
>>>> when the load they control is turned off.
>>
>>> I have snap style temperature sensors that are normally closed. I
>>> want to detect when the
>>> circuit opens, and be able to send an x10 signal to a red light. The
>>> problem is that the
>>> powerflash module only sends a lights ON signal when a circuit
>>> closes. I do not have a
>>> computer available in this location to interpret an OFF signal to
>>> mean ON. What are my options ?
>>
>> You could use a resister in series with the sensor, fed by a power
>> supply, with the powerflash module wired across the sensor. Thus, it
>> will get voltage when the sensor opens.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> Would you be able to elaborate further, since I am only familiar with
> very basic electronics
> and am using 3-snap sensors (normally closed) and is curently in
> series. How does this get
> wired ?

I haven't done this, but I would imagine a 6-12 V AC or DC power supply would
work. Wire the power supply through a 1000 ohm resister to the switch contacts,
and wire the powerflash module to the contacts. Set the powerflash to switch
position A.

One wire of the power supply  and one contact of the powerflash connects to one
end of your sensors. The other wire of the power supply connects to one lead of
the resister. The other lead of the resister connects to the second end of your
sensors, and the second contact on the powerflash.

You could test the concept using a 9V battery in place of the power supply.

The power supply can be a used one from an old used electronic device such as a
phone, that connects it to the wall power. Make sure it is rated between 6 and
18 Volts.