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WHAT WE NEED IS ...!
Send your needs or comments to bobh@hometoys.com and we'll see what we can find or at least use this column to let those manufacturers and software engineers know what it is that we the consumers want to buy and use. Please let me know if these things are available, coming soon, good idea or just plain crazy. I'll keep the threads going as long as the feedback keeps coming in.
Hi Bob,
The following is a (my) response to a "What We Need Is ..." comment I found on your HTI webpage (I've attached a copy below):
It would be really nice to have wireless powerflash-type
interfaces for X10 to be used on door/window switches so their open/closed status could be
monitored via X10.
I don't think the current wireless security switches can speak to anything other than a security console and I don't think the security tells anyone specifically which doors/windows are open. Right?
My home has too few outlets to waste them with powerflash modules. I also do not want to run wires all over to the plugged-in powerflash switches.
I know I could modify keychain remote to do what I want, but then I could only have 4 such remotes per housecode.
Mike onghena@ibm.net
RESPONSE:
I have modified many X-10 Occupancy sensors (MS-12A) to do just this! Some mod info can be found on my webpage at: http://www3.edgenet.net/lingling/x10-mod1.html#reed (My Main X-10 Webpage is : http://www3.edgenet.net/lingling/xindex.html) The only feature this modified unit will not have (which the older wireless security sensors have) is that "monitored" feature which lets you know when the battery in the sensor has died. The older wireless X-10 window sensors accomplished this by periodically (at least twice a day or so.. never really measured) sending a RF signal to the security base (RF receiver) unit to let it know that "It's OK!". I have also tinkered around with adding a LM555 timer circuit (with large R and C values!) such that it also periodically sends an X-10 signal which could then be monitored by a X-10 controller, such as Stargate, etc... Still tinkering unfortunately!
Just an idea/work-around!
From: Tom Laureanno lingling@edgenet.net
I need a phase coupler so my signals will get from point (phase) A to point (phase) B. I know I can buy one, but I don't want to pay an electrician to come install it. I can probably install it myself, but I'm not certified and that wouldn't be legal.
What I need is a 220V plug-in phase coupler. It could have a pass-through plug socket so I could plug it inline with my clothes dryer.
1. Installation would be simple: unplug dryer; plug in PIPC-0000; plug dryer into PIPC-0000 socket. Done
2. No expensive electrician or (sorry) HA installer to pay.
3. Even my luddite wife could install this thing.
4. People would stop installing cheater-capacitors instead. (well, ok. *Some* people would stop, though. :-)
Phil Hord phil@phord.com
