HouseBot

Hi, I'm new to X10 and to the software, and I have a few questions.

[excellent software, BTW -- very impressive]



First about the software (and perhaps about x10) -- i've figured out how to turn off all units with "A;*;All Units Off" set as the composite property in the x10 controller device. Is it possible to access all devices this way (other than on and off?). For example, is there a way (in this software, or more generally in x10) to dim all lamps on housecode A at the same time?



something like A;*;Dim;31 ????



Also, I've had a lot of frustration with x10 when it come to flourescent lights, and small motors. It is my understanding that devices that act like inductors like fans, flourescent lights, motors and what not make a back EMF that confuses the x10 swith (I have the cheapy standard x10 brand, not the fancy, more expensive swithlink brands). I tried putting a resistor (lightbulb) in the circuit to dissipate the back EMF, which sorta worked -- the lightswitch would turn off locally, but would still not respond to X10 commands (it wouldn't even turn off without the bulb). Additionally, even with the motor off, the buld constantly had a very slight glow, so power was still getting through the switch. The circuit was hooked up in parellel.



Perhaps do I need nuetral somewhere to allow the EMF to go somewhere?





Any ideas how to make this system work without resorting to buying an expensive switch, or ways to modify the switch, an appliance module, or a lamp module to stop this headache?



Thanks

DJ

IF you are onkly trying to turn these items on or off, you should be okay with any brand of X10 switch.



Are you trying to control speed of the motor or intensity of the flourescent light?

No, I am only tring to have on/off control -- no dimming whatsoever. I have one fancy switchlinc flourescent light controller for one of my lamps, and it has a nuetral wire in addition to inline hot wires.... is this something relevant to dealing with back emf?





DJ

DJ, I remember some discussion about this in a automation news group. I saved some of the post but unfortunately it was on a computer that died. I have a backup but it may take me a while to dig it up. In the mean time I will give you what I remember.



I think the problem may be more a result of the leakage current of the solid state switching device in the X-10 module than any back emf. I remember someone was able to make it work better by hacking the module and adding a neutral. The neutral allows a path for the leaked current rather than going though the light.



Another solution that worked better but was a little more complicated was to use the X-10 module to control one of those small $5 solid state relays. This worked well but may require more space than what is available in a normal switch box..