X10 -- Socket Rocket w/ CFL

Comments

• Mike2545 Posts: 433

  2009-12-05 20:18 edited 2009-12-05 20:18

  Try measuring the sin wave output from that unit and see if it is pure or chopped, it would be a good indication for the end use.
  
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  Mike2545
  
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• PJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065

  2009-12-05 22:35 edited 2009-12-05 22:35

  I've used CFLs with cheap-o inverters.
  
  From what I've read 'on the web', the truth may be out there, some CFLs may introduce noise on the line that swamps out the X10 comms and·others' electronics may preclude their turning on at all.· So, from here it looks like if it works·and if it doesn't present problems then forge on.
  
  
  If anything happens I will note it here.
  
  Post Edit:
  Regarding another product, but edifying,·from the 'X10 Knowledge Base'·--
  
  "The main reason why standard X10 wall switch modules cannot be used to control a fluorescent fixture is because it is a two-wire device and is therefore wired in series with the load. The control signals which are transmitted onto your house wiring have to pass through the incandescent lamp (load). However, a fluorescent light contains a ballast which acts as a block to the X10 signals and makes it impossible to control the switch remotely. Also, this ballast is an inductive load (a coil), and controlling such a load could permanently damage the wall switch module. [noparse][[/noparse]Oh, my.]· This is why the standard X10 wall switches (WS467 and WS12A) should NOT be used to control any kind of appliance (such as a ceiling fan)."
  
  So, may it be that these modern CFLs allow the X10comms to "pass through"?· Stand by.
  
  Post Edited (PJ Allen) : 12/6/2009 2:27:56 AM GMT
• Julie in Texas Posts: 21

  2009-12-07 03:07 edited 2009-12-07 03:07

  CFLs completely pollute my X-10 gear to the point that I'd swap a pair of BS2PXs for whatever X-10 I've got left, which is quite a bit. I'm getting ready to replace everything X-10 I have with Z-Wave and if no one will give me anything of value for it -- FreeCycle or the trash.
  
  Then there are my solar power inverters which mysteriously turn some X-10 circuits on -- but never off!
• PJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065

  2010-01-18 15:41 edited 2010-01-18 15:41

  Update
  
  Well, I've been using two different CFLs and two different LED bulbs in Socket Rockets and everything is good here.
  
  I got the X10·Mini-Timer, but it seems like it has a weak transmitter (??)·or something because some outlets can't be reached from others with it.· My BS2/PL512 doesn't have this issue at all, it's solid.· So, go figure.
  
  
  
  
  Post Edited (PJ Allen) : 1/18/2010 3:46:27 PM GMT
• Franklin Posts: 4,747

  2010-01-19 21:21 edited 2010-01-19 21:21

  PJ If you are in the US you may have to bridge the two halves of your 220 power so the X10 can cross between them. Also I've read somewhere that CFLs sometimes need a resistor to pull the line completely to the rail for the X10 to properly shut them off fully.
  
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  - Stephen
• PJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065

  2010-01-20 02:44 edited 2010-01-20 02:44

  10-4, Good Buddy, I am in the USA.
  
  I reckon that they must be on different circuits (to cross between), too.
  
  One of the LED bulbs glowed slightly with one of the other modules (lamp, Appl, can't remember), but not so in a Socket Rocket.· That's my porch light, in combination with a MS14A Motion Sensor.· The Motion Sensor doesn't work through glass, but the dawn-dusk detect works well enough.· [noparse][[/noparse]I need to place that outside.]
  
  Post Edit -- The drawback of the SocketRocket is·its form factor, where clearance is a consideration.· Smaller bulbs, if nec.· They seem to work well.·
  
  [noparse][[/noparse]I'm going to·look for a lamp_socket-to-jack adapter at the hardware store.· Of course, it won't be three-prong...]
  
  Post Edited (PJ Allen) : 1/20/2010 2:56:28 AM GMT