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eyost
Joined: 01 Jan 2006
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Sun Jan 01, 2006 9:05 pm Post subject: Need lamp module recommendations for outdoor use |
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Hello,
I gave my dad an X10 Pro Mini Timer for Christmas along with two lamp modules but he is also looking for a way to control the Christmas lights that are outside via a lamp module. So far the only modules that I have been able to locate have been for inside use. I did see the Black and Decker Freewire Outdoor Lamp Receiver but am uncertain how you assign the channel to the receiver from the timer.
Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks,
Ed |
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tommy
Joined: 21 Dec 2005
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 10:17 am Post subject: |
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The Freewire modules work very well, just watch the load you put on them as with any module, if you overload it, it may not work anymore.
they are very easy to setup. Just plug it in and within 30 seconds, send 3 commands on the same address ie: C1 on, C1 on, C1 on. And it should have just learned its new address. Sometimes you might accidentally get a timed event in the middle of this, so then you would unplug it for a minute, plug it back in and redo.
Very simple.
I wish more of the ourdoor style modules were available and at different power ratings. |
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eyost
Joined: 01 Jan 2006
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 1:01 pm Post subject: |
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Tommy,
Thanks for the information. Do you have an idea of what load these can handle? My dad has tons of Christmas lights and I have a fair amount as well.
Thanks again.
Ed |
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tommy
Joined: 21 Dec 2005
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 8:06 am Post subject: |
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According to the SmartHomeUSA.com website, the out door "lamp module" is rated at 500 watts incandescent.
If memory serves, the mini christmas lights average about 1/2 watt each, so that would allow up to 1000 mini lights per module. But, I don't think I would ever go that high, since in cold weather and long extension cords and such can increase the resistance, so I always try to stay well below the "rated" level. I hate replacing burned out modules from my lazyness.
Currently I have a combination of different X-10 compatable modules controlling all of my outside christmas lights. I think I have 12 modules all together, and when I was setting everything up, I tried to divide the loads up to keep all of the modules well below the "rated" level. |
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Ralph
Joined: 16 Dec 2005
Posts: 165
Location: Smithtown, NY
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| Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:03 am Post subject: |
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| Excellent answer Tommy, thanks! |
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