X10 = can fail

Archiver

Hi All,

I recently got an X10 unit from Parallax. I used it to replace the SS relay
I was using to start the heater on my hot tub. The problem is, should the
stamp fail while the tub is on, the heater will continue to heat forever, as
no signal will come to delatch the X10 module. So, I was ondering if there
was any sneaky way to put a failsafe into the system? Or should I just go
back to the relay?


Thanks,

Jonathan Peakall

Archiver

Jonathan Peakall wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I recently got an X10 unit from Parallax. I used it to replace the SS relay
> I was using to start the heater on my hot tub. The problem is, should the
> stamp fail while the tub is on, the heater will continue to heat forever, as
> no signal will come to delatch the X10 module. So, I was ondering if there
> was any sneaky way to put a failsafe into the system? Or should I just go
> back to the relay?

After using X10 for many years, I personally would not use it in
an unattended heater type of application. It is not a very
robust methodolgy. It is probably just as, or even more likely
that your setup will eventually fail from lack of response to
the X10 signal as from failure of the Basic Stamp. So you are
definely on the right track to be thinking of a failsafe. Sorry
that I don't have many ideas for such a failsafe.... but please
use one if you pursue this!

You might consider using a DS1620 in 'thermostat' mode to
trigger some sort of MOSFET arrangement inline with your power,
but how you would properly isolate it for safety is a CRITICAL
question that I can't answer.

Michael Burr

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